Cranberries vs Fig – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing cranberries to fig, we picked the fig.

Why?

In terms of macros, cranberries have slightly more fiber, while figs have more carbs and slightly more protein. Since the fiber and protein differences are small, and the carbs difference is subjective in value terms (i.e. do you, with your lifestyle, need more carbs or fewer?), we’ll call this first round a tie.

However…

In the category of vitamins, cranberries have more of vitamins C and E, while figs have more of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B9, winning easily.

Looking at minerals, cranberries have more manganese, while figs have more calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc, again winning easily.

In other considerations, cranberries have some special properties that amount to a mixed bag of pros and cons (see details in the “learn more” below), so that could swing it one way or another depending on your personal health risks, so in the interests of fairness, we’ll call this round a tie.

Adding up the sections makes for a clear overall win for figs, but by all means do enjoy either or both (unless cranberries are contraindicated for you personally), since as very good general rule of thumb, diversity is best!

Want to learn more?

You might like:

Health Benefits Of Cranberries (But: You’d Better Watch Out) ← cranberries’ bonus properties (including: famously very good at decreasing UTI risk) come with some warnings, including that they may increase the risk of kidney stones if you are prone to such, and also that cranberries have anti-clotting effects, which are great for heart health but can be a risk of you’re on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.

Enjoy!