What's the best fruit to eat with gout?

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, individuals with gout who consumed cherries experienced a 35% lower risk of gout attacks compared to those who did not. This evidence points to how certain fruit can be the best fruit to eat with gout, providing powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help manage symptoms.

Quick Summary

Cherries, citrus fruits, and berries are top choices for a gout-friendly diet due to their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to lower uric acid levels. Selecting whole fruits over juices is important, and staying hydrated complements the dietary benefits.

Key Points

Cherries Lead the Way: Extensive research, including a study showing a 35% lower risk of gout attacks, supports the consumption of cherries due to their anti-inflammatory anthocyanins.
Prioritize Whole Fruit: The fiber in whole fruits helps offset the fructose content. Avoid or limit fruit juices and sweetened beverages, which contain concentrated fructose and can increase uric acid levels.
Embrace Vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and kiwis, as well as berries and pineapples, are excellent sources of vitamin C, which aids the body in flushing out uric acid.
Stay Well Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is fundamental to any gout management plan, as it helps the kidneys excrete excess uric acid from your system.
Incorporate Low-Purine Options: Fruits like bananas and apples are naturally low in purines and rich in beneficial nutrients and fiber that can support a balanced gout-friendly diet.
Watch for Medication Interactions: Individuals taking colchicine should avoid grapefruit, as it can interact with the medication. Always consult your doctor regarding dietary changes.

Understanding the Gout and Fruit Connection

Gout is a painful form of arthritis caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines, substances found naturally in certain foods. While some foods are high in purines and should be limited, fruits generally contain low amounts. Furthermore, many fruits offer anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that can actively help lower uric acid levels and reduce inflammation associated with gout attacks.

The Best Fruits for Managing Gout

Cherries: A Top Contender for Gout Management

Cherries, especially tart varieties like Montmorency, are perhaps the most well-researched fruit for gout. Their deep red and purple color comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects. Numerous studies have shown that consuming fresh cherries, tart cherry juice, or cherry extract can significantly lower serum uric acid levels and decrease the risk of gout attacks. One study even found that combining cherry intake with a common gout medication, allopurinol, resulted in a 75% lower risk of attacks compared to using neither.

Vitamin C-Rich Citrus and Berries

Fruits packed with vitamin C are another excellent choice for a gout diet. Research indicates that higher vitamin C intake is linked to lower uric acid levels.

Strawberries and Blueberries: These berries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Their low fructose content makes them a particularly good option for managing uric acid levels without the sugar spike associated with other sugary foods.
Oranges, Grapefruit, and Kiwi: Citrus fruits are famously high in vitamin C. Opt for whole fruits rather than juice, as the fiber helps mitigate the effects of natural sugars. A single kiwi offers more vitamin C than two oranges. Note: If you take colchicine, a common gout medication, you should avoid grapefruit due to potential drug interactions.

Other Gout-Friendly Fruits

Bananas: These are very low in purines and contain vitamin C and potassium, which can help support proper kidney function and the excretion of uric acid.
Apples: A good source of dietary fiber and malic acid, which helps neutralize uric acid. Eating whole apples is recommended to get the fiber benefits. Pears also offer similar nutritional advantages.
Pineapple: Contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties, and is a good source of vitamin C.

The Crucial Distinction: Whole Fruit vs. Juice

When adding fruit to your diet, it's vital to choose whole fruit over fruit juice. This is because fruit juice contains concentrated fructose, a natural sugar that the body breaks down into purines. Consuming large amounts of fruit juice can lead to increased uric acid levels and an elevated risk of gout flares, whereas the fiber in whole fruit can help mitigate this effect.

Comparison of Gout-Friendly Fruits


Fruit	Key Benefits for Gout	Primary Uric Acid Effect	Recommended Form	Caution
Cherries	Rich in anti-inflammatory anthocyanins; strong research link to reduced flares	Lowers serum uric acid and inflammation	Fresh, frozen, tart cherry juice concentrate	Choose unsweetened juice to avoid high fructose
Berries	High in vitamin C and antioxidants; generally lower in fructose	Helps lower uric acid levels	Fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries	Ensure berries are not sweetened if frozen or canned
Citrus	Excellent source of vitamin C	Aids the body in flushing out uric acid	Whole fruit (oranges, kiwi, lemons)	Avoid grapefruit with colchicine; limit high-fructose options
Bananas	Low in purines; provides potassium and vitamin C	Low-purine intake helps reduce uric acid production	Whole fruit	Moderate intake due to fructose content, especially if sensitive

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Gout

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage gout. It helps the kidneys flush excess uric acid from the body.
Avoid Sugary Drinks: Steer clear of sodas, sweetened teas, and other beverages containing high-fructose corn syrup, as they are known to spike uric acid levels.
Combine with Other Healthy Foods: A diet focused on fruits should be balanced with other low-purine foods like low-fat dairy, whole grains, and plant-based proteins such as legumes and nuts.
Consult a Professional: Always speak with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you are on medication for gout. You can find more comprehensive advice on managing gout from the Arthritis Foundation.

Conclusion

While no single food can cure gout, strategic dietary choices can significantly help manage the condition and reduce flare-ups. Cherries, due to their rich anthocyanin content, stand out as particularly beneficial. Incorporating other low-fructose, vitamin C-rich fruits like strawberries and citrus, along with staying properly hydrated, forms a powerful and natural strategy for supporting your gout treatment plan and improving your overall joint health.

Sources

Arthritis Foundation: Gout Diet Dos and Don'ts
Cherry Consumption and the Risk of Recurrent Gout Attacks (PMC)
Everyday Health: 5 Fruits to Help Manage Gout
Arthritis Foundation: Are Cherries a Cure for Gout?
Medical News Today: Bananas and gout: What effect do they have?

Frequently Asked Questions

It is generally advised to limit or avoid fruit juices. They contain concentrated fructose, a type of sugar that can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks. Whole fruits are preferred because their fiber content helps mitigate the effects of natural sugars.

While studies show a benefit, an exact regimen isn't standardized. Research has indicated that consuming cherries over a two-day period was associated with a lower risk of attacks. Consistent intake as part of a healthy diet may be beneficial.

While most whole fruits are fine for gout, moderation is important, especially for those higher in fructose. However, the high sugar content in processed items like sugary fruit cups or beverages with high-fructose corn syrup is a more significant concern for increasing uric acid.

No, bananas are very low in purines and are generally considered a safe fruit for individuals with gout. They contain beneficial vitamin C and potassium. Some research suggests high amounts of fructose might be a factor for some individuals, but the fructose content in whole bananas is generally not an issue for most.

No, eating fruit alone cannot cure gout. A healthy diet, including beneficial fruits, can be a supportive part of a broader management plan that often includes medication prescribed by a doctor. Dietary changes are not a substitute for medical treatment.

Yes, berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are excellent choices. They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and are generally low in fructose, helping to lower uric acid and reduce inflammation.

Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and kiwis are all great options due to their high vitamin C content, which helps excrete uric acid. Remember to stick to whole fruit and avoid grapefruit if taking colchicine.