Nutrition Facts Fruit and Vegetables Aronia Berry Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits By Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Malia Frey is a weight loss expert, certified health coach, weight management specialist, personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 22, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Ayana Habtemariam, MSW, RDN, LDN Medically reviewed by Ayana Habtemariam, MSW, RDN, LDN Facebook Ayana Habtemariam, MSW, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian, nutrition therapist, certified intuitive eating counselor, and macro social worker. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print DirkRietschel / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Nutrition Facts Health Benefits Allergies Adverse Effects Varieties When It’s Best Storage and Food Safety How to Prepare The aronia berry (Aronia melanocarpa) is the fruit of the small Aronia tree that is native to Eastern Canada and the Eastern United States. The fruit is also sometimes called chokeberry or black chokeberry. It is often confused with a similar fruit called the chokecherry. Aronia berries provide some fiber but a single serving is not a good source of any vitamins or minerals. Even though many describe aronia berries as being too astringent to eat, the fruit is still consumed in foods and beverages for its purported health benefits. While there are some studies supporting the use of aronia berries for better health, not all of the health claims are supported by science. Aronia Berry Nutrition Facts A one-quarter cup serving (12g) of microdried aronia berries provides 45 calories, 0g of protein, 10g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fat. This nutrition information is provided by the USDA. The USDA only provides nutritional information for the fruit in microdried and juice form, not for fresh berries. Calories: 45Fat: 0gSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 10gSugars: 3gFiber: 3gProtein: 0gCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.36mg Carbs Most of the calories in a quarter-cup serving of aronia berries are carbohydrates. You'll consume 10 grams of carbs in a serving. Three grams of those carbohydrate calories are naturally occurring sugars and 3 grams are fiber. Fats There is no fat in a quarter cup serving of aronia berries. Protein Aronia berries are not a source of protein. Vitamins and Minerals According to USDA data, aronia berries provide 20mg of calcium or 2% of the daily value (DV) provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A serving also provides 0.36mg of iron, also 2% of the daily value. Other research sources suggest that aronia berries provide vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B, and vitamin K, although specific amounts are not indicated. According to one published report, the composition and health value of this fruit depends on many factors, including the variety, maturity, environmental and climatic conditions present where the berries are grown. Calories A one-quarter cup serving (12g) of microdried aronia berries provides 45 calories. Summary Standardized nutritional information for aronia berries is not widely available, but the USDA reports that the fruit is low in calories and free from fat, protein, and sodium. The fruit provides small amounts of calcium and iron. Health Benefits Aronia berries are commonly eaten as a food in Russia and parts of Eastern Europe. Consumers in other parts of the world consume the berries in different forms to manage health conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other conditions. But scientific evidence to support these uses is limited. Potential for Disease Prevention Aronia berries are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially polyphenols, such as phenolic acids (neo chlorogenic and chlorogenic acids) and flavonoids (anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and flavonols). Polyphenols are known to promote good health in a variety of ways. These compounds may help protect the body against certain diseases including metabolic disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. However, scientists also acknowledge that the polyphenols in aronia berries vary depending on the particular cultivar, level of fruit ripeness, the growing locality, and climatic conditions. It is also not known how much of the polyphenols are absorbed by the body when aronia berries are consumed. So while there is potential for the fruit to provide certain health-boosting properties, it is not known if they have a measurable impact on any disease. May Decrease Blood Pressure Scientists are trying to understand how aronia berries may be able to aid in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). A promising animal study published in 2017 suggested that active substances in aronia berries may have a positive effect on blood pressure. Studies showing this effect in humans are limited. One study conducted in 2007 showed that an aronia berry extract combined with statins helped reduce blood pressure in patients after a heart attack. An older study demonstrated