Exotic superfruits aren’t the only fruits in town loaded with health benefits, consumers are discovering. Many perennial favorites like cherries, blueberries and raspberries are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients. And because these fruits are typically available year-round in a variety of easy-to-use, affordable forms, bakers and snack producers appreciate them.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s newest nutrition guide, MyPlate, encourages consumers to fill half of their plates at mealtimes with fruits (20%) and vegetables (30%). Given all of the publicity on fruit and superfruits’ healthful and nutritional benefits, and people’s positive perception of fruit in general, most consumers probably don’t have any difficulty fulfilling the first part of this dietary goal. After all, who can resist a bowl of juicy berries or melon balls that just also happen to be loaded with antioxidants and vitamins?