Frozen Blueberries vs. Fresh: What's the Difference?

Blueberries grow wild in the forests of the U.S. and Canada, and you can buy them in most food markets. The nutrition in fresh blueberries is very similar to that in frozen blueberries.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body from cellular damage that can lead to disease. Fresh blueberries are in season during the spring and summer months, but you can enjoy this berry year-round when you buy them frozen.

The convenience of frozen blueberries makes them appealing to many people, as you can buy larger quantities and keep them for longer without your fruit going bad in your fridge.

Plus, freezing blueberries allows you to enjoy the antioxidant-rich fruit any time of year. Frozen berries can be stored for up to 12 months are often less expensive than fresh.

That said, freezing sometimes compromises the texture of your fruit. Once frozen, blueberries may have a different mouthfeel when thawed and eaten or added to recipes.

Fresh blueberries may also contain slightly higher concentrations of minerals than frozen blueberries.

Many people wonder whether or not frozen blueberries are good for you because they can be stored for long periods of time. We're here to assure you that unsweetened frozen blueberries are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts.

In fact, there are some benefits to choosing frozen blueberries versus fresh ones, as they may even have more antioxidants, according to an October 2015 study in the ​International Journal of Molecular Science​.

The report showed that the antioxidant value of blueberries actually increases with freezing and stays high for three months. After that, the antioxidant content in the blueberries steadily decreased.

It's also worth noting that in the U.S., a large percentage of foodborne illnesses come from fresh produce that has not been thoroughly cleaned before eating, according to the CDC. Typically, frozen fruit has already been cleaned and prepped for you.

Blueberries, whether fresh or frozen, are low in calories and have high amounts of nutrients like fiber, vitamins A, K and C and manganese. They're also high in disease-fighting antioxidants, which have been linked to better brain and heart health, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The average diet does not include enough fiber. Adding a daily serving of blueberries can help you increase your intake. Fiber benefits your digestive health and may also help prevent certain chronic health conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic.