Why Choose Frozen Wild Blueberries?

Frozen foods tend to get a bad reputation for being unhealthy and hyper processed, but truth be told, you can actually find amazing and nutritious healthy food options in the frozen foods aisle – especially when it comes to frozen fruits and vegetables. Since the concept of flash-freezing fruits and vegetables was invented in the 1920s, frozen foods have become a staple many people rely on for weekly meals. As of 2022, the American Frozen Food Institute reported that 99.4% of U.S. households consume frozen foods. And while many people question the nutritious benefits of frozen fruits and veggies, it’s actually been found that they possess a higher nutritional value than those of their fresh counterparts.

Exhibit A: Naturally grown and nutritiously delicious wild blueberries. 

These tiny, potent berries are tasty whether they’re consumed frozen or fresh, but frozen wild blueberries are frozen at peak of ripeness, locking in nutrition benefits and taste. So, in this case, frozen is actually fresher. In honor of March being National Frozen Foods Month, we’re dishing on why this is the case.

The Benefits of Flash Freezing Wild Blueberries

Did you know that:

  • Flash freezing fruit locks in fresh taste, nutrition, and convenience
  • Research shows frozen fruit is often nutritionally superior to its fresh counterpart
  • 40% of all food produced in the United States is not eaten before expiration. Frozen food can help reduce the food waste epidemic in the United States.
  • Frozen food generates 47% less food waste than ambient and chilled food in the home

What can we say…the facts don’t lie!

The Wild Blueberry Journey: Harvest to Household

Wild blueberries are harvested in Maine, right where Mother Nature put them more than 10,000 years ago. Harvest season takes place annually in July and August and over 90% of the crop is flash frozen at the peak of ripeness so you can enjoy the taste of Maine summer all year long. To make sure you’re getting true wild blueberries, you’ll want to visit the frozen fruit section of your local grocery store and double check that the package says “wild” on it. 

So, how do these little blue gems get from harvest to your table? Here’s the journey of frozen wild blueberries:

  • Hour 1: Picked at peak of ripeness
  • Within 24 hours: Washed and flash frozen to lock in key vitamins, minerals, and tasty goodness
  • Ready to enjoy, well…whenever: delivered to the frozen foods aisle of your local grocery store, ready for you to bring home!
  • Extended shelf life: Good for about 6-9 months if kept constantly frozen

Unlike wild blueberries, ordinary blueberries can be planted anywhere and grow year round. Their journey is a little different than frozen wild blueberries. Let’s dive into the differences in the journey of an ordinary blueberry from farm to table:

  • Day 1: Picked before they’re ripe
  • Day 2-8: Transported, packed, and distributed to grocery stores 
  • Day 9-14: Arrival at grocery store 
  • Day 15-20: Purchased and eaten at home
  • Short shelf life: Should be eaten within one week of purchase 

So, now you know, frozen is fresher – and just as nutritious and delicious as fresh. 

And the best part? Wild blueberries are versatile! Keep your freezer stocked so you have easy access to frozen wild blueberries to blend in your smoothies or to top off your oatmeal year round.

If you want to learn more about why frozen really is fresher, check out the Wild Blueberries website for more information. Happy Frozen Foods Month! Celebrate by picking up some frozen wild blueberries from your local grocery store (just make sure it says “wild” on the package).

Meet Abby Sennett, Third Generation Wild Blueberry Farmer

Stewarding, harvesting, and processing wild blueberries is part of Maine’s heritage and state culture – especially for the families that have been doing it for generations. Here in Maine you’ll find that many wild blueberry farms are owned and operated by the same family, passed down from generation to generation to ensure this unique tradition of protecting these wild blue gems is alive for years to come. 

Meet Abby, Third Generation Wild Blueberry Farmer

Since the day she picked up her first wild blueberry rake, Abby Sennett knew that one day, she would have the honor and responsibility of owning and operating her family’s wild blueberry farm. Located in Albion (Downeast Maine), Sennett’s Wild Blueberries has been a family-run operation for over 50 years. Currently owned by her parents, Lincoln and Karen Sennett, Abby and her husband will soon inherit the business. What makes this inheritance even more special is that they met as teenagers while raking in the wild blueberry fields. Abby is currently working through the ownership succession process with her parents, and once all is said and done, Abby will become the third generation of Sennetts to own and care for the wild blueberry fields.

