Whole Cranberries

Whole cranberries are the entire fruit of the cranberry plant, a small evergreen shrub native to North America. They are typically harvested in the fall. Cranberries can be consumed fresh, dried, or processed into juice, sauces, and other food products.

Manufacturers use whole cranberries and cranberry products for their tart flavor and vibrant color. They are commonly found in cranberry sauce, relishes, baked goods like muffins and pies, and as an ingredient in trail mixes and fruit salads.

Cranberries are recognized as a food ingredient and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. They contain compounds like proanthocyanidins, which some research suggests may help prevent certain bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract. However, scientific evidence is mixed, and more research is needed. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated cranberry and its extracts. Cranberries are not a major allergen.