Dried Sweetened Wild Blueberries

Dried sweetened wild blueberries are small, dark blue berries that have been dehydrated and typically coated with a sweetener, such as sugar or fruit juice concentrate. They originate from wild blueberry plants, which are smaller and have a more intense flavor than cultivated blueberries. The drying process removes most of the water content, concentrating their flavor and extending their shelf life.

Manufacturers add dried sweetened wild blueberries to products primarily for their sweet-tart flavor, chewy texture, and natural color. They are commonly found in breakfast cereals, snack mixes, granola bars, baked goods like muffins and cookies, and sometimes in savory dishes for a touch of sweetness.

As a whole food ingredient, dried sweetened wild blueberries are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Blueberries are known for their antioxidant content. However, the 'sweetened' aspect means they contain added sugars, which the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting. JECFA and EFSA do not typically evaluate whole food ingredients like dried blueberries in the same way they do food additives.