Looking Back at Sennett Harvesting Practices

Even though 50-or-so years have passed since Abby’s great-grandfather originally started the business, not much has changed in terms of how these tiny berries are harvested. 

“It has been pretty much the same format for harvesting since then,” Abby explained.

She went on to share that Sennett’s Wild Blueberries cares for 158 acres of wild blueberry fields and harvests around 300,000 pounds of fresh wild blueberries each year. Wild blueberries are grown on a two-year cropping cycle and each year the Sennetts harvest half of their fields while the other half is pruned to help the plants regrow and improve yield year-over-year. Of the 79 acres that are harvested every other year, 60% are handraked. Handraking is a traditional method of harvesting Maine’s iconic fruit and tends to produce a higher yield of fruit in pristine condition. 

If you want to enjoy some Sennett’s Wild Blueberries this summer, they sell frozen and fresh wild blueberry packs out of their processing facility in Albion, as well as various grocery stores and farm stands throughout New England.

Diversifying the Sennett’s Wild Blueberries Farm Business Model

Maine’s wild blueberry industry is very similar to a lot of other agricultural businesses in the state  – full of hardworking people who are incredibly dedicated to their craft. But what makes the Sennett’s Wild Blueberries business model diverse? Not only do they steward and harvest wild blueberries, but they also produce Swan’s Honey.

“We are able to carry it through from the beginning by pollinating the wild blueberry plants with our bees, all the way through to the end product of harvesting in mid-to-late summer. We have been able to vertically integrate our bees into wild blueberries, so much so that we now have the largest apiary in the state of Maine. We do the pollination for many wild blueberry growers across the state. My dad originally got into it because he needed better pollination for the wild blueberries, and then it just became a hobby that got really out of hand – but it definitely paid off!”

What’s Next for Abby? 

She would like to expand into more value-added wild blueberry products, as well as sell more fresh pack wild blueberries – but as for everything else, it will stay the same as it has, at least while she owns the farm. 

“I’d like to have a family and raise my kids like my parents raised us. They got us involved on the farm at an early age so we really learned what makes wild blueberries so special – I’d like to do the same for my family so they grow a love for this industry too.”

To learn more about the Sennett family, their wild blueberry farm, and their apiary, you can visit their Facebook page.

Five Wild Blueberry Date Night Desserts to Try this Valentine’s Day

Planning on staying in to enjoy a delicious dinner with your loved ones this Valentine’s Day? Whoever your Valentine may be this year, mom or dad, your significant other, or your best Galentine, they’ll be excited to enjoy the mouthwatering, wild blueberry dessert line-up you’ve added to the menu. Whether you plan on baking with friends and family, or you prefer to bake solo, these wild blueberry desserts have a whole lot of heart-healthy, wild blue goodness. With 33% more anthocyanins, 2x the antioxidants, and 72% more fiber than ordinary blueberries, incorporating wild blueberries will show your Valentine how much you care.

Eat Your Heart Out This Valentine’s Day

Mini Wild Blueberry Cakes With Vanilla Icing: These Mini Wild Blueberry Cakes are the perfect bite sized desserts to share during your date night. Top off the recipe by drizzling warm vanilla frosting over them as the final touch.

Paleo Wild Blueberry Chocolate Macaroons: If you’re on the paleo train, but are looking for a dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth, look no further. Covered in dark chocolate and baked to perfection, these Paleo Wild Blueberry Chocolate Macaroons will melt your heart and simultaneously melt in your mouth! It’s the perfect serving of sweet and salty in one scrumptious bite.

Naturally Colored Wild Blueberry Buttercream Frosting: Whip up some Naturally Colored Wild Blueberry Buttercream Frosting from scratch. Made fresh, this frosting recipe is the perfect pairing to your favorite cake (or cupcake) mix!

Wild Blueberry Fool: Don’t be misled by the title – you’re definitely not a fool for choosing this Valentine’s treat. Keep it sweet and simple with this Wild Blueberry Fool – a yogurt-based dessert recipe that delivers intense flavor with a little bit of wild blueberry decadence.

