Berries are a nutritious and delicious addition to any diet. They are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Berries also add great flavor and color to meals and snacks. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder berries are a popular food. But with prices varying by type of berry, source, and time of year, many consumers wonder – how much does a pint of berries cost?
Quick Answer
The cost of a pint of berries can range from $2 to $10 depending on the type of berry, source, season, and where they are purchased. On average, a pint of strawberries costs $3 to $4, blueberries cost $3 to $5, raspberries cost $3 to $6, and blackberries cost $2 to $4 a pint. Berries purchased organic, local, out of season or at high-end grocers will be more expensive.
Pint of Strawberries
A pint of strawberries generally ranges from $2 to $4 year round. Strawberries are one of the most budget-friendly berries.
- In season locally grown strawberries in summer can average $2-$3 per pint.
- Organic strawberries average $3-$4 per pint.
- Out of season strawberries in winter average $3-$4 per pint.
- Purchased at high-end grocers like Whole Foods, a pint of strawberries averages $4 per pint but can reach up to $6 per pint.
The cost per pint is greatly impacted by where strawberries are purchased.
Where to Buy Strawberries
- Farm stands or Pick-Your-Own: $2-$3 per pint
- Farmers markets: $2-$4 per pint
- Grocery stores (Trader Joes, Safeway): $2-$4 per pint
- Organic markets (Whole Foods): $3-$5 per pint
Pint of Blueberries
A pint of blueberries generally ranges from $3 to $5 per pint. Prices are highest in the off-season and lowest in summer.
- In season locally grown blueberries in summer can average $3-$4 per pint.
- Organic blueberries average $4-$5 per pint year round.
- Out of season blueberries in winter average $4-$5 per pint.
- At high-end grocers like Whole Foods, a pint of blueberries averages $5 per pint but can reach $6-$7 per pint.
Where to Buy Blueberries
- Farm stands or Pick-Your-Own: $3-$4 per pint
- Farmers markets: $3-$5 per pint
- Grocery stores: $3-$5 per pint
- Organic markets: $4-$6 per pint
Pint of Raspberries
A pint of raspberries generally ranges from $3 to $6 per pint. As a more delicate berry, raspberries tend to be on the pricier side.
- In season locally grown raspberries in summer can average $4-$5 per pint.
- Organic raspberries average $5-$6 per pint year round.
- Out of season raspberries in winter average $5-$6 per pint.
- At high-end grocers like Whole Foods, a pint of raspberries averages $6 per pint but can reach $7-$8 per pint.
Where to Buy Raspberries
- Farm stands or Pick-Your-Own: $4-$5 per pint
- Farmers markets: $4-$6 per pint
- Grocery stores: $4-$6 per pint
- Organic markets: $5-$7 per pint
Pint of Blackberries
A pint of blackberries generally ranges from $2 to $4 per pint. Blackberries are relatively affordable year-round.
- In season locally grown blackberries in summer can average $2-$3 per pint.
- Organic blackberries average $3-$4 per pint.
- Out of season blackberries in winter average $3-$4 per pint.
- At high-end grocers like Whole Foods, a pint of blackberries averages $4 per pint but can reach $5-$6 per pint.
Where to Buy Blackberries
- Farm stands or Pick-Your-Own: $2-$3 per pint
- Farmers markets: $2-$4 per pint
- Grocery stores: $2-$4 per pint
- Organic markets: $3-$5 per pint
Mixed Berries
Purchasing a pre-packaged pint of mixed berries is another option. Mixed berries typically contain some combination of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.
- Farm stands: $3-$4 per pint
- Grocery stores: $3-$5 per pint
- Organic markets: $4-$6 per pint
Because mixed berries contain more expensive berries like raspberries and blueberries, the overall cost per pint is slightly higher than berries like strawberries or blackberries alone. But this can be a convenient way to enjoy an assortment of berries in one package.
Factors Impacting Cost
There are several factors that impact the cost of berries by the pint:
Type of Berry
- Strawberries and blackberries are the most budget-friendly at $2-$4 per pint.
- Raspberries and blueberries cost more, ranging from $3-$6 per pint.
- Specialty berries like gooseberries or currants can cost $5 per pint or more.
Source
- Pick-your-own farms or local farm stands offer the best deals.
- Grocery stores offer moderately priced berries.
- Organic markets and high-end grocers will be most expensive.
Season
- In-season locally grown berries in summer are cheapest.
- Out-of-season imported berries in fall through spring are more expensive.
Organic vs Non-Organic
- Organic berries are 20-30% more expensive than conventional berries.
Freezing Berries
If looking to stock up on berries when prices are low, freezing is a great option. Berries freeze well for up to 10-12 months.
Here are some tips for freezing berries:
- Wash and dry berries thoroughly before freezing.
