Who Can Benefit
- Broad group: Busy adults and health-conscious readers seeking a natural, colorful ingredient with extra wellness perks.
- Medium group: People dealing with mild inflammation, fatigue, or stress who want antioxidant-rich options.
- Narrow group: Individuals focused on brain focus, mood, or post-meal energy, seeking gentle metabolic support.
What Research Shows
Blueberry pomace extracts color foods naturally and offer additional wellness benefits. MAE 1° at 80°C yields high anthocyanins (about 21.96 mg/g), making it a strong natural pigment with some sugar-digesting enzyme inhibition. MASWE 2° at 150°C contains more total phenolics (about 211.73 mg/g) and shows stronger antioxidant activity, plus greater inhibition of enzymes linked to brain health and skin aging. In cell studies, both extracts reduced oxidative stress in skin cells and showed activity against HeLa cancer cells, with MAE 1° generally less potent. A 3:2 blend of MAE 1° and MASWE 2° improved the heat stability of the anthocyanins. The methods used were greener than conventional solvent methods, highlighting environmental and efficiency benefits.
How to Eat It
- Recommended Serving
- Start with a small daily amount, such as 1–2 teaspoons of the pigment-rich extract in foods or drinks, and adjust to taste and color intensity.
- Easy Ways to Eat
- Stir into smoothies or yogurt, mix into oatmeal or energy bars, or drizzle a tiny amount over fruit salads for natural color and aroma.
- Flavor Pairings
- Pair with citrusy flavors (lemon, orange), vanilla, yogurt, or dark chocolate to balance the berry notes and enhance the overall dessert or breakfast vibe.
Takeaway
A little blueberry pomace extract can go a long way—providing natural color and promising antioxidant benefits while supporting greener, more sustainable food processing. Try incorporating a small amount into a morning smoothie or yogurt this week to explore the color and flavor boost, along with the potential wellness perks.