Gluten Free Wild Blueberry Cheesecake Bars: If baking a whole cake seems like too much, try making these Gluten Free Wild Blueberry Cheesecake Bars which can be divided into the perfect individual serving size. Covered with tons of juicy wild blueberries, these bars are packed with plenty of nutrients and flavor.

Planning to whip up some of these special treats for your Valentine? We want to see what desserts you enjoyed during your special evening. Take a picture, post on social media, and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so we can see your wild Valentine’s Day treats.

Grab a Slice of Wild Blueberry Pie for National Pi Day

Happy National Pi Day! In honor of the March 14 holiday, which is the annual celebration of the mathematical constant π, we’re celebrating here in Maine by whipping up some of our favorite wild blueberry pie recipes. Some are more traditional, some aren’t – but we know you’ll love the wild goodness in each and every bite just the same.

Wild Blueberry Pie: Keep it sweet and simple by baking this classic Wild Blueberry Pie. Not only is it filled with purple and blue goodness, but the flaky golden brown crust is extra delicious!

Mini Wild Blueberry Cream Pies: Baked individually in cupcake tins, these Mini Wild Blueberry Cream Pies are the perfect bite size, so you don’t need to feel a shred of guilt indulging in one (or two). I mean hey, it’s National Pie Day after all!

Wild Blueberry and Goat Cheese Hand Pies: In these Wild Blueberry and Goat Cheese Hand Pies, you get a combo of sweet and savory all in one.

Creamy Wild Blueberry Pie: Lastly, this recipe is a new twist on a classic Maine dessert – this creamy wild blueberry pie carries a wonderfully intense wild blue flavor, allowing every bite to melt in your mouth.

Planning to bake a wild blueberry pie in honor of National Pi Day? We want to see what you come up with. Take a picture, post on social media, and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so we can see the wild in every slice!

The Seven Wild Ways to a Healthy Brain in 2024

‘Tis the season for mulling over your New Year’s resolutions and setting intentions for the year to come. As you head into the holiday season, perhaps you’re considering prioritizing personal health and wellness in 2024. But as you think about those resolutions, one important health and wellness goal that often gets overlooked is brain health. Not sure how to incorporate a brain healthy lifestyle into your everyday life? You’re in luck! Here are seven wild ways to a healthy brain that will help jump start your 2024. 

  1. Move Every Day: Exercise enhances blood flow to the brain, increases brain cell connections, and requires balance and spatial relation practice. Plus, the endorphins we get from exercise make us happy! Win win.
  1. Stimulate Your Mind: Stay curious by reading, mastering a new skill, and challenging your brain every day. It’s always good to keep learning as we age and it keeps our minds sharp all the while.
  1. Prioritize the ZzZzs: Brains need a reset each day, so don’t skip on the shut-eye. If you’re curious how much sleep you should be getting to give your brain the rest it needs and deserves, check out this resource from the Sleep Foundation.
  1. Manage Your Health: Work with your doctor to stay on top of chronic conditions (e.g. high blood pressure or diabetes).
  1. Be Social: Spending quality time with friends and family is good for your brain. This can be as simple as picking up the phone to catch up with a friend, or meeting up in person. Whatever you feel comfortable with!
  1. Stress Less: Activities like yoga or meditation help reduce anxiety and improve mood and relaxation. Make these rituals a part of your routine for a happier, less stressful day.
  1. Pick Brain-Healthy Foods: Make it easy by adding a healthy scoop of frozen wild blueberries to your morning regimen – it’s honestly the tastiest brain food you’ll find. With 2x the antioxidants and 33% more brain-healthy anthocyanins than ordinary blueberries, wild blues have been linked to brain health and cognitive performance for years. And now there’s growing evidence from numerous studies that suggests eating wild blueberries daily, no matter your age, may be a practical and effective part of a brain-healthy diet. 

Need some inspiration for meals that incorporate brain-healthy wild blueberries? Check out our Cognition Kitchen Guide – it outlines the science, lifestyle tips, and of course delicious recipes. We also have an extensive recipe library that includes dozens of ways to incorporate wild blueberries into your family’s daily meals. From smoothies to entrees, we’ve got you covered.