- Lay berries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in freezer until solidly frozen, about 2 hours.
- Transfer to freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Return to freezer immediately.
- Frozen berries are ideal for smoothies, baking, oatmeal, yogurt parfaits and more.
Freezing berries allows you to enjoy seasonal berries year-round and take advantage of lower in-season prices.
Dried Berries
Dried berries are another way to preserve berries to enjoy year-round. Drying concentrates the natural sugars and flavors in berries, for a sweet, tangy snack. Dried berries can also be reconstituted by soaking in water to use like fresh berries.
On average, a pint of dried berries ranges from $8-$12 but can be up to $16 per pint at organic markets.
Canned Berries
Canned berries have a shelf life of 12-18 months when seals are intact. Canned berries average $3-$6 per 15oz can depending on the type. Benefits of canned berries include:
- Long shelf life at relatively affordable costs
- Berries are picked and canned at peak ripeness
- Easy to store, ready to use in recipes
Downsides of canned berries are that they may have added sugars or lose some nutritional value and flavor compared to fresh. Overall, canned berries can be a convenient and budget-friendly berry option.
Berry Nutrition & Health Benefits
Below are the nutrition facts and health benefits of common berries:
Strawberries
One pint of strawberries (about 10 large berries) has about:
- 45 calories
- 3 grams fiber
- 95 mg vitamin C (160% DV)
- 25 mcg folate (6% DV)
- 234 mg potassium (5% DV)
- Antioxidants including anthocyanins, quercetin, kaempferol
Strawberries may help improve:
- Heart health
- Blood sugar regulation
- Skin and anti-aging
- Gut health
- Inflammation
Blueberries
One pint of blueberries (about 2 cups) has about:
- 84 calories
- 4 grams fiber
- 24 mg vitamin C (40% DV)
- 6 mcg vitamin K (5% DV)
- 114 mg potassium (3% DV)
- Anthocyanins, resveratrol, flavonols
Blueberries may help:
- Improve memory and cognitive function
- Reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes
- Have anti-aging effects on skin and body
- Promote urinary tract health
Raspberries
One pint of raspberries (about 2 cups) has about:
- 123 calories
- 16 grams fiber (64% DV)
- 54 mg vitamin C (90% DV)
- 1 mg iron (6% DV)
- 10 mcg folate (3% DV)
- 212 mg potassium (6% DV)
- Ellagic acid, anthocyanins, quercetin
Raspberries may:
- Help manage diabetes
- Reduce inflammation
- Support gut health and digestion
- Have anti-cancer effects
Blackberries
One pint of blackberries (about 2 cups) has about:
- 116 calories
- 16 grams fiber (64% DV)
- 50 mg vitamin C (83% DV)
- 1 mg manganese (40% DV)
- 1 mg vitamin E (5% DV)
- 308 mg potassium (7% DV)
- Anthocyanins, ellagic acid, tannins
Blackberries may help:
- Boost brain health
- Stabilize blood sugar
- Support oral health
- Reduce inflammation
Uses for Berries
There are many ways to enjoy berries! Here are some top uses for fresh or frozen berries:
- Eat plain as a snack, in fruit salads, or with yogurt or oatmeal
- Blend into smoothies
- Make jams, chutneys, compotes, or sauces
- Bake into pies, muffins, cakes, scones
- Mix into pancake or waffle batter
- Top desserts like ice cream sundaes
- Mix into grain bowls
- Toss into green salads
- Swirl into cottage cheese or ricotta
Berries also work well in both sweet and savory dishes. So don’t be afraid to get creative with how you use fresh berries in cooking and baking.
Storing Berries
To maintain freshness and flavor of berries:
- Store unwashed berries in the original container in the refrigerator
- Wash just before eating or cooking
- Consume berries within 3-5 days for best quality and freshness
- Do not wash berries until ready to eat, moisture speeds up spoilage
- Remove any spoiled or moldy berries right away to prevent spread
- Freeze excess berries for later use
Proper storage keeps berries fresher longer so less ends up going to waste.
Conclusion
The cost of berries by the pint varies greatly based on type of berry, quality, source, seasonality, and where they are purchased. On average, strawberries and blackberries are the most budget-friendly at $2-$4 per pint while raspberries and blueberries are pricier at $3-$6 per pint. The health benefits, versatility, and flavor of berries make them worth the cost for many consumers. Shop savvy by buying in season, at farm stands, choosing types that are reasonably priced, and freezing excess berries to enjoy year-round. This allows you to get the best nutritional and flavor quality at the best value. With proper storage, you can enjoy fresh or preserved berries in smoothies, salads, snacks, baked goods, and more. Berries are a smart addition to a healthy diet and lifestyles.
