Blueberries vs Cranberries – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing blueberries to cranberries, we picked the blueberries.

Why?

It’s close!

In terms of macros, blueberries have slightly more protein and carbs, while cranberries have slightly more fiber. We say the extra fiber’s more important than the (even more minimally) extra protein, so this is the slightest of marginal wins for cranberries in this category.

In the category of vitamins,blueberries have much more of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B9, and K, while cranberries have slightly more of vitamins A, B5, B6, C, and E. That’s a 5:5 tie, but the margins of difference are much greater for blueberries’ vitamins, breaking the tie compellingly in blueberries’ favor.

When it comes to minerals,blueberries have slightly more iron, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, while cranberries have slightly more calcium. The margins of difference are small in both cases, but this is a 4:1 win for blueberries.

Both of these berries are famously full of antioxidants; blueberries have far more polyphenols and thus more antioxidant power overall, though cranberries have some specific benefits such as being better than antibiotics against UTIs—though there are some contraindications too (e.g. increased risk of kidney stones, so a bad idea if you have kidney problems); check out the link below for more on that!

Adding up the sections here makes for a modest win for blueberries, but by all means, enjoy either or both (unless one of the contraindications applies to you).

Want to learn more?

You might like to read:

Health Benefits Of Cranberries (But: You’d Better Watch Out)

Take care!