No matter what the next year has in store, do your brain a favor and prioritize your noggin with these seven tips. Looking for more brain health information? Visit our website. Happy 2024!

The Wild Difference: Celebrating Wild Foods Day All Month Long

Fall has officially arrived here in Maine, which means Wild Foods Day is right around the corner! Wild Foods Day is celebrated on October 28th., but we wanted to kick things off a little early so we can enjoy our favorite wild foods all month long! For thousands of years, humans have been foraging the land to collect and eat the naturally grown foods that Mother Earth provides for us. In celebration of Wild Foods Day, let’s discuss what makes wild blueberries, well…wild.

What classifies these little blue gems as *wild*?

Many people don’t know that there are two types of blueberries–cultivated (or ordinary) blueberries and wild blueberries. Our farmers don’t plant wild blueberries but nurture these naturally occurring berries where Mother Nature put them more than 10,000 years ago. They are just here. Wild blueberries actually germinate on their own and spread through an underground rhizome system. Because they are naturally occurring plants, this is what makes them truly “wild”!

The History of the Wild Blueberries 

Wild blueberries emerged on the desolate plain which is now known as ‘The Barrens’ of Maine, Eastern Canada, and Quebec, following the retreat of the glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. These native berries thrive in extremely cold harsh conditions and have to protect themselves against environmental stressors. It’s the reason why wild blueberries have such a high anthocyanin content..Anthocyanins are the plant compounds found in the skin of the wild blueberry that give them their pretty purply blue hue. A growing body of research suggests anthocyanins work to reduce inflammation and are beneficial to humans. Wild blueberries have 33% more anthocyanins than ordinary blueberries—giving you a big leg up when it comes to keeping your brain and body running strong. According to the first documentation of their use, wild blueberries were first consumed both fresh and dried for their flavor, nutrition, and healing qualities. They have never been hybridized or genetically modified by humans to enhance or alter characteristics.

Instead, they modify completely on their own to make diverse and genetically different varieties of wild blueberries within every field. This diversity is what gives each wild blueberry a unique blend of intense and deliciously complex flavors–or as we like to call it the “blueberry-est flavor around.”  

How Wild Blueberries Grow

Wild blueberries have an extensive underground rhizome system–as much as 70% of the plant actually lives underground–spreading horizontally in the few inches of organic matter atop the sand and gravel of glacial soil below. These berries are grown in two year cycles, and are pruned to help promote the health and fruitfulness of the plant. Once pruned, new stems sprout from the rhizome, grow, and form flower buds which turn into those little wild blueberries we all love! Because they grow in this way, they are only harvested during the late summer months each year. That’s why fresh wild blueberry season in Maine is a truly special time of year. Otherwise, you can buy frozen wild blueberries year round in the frozen foods aisle of your local grocery store (just make sure it says “wild” on the packaging).  

Why Choose Wild Blues?

Choosing wild over ordinary blueberries is the way to go for many reasons, but our top five are because wild blueberries…

1. Have a more intense blueberry flavor:

Thousands of naturally occurring diverse plants in every field combine to create a potent and complex flavor ranging from tangy tartness to succulent sweetness that ordinary blueberries can’t match.

2. Possess more Antioxidant Power:

33% more brain healthy anthocyanins and 2x the antioxidant capacity of ordinary blueberries makes wild blueberries the berry healthy bodies and brains crave.

3. Are Smaller (with a stronger punch):

Smaller wild blueberries offer a higher skin-to-pulp ratio; meaning less water and more antioxidant-rich pigments, more fiber, and more intense blueberry flavor per serving.

4. Are Grown Wild & Local:

As 1 of 3 native North American fruits, wild blueberries are never planted. They grow wild in the thin glacial soils and harsh northern climate of Maine – the very same place where Mother Nature put them more than 10,000 years ago.

5. Are Frozen at Peak Freshness:

Harvested at the peak of Maine summer, 99% of the wild blueberry crop is frozen fresh within 24 hours ensuring all the taste and health benefits are ready for you in the frozen fruit section of the grocery store.

