Foodstruct Nutrition Search | Diet Analysis | Food Comparison | Glycemic Index Chart | Insulin Index Chart | Blog | Subscribe | Sign Up

Raspberry vs. Blackberry — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Compare
Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian by Jack Yacoubian | Last updated on May 08, 2023
Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan
Raspberry
vs
Blackberry

Summary

Blackberries are richer in fiber, antioxidants, manganese, copper, vitamins A, E, and K. Raspberries, on the other hand, have higher amounts of magnesium, vitamin C, and folate. They have protective roles on the overall health, focusing on different diseases. They are fit for weight loss.

Introduction

Blackberry and raspberry are some of the most refreshing types of fruit. Fresh blackberry and raspberry are only seasonally available. However, frozen versions are found to satisfy one’s cravings during winter.

They are usually grown in colder areas since the colder the night gets, the sweeter the fruit becomes.

Contrary to what they are called, botanically, they are not real berries at all. Instead, they are classified as aggregate fruits.

Taste and Appearance

Although raspberry and blackberry have a similar appearance, anyone can easily distinguish them by color. When fully ripe, raspberries are deep pink or red, while ripe blackberry fruits have deep purple or black coloring. Besides, raspberries have velvety skin covered with tiny hairs, while the skin of blackberries is usually smoother. 

Blackberries have a slightly tart and sweet flavor and usually have an earthy flavored aftertaste. They are juicy, and the riper they become, the sweeter they become.

On the other hand, raspberry is less tart than blackberry. In addition to that, raspberry is less juicy compared to blackberry.

In conclusion, although blackberries are often called black raspberries, they are different fruits. 

Culinary world

Blackberries are eaten raw, frozen, or processed into various foods. Raspberries are similarly processed and consumed as blackberries. Both are made into syrups, jams, pie and mixed with yogurt. Fresh fruits are famous toppings for waffles, pancakes, ice creams, cakes, etc. However, it is essential to note that all these foods are usually high in sugars. Thus, it is essential to take into consideration how much sugar is present in them.

Preparations

In this section, we will discuss common types of preparations for each and what should be taken into consideration and their benefits.

Breakfast

A good breakfast is adding these fruits in a bowl of oats or mixing them in a shake, as it is an excellent and balanced way to start one’s day. This bowl gives a boost in energy, fibers, and antioxidants. If the taste is tart, little amounts of sugars or sweeteners can be added to cut the tartness.

Blackberry and raspberry syrups and jams are usually used with pancakes, crepes, or sandwiches. Although these are derivatives of natural fruits, they are mostly packed with added sugars.

Sauces

Blackberry sauce can be added to steaks, salmon, grilled chicken. This is usually prepared in gourmet cuisines.

Raspberry sauce is usually associated with the steak; however, it is not one of the most famous side sauces.

Nutritional data comparison

In this part of the article, we will compare the nutritional data of blackberry and raspberry, focusing on the differences. It is important to note that blackberry is nearly 89% water, whereas raspberry is 86% water. The comparison is made according to 100g of each.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Fats +32.7%
Contains more Carbs +24.2%
Contains more Other +27.8%
Contains more Protein +15.8%
Equal in Water - 88.15
12% 86%
Protein: 1.2 g
Fats: 0.65 g
Carbs: 11.94 g
Water: 85.75 g
Other: 0.46 g
10% 88%
Protein: 1.39 g
Fats: 0.49 g
Carbs: 9.61 g
Water: 88.15 g
Other: 0.36 g
Contains more Fats +32.7%
Contains more Carbs +24.2%
Contains more Other +27.8%
Contains more Protein +15.8%
Equal in Water - 88.15
 

Glycemic index

Blackberry and raspberry have similar glycemic indices. Blackberry has a glycemic index of 25, whereas raspberry has a glycemic index of 26; the difference is by 1 unit. They are both classified as low glycemic index foods.

Calories

Blackberry and raspberry are low in calories, and there is a minimal difference between them. Blackberry is lower in calories compared to raspberry.

Carbs

Blackberry is lower in carbs compared to raspberry. Raspberry contains 12g of overall carbs, while blackberry has only 9.6g of them. However, they are both below 4% of the daily value.

