I’ve talked about aronia berries before, but it deserves another mention. These superberries have health benefits and can be used in many different ways. Here are some aronia berry recipes to give you some inspiration!

Aronia Berries

As a quick overview, aronia berries (aka black chokeberries) are native to North America. You’ll find farms from Iowa to Europe dedicated to this antioxidant-rich superfood.The category name is Aroniawhich is different from red aronia.

They are a healthy food with many benefits. Aronia has been researched for immune system support, inflammation, and more. They’re quite astringent (think wrinkle-worthy) and taste similar to cranberries or blueberries.

Where to Buy Aronia Berries

If you live in an area where they are grown, you can have your own fresh aronia berries. Or you can plant some aronia bushes and grow them yourself. Certain stores, such as Whole Foods Market, carry frozen aronia berries. You can also find dried aronia berries in bulk. Check out your local farmers markets and health food stores to see what you can find.

If you can’t get them locally, you can get them online here:

Aronia Berries Recipe

Now that you know what aronia berries are and where to get them, how do you use them? Aronia berries work well in smoothies and baked goods. You can also make aronia berry syrup or jam recipes. Use this superfruit as a topping for ice cream and cheesecake (healthy, of course!).

Because fresh berries are more tart and astringent, it’s not the same as stuffing a handful of blueberries into your mouth. However, they do mix well with things and recipes. Once dried, they take on a sweeter flavor.

granola

We don’t eat a lot of grains in our house and you won’t find regular granola in our house. Still, I’ve found a way to make healthy and delicious granola. The main ingredient is coconut flakes, sweetened with honey or maple syrup. When the feeling strikes, I add different nuts like pecans and dried fruit.

To make granola with aronia berries, simply add some dried aronia berries to the recipe. Get the recipe for Coconut Granola here.

Arnia Berry Muffins

Dried, fresh, or frozen aronia berries are great for muffins and quick breads. My kids get tired of having eggs for breakfast every day, so we like to switch them up sometimes. When muffins are grain free and naturally sweetened, muffins are a great choice!

To make aronia berry muffins, try substituting cranberries in this muffin recipe. For fresh or frozen aronia berries, substitute cranberries 1:1. For dried berries, reduce the amount to 1/3 cup.

Aronia Berry Smoothie Recipe

What not to put in a smoothie? As long as there is just enough sweetness to balance out the tart arnia berries, they are a great addition to fruit smoothies. I also like to add a scoop of protein powder to my smoothies. It’s more filling and helps balance blood sugar.

Start with your milk of choice, add some sweetener, protein powder and fresh fruit like raspberries. You can also add some homemade yogurt or Greek yogurt for a thicker smoothie. Aronia berries are available fresh, frozen, dried, or powdered.

Get the Aronia Berry Smoothie recipe here.

Aronia Juice

Aronia berries also make a delicious, nutrient-dense juice. It has a strong flavor on its own, but works well mixed with other juices. Try it with orange or apple juice! You can juice fresh berries or buy premade aronia berry concentrate.

Our family doesn’t just drink juice for breakfast, but we do use it for homemade jellies. Try substituting 1/4-1/2 cup aronia juice for the juice in this gelatin recipe. You can also add some aronia juice to these chia squeeze bags. Sub aronia juice for lemon juice or to taste in the recipe.

Aronia Berry Jam

Most jam recipes call for fruit to be boiled in large quantities and thickened with pectin. However, there are some traditional, naturally sweetened jam recipes. I like to make a simple blackberry jam with berries, orange juice, and chia seeds. You can also do the same with fresh aronia berries.

Here are instructions on how to make traditional sugar-free aronia jam.

protein bars and balls

Looking for some easy aronia berry recipes that require no cooking? You can also add them to energy bars and protein balls. These chia seed energy balls are a great option. Or try these energy bars that taste like Lala energy bars.

more recipes

Here are also some aronia berry recipes that double as natural remedies.

Aronia Berry Tea

Katie Wells

This delicious and simple tea is full of antioxidants. It’s also anti-inflammatory to help fight free radical damage!

Preparation time 2 minute minute

cooking time 8 minute minute

total time 10 minute minute

serving size 1 Serve

calories 43 kcal

instruct

• Bring water to a boil in a small pot.

• Place aronia berries, ginger, orange zest, and water in a small saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil, then turn off the heat.

• Cover and steep the herbs for 5 minutes.

• Add green tea and steep for another 3 minutes.

• Strain and sweeten with honey.

notes

For a decaffeinated version, use rooibos tea instead of green tea.

Nutrition

Serve: 1ServeCalories: 43kcalcarbohydrate: 12Gprotein: 0.1Gfat: 0.01Gsodium: 18mgPotassium: 13mgfiber: 0.1Gsugar: 12GVitamin C: 0.1mgcalcium: 11mgiron: 0.1mg

Aronia Berry Syrup

You can easily make your own aronia berry syrup using fresh or dried berries. The consistency is similar to elderberry syrup, but the health benefits are slightly different. You can serve it with almond flour pancakes and healthy ice cream. Or take it with a spoon for immune support.

Aronia Berry Syrup

Katie Wells

This delicious syrup is packed with flavor and nutrition.

Preparation time 5 minute minute

cooking time 40 minute minute

cooling time 10 minute minute

total time 55 minute minute

serving size 16 tablespoon

calories 65 kcal

instruct

• Combine water, aronia, and ginger in a pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes, until the liquid has reduced to 1 cup.

• Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm or room temperature.

• Strain, then add honey and lemon juice.

• Store it in a small glass jar in the refrigerator.

notes

Storage and shelf life: It will keep for about two weeks in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the excess.

Nutrition

Serve: 1tablespoonCalories: 65kcalcarbohydrate: 18Gprotein: 0.1Gfat: 0.004GSaturated fat: 0.001GPolyunsaturated fats: 0.001GMonounsaturated fats: 0.001Gsodium: 3mgPotassium: 13mgfiber: 0.1Gsugar: number 17GVitamin A: 0.04IUVitamin C: 0.4mgcalcium: 2mgiron: 0.1mg

Have you used aronia berries before? What’s your favorite way to use them? Share it below!