a similar effect in patients with a history of heart attacks. But both studies had limitations and more recent studies haven't been conducted. Further studies need to be undertaken before scientists can know for sure if or how consuming the berries can impact blood pressure. May Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections There is limited evidence that drinking aronia berry juice may help to prevent urinary tract infections in older patients. In one study, residents of a nursing home were followed for six months. One group consumed aronia berry juice for three months, then a placebo for the next three months. A second group did the reverse, consuming a placebo for three months and aronia berry juice for the following three months. Scientists saw a significant decrease in urinary tract infections in both groups during the period when they consumed aronia berry juice. May Help Lower Cholesterol Some preliminary evidence suggests that aronia berries may help lower LDL cholesterol. But the limited evidence has not been consistent and only a few trials have been conducted on humans. For example, one older study conducted on men with mild high cholesterol showed that drinking aronia berry juice (250 mL daily) might decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels when compared to baseline. But the results were not consistent from one phase of the trial to the next. Also, the study was limited; there were only 35 participants and they were only followed for six weeks. A 2017 study suggested that aronia berries can help to lower total and LDL cholesterol. The study was limited to just 49 participants over a 12-week span and all of the participants were former smokers. However, a 2019 study could not confirm these results. In a four-week intervention where volunteers consumed chokeberry juice (100 mL per day) with a high dose of polyphenols, researchers did not see a reduction in total or LDL cholesterol. May Assist With Diabetes Management Several studies have examined aronia berries, aronia berry juice, or aronia berry extract and the management of diabetes. Authors of one large research review concluded that the berries "effectively improve glucose metabolism, so they seem to be a good choice in the treatment of diabetes." However, most of the studies cited to were in vitro studies, not research conducted on humans. One other review published in Frontiers in Nutrition proposed that aronia berries have antidiabetic properties. Authors of that study cited both human trials and rodent studies to support their conclusion, although human trials were limited. Allergies Reports of an aronia berry allergy are lacking. However, there are reports of cross-reactivity between other types of berries including blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. It is not known if someone who is allergic to those berries might experience a reaction when exposed to aronia berries. Both blackberries and aronia berries are members of the Rosaceae family, so there is potential that those who are allergic to blackberries may experience a reaction when consuming aronia berries. Adverse Effects There are limited studies investigating the safety of aronia berries. Experts advise that consuming the berries orally is possibly safe. According to the Therapeutic Research Center, capsules and juices containing chokeberry have been used with apparent safety in clinical studies lasting up to 90 days. There is not enough evidence to indicate an appropriate dose of aronia berry or aronia berry juice. Amounts ranging from 100 milliliters to 250 milliliters of juice have been studied without adverse events or side effects. Side effects from consuming aronia berries or aronia berry juice are rare but may include constipation or diarrhea. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to avoid using aronia berry as a medicine. Those with diabetes are also advised to exercise caution when consuming the fruit or the fruit extract as it may lower blood sugar. There is a possibility that aronia berry interacts with certain medications including diabetes medications, medications that slow blood clotting, medications that change the liver, and Yondelis (trabectedin). Always speak with your healthcare provider if you are on a medication and are unsure about a potential interaction. Varieties The ‘Autumn Magic’ and ‘Iraqis Beauty’ are the two most commonly sold aronia berry shrubs in the United States. ‘Viking’ and ‘Nero’ are popularly grown in Russia for commercial fruit production. Berries from these shrubs share a similar look and taste. The chokeberry and aronia berry shrub are the same thing. However, they are often confused with chokecherry, a shrub or small tree commonly used for farmstead and field windbreaks. The distinction is important because chokecherry is toxic to animals with segmented stomachs (such as horses and cattle). Chokecherry leaves and seeds (which are often confused with chokeberry or aronia berry) can be toxic to humans, as chewing causes them to release small amounts of cyanide. There is no evidence that chewing or consuming chokeberry (aronia berry) seeds