Blackberry is richer in glucose. It contains maltose and galactose — disaccharides that are not present in raspberry. In contrast, raspberry provides more sucrose

Fiber

Raspberry is richer in fibers since they satisfy 28% of the daily value, whereas blackberry satisfies 20%. Raspberries contain 0.8g more dietary fiber than blackberries. See more about raspberry fiber content in this article

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Sucrose +185.7%
Contains more Glucose +24.2%
Contains more Maltose +∞%
Contains more Galactose +∞%
Equal in Fructose - 2.4
5% 42% 53%
Starch: 0 g
Sucrose: 0.2 g
Glucose: 1.86 g
Fructose: 2.35 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
47% 49%
Starch: 0 g
Sucrose: 0.07 g
Glucose: 2.31 g
Fructose: 2.4 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0.07 g
Galactose: 0.03 g
Contains more Sucrose +185.7%
Contains more Glucose +24.2%
Contains more Maltose +∞%
Contains more Galactose +∞%
Equal in Fructose - 2.4
 

Proteins

The amount of protein in both is low, given that each has around 1g of protein.

Fats

The fat content of blackberry and raspberry is negligible.

Vitamins

Raspberry is richer in vitamin C and folate. In comparison, blackberry is richer in vitamins A, E, and K.

Raspberry covers 88% of the DV of vitamin C, and blackberry satisfies half of the daily need for vitamin K. 

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
Contains more Vitamin C +24.8%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +60%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +46.2%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +19.2%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +83.3%
Contains more Vitamin A +548.5%
Contains more Vitamin E +34.5%
Contains more Folate +19%
Contains more Vitamin K +153.8%
Equal in Vitamin B3 - 0.646
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 2% 18% 0% 88% 8% 9% 12% 20% 13% 16% 0% 20%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 13% 24% 0% 70% 5% 6% 13% 17% 7% 19% 0% 50%
Contains more Vitamin C +24.8%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +60%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +46.2%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +19.2%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +83.3%
Contains more Vitamin A +548.5%
Contains more Vitamin E +34.5%
Contains more Folate +19%
Contains more Vitamin K +153.8%
Equal in Vitamin B3 - 0.646

Minerals

Blackberry and raspberry have similar amounts of manganese. However, raspberries are slightly richer in manganese, covering 34% of the DV, whereas blackberry satisfies 32%. On the other hand, blackberries are richer in copper. The amount of copper in blackberries satisfies 8% of the DV of copper. Raspberries are richer in magnesium.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Contains more Iron +11.3%
Contains more Phosphorus +31.8%
Contains more Calcium +16%
Contains more Zinc +26.2%
Contains more Copper +83.3%
Contains more Selenium +100%
Equal in Magnesium - 20
Equal in Potassium - 162
Equal in Sodium - 1
Equal in Manganese - 0.646
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 8% 26% 16% 13% 14% 1% 12% 30% 88% 2%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 9% 24% 15% 10% 15% 1% 15% 56% 85% 3%
Contains more Iron +11.3%
Contains more Phosphorus +31.8%
Contains more Calcium +16%
Contains more Zinc +26.2%
Contains more Copper +83.3%
Contains more Selenium +100%
Equal in Magnesium - 20
Equal in Potassium - 162
Equal in Sodium - 1
Equal in Manganese - 0.646

Antioxidants

Blackberries are higher in antioxidants compared to raspberries. Blackberries contain higher phenolic and anthocyanins. (1)

Blackberries have twice as many antioxidants compared to raspberries. Yet, it is important to mention that both are rich in antioxidants.

Antioxidants are plant compounds that are very important in the positive health impacts of each fruit. This will be discussed in the health impact part of the text.

Diets and weight loss

For overall weight loss and calorie deficit, blackberries and raspberries are highly recommended. Replacing snacks with these berries is a very good alternative to a chocolate bar, for example. Even in breakfast, instead of adding peanut butter, berries would be less caloric and richer in fiber, promoting overall weight loss and a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, blackberries have anti-obesity properties.

Vegan diet

Blackberries and raspberries are highly recommended to be consumed in a vegan diet. Although not rich in proteins, they provide good amounts of antioxidants and flavor to the foods or fruit bowls that they are associated with.

Keto

Blackberries and raspberries are approved to be eaten in a keto diet. They are mostly water and are recommended in shakes and fruit bowls. They also provide good amounts of fiber which promotes good gastrointestinal health, among other benefits.

