What is the best brand of bilberry? A guide to informed choices for your nutrition diet

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 pilot study, a combination of bilberry extract and fish oil significantly improved symptoms in subjects with dry eye syndrome after three months. When considering what is the best brand of bilberry for your personal nutrition diet, the answer lies less in a specific name and more in understanding the quality indicators that signal a superior product.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the critical factors for choosing a high-quality bilberry supplement, focusing on species, anthocyanin standardization, and third-party testing, rather than anointing a single 'best' brand.

Key Points

Standardization is Key: Look for European bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) standardized to a high percentage of anthocyanins, with 36% being the ideal benchmark based on clinical studies.
Check for Third-Party Testing: Reputable brands use independent certifiers like USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF to verify potency and purity, which is crucial due to minimal FDA oversight.
Avoid Vague Labels: Steer clear of products labeled simply "bilberry powder" or "wild berry complex," as they may lack sufficient active compounds.
Consider Reputable Extracts: Patented extracts like Mirtoselect® are known for their high quality and concentration, serving as a sign of a trustworthy brand.
Prioritize Safety: Bilberry can interact with medications like blood thinners and diabetes drugs, so it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Verify the Species: Always check the supplement facts label to confirm the product contains Vaccinium myrtillus, the European bilberry species, not American huckleberry.

Quality over reputation: The right approach to choosing bilberry

Finding the "best" brand of any supplement, including bilberry, is a nuanced process. Because of varied manufacturing practices, ingredient sourcing, and potential lack of oversight, a product's reputation can change. Instead of relying on a single name, consumers should focus on key quality indicators to ensure they are getting a potent, safe, and effective product. This involves understanding what makes bilberry beneficial and how to verify its content.

Critical factors for selecting bilberry supplements

To make an informed decision, evaluate potential bilberry products against these essential criteria:

Source and Species: The most clinically-studied and potent bilberry is the European species, Vaccinium myrtillus. Some lower-quality products may use American blueberries or huckleberries, which have different properties and anthocyanin concentrations. Ensure the supplement facts label clearly lists Vaccinium myrtillus to avoid mislabeled products that may be less effective. Vague terms like "wild berry complex" should also be avoided.
Standardization of Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins are the active antioxidant compounds in bilberry responsible for its purported health benefits. A high-quality bilberry extract should be standardized to a specific percentage of anthocyanins. While 25% is a common benchmark, clinical benefits are often more consistent with extracts standardized to 36% anthocyanins, which is considered the gold standard. Look for this detail on the product label.
Third-Party Testing: Since the FDA does not regulate supplements for effectiveness or purity before they are sold, independent third-party testing is crucial for verifying a product's contents. Look for seals of approval from reputable organizations such as ConsumerLab, U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), or NSF International. These certifications help confirm that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants.
Reputable Extracts: Some manufacturers use proprietary, research-backed extracts. For instance, Mirtoselect®, from Indena in Italy, is a respected, patented bilberry extract known for its high concentration of anthocyanins and reliability. Seeing such a trademarked ingredient can be a strong indicator of quality.
Manufacturing Practices: Look for products from brands that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), which ensures consistency and quality control in production. This indicates a commitment to manufacturing standards that help guarantee the product is properly made.

Comparison of popular bilberry brands


Brand	Source Species	Anthocyanin Content	Third-Party Testing	Noteworthy Features
Life Extension	European (V. myrtillus)	Often uses Mirtoselect® standardized extract.	Sometimes tested, but verify specific product.	Uses premium, standardized extracts; frequently mentioned as high quality.
Nature's Way	European (V. myrtillus)	Premium extract available, check standardization on label.	Some products have certifications; verify via website.	Long-standing brand reputation; often vegan-friendly options.
Zazzee	European (V. myrtillus)	Standardized extract, specific percentage on label.	Often USDA Organic and GMP compliant.	20:1 concentrated organic extract; made in the USA.
NOW Foods	European (V. myrtillus)	Provides specific anthocyanin mg on label.	Third-party tested, GMP certified.	Often includes other synergistic ingredients like beta-carotene.

Note: This table is for comparative purposes only and does not constitute a specific endorsement. Always check the current product label for the most accurate information.

Potential health benefits of high-quality bilberry

Choosing a high-quality supplement can help maximize the benefits associated with bilberry consumption. The key lies in the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of its anthocyanins.

Eye Health: This is bilberry's most famous benefit. It may help with eye strain, fatigue, and adaptation to changes in light intensity. The purported ability to improve night vision, however, lacks strong, modern evidence. Bilberry has also been studied for conditions like dry eyes and diabetic retinopathy.
Cardiovascular and Circulatory Support: Bilberry anthocyanins may support the health of small blood vessels and capillaries throughout the body. Some research suggests benefits for cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and reducing inflammation in cardiovascular tissues.
Blood Sugar Regulation: While requiring more research, studies have indicated that bilberry extract may help lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin secretion. Caution is advised for those with diabetes due to potential interactions with medication.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: The powerful antioxidant properties of anthocyanins combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to various chronic diseases.
Digestive Health: Some evidence suggests bilberry may be useful for conditions like diarrhea and ulcerative colitis.

Dosage and safety

Bilberry fruit extracts are considered possibly safe for most people when taken in typical research doses, such as 160 mg daily for up to six months. However, bilberry leaves, often found in teas, can be unsafe in high doses or for extended periods.

Important considerations:

Medication Interactions: Bilberry can interact with blood-thinning medications (like warfarin) and diabetes medications, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding or causing blood sugar to drop too low.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Due to insufficient data, it's safest for pregnant or breastfeeding women to stick to food amounts rather than high-dose supplements.
Surgery: Stop taking bilberry at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery due to its effect on blood clotting.

Conclusion: Your best choice is an informed one

Ultimately, the question of what is the best brand of bilberry for your nutrition diet doesn't have a single, definitive answer. The "best" choice is the one that meets stringent quality criteria, aligning with what the science suggests about potency and purity. By prioritizing European bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) standardized to a high percentage of anthocyanins, and seeking out products certified by independent third-party testers, you can confidently select a supplement. Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen to ensure it's appropriate and safe for your health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A high-quality bilberry supplement should be standardized to a specific percentage of anthocyanins, the active compounds. While 25% is common, extracts standardized to 36% are often considered the gold standard for optimal benefits.

Third-party testing from organizations like USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF helps verify that a supplement contains the ingredients and potency listed on the label and is free from harmful contaminants. This is important for ensuring the product's safety and effectiveness.

European bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is the species with the most research supporting its benefits, particularly for eye health, due to its higher concentration of anthocyanins. American blueberries have different compounds and are less potent in this regard, so a supplement should specify Vaccinium myrtillus.

While fresh berries are a healthy addition to any diet, a standardized supplement is necessary to achieve the higher concentrations of anthocyanins used in clinical trials. A supplement provides a more concentrated and predictable dose.

You should be cautious about potential interactions with certain medications, including blood thinners and diabetes drugs. Bilberry can affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting.

It is generally recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid bilberry supplements in medicinal doses due to a lack of sufficient safety data. It is best to stick to consuming bilberries in food amounts and consult a doctor.

To check a brand's reputation, you can look for transparency regarding sourcing and manufacturing practices (like cGMP). Checking third-party testing databases (ConsumerLab, etc.) and reviewing customer feedback can also provide insights, but focus on the concrete quality indicators.