Can You Put Frozen Blueberries and Raspberries in Your Water?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to a 2019 study published in BMC Public Health, frozen berries are a known potential source of foodborne illnesses like Norovirus and Hepatitis A, making safe handling crucial before consumption. While adding frozen berries to water can offer a flavorful and refreshing hydration boost, it is essential to understand the proper safety precautions and preparation methods to minimize any associated health risks.

Quick Summary

Yes, you can add frozen berries to water for flavor, but safe consumption requires boiling imported frozen berries first to eliminate potential viral contamination. This simple step ensures a delicious, refreshing drink without risk. The process of making infused water with frozen fruit is simple and offers a cold beverage with natural, subtle sweetness.

Key Points

Safety is Paramount: Always boil imported frozen berries for one minute to eliminate potential viruses like Hepatitis A and Norovirus before consumption.
Enhanced Hydration: Adding frozen berries to water creates a naturally flavored, low-calorie beverage that can help increase daily water intake.
Flavor Infusion: Frozen berries release flavor more gradually than fresh ones and keep your drink cold without dilution, acting as natural ice cubes.
Preparation Options: Use fresh berries for a faster, more immediate flavor release, or domestically frozen berries if you prefer not to boil.
DIY & Customizable: Infused water is a simple, cost-effective alternative to sugary drinks, allowing you to control ingredients and experiment with flavor combinations like mint or lemon.
Texture Changes: Be aware that frozen berries will become soft and mushy as they thaw, which may alter the final texture of your drink.

The Refreshing Benefits of Berry-Infused Water

Adding frozen blueberries and raspberries to water is a popular method for creating naturally flavored, sugar-free drinks. The gradual thawing of the berries adds a subtle, sweet, and tangy essence to plain water, making hydration more appealing. Unlike store-bought flavored waters, this DIY approach allows for complete control over ingredients, avoiding artificial sweeteners, colors, and excess calories. The fruits also impart a small amount of vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, into the water.

Flavor Infusion and Texture

When using frozen fruit, the flavor infusion is more gradual compared to fresh fruit, but it also helps to keep your drink cold without watering it down like ice cubes. As the berries thaw, their cell walls break down, releasing more juice and color into the water. This can result in a deeper flavor over time, with the berries themselves becoming soft enough to eat. To achieve a stronger flavor, you can let the fruit infuse for a few hours in the refrigerator, or even overnight.

The Critical Importance of Food Safety

While frozen fruit offers convenience, certain imported frozen berries have been linked to outbreaks of foodborne viruses, including Norovirus and Hepatitis A. These viruses can survive freezing and washing, making simple rinsing ineffective. Authorities in multiple regions, including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the New Zealand government, recommend boiling imported frozen berries for one minute to destroy any potential viruses.

To ensure your infused water is safe, follow these steps:

Source your berries: Purchase frozen berries from reputable brands with clear origin information. If the origin is unclear, assume they are imported.
Boil imported berries: If using imported frozen berries, boil them in a small amount of water for at least one minute, then chill the boiled berries before adding them to your water.
Choose fresh or domestic: For a raw, un-boiled option, use fresh berries or verified domestically grown and frozen berries, which generally carry a lower risk of specific viral contamination.
Wash thoroughly: Always wash fresh berries thoroughly under running water before use.

Comparing Fresh vs. Frozen Berries for Water Infusion

Choosing between fresh and frozen berries for your infused water depends on your flavor and safety preferences. Here is a comparison to help you decide:


Feature	Frozen Berries	Fresh Berries
Flavor Release	Slower release; deepens over time as they thaw.	Faster release; flavor is often more immediate and vibrant.
Cooling Effect	Acts as ice cubes, keeping water chilled without dilution.	No cooling effect; requires additional ice to chill the water.
Texture Post-Infusion	Softer and often mushier, may break apart in the water.	Maintains a firmer texture, making them more enjoyable to eat afterward.
Food Safety	Imported variants require boiling to eliminate viral risks.	Generally considered safer to consume raw after a thorough wash.
Aesthetics	Adds a vibrant, colored tint to the water as they thaw.	Offers a visually appealing and intact fruit garnish.

A Simple Berry-Infused Water Recipe

To create a safe and delicious infused water, follow this easy guide:

Prepare berries: If using imported frozen berries, boil them for one minute, then let them cool completely. If using fresh or domestic frozen berries, simply rinse them under cold water.
Combine ingredients: Add approximately 1/2 to 1 cup of prepared frozen blueberries and raspberries to a 1-liter pitcher or glass.
Add water: Fill the pitcher with cold, filtered water.
Infuse: For a light flavor, let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense taste, refrigerate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight.
Serve and enjoy: Pour over ice, or simply enjoy the chilled, naturally flavored water as is. You can eat the fruit afterward, or reuse it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Additional Flavor Variations

To elevate your berry-infused water, consider these combinations:

Citrus twist: Add slices of fresh lemon or lime with your berries for a zesty kick.
Herbal refreshment: A few sprigs of fresh mint or basil can add an aromatic depth to the berry flavor.
Spicy undertones: For a unique profile, include a thin slice of ginger or a small piece of cinnamon stick.

Conclusion: Savor the Flavor, Prioritize Safety

In conclusion, putting frozen blueberries and raspberries in your water is an excellent way to enhance flavor and boost hydration without added sugars or artificial ingredients. The berries not only release a subtle, refreshing taste but also add a small nutritional punch. However, consumer safety must always be the top priority. The simple act of boiling imported frozen berries, or choosing fresh or domestic alternatives, ensures that you can enjoy this healthy, homemade beverage worry-free. By following safe preparation practices, you can confidently indulge in delicious, naturally flavored water and make hydration a treat rather than a chore.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the berries are imported, it is not safe to add them directly to water without boiling. Freezing does not kill viruses like Hepatitis A or Norovirus, which have been found in some imported frozen berries. It is highly recommended to boil imported frozen berries for one minute to ensure safety.

Frozen berries release their flavor more slowly and gradually as they thaw, while fresh berries release their flavor more quickly. Freezing breaks down the berry's cell walls, which allows more juice and color to seep into the water over time.

Yes, you can eat the berries after they have infused the water, provided they were safely prepared (boiled if imported, or fresh/domestic). The berries will be soft and may have less flavor, but are perfectly safe to consume.

For optimal freshness and safety, fruit-infused water should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours. If you remove the fruit after 24 hours, the water can last up to three days.

For a stronger flavor, let the water infuse in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or even overnight. You can also gently muddle or press the berries against the side of the container with a spoon to help release more juice.

Infusing water with frozen berries adds minimal calories and natural sugars, unlike commercial juices or sodas. It provides a healthier, low-calorie alternative to artificially sweetened beverages.

The advice to boil primarily applies to imported frozen berries, which have been linked to specific viral outbreaks. It is best practice to be mindful of the origin of any frozen produce. For general food safety, always follow safe handling guidelines.