Work

Does price reflect quality in fresh and frozen commercial blueberries?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: While blueberries are prized for their health-promoting phytonutrients, premium pricing for fresh and organic products often creates a perceived quality-price correlation. This study evaluates the 'retail-reality' of nine commercial blueberry products (fresh and frozen; conventional, organic, and wild) to determine if retail price accurately reflects biochemical quality. Multi-platform analytical techniques (HPLC, HR-MS, and GC-MS) were used to quantify anthocyanins, organic acids, and volatile compounds across market categories. Results showed that while fresh organic berries often had higher organic acid profiles, several lower-priced frozen products had comparable or higher anthocyanin concentrations. These findings suggest that post-harvest handling and storage methods are more important for quality than retail price or farming labels. This research reveals a significant market information gap and demonstrates to consumers and policymakers that frozen blueberries offer a cost-effective, nutrient-dense alternative to expensive fresh fruit.

Source: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102936

Authors: Jayashan Adhikari, Jashbir Singh, Deepak K. Jha, Bhimanagouda S. Patil

Institutions: Texas A&M University, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

Language: English

Topic: Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities

Subfield: Biochemistry

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,530