Join us in celebrating Wild Foods Day a little early by trying some frozen wild blueberries! We promise they’ll dress up any meal or snack, or you can simply enjoy them as they were meant to be…frozen, delicious, and wild.

New Research Links Eating Flavonoid-Filled Foods to 20% Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline

As another wild blueberry harvest season wraps up in Maine, farmers are freezing these little blue gems so people around the country can enjoy them year round. Over the years, wild blues have earned the nickname “brain berries” and new research further supports this reputation. The new study tracked participants for 20 years and revealed that those who ate a diet of flavonoid-filled foods (like strawberries, oranges, peppers, and yes, of course, wild blueberries!) reported less cognitive issues. Overall, researchers saw a 20% lower risk of cognitive decline over the research period. 

What Are Flavonoids?

Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that are associated with health benefits due to their various bioactivities or actions that promote good health.. One of their important bioactivities is that they are powerful antioxidants. Flavonoids are found in all plant-based foods, but there are higher concentrations in deeply colored fruits and vegetables like wild blueberries. Anthocyanins (a type of flavonoid with antioxidant effects) give wild blueberries their deep purply, blue hue–in fact, wild blueberries have 33% more brain-healthy anthocyanins than ordinary blueberries.

Now that we’ve covered Flavonoids, let’s dive into the study a bit.

About the Study: Flavonoids Are Good For Brains of All Ages!

  • The study used population statistics to analyze responses obtained from about 50 thousand women and 25 thousand men, all middle aged, regarding their self-perceived cognitive ability, and their dietary habits. 
  • These standardized questionnaires were completed a few times over the 20 year period by the study participants and were designed to provide an assessment of early memory problems. Question examples include: 
    • “Do you have more trouble than usual remembering recent events?”
    • “Do you have more trouble than usual remembering a short list of items?” 
  • Participants were categorized into groups based on their reported intake of flavonoids (dietary habits) 
  • Study analysis revealed that participants in the highest flavonoid intake category (about 600 mg per day (2.5 cups) ) had about 20% lower relative risk of memory loss compared to participants in the lowest intake category (about 150mg or ¾ cups flavonoids per day). 
  • For reference, one cup of wild blueberries contains about 200mg of total flavonoids, almost entirely in the form of anthocyanins. 

What Does This Study Mean for  Brain Health?

The evidence reported in this study alone is notable, but this study also adds to the growing body of evidence from other population studies, which all present similar findings–specifically, that greater flavonoid (especially anthocyanin) intake is associated with better health outcomes. So, as you consider some recipes for your family’s table, grab a healthy scoop of wild blueberries (a.k.a. brain berries) to help your noggins today and everyday! You can find them in the freezer aisle of your local grocery store (just make sure the package says wild on it).

Curious to learn more about wild blueberries and their brain health benefits? Check out our website and follow along on social–Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter–to get some wild blue goodness in your day, everyday. 

Brain-Healthy Breakfast Recipes to Start Busy School Mornings Off Right

It’s that time of year again–some kids have already had their first day of school while kids here in Maine are just heading back to the classroom. While it’s still a little unclear what the school year will ultimately look like for your child–either in-person learning or remote–we want to say a big thank you to all the parents out there.  

While we can’t help with the homework, we can help with making your mornings a bit easier. For most families, mornings are super busy but breakfast is the one meal during the day that parents tell us they have complete control over what their child eats. So, why not make breakfast filled with brainy-healthy foods to give your kiddos a great start to their school day? Here’s a little breakfast inspiration: six wild blueberry breakfast recipes that will help nourish your child’s brain. With 33% more brain-healthy anthocyanins and 2x the antioxidants of regular blueberries, adding a healthy scoop of wild blueberries to your kid’s morning is a great way to begin the day. 

Try these grab-and-go Wild Blueberry Mini Muffins

The morning goes quickly, especially when you’re juggling so much! Out of time? No problem, these quick and easy, grab-and-go Wild Blueberry Mini Muffins are the perfect solution. Simply bake them in the evening, store them in a tupperware container, and everyone will be able to grab a yummy muffin on their way out the door in the morning. 

Pro tip: throw them in the microwave for 15 seconds to make it nice and warm before biting into some wild muffin goodness.

Whip up some Wild Blueberry Zucchini Bread

Start your day on a nutritious note with our Wild Blueberry Zucchini Bread—a delicious and wholesome treat designed to fuel young minds. Packed with vibrant wild blueberries and nutrient-rich zucchini, this bread offers a delectable way to kick-start your mornings. Wild blueberries are best in this recipe because they add a bold, tart flavor and their small size means more berries per bite.

Prep some Dried Wild Blueberry Almond Granola

Bursting with nutty almonds and antioxidant-packed dried wild blues, this Dried Wild Blueberry Almond Granola not only supports cognitive function, but also delivers essential nutrients that growing bodies need. Prepare a batch in advance and enjoy it as a quick weekday breakfast or as a topping for yogurt parfaits.

Have dessert for breakfast with Wild Blueberry Crumb Cake

With ‘cake’ in the title, this is an easy make-ahead breakfast option that tastes good and may encourage your kids to eat breakfast–especially if they think they’re getting away with eating dessert in the morning. Wild Blueberry Crumb Cake tastes delicious without sacrificing added nutrients. 

For the toast fans out there, try some Coconut Peanut Butter Wild Blueberry Toast

If your child loves old-school PB&Js, try this homemade spin-off: Coconut Peanut Butter Wild Blueberry Toast. Using just seven simple ingredients, top your grain of choice (e.g., whole wheat bread, an english muffin, or whatever your child loves!) with some wild blueberry goodness. 

Blend up a Mix-In-A-Pan Wild Blueberry Snack Cake 

Introducing a hassle-free marvel for busy mornings: Mix-In-A-Pan Wild Blueberry Snack Cake! The ease of preparation makes it an ideal option for hectic school days—simply mix the ingredients in a single pan and pop it in the oven. Plus, it’s a versatile delight that can be sliced into convenient portions for breakfast on-the-go or as an after-school pick-me-up.

Did you know that research has found wild blueberries to have a positive effect on your child’s memory, decision making, response times, concentration, and mood? That’s why wild blueberries should power your family’s morning to make for a great day ahead. If you try one of the above breakfast recipes, let us know which one your kids loved the most! Take a picture, post on social, and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so we can see your kids’ *wild* breakfast. If your profile and/or post is public, we’ll be sure to repost it on our stories or respond. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for your family!

Back to School: Brain Support for Kids

As we switch gears from summer to fall, back to school time brings lots of things to mind, including new school clothes, new teachers, and a renewed emphasis on habits to support our children as they get back into the classroom. And, while your child might be more interested in picking out a new lunchbox, you are probably more concerned with figuring out what goes into it. Not to worry—we’ve got you covered with information on brain-healthy foods (like wild blueberries) and kid-friendly lunch and snack ideas to help support a smooth back-to-school transition for the whole family. 

Which foods support developing brains?

Healthy food helps grow healthy bodies, but did you know that there is increasing scientific evidence of a link between improved nutrition, brain development, and optimal brain function?1 Research also suggests that cognitive ability attained in childhood determines, in part, cognitive ability in adulthood.2 And since the brain develops faster than the rest of the body during childhood, nourishing your young one’s noggin by choosing healthy foods is a priority. 

In general, brains are best fueled by a diet that’s filled with nutrient-packed foods that deliver an array of vitamins and minerals, protein, and healthy fats. Foods that deliver essential nutrients needed for proper growth and development of both body and brain include: 

  • colorful fruits, especially blue/purple/red colored berries (like wild blueberries!),
  • vegetables,
  • eggs,
  • whole grains,
  • legumes,
  • nuts,
  • seafood,
  • lean protein,
  • and dairy products.

Do wild blueberries boost brain power in kids?