or leaves is harmful. When It’s Best Aronia berries are not commonly found in most grocery stores, although specialty markets are starting to stock them more often. Most people that consume them grow their own aronia berry bushes or buy them online. The berries ripen in the late summer or early fall. Aronia berry products are more often found in health food stores and other markets. You may find fruit syrups, fruit juice, tea, spreads, jellies, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. Aronia berry chews, powders, supplements, and dried or dehydrated aronia berries are also available in stores and online. Storage and Food Safety Store aronia berries like you would store any other berry. Store them at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a few days. Or if you plan to save then for a week or so, place them in the refrigerator. Rinse the berries just before consuming them. How to Prepare Aronia berries can be eaten fresh, dried, or frozen. They can also be used in recipes like you would use any other berry: baked into pies, made into jam, or tossed into muffins, bread, or other baked goods. Juice extracted from aronia berries can be used to make dessert toppings, gravy, candy, salsa, barbecue sauce, ketchup or other condiments. Some also use it to flavor yogurt, sorbet, ice cream, milk, or vinegar. Keep in mind that these berries have a distinct taste that many find unappealing. They are most often described as being astringent. The fruit is known to be high in tannins, which can make your mouth pucker when you eat them. But others find them to be pleasant and mild. They have a high sugar content when they are fully ripe. Many people choose to pair aronia berries with other fruits, such as blueberries or bananas. 14 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Microdried aronia berries. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jurikova T, Mlcek J, Skrovankova S, et al. Fruits of black chokeberry aronia melanocarpa in the prevention of chronic diseases. Molecules. 2017;22(6):944. doi:10.3390/molecules22060944 Sidor A, Gramza-Michałowska A. Black chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa L.-A qualitative composition, phenolic profile and antioxidant potential. Molecules. 2019;24(20):3710. doi:10.3390/molecules24203710 Jurikova T, Mlcek J, Skrovankova S, et al. Fruits of black chokeberry aronia melanocarpa in the prevention of chronic diseases. Molecules. 2017;22(6):944. doi:10.3390/molecules22060944 Cebova M, Klimentova J, Janega P, Pechanova O. Effect of bioactive compound of Aronia melanocarpa on cardiovascular system in experimental hypertension. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:8156594. doi:10.1155/2017/8156594 Naruszewicz M, Laniewska I, Millo B, Dłuzniewski M. Combination therapy of statin with flavonoids rich extract from chokeberry fruits enhanced reduction in cardiovascular risk markers in patients after myocardial infraction (MI). Atherosclerosis. 2007;194(2):e179-84. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2006.12.032 Naruszewicz M, Daniewski M, Laniewska I, Pikto-Pietkiewicz W, Millo B, Zapolska-Downar D. Effect of anthocyanins from chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) on blood pressure, inflammatory mediators and cell adhesion molecules in patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI). Atherosclerosis Suppl. 2003;4:143. doi:10.1016/S1567-5688(03)90615-5 Handeland M, Grude N, Torp T, Slimestad R. Black chokeberry juice (Aronia melanocarpa) reduces incidences of urinary tract infection among nursing home residents in the long term--a pilot study. Nutr Res. 2014;34(6):518-25. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2014.05.005 Poreba R, Skoczynska A, Gac P, et al. Drinking of chokeberry juice from the ecological farm Dzieciolowo and distensibility of brachial artery in men with mild hypercholesterolemia. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2009;16(2):305-8. Xie L, Vance T, Kim B, et al. Aronia berry polyphenol consumption reduces plasma total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in former smokers without lowering biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: a randomized controlled trial. Nutr Res. 2017;37:67-77. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2016.12.007 Pokimica B, García-Conesa MT, Zec M, et al. Chokeberry juice containing polyphenols does not affect cholesterol or blood pressure but modifies the composition of plasma phospholipids fatty acids in individuals at cardiovascular risk. Nutrients. 2019;11(4):850. doi:10.3390/nu11040850 Banjari I, Misir A, Šavikin K, et al. Antidiabetic effects of Aronia melanocarpa and its other therapeutic properties. Front Nutr. 2017;4:53. doi:10.3389/fnut.2017.00053 Therapeutic Research Center Natural Medicine Database. Chokeberry. Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Guide. Chokecherry. Prunus virginiana L. U.S. Department of Agriculture. By Malia Frey, M.A., ACE-CHC, CPT Malia Frey is a weight loss expert, certified health coach, weight management specialist, personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit