Types of Berries

Berries 101

Berries are undeniably tasty and with such an array to choose from, the world of berry deliciousness seems infinite. A berry is a simple fruit with seeds and pulp produced from a single ovary of a single flower. This means that botanically, grapes, cucumbers, tomatoes, oranges, watermelons, pumpkins, and even bananas can be also considered berries. Berries can be rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients, depending on which type you go for. From the sweeter juicier options to more refreshing and crisp alternatives, everyone is sure to find their favorite berries if they try as many varieties as possible. 

How Many Types of Berries are There?

Answer: So many. In fact, there are more than 400 types of berries out there (crazy, we know), but we wanted to condense them down to some of our go-to faves and staples for you to give a try. 

1. Strawberries. A true berry, these classic fruits are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber, making them a perfect sweet snack full of antioxidants.
2. Blueberries. They bring not only their gorgeous color, but heart-healthy potassium, folate, fiber, and vitamin C to the table. Native to North America, blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, giving them their signature color and impressive antioxidant properties that help fight oxidative stress.
3. Raspberries. High in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, not to mention delightfully delicious. Red raspberries, a popular aggregate fruit, are packed with dietary fiber, vitamin A, and manganese, making them a go-to for those looking to boost their nutrient intake.
4. Blackberries. Rich in vitamin C and fiber, these tart and sweet treats pack a punch.
5. Cranberries. These tart red berries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, commonly used to boost immune health and reduce oxidative stress.
6. Boysenberries. Bursting with dietary fiber and essential vitamins like vitamin C and A, these sweetly tangy berries offer both flavor and health benefits.
7. Elderberries. Rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins, these berries have been used for centuries to support immune health and combat oxidative stress.
8. Goji berries. These nutrient-dense berries are a powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamin A, offering both a bittersweet raw flavor or tart-sweet dried option.
9. Black mulberries. Perfect for pies and other dessert treats. 
10. Black currants. These have been known to boost kidney function, eye health and immunity while being either tart or sweet. 
11. Acai berries. Acai bowls are all the rage for good reason, these are a perfect balance between sweet and tart and make the perfect smoothie bowl base. 
12. Salmon berries. These are like a blush- or orange-colored raspberry, and are naturally sweet and floral. 
13. Juneberries. A lot like blueberries but a bit softer and redder in color, they are rich in antioxidants and work wonders against inflammation and arthritis. 
14. Saskatoon berries, native to North America, are similar to blueberries in appearance but offer higher levels of dietary fiber and antioxidants.
15. Cloudberries. A true delicacy, these berries are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, offering a tart yet floral flavor perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
16. Red Mulberries. These look like a type of long raspberry, and are rich in fiber, iron and vitamin C.

How healthy are berries?

As you read above, berries tend to be high in good-for-you antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Many of these berry fruits are also known to reduce oxidative stress, improve immune function, and provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and manganese.

Adding berries to your diet can help you to reduce your overall sugar intake by switching to these more naturally sweet options. In fact, berries are among the healthiest fruits, providing essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, and manganese to boost overall well-being.

Many berries, such as goji berries and black raspberries, contain anthocyanins and other powerful antioxidants that help in reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall health.

Boost up the berries in your life 

Another great part about these delicious and nutritious foods is that they’re oh so easy to add into your diet. Literally what could be easier than just grabbing a handful of tasty berries out of the fridge? Whether it's incorporating fresh berries into your meals or enjoying the tartness of red currants in savory dishes, the nutritional benefits of berries can easily be part of every meal.

We think that might be the simplest snack there is. Of course you can dress up your berries and make delicious smoothies, parfaits, and smoothie bowls. But berries also make great additions to savory dishes, adding tartness to salads, sauces, and even baked goods like muffins and fruit bars. Try adding blackberries or red currants to bring out their natural flavor in your next recipe!

Go berry crazy

Our signature Smoothies are one of our best showcases of berry-licious treats. These best-selling, ready-to-blend Smoothies are made with real fruits and veggies, and feature an array of delicious berries for you to taste test. 

From flavors like Strawberry + Peach made with strawberries and peaches for its classic fruit flavor, paired with oats, flax seeds, and the antioxidant-rich goji berry for a balanced source of dietary fiber and iron. 

Or maybe try Tart Cherry + Raspberry for a fresh berry sorbet flavor in the form of a smoothie, ready in under five minutes. Made with a berry blend of raspberries and blueberries, mixed with tart cherries and figs, with a surprise addition of cauliflower for a well rounded treat. 

For an even more berry-full treat go for the Dragon Fruit + Lime option, made with strawberries, dragon fruits, watermelon, lime, cranberries, and haskap berries. 

Our signature Smoothies are bursting with berry flavor and provide you with some awesome inspo for your next treat.

Sources: 

1. WebMD Editorial Contributor. Health Benefits of Raspberries. WebMD. Published September 24, 2020. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-raspberries

2. Cranberry antioxidant power on oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial damage. International Journal of Food Properties. Published online 2018. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080//10942912.2017.1409758

3. Toini Pemmari, Hämäläinen M, Riitta Ryyti, Peltola R, Moilanen E. Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) Supplementation Attenuates the Development of Metabolic Inflammation in a High-Fat Diet Mouse Model of Obesity. Nutrients. 2022;14(18):3846-3846. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14183846

4. Berries are among the healthiest foods you can eat. News. Published August 12, 2021. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/fresh-berries-are-among-the-healthiest-foods-you-can-eat/