Our brains and cognition are complex, and research is designed to test specific aspects of cognition in a highly controlled way.  A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that children and teens perform better on specific cognitive tests within a matter of hours after eating wild blueberries. Studies examining wild blueberries reported positive impacts in three specific areas of children’s cognition, including:

  • Memory: Two studies that tested children ranging from ages seven to 10 found that consuming a wild blueberry beverage improved performance on a word list recall task.  Improvements were detected in children taking the wild blueberry drink, but not the placebo drink, as soon as two hours after intake and later on throughout the day.3,4
  • Executive function: Executive function is a category of cognitive ability that helps us to plan, organize, focus, concentrate, problem solve, and self-regulate. Cognitive skills involving executive function are not fully developed until early adulthood. Children who have problems with executive function can face academic challenges .5 A recent double-blind placebo-controlled study reported that children who consumed a wild blueberry drink performed better on computer-based tests that examined attention and decision-making. By testing at different times and using tests of increasing difficulty, researchers noted that wild blueberry intake had a greater impact as tests became more difficult.6
  • Mood: It’s widely known that adolescent youth are vulnerable to developing depression during an important period of cognitive development. Researchers in the UK conducted a controlled, double-blind trial to investigate the impact of wild blueberry consumption on mood in children and teens. In this study, the young participants responded to questions using a numbered score, and responses from those who consumed a wild blueberry drink shared a better positive mood score than those who consumed the placebo when measured two hours after intake.7 According to one of the researchers, a sustained low mood is a core feature of depression. Another study by the same research group looked at self-reported mood in 64 healthy teenagers randomly assigned to take either a wild blueberry drink or placebo daily, for four weeks. When surveyed at the conclusion of the study, the teens who had consumed the wild blueberry drink had significantly lower scores on measures related to depression symptoms compared to those in the placebo group*.8

How do wild blueberries impact cognition?

The mechanisms underpinning the beneficial effects of wild blueberries on cognition and brain function are not fully understood. Right now, researchers believe that the abundant anthocyanin flavonoids of wild blueberries may be a big part of the answer. Flavonoids are a diverse group of natural bioactive compounds found in fruits, vegetables, coffee, cocoa, and tea. In wild blueberries, anthocyanins—which are the red, blue, and purple berry pigments—are the predominant flavonoid. In fact, wild blueberries have 33% more anthocyanins than regular blueberries. During digestion, anthocyanins break down extensively. It’s likely that anthocyanins and their breakdown products are largely responsible for the specific health effects seen with blueberries.9

For more information about wild blueberries, cognition, and brain health, check out our brain health content hub.  

Don’t let fruit fall off the plate (or bowl)

Getting flavonoids in your child’s diet means making sure that they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, while preschool-aged children generally have adequate fruit and vegetable consumption, average produce consumption by late adolescence is about half of the recommended amount. The Guidelines specifically recommend that total fruit consumption be maintained throughout childhood and teen years to optimize overall food intake and nutrition. In general, this means kids ages two through 18 should get from 1-2 ½ cup equivalents of fruit per day, depending on caloric intake and age.10 Providing children with a variety of fruit choices, including both fresh and frozen fruit like wild blueberries or more processed products that are deeply colored, (e.g., juice), means kids will get the wide range of fruit and berry bioactive nutrients they need.

Start a lifetime wild blueberry habit this school year 

You know that kids like foods that are fun and taste good. Luckily, wild blueberries are super tasty (with no added sugar!) and fun to eat–think purple tongues! And parents appreciate the health aspects, versatility, and good value of frozen wild blueberries. 

We’ve covered how wild blueberries can improve cognition, and there is also a growing number of long-term population studies providing evidence that daily intake of moderate amounts of anthocyanins can support human health and reduce disease risk as we age. In these epidemiological studies, diet records obtained from large populations over many years correlate the intake of specific foods and food components (including anthocyanins) with health outcomes. Overall, there is a robust body of published research showing us how and why you should make wild blueberries a daily habit for you and your family.

Kid-approved ways to use wild blueberries

Adding wild blueberries to your back-to-school routine is a win for everyone.

Here are some easy ideas that kids will love:

  • Goodness, straight from the bag: Wild blueberries are picked at the peak of their ripeness, washed and flash frozen, which locks in nutrients and preserves fresh wild flavor. Frozen wild blueberries need no adornment, they are delicious as they are! Lots of kids like to eat them frozen, or just slightly thawed. Just put them in a bowl or custard cup and hand your child a spoon—it doesn’t get easier than that. 
  • A daily sprinkle: Adding a sprinkle of wild blueberries to foods that your child is already in the habit of eating daily is a great “add-on.” Try a sprinkle of wild blueberries over cold cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt. At dinner time, a sprinkle of wild blueberries makes a colorful and refreshing addition to a green salad or fruit salad.
  • Smooth operator: Enjoying wild blueberries in a smoothie is one of the favorite ways that kids like to eat them. Adding a scoop of frozen wild blueberries adds a flavor boost to any smoothie, while bumping up the nutrition factor–plus, the frozen berries keep smoothies nice and frosty. Check out our variety of smoothie recipes.
  • Freeze it up: Wild blueberries can be easily made into delicious frozen treats like ice-pops, ice cream, and sorbet. A wild blueberry ice pop after school is a treat that’s hard to beat—such a fun way to get a good dose of anthocyanins and other nutrients. Your kids (and their growing brains) will thank you!

For more ideas and recipe inspiration, check out the huge recipe collection on our website.

References:

  • Gow, A. J., Johnson, W., Pattie, A., Brett, C. E., Roberts, B., Starr, J. M., & Deary, I.J.  Stability and change in intelligence from age 11 to ages 70, 79, and 87: the Lothian Birth Cohorts of 1921 and 1936. (2011) Psychology and Aging, 26(1), 232–240. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021072
  • Whyte, A. R., & Williams, C. M. Effects of a single dose of a flavonoid-rich blueberry drink on memory in 8 to 10 y old children. (2015) Nutrition, 31(3), 531–534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2014.09.013
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Summer Camp Lunchbox Friendly Wild Blueberry Recipes

It’s officially summertime, which means that there are tons of adventures waiting for you and your family around every corner–think warm nights spent around the campfire, scenic hikes, lake dips, and best of all, yummy wild blueberry dishes! As the world begins to return to some semblance of normality and the kids start summer camp, you may be looking for some quick, kid-friendly snack ideas to keep their lunchboxes–and bellies–full. Add an extra dose of brain-healthy goodness to your kids’ lunches by adding a scoop of wild blueberries to some tried-and-true lunchbox favorites. 

Need some camp lunchbox recipe inspiration? We’ve got you covered.

Power your kid’s camp morning with Wild Blueberry French Toast Pinwheels.

If camp has an early morning start, these super packable Wild Blueberry French Toast Pinwheels are a great go-to. Just stick a toothpick in it, grab some Tupperware, and *BAM*, these bite-sized pinwheels are ready to travel with you wherever you go!

Your kids will love grabbing a big handful of this Dried Wild Blueberry and Almond Granola.

One thing we know for certain: granola is the best camp snack around. It’s so easy to pack and our Dried Wild Blueberry and Almond Granola recipe can be eaten with yogurt or by itself. It’s also a great calorie-dense option that will provide your kids with a tremendous amount of protein and fiber. Pack them something that tastes great and is super easy to scoop with their hands, straight out of the baggie. You can even get them involved in preparing this recipe. Easy peasy, wild blueberry squeezie (that’s the saying right?)!

Whip up some No-Bake Wild Blueberry Energy Bars to keep your kids going throughout the whole day!

Pack your kiddos some healthy and energizing No-Bake Wild Blueberry Energy Bars to help get them through their fun, but long, summer days at camp. This quick and easy recipe only requires an hour in the fridge, and then its ready to be packed away for a fun day in the sun. Limited parent time, kid taste tested and approved. 

Skip the sugary grocery store fruit roll-ups and make your own Wild Blueberry Fruit Leather.

This three-ingredient recipe is a healthy alternative to sugary, store-bought roll-up snacks your kids might already be familiar with. Transform delicious, frozen wild blueberries into a tasty yet chewy, Wild Blueberry Fruit Leather for the kids to snack on throughout the day. Packing your kiddos’ lunches with some wild blueberry goodness will help fuel their day with brain-healthy goodness. Did you know that research has found wild blueberries have significant positive effects in children on memory, decision-making, response times, concentration and mood? If you pack some of the above recipes, let us know which one your kids loved the most. Take a picture, share on social, and tag us Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share your kids *wild* camp experience!