What is the ORAC value of black raspberries?

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Boasting an impressively high antioxidant capacity, the ORAC value of black raspberries can be over three times that of red raspberries, positioning them as a true powerhouse among berries. While ORAC values can fluctuate, the consistently high rating reflects the exceptional level of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, found in these dark-hued fruits.

Quick Summary

The ORAC value for black raspberries is exceptionally high, with some sources reporting over 19,000 per 100 grams, significantly higher than many other common berries. This high antioxidant capacity is attributed to their rich content of anthocyanins and other phytochemicals. The value can vary based on cultivar, ripeness, and testing methods, but black raspberries remain a top source of antioxidants.

Key Points

High Antioxidant Capacity: Black raspberries possess an exceptionally high ORAC value, often exceeding 19,000 µmol TE per 100g, placing them among the most antioxidant-rich fruits.
Anthocyanin-Rich: The deep black color is due to high concentrations of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants linked to heart and cognitive health.
Superior to Other Berries: Black raspberries have significantly higher ORAC values than red raspberries, cultivated blueberries, and blackberries.
Potential Health Benefits: Beyond antioxidants, black raspberries contain ellagic acid and fiber, offering potential anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting, and digestive health benefits.
Values Can Vary: It's important to note that specific ORAC values can differ based on the berry cultivar, its ripeness, and the testing methodology used.
Boosts Wellness: Incorporating black raspberries into your diet can help combat oxidative stress and support overall health due to their concentrated nutrient profile.

Understanding ORAC: The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity

ORAC, or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a metric used to measure the antioxidant capacity of different foods. Antioxidants are crucial compounds that help the body fight off free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage cells over time. A higher ORAC value indicates a food's greater ability to neutralize these free radicals, offering more protective benefits for the body. While ORAC values are no longer a primary standard used by the USDA due to their complexity, they remain a useful reference point for comparing the antioxidant potential of different foods.

The remarkable ORAC value of black raspberries

The ORAC value of black raspberries, also known as blackcaps, is notably high and consistently places them among the top-tier fruits for antioxidant content. Specific values can vary widely depending on the source and testing methods used, but they consistently outperform many other popular berries. For example, some sources cite a value as high as 19,220 µmol TE per 100 grams for fresh black raspberries. Another source reports a value of 77 µmol TE per gram, which translates to 7,700 µmol TE per 100 grams. Variations in these values can stem from factors like growing conditions, ripeness at harvest, and the particular cultivar being tested. However, the key takeaway is that black raspberries possess an exceptional antioxidant level.

Key compounds behind black raspberries' high ORAC

The impressive antioxidant activity of black raspberries is largely due to specific bioactive compounds they contain. These include:

Anthocyanins: These flavonoid pigments are responsible for the berry's deep, dark color and are potent antioxidants. Black raspberries are especially rich in anthocyanins, which have been studied for their potential to support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Ellagic Acid: A powerful compound that has demonstrated anti-cancer, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory and animal studies.
Other Phenolics: The fruit also contains other phenolic acids and flavonoids, such as quercetin, gallic acid, and rutin, which contribute to its overall antioxidant profile.

A comparison of black raspberry ORAC values to other berries

To put the black raspberry's antioxidant strength into perspective, it is useful to compare its ORAC value to that of other common berries. The following table highlights the significant differences:


Fruit (per 100g)	Approximate ORAC Value (µmol TE)	Key Antioxidants
Black Raspberry	19,220	Anthocyanins, Ellagic Acid
Wild Blueberry	9,621	Anthocyanins
Cranberry	9,090	Flavonoids
Blackberry	5,905	Anthocyanins, Ellagic Acid
Red Raspberry	5,065	Anthocyanins, Ellagic Acid
Cultivated Blueberry	4,669	Anthocyanins
Strawberry	4,302	Anthocyanins, Vitamin C

Note: ORAC values can vary based on growing conditions, cultivar, and testing methods.

More than just antioxidants

While a high ORAC value is a key feature, black raspberries offer numerous other health benefits stemming from their robust nutritional profile. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, contributing to overall wellness in multiple ways:

Cardiovascular Health: The high antioxidant content, especially anthocyanins, helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are major factors in heart disease.
Cognitive Function: Research suggests that the polyphenols in black raspberries can support brain health, potentially improving memory and protecting against cognitive decline.
Digestive Health: High in dietary fiber, black raspberries promote a healthy digestive system and aid in regulating blood sugar levels.
Cancer-Fighting Properties: Studies have shown that the compounds in black raspberries, like ellagic acid, can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in preclinical models. This area of research is promising, with clinical trials exploring their potential for cancer prevention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ORAC value of black raspberries is exceptionally high, solidifying their reputation as a potent source of antioxidants. While ORAC is one metric, the high levels of anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and other beneficial compounds present in these berries offer a compelling case for their inclusion in a healthy diet. The extensive research into their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular-supportive properties further highlights their value far beyond just their ORAC score. When compared to more common berries, black raspberries stand out as a nutritional powerhouse, making them a smart choice for boosting your antioxidant intake. For more detailed information on their use in clinical research, consult this comprehensive review: Black raspberries in cancer clinical trials: Past, present and future.

Frequently Asked Questions

A high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value indicates that a food has a high level of antioxidant activity, meaning it is better at neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells in the body.

Black raspberries have a significantly higher ORAC value than red raspberries. Some data suggests they possess an antioxidant capacity more than three times greater than red raspberries.

Yes, black raspberries generally have a much higher ORAC value than both wild and cultivated blueberries, indicating superior antioxidant content per serving.

The high ORAC value is largely due to the high concentration of anthocyanins, the flavonoid pigments responsible for the berries' dark color. Other compounds like ellagic acid also play a role.

No, ORAC is just one metric for antioxidant capacity. It does not account for all health benefits, such as those derived from fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods is key to overall health.

No, they are distinct species. A key difference is that black raspberries are hollow when picked, while blackberries retain their core. They also have different ORAC values.

Due to their high antioxidant content, black raspberries are associated with anti-inflammatory effects, potential cancer prevention, improved cardiovascular health, and cognitive function.