Is Ribena Blueberry? Unpacking the Berry Behind the Beloved Drink

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Since its creation in 1938, Ribena has been a household name, but a common misconception persists about its primary fruit. While its rich, deep purple colour may lead some to ask, "Is Ribena blueberry?", the answer is rooted in its very name and origins.

Quick Summary

Ribena is not a blueberry drink; it is primarily and traditionally made from blackcurrants. The brand's name even derives from the botanical name for blackcurrants, Ribes nigrum. While a short-lived blueberry variant was introduced in the mid-2000s, it did not replace the classic blackcurrant formulation.

Key Points

Not Blueberry: Ribena's classic and traditional flavour comes from blackcurrants, not blueberries.
Name Origin: The brand name 'Ribena' is derived from the blackcurrant's botanical name, Ribes nigrum.
Wartime Vitamin C: Ribena was a crucial source of vitamin C for children in the UK during World War II.
Brief Blueberry Variant: A blueberry flavour of Ribena was released in the mid-2000s but was a limited edition and has been discontinued.
Distinct Flavour: Blackcurrants offer a tart and rich flavour profile, different from the sweeter taste of blueberries.
Primarily British Blackcurrants: The majority of blackcurrants used in Ribena are sourced from British farms.

The Truth Behind the Colour: Ribena's Blackcurrant Heritage

Despite its deep purple hue, Ribena's signature flavour comes from blackcurrants, not blueberries. The brand's name itself offers a direct clue, being derived from Ribes nigrum, the Latin botanical name for blackcurrants. This connection dates back to the drink's creation in 1938 by biochemist Vernon Charley, who developed the fruit syrup specifically for its high vitamin C content. During World War II, Ribena became a vital source of vitamin C, provided to children by the government when other fruit sources like oranges were scarce. This rich history is a testament to the drink's enduring blackcurrant core.

Why the Confusion? Addressing the Blueberry Myth

The question "Is Ribena blueberry?" likely stems from several factors. Blueberry is a popular flavour in many fruit drinks, and its purple colour can cause visual confusion. Furthermore, Ribena did briefly explore other flavour options, including a limited-edition blueberry variety launched in the mid-2000s. This release, coupled with the brand's exploration of other fruits like strawberry, orange, and pomegranate, may have blurred the lines for some consumers. However, this variant was a flavour extension, not a replacement for the classic, and has since been discontinued. The blackcurrant is the flavour that has been consistently at the heart of the Ribena brand for generations.

The Nutritional and Flavor Profile of Blackcurrants

The flavour of blackcurrants is distinct from blueberries. Blackcurrants are known for a robust, tart, and slightly musky taste, which contrasts with the milder, sweeter flavour of blueberries. Nutritionally, blackcurrants are exceptionally rich in vitamin C, a quality that was central to Ribena's original purpose. A single serving of Ribena can provide 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.

Key Stages of Ribena Production

Ribena's production process, which primarily uses British-grown blackcurrants, is a testament to its commitment to its core ingredient.

Breeding: Ribena works with the James Hutton Institute to develop robust blackcurrant varieties.
Harvesting: Blackcurrants are harvested and transported for processing within 24 hours of being picked to ensure freshness.
Processing: The berries are washed, mashed, and pressed to extract the juice, which is then filtered and pasteurised.
Blending and Bottling: The concentrate is blended with other ingredients, aromas are added back, and the drink is bottled.
Sustainability: Ribena works with British farmers to produce a significant portion of the country's blackcurrant crop and has made strides in sustainability, using 100% recycled plastic bottles since 2007.

Ribena vs. a Hypothetical Blueberry Drink


Feature	Ribena (Classic Blackcurrant)	Hypothetical Blueberry Drink
Primary Fruit	Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum)	Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Flavour Profile	Tart, rich, and slightly astringent	Milder, sweeter, and sometimes less complex
Colour	Deep purple to almost black	Purple to blue, often with a brighter tone
Vitamin C Content	High; traditionally a key selling point	Varies; typically lower than blackcurrants
Market Presence	Iconic and long-standing brand, particularly in the UK	Common fruit flavour used by many brands
Historical Significance	Developed as a vitamin C source during WWII	No similar wartime heritage

Conclusion: The Blackcurrant Legacy Endures

To conclude, the answer to the question "Is Ribena blueberry?" is a clear no, with the drink’s history and even its name affirming its blackcurrant identity. While a blueberry variant did exist for a time, it was a short-term diversification rather than a change to the core product. The distinctive flavour and heritage of Ribena are intrinsically linked to the blackcurrant, a fact that remains true even as the brand has innovated over the decades. The blackcurrant's unique taste and high vitamin C content define the product that has been loved by generations.

Outbound Link: For more details on the blackcurrant's journey from bush to bottle, you can visit the Suntory Beverage & Food Europe website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ribena's signature and traditional flavour is made from blackcurrants. The brand's name comes from Ribes nigrum, the Latin name for blackcurrants.

Yes, a blueberry variant was introduced in the mid-2000s as a limited edition, alongside other flavours like strawberry. However, it was not the original flavour and has since been discontinued.

The name 'Ribena' was derived from the blackcurrant's botanical name, Ribes nigrum. It was first used in 1938 when the drink was commercialised.

Ribena is known for its blackcurrants because it has been made with them since its inception in 1938. The fruit is exceptionally high in vitamin C, which was a key reason for the drink's development and distribution.

Yes, blackcurrants have a distinctly tart and more robust flavour compared to the milder and sweeter taste of blueberries.

Yes, the manufacturer works with British farmers to grow the blackcurrants, using a significant portion of the UK's blackcurrant crop.

The confusion can arise from the deep purple colour of blackcurrant Ribena, which can look similar to a blueberry drink. Additionally, the existence of a past, limited-edition blueberry variant added to the potential for misunderstanding.