When it comes to powerhouse fruits, few contenders rival blueberries—until you meet their mighty competition, the haskap berry. With both berries packing a serious nutritional punch, the debate around which berry has more health benefits is gaining traction among nutrition-conscious eaters and researchers alike. But when it comes to choosing the best berry for you overall, haskap berries might just take the crown. Let’s explore why.
1. More anthocyanins
One of the biggest haskap berry benefits is their superior antioxidant content. Specifically, they contain some of the highest levels of anthocyanins—a group of antioxidants found in blue, red, and purple fruits and veggies. These antioxidants belong to the flavonoid family which are believed to combat aging, decrease inflammation, and protect your cells from oxidative damage.
While both blueberries and haskap berries contain antioxidants and anthocyanins, it begs the question: which berry has more? The answer is clear: haskap berries. In fact, they have up to (3) three times more anthocyanins, making them a more powerful ally in your daily health regimen.
Studies suggest that the rich anthocyanins in haskaps can impact your cognitive health, enhancing memory, providing mental clarity, and even playing a serious role in preventing dementia. Anthocyanins also fight free radicals in the body, and with haskap berries powerful anti-inflammatory properties, they may help reduce chronic inflammation linked to numerous health conditions.
Here’s where the conversation really shifts: athletic performance. A study led by Dr. Glyn Howatson at Northumbria University revealed that haskap berries significantly improved running performance and muscle recovery in athletes. Participants who consumed 150mg of haskap berry anthocyanins prior to intense exercise showed better endurance and reduced post-run inflammation. Blueberries, although beneficial for general health, haven’t shown the same level of performance-enhancing results. In other words, if you're active or an endurance athlete, or just trying to set a new personal record in the gym, haskap berries—or our pure haskap berry super powder—may be your new secret weapon.
2. Higher iridoids
Iridoids are a group of bioactive compounds found in plants. And lucky for haskap berries, they’re loaded with them. Iridoids are a natural phytochemical, known for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Within the body, they hold the potential to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease while supporting immune function.
A 2025 scientific review in Food Chemistry X underscored the potential for iridoids to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and even cancer. It also notes that iridoids may help lower blood sugar and improve cholesterol levels, making them a beneficial tool in managing diabetes and heart problems. And with haskap berries rich in the compound, it’s never been easier to reap the benefits and incorporate them into your regular diet
3. Higher concentration of Vitamin C
Both berries are rich in vitamins, potassium, and fiber, but haskap berries edge out the competition when it comes to Vitamin C. In fact, haskaps can contain as much as 187mg of Vitamin C per 100g of berries–far more than blueberries, raspberries, and even oranges.
Vitamin C plays a vital role in healing within the body and, as an antioxidant, it also helps protect cells from damaging free radicals. Research has shown that a diet rich in foods containing Vitamin C may lower the risk of certain types of cancers and improve eye health, reducing the risk of developing cataracts and preventing age-related macular degeneration from worsening.
The Verdict? Haskap berries take the lead
While blueberries remain a fantastic and accessible superfruit, haskap berries have emerged as a serious competitor—and arguably, a superior one. Their unmatched antioxidant content, multitude of health and wellness benefits, and anti-inflammatory power give them the upper hand in this battle of the berries.
Make haskap berries part of your daily diet with our Canadian-made haskap berry products—easy to add to your daily routine and even easier to love. After all, why settle for healthy when you can go for optimal?