About
Dried blueberry is the dehydrated or freeze-dried form of the blueberry fruit (Vaccinium corymbosum or Vaccinium angustifolium), consumed as a snack, ingredient, or supplement. It is used in food products for its nutritional value, natural sweetness, and high concentration of anthocyanins and other polyphenols.
Safety summary
Dried blueberries are broadly recognised as safe for the general adult population with no established ADI, no E-number designation, and no bans in any major jurisdiction. They are rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuroprotective benefits. Rare safety concerns include potential heavy-metal contamination in some commercial lots (notably lead in specific freeze-dried batches), and the concentrated sugar content of sweetened dried varieties warrants moderation for individuals managing blood glucose.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Dried blueberry is a conventional food product in the EU, not classified as a novel food or food additive. It is not listed in the EU novel foods Union list and carries no E-number. General food safety rules under Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 apply.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Dried blueberries are regulated as a dried/dehydrated fruit under FSSAI Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations. No specific ADI or restriction established.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Blueberries and dried blueberries are regulated as conventional whole foods under FDA's produce safety framework (21 CFR Part 112). No ADI or additive status. A voluntary recall of specific freeze-dried blueberry lots occurred due to lead above FDA recommended limits (now terminated).source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. URGENT: Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Natierra Organic Freeze-Dried Blueberry Due to Levels of Lead. fda.gov
- 2PubMed. Blueberries Decrease Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Men and Women with Metabolic Syndrome. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3PubMed. Exploring the Composition of Blueberry-Based Functional Products: Polyphenolic and Elemental Characterization and Quantification, 2025. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4PubMed. The state of the science on the health benefits of blueberries: a perspective, 2024. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5PubMed. Recent Research on the Health Benefits of Blueberries and Their Anthocyanins, 2020. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
