What is the difference between Concord grapes and regular grapes?

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Native to North America, Concord grapes are a distinct variety, possessing a unique flavor and texture that sets them apart from the 'regular' table grapes commonly found in grocery stores. The primary difference between Concord grapes and regular grapes is their use, as Concords are primarily for processing while table grapes are for snacking.

Quick Summary

Concord grapes offer a bold, sweet-tart taste and thick, easily separable skin, unlike the milder, crisp texture of common table grapes. Their usage also differs, with Concords being best for juice and jelly while table grapes are for snacking.

Key Points

Origin: Concord grapes are a native North American variety (Vitis labrusca), while most regular table grapes are of European descent (Vitis vinifera).
Flavor Profile: Concords have a robust, sweet-tart, 'foxy' flavor, which is a key component of classic purple grape juice.
Texture and Skin: Concords have a thick skin that easily separates from the pulp (slip-skin), while regular table grapes have a thin, attached skin.
Seeds: Most Concord grapes contain large seeds, whereas most commercial table grapes are bred to be seedless.
Culinary Use: Concords are primarily used for making juice, jelly, and jam, while table grapes are best for fresh eating and snacking.
Antioxidants: Dark purple Concord grapes are particularly high in antioxidants like anthocyanins, often containing more than regular red or green grapes.
Availability: Concords are seasonal and less common in grocery stores compared to regular table grapes, which are widely available year-round.

The Family Tree: Concord vs. Table Grapes

Understanding the origins of grapes is key to grasping the core difference between Concord and regular varieties. The Concord grape is a cultivar derived from the species Vitis labrusca, also known as the fox grape, which is native to North America. The 'regular' grapes you find in most grocery stores, such as Thompson Seedless or Crimson Seedless, are typically varieties of the European species Vitis vinifera or modern hybrids bred from them.

The Concord was developed in 1849 by Ephraim Wales Bull in Concord, Massachusetts, who bred it from a wild Vitis labrusca vine. This lineage gives Concord grapes their specific characteristics, like hardiness and pest resistance. In contrast, table grapes have been cultivated over millennia to maximize traits desirable for fresh consumption, such as thin skin and a crisp bite. This foundational species difference dictates most of their distinguishing features.

A Tale of Two Flavors and Textures

For many, the most striking difference between Concord and regular grapes is the taste and texture. If you've ever had purple grape jelly or grape-flavored candy, you're familiar with the signature 'foxy' flavor of a Concord grape—an intense, sweet-tart profile with a robust aroma. This flavor is a result of the compound methyl anthranilate, which gives them their distinctive character.

Texture-wise, Concords have a thick, chewy skin that easily slips off the fleshy pulp, a trait known as 'slip-skin'. Inside, they contain large, noticeable seeds. Many people enjoy eating them fresh by squeezing the pulp into their mouth and discarding the skin and seeds, similar to how one might eat oysters.

Regular table grapes, on the other hand, offer a much milder, sweeter flavor. Their skin is thin and firmly attached to the flesh, and most commercial varieties are bred to be seedless for convenience. When you bite into a regular grape, you experience a firm, crisp texture that holds its shape, making it ideal for casual snacking.

Primary Purpose and Culinary Uses

Given their distinct characteristics, Concord and regular grapes are used for very different purposes in the kitchen.

Concord Grapes are Primarily for Processing

Juice: The bold, consistent flavor of Concord grapes makes them the primary choice for producing the classic purple grape juice. Dr. Thomas Welch famously developed the first Concord grape juice in 1869.
Jelly and Jam: The classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich is made possible by Concord grapes. Their robust flavor is perfect for processing into spreads.
Wine: While not as common as table grape varieties, Concords are used to make sweet wines, including kosher and sacramental wine.
Flavoring: Their iconic taste is often replicated in artificial grape-flavored soft drinks and candies.

Regular Grapes are Made for Snacking

Fresh Eating: The thin skin, crisp texture, and lack of seeds make table grapes perfect for fresh snacking, packing in school lunches, or adding to fruit salads.
Culinary Versatility: Their mild flavor makes them a versatile ingredient that doesn't overpower other components in dishes. They can be roasted, frozen, or added to savory dishes.
Raisins: Table grapes like Thompson Seedless are dried to produce raisins.

Nutritional Nuances and Antioxidants

Both Concord and regular grapes are good sources of vitamins and antioxidants, but their specific nutrient profiles can differ slightly. Concord grapes, with their deep purple skin, are particularly rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins. Studies have shown that Concord grapes and their juice may contain significantly higher levels of antioxidants than red or green grapes. Anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds in grapes have been linked to potential health benefits, including cardiovascular support and anti-inflammatory effects. While many regular grapes also contain beneficial compounds, the concentration can vary by color and variety. For instance, red table grapes also have resveratrol, but darker Concord grapes are noted for their high antioxidant content.

Concord vs. Regular Grapes: A Comparison Table


Feature	Concord Grapes	Regular Grapes (Table Grapes)
Species	Vitis labrusca (North American)	Primarily Vitis vinifera (European)
Origin	Concord, Massachusetts	Global, diverse varieties
Flavor	Strong, sweet-tart, 'foxy'	Mild and consistently sweet
Skin	Thick, chewy, 'slip-skin'	Thin, edible, attached to pulp
Seeds	Contains large seeds	Often seedless
Texture	Soft, juicy pulp	Firm and crisp
Primary Use	Juice, jelly, jam, wine	Fresh snacking, salads
Availability	Seasonal (fall), regional markets	Widely available year-round
Antioxidants	Very high, especially anthocyanins	Present, concentration varies by color

Which Grape is Right for You?

Choosing between Concord and regular grapes depends entirely on your intended use. If you want the authentic taste of grape juice, or are making your own jelly, Concord grapes are the undeniable choice. Their unique flavor profile, high antioxidant content, and 'slip-skin' texture are exactly what makes them a powerhouse for processing. If you prefer a convenient, crisp, and mildly sweet snack for yourself or your family, the seedless regular table grapes from the grocery store aisle will be your best bet. While you can eat Concords fresh, their seeds and tougher skin make them a less comfortable snacking experience for many. Ultimately, both varieties offer a delicious and healthy fruit experience, each excelling in its own niche. Embracing their differences allows you to appreciate the versatility of this fruit family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can eat Concord grapes fresh, but their thick, 'slip-skin' and large seeds make them less ideal for casual snacking than regular table grapes. Many people squeeze the pulp out and discard the skin and seeds.

Concord grapes are not widely sold in fresh produce sections because their delicate skin and soft texture make them difficult to ship long distances without damage. They are primarily grown for processing into juices and jellies.

Concord grapes get their distinct flavor from a naturally occurring compound called methyl anthranilate. This is the flavor that is commonly associated with artificially flavored 'grape' candy and drinks.

Both grapes offer nutritional benefits, but due to their deep purple skin, Concord grapes are often higher in specific antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. These have been linked to anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.

No, not all purple grapes are Concords. There are many other purple grape varieties, including some table grapes. Concord grapes are a specific, named variety with a unique set of characteristics.

Slip-skin refers to the thick skin of Concord grapes that easily separates from the fleshy pulp when squeezed. This is a defining characteristic of the Vitis labrusca species.

Yes, Concord grapes can be used to make wine. They are particularly used for sweet, aromatic wines, including sacramental and kosher wine, rather than the drier varieties typically made from European wine grapes.

The Concord grape was developed in 1849 by Ephraim Wales Bull in Concord, Massachusetts. He bred the grape from a wild North American native species to withstand the harsh New England climate.