Fruits & juices

Cranberries, raw

FDC 171722cup, chopped (110 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 86 · +5 vs Fruits & juices median

Raw cranberries score 86 of 100, a Strong result and rank 23 of 60 in Fruits & juices, at just 46 calories per 100 g. They combine a 16% DV of vitamin C with 13% DV of dietary fiber, a fiber level that's notable for a fruit this low in calories.

Fresh cranberries are sharply tart on their own, which is why they're rarely eaten raw and instead get cooked into sauces, baked into breads, or dried with added sugar for snacking. A one-cup chopped (110 g) serving provides 3.6 g of fiber alongside just 4.27 g of sugar, notably lower than most fruit. The main practical catch is that raw preparation is uncommon, so most cranberry products on shelves are sweetened well beyond this raw profile.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around cranberries, raw, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 0.5 g · 4%Carb 12 g · 94%Fat 0.1 g · 2%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories46 kcal2%
Total fat0.13 g0%
Saturated fat0.01 g0%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium2 mg0%
Carbohydrate12 g4%
Dietary fiber3.6 g13%
Sugars4.3 g
Protein0.46 g1%
Potassium80 mg2%
Calcium8 mg1%
Iron0.23 mg1%
Magnesium6 mg1%
Vitamin C14 mg16%
Vitamin A3 µg0%
Vitamin E1.3 mg9%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171722

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Vitamin C16% DV
Dietary fiber13% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the fruits & juices median

Nutrient density86 vs 81 median
Protein / 100 g0.5 vs 0.8 median
Fiber / 100 g3.6 vs 2 median
Sodium / 100 g2 vs 3 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Litchis, rawDensity 86 vs 86Orange juice, rawDensity 88 vs 86Feijoa, rawDensity 88 vs 86

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Raw cranberries are too tart and firm to eat out of hand in any quantity, so they are almost always cooked, most familiarly simmered with sugar and a little water or orange juice into cranberry sauce, or baked into muffins, quick breads and pies where their sharpness balances sweeter ingredients. They also work well simmered into a chutney with apple and ginger, stirred into a pan sauce for roasted poultry, or cooked down and strained into a juice or syrup for cocktails and glazes. Whole raw berries can be chopped and folded into a fresh relish with orange zest and sugar for a brighter, uncooked alternative to the classic simmered sauce.

Look for berries that are firm, plump and deep red, and give the bag a shake; berries that bounce are fresh, while soft or wrinkled ones are past their prime. Fresh cranberries keep for weeks in the refrigerator and can be frozen straight in the bag for months without blanching, making it easy to keep a stash on hand for baking. A cup, chopped, 110 grams, has just 46 calories, along with 3.6 grams of fiber, 13 percent DV, and only 4.27 grams of sugar in their raw state, so most of the sweetness in a finished cranberry dish comes from what is added during cooking rather than the fruit itself.

Frequently asked questions about cranberries, raw

How many calories are in cranberries?

A cup of chopped raw cranberries, 110 grams, has just 46 calories.

How do you use raw cranberries in cooking?

They're almost always cooked, most commonly simmered with sugar into cranberry sauce or baked into muffins and breads, since raw berries are very tart.

Do cranberries have fiber?

Yes, a cup provides 3.6 grams of fiber, 13 percent of the daily value.

View the USDA source record