The aronia berry, also known as chokeberry, is one of the most exciting berry plants of recent years. Originally from North America, it has long since established itself in Europe – not only in horticulture, but especially in the areas of functional food, dietary supplements, and plant-based raw materials.
What makes this unassuming, deep-dark berry so special? A look at the plant, its ingredients, and the available research provides some answers.
General information about the aronia plant
Aronia is a robust, perennial shrub belonging to the rose family. The plant is extremely resistant to frost, diseases, and pests – a clear advantage for sustainable cultivation.
The berries ripen from late summer to early autumn and are characterized by their dark purple to almost black color. When eaten raw, they have a rather tart and astringent taste, but when processed, they develop a pleasantly fruity profile.
Nutritional Profile & General Benefits
Aronia berries are primarily known for their exceptionally high content of secondary plant compounds, including: anthocyanins (responsible for the dark color), polyphenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins.
This profile is complemented by: vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid, and minerals such as potassium and iron.
This combination makes aronia a highly concentrated plant-based source of antioxidants, ideal for powders, extracts, or functional blends.
Effects on Health – What Does the Research Say?
The health effects of aronia fruit have been the subject of scientific research for years. The focus is primarily on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies indicate, among other things, the following potential benefits:
- Aronia extracts have been associated with positive effects on blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and endothelial function.
- Due to its high polyphenol content, aronia can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress—a key factor in aging processes.
- Some studies show potential regulatory effects on glucose metabolism, making aronia interesting for functional nutrition concepts.
Important: Most of these effects are supportive and do not replace medical therapy—however, they provide a strong scientific basis for its use in health products.
Aronia in Scientific Studies
The aronia fruit is among the best-researched berry plants in Europe. In vitro, animal, and human studies address, among other things with:
- Antioxidant capacity (ORAC values)
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Influence on lipid and sugar metabolism
- Schutzwirkung auf Gefäßzellen
Particularly noteworthy: Compared to many other berries, aronia exhibits an exceptionally high polyphenol density, even in dried or powdered form.
Did you know?
Aronia is among the berries with the highest measured anthocyanin content worldwide – significantly higher than blueberries or currants.
The aronia plant is not only valuable for humans: Its blossoms are considered an excellent food source for bees and pollinators, making it ecologically important as well.
Our Products
We offer aronia powder and extracts. Feel free to browse our products and contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Disclaimer
For legal reasons, we would like to point out that some of the above statements require further research and studies to scientifically prove them. Therefore, not all statements can currently be accepted by conventional medicine.
The information contained in this article regarding legal regulations, approvals, and possible uses of raw materials is based on careful research and our current state of knowledge (as of July 2025). However, we assume no liability for the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information.
The legal framework for food and food supplements is subject to constant change. Therefore, the manufacturer or distributor is always responsible for checking the applicable regulations, EU regulations, and approval lists for the use of raw materials and health-related claims.
In case of legal uncertainty, we recommend consulting legal experts or the relevant authorities.