Flavor and function: Cranberries answer the call

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Flavor and function: Cranberries answer the call

4 Nov 2025

Maddie Lambert

Maddie Lambert is a copywriter and editor from Joplin, MO. She graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English – literary studies. When she’s not poring over the magazine or lost in the pages of a new novel, you can find Maddie exploring her local bookstores, spending time with her husband, or sharing her latest literary discoveries with fellow book enthusiasts.

MIDDLEBORO, MA — Look out, chia, there’s a new fiber-packed seed on the market. The category disruptor? Cranberries, and more specifically, the tiny seeds found inside them.

Of course, the tart fruit is typically known for its sliced-and-dried format, but Ocean Spray Ingredients has put the benefits and functionality of cranberry seeds on the proverbial map. To start, the seeds provide 1.6x more dietary fiber vs. Chia and Flax, and they also provide essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

And, throughout their production cycle, cranberries churn out an entirely new way to experience the berry … one that speaks to the growing concern of food waste.

“This is an interesting and unique product,” said Seema Kedia, senior manager of strategic marketing for Ocean Spray Ingredients. “[Cranberry seeds] are upcycled; they exist naturally as part of the process of making sweetened dried cranberries. They were upcycled into a sellable product versus a waste stream.”

It’s all in the seeds

Their sustainable attributes aren’t their only selling point. The tiny-but-mighty seeds have uses in a variety of baked goods and boast a shelf life of at least two years.

“Seeds are great for bakery in multiple applications,” said Curtis Gong, senior scientist at Ocean Spray Ingredients. “The color and texture are the main selling points, but additionally, they don’t carry too much overpowering flavor, and they don’t swell in water.”

With their naturally bright red hue and ability to retain such color, cranberry seeds also serve as an option for bakers seeking replacements for artificial color additives amid regulatory shifts.

“As consumers gravitate toward cleaner labels and nutrient-dense options, cranberries bring superfruit credibility to the mix.” — Curtis Gong | senior scientist | Ocean Spray Ingredients

The red and pink properties are derived from anthocyanins, producing a clean-label colorant that’s highly stable with optimal resistance to light and heat. The seeds can not only be incorporated into an array of baked goods — such as breads, muffins, cookies and bars — but also added directly to doughs, used as a decorative topping in place of traditional sprinkles, and included in baked goods or extrusions such as granola and crackers.

“Today’s shoppers want to see the flavor in their food, and vibrant colors signal freshness, authenticity and excitement,” Gong said. “Cranberries naturally deliver a bright, eye-catching red hue that enhances the overall look of baked products, making them more enticing on the shelf and in the bakery case.”

Cranberry, the superfruit

There’s an ever-present interest in healthy eating among modern consumers, and the dried fruit is gaining ground within this space.

“As consumers gravitate toward cleaner labels and nutrient-dense options, cranberries bring superfruit credibility to the mix,” Gong said. “They naturally provide Vitamin C, fiber, minerals and polyphenols, which contribute to a health halo that supports wellness-focused formulations.”

Ocean Spray has participated in scientific research to better understand cranberries’ positive effects on the body. The results suggest that the fruit helps with a wide range of bodily functions, including blood circulation, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, oral health and gut health.

“Cranberry is a superfood, but a lot of people don’t know that,” Kedia said. “It’s not very well known that cranberries contain a greater concentration of polyphenols than the most commonly consumed fruits.”

Taste experience is another factor driving consumer purchasing habits. In this space, cranberries offer a foundation for experimentation with flavor combinations. The fruit can integrate seamlessly into existing recipes and blend with various seasonings and spices across sweet, savory and globally inspired applications.

Cranberries — and their seeds — are moving the needle on ingredients. With their vibrant hues and flavor-pairing versatility, they offer brands looking to diversify their portfolios with a functional and flavorful solution.

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