Health impact

Cardiovascular health

Eating blackberries has contributed to the decrease in fat deposition in the coronary arteries, the arteries that surround the heart. This means a decreased incidence of myocardial infarctions, heart attacks, and ischemia of the heart. (2)

On the other hand, eating raspberries is directly associated with decreased blood vessel diseases, decreased risks of hypertension, and overall improvement of cardiovascular health. (3)

Diabetes

Blackberries are associated with increased insulin sensitivity in people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Thus, a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. (2)

In contrast, raspberries are directly associated with decreased risks of metabolic syndrome, which means decreased risks of developing type 2 diabetes. (3)

Inflammation

Due to the antioxidants present in blackberries, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds, blackberries overall reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. (4)

Raspberries are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which have an anti-inflammatory role.

In blackberry and raspberry, the anti-inflammatory characteristic of both is significant because of the reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, which lead to reducing risks of developing cancer. (3)

Cancer

Blackberries have anti-tumor characteristics that induce cancer cell death by its apoptotic factors. In addition, blackberries are rich in lignan, which has a characteristic of decreasing the risks of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. (5)

On the other hand, raspberries have shown anti-carcinogenic properties related to colon cancer. (6)

Effects on the brain

Blackberries have a positive influence on short-term memory and cognitive functioning. (7)

On the other hand, Raspberries reduce the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease in people who are at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and are obese. (8)

Downsides

Although they don’t have many downsides and are most beneficial, it is important to include some present aspects.

Post-intestinal surgery

In post-intestinal surgeries, doctors indicate that the patient should follow a low-fiber diet. Blackberries and raspberries have to be excluded from the diet. (9)

Raspberry ketones

Some supplements are sold as raspberry ketones, which they claim to have weight loss properties. However, evidence-based research has shown that this does not affect fatty tissues and weight loss. The weight loss that took place was due to the high amounts of caffeine in the supplement. (10)

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Last updated: May 08, 2023
Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan

Infographic

Raspberry vs Blackberry infographic
Infographic link

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +36.2%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +33.9%
Contains less Saturated Fat -26.3%
4% 14% 82%
Saturated Fat: 0.019 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.064 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.375 g
4% 14% 82%
Saturated Fat: 0.014 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.047 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.28 g
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +36.2%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +33.9%
Contains less Saturated Fat -26.3%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Raspberry Blackberry
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Sodium Equal
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Rich in minerals Equal
Rich in vitamins Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Raspberry Blackberry Opinion
Net carbs 5.44g 4.31g Raspberry
Protein 1.2g 1.39g Blackberry
Fats 0.65g 0.49g Raspberry
Carbs 11.94g 9.61g Raspberry
Calories 52kcal 43kcal Raspberry
Fructose 2.35g 2.4g Blackberry
Sugar 4.42g 4.88g Raspberry
Fiber 6.5g 5.3g Raspberry
Calcium 25mg 29mg Blackberry
Iron 0.69mg 0.62mg Raspberry
Magnesium 22mg 20mg Raspberry
Phosphorus 29mg 22mg Raspberry
Potassium 151mg 162mg Blackberry
Sodium 1mg 1mg
Zinc 0.42mg 0.53mg Blackberry
Copper 0.09mg 0.165mg Blackberry
Manganese 0.67mg 0.646mg Raspberry
Selenium 0.2µg 0.4µg Blackberry
Vitamin A 33IU 214IU Blackberry
Vitamin A RAE 2µg 11µg Blackberry
Vitamin E 0.87mg 1.17mg Blackberry
Vitamin C 26.2mg 21mg Raspberry
Vitamin B1 0.032mg 0.02mg Raspberry
Vitamin B2 0.038mg 0.026mg Raspberry
Vitamin B3 0.598mg 0.646mg Blackberry
Vitamin B5 0.329mg 0.276mg Raspberry
Vitamin B6 0.055mg 0.03mg Raspberry
Folate 21µg 25µg Blackberry
Vitamin K 7.8µg 19.8µg Blackberry
Saturated Fat 0.019g 0.014g Blackberry
Monounsaturated Fat 0.064g 0.047g Raspberry
Polyunsaturated fat 0.375g 0.28g Raspberry

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Raspberry Blackberry
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
17%
Raspberry
18%
Blackberry
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
20%
Raspberry
23%
Blackberry

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?
Raspberry
Raspberry is lower in Sugar (difference - 0.46g)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Blackberry
Blackberry is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.005g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Blackberry
Blackberry is lower in glycemic index (difference - 1)
Which food is cheaper?
Blackberry
Blackberry is cheaper (difference - $0.4)
Which food contains less Sodium?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Sodium (1 mg)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Raspberry - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167755/nutrients
  2. Blackberry - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173946/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.