According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 52% of adult Americans consume wellness and dietary products regularly, with more than 4 out of 5 adults using vitamins and minerals as part of their routine.
In this post-pandemic world, one thing’s certain, we’re all increasingly aware of how our health can affect not just our own lives, but the lives of those around us. We also gained a renewed respect for preventative measures, and a better understanding of just how impactful good nutrition and supplementation can be for our immune system and overall health.
Speaking of supplements, the popularity of Elderberry Gummies has seen a marked increase in recent years. Yet despite their widespread use, many consumers still have a lot of questions about what they are, how they work, what they’re made from, how they can help, and whether or not they’re safe to use.
We’re here to break through the noise, offering an unbiased and insightful look at elderberry gummies, discussing how they could benefit you and your family, and whether or not it’s worth the added expense.
But that’s not all. We know finding a high-quality supplement you can trust can be a daunting task in and of itself. That’s why we’ve reviewed some of the top elderberry gummies on the market today, giving you a first-hand look at the good, the bad, and all the other juicy details you need to know before spending your hard-earned money.
Table of Contents
- What Are Elderberry Gummies?
- Why Choose Elderberry Gummies?
- Best Elderberry Gummies – Our Top Picks
- How To Choose The Best Elderberry Gummies (shopping tips)
- Who Sells Them?
- Homemade Black Elderberry Gummies Recipe
- Elderberry or Airborne – What are The Differences?
- FAQ – You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers!
- Final Thoughts
What Are Elderberry Gummies?
Elderberry Gummies, as the name implies, are a gummy supplement that is comprised (at least in part) of elderberry extract or juice.
These gummies are available in a wide range of flavors including various berry and citrus flavors, and are sold in bottles most typically ranging in count from 20-80 elderberry gummies per bottle.
They are sold under a variety of brand names and are available both online and in health food, vitamin, wellness, and big-box retailers.
Elderberry Gummy Ingredients
Apart from the obvious (Elderberry), Elderberry Gummies often contain several other ingredients. Common ingredients include gelatin, food coloring or natural coloring, sugar or other sweetening agents, and preservatives. Some products may also add in other active ingredients aimed at improving health and wellness such as vitamin C, zinc, and/or echinacea for enhanced immune boosting effects.
What is Black Elderberry?
Elderberry is among the most frequently used medicinal botanicals in the world. For centuries, people have used this plant to aid with a broad range of health concerns and complaints. From fever to arthritis and healing burns, indigenous people, including the Egyptians, have a long history of utilizing this plant as a herbal remedy.
Today, Elderberry is commonly sold as an aid to support immune function and combat symptoms associated with colds and flu.
Where Does Elderberry Come From?
Elderberry comes from various varieties of the Sambucus Tree. The Sambucus is a flowering tree grown natively throughout the world.
Where Can Elderberry or Elder Tree Be Found?
- Subtropical regions of the world
- Widespread in the Northern Hemisphere
- Growth in the S. Hemisphere is limited to S. America, Australia, and New Zealand
Be sure to check out our guide on how to grow elderberry and tips to get started.
Appearance
Capable of growing to heights of nearly 30 feet, the tree produces cream or white-colored flowers known as elderflowers, as well as small blue/black bunches of berries. Although the berries can be eaten, they tend to be quite tart and require cooking before consumption.
Varieties of Elderberry Tree Include:
- Sambucus Nigra
- Dwarf Elder
- American Elder
- Blue Elderberry
- Red-fruited Elder
- Antelope Brush
- Danewort
Why Choose Elderberry Gummies?
There’s a reason why the use of elderberries has stood the test of time. Dating back centuries, elderberry was used as a herbal treatment for a wide range of health benefits.
Today, the use of black elderberry gummies has replaced chewing on actual berries or flowers, offering a safe, reliable, and convenient way for consumers to take back control of their health, boost their immune system, and more.
They are a convenient way to keep your immune system strong year round. Another option is elderberry syrup which has all of the same benefits but in a different form.
Below we take a look at the benefits of elderberry gummies and why millions of consumers have made this supplement a staple in their lives.
Nutritional Value of Elderberry In Gummies
Elderberries are packed with both micro and macronutrients, including dietary fiber, a generous dose of antioxidants, vitamin C, and more.
Overview of Nutritional Value: (per 100g of elderberries)
- 20% of the RDA of Vitamin A
- 60% of the RDA of Vitamin C
- 18% of the RDA of B-complex
- A great source of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus
- Phytonutrients: Quercetin and Isorhamnetin
Health Benefits of Elderberry Gummies
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Several studies have linked elderberry supplementation and/or use in vitro with anti-inflammatory responses or results. Although further research is needed, these anti-inflammatory effects may translate to reduced inflammation in humans.
Research:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31398785/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26314315/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11399518/
Inflammation – a hidden epidemic in plain sight
According to the Journal of Chronic Inflammation, nearly 350 million people across the globe, 43 million of which are in the United States, or nearly 20% of the population, suffer from chronic inflammation. At the time of publication, researchers expected this number to surpass 60 million in the USA by 2020.
The Risk of Inflammation
Inflammation is a biological response to injury, trauma, or disease. While some inflammation can a positive as part of the healing process, chronic inflammation is not. Chronic inflammation can lead to tissue, organ, and cellular damage, as well as DNA damage, necrosis, and scar tissue.
Chronic Inflammation Has Been Clinically Linked to An Increased Risk of:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Obesity
- Cognitive decline
- Asthma
- And more…
Packed Full of Powerful Antioxidants
Elderberries, and by association elderberry gummies, are packed full of free-radical scavenging, antioxidants. Rich in antioxidant compounds called Anthocyanins, elderberry may aid in preventing cellular damage from oxidative stress.
Elderberries also contain antioxidant flavanols including kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin.
Antioxidant strength is measured on an ORAC scale. To provide some context, the ORAC score for 100g of fresh blueberry is only 5562, whereas for 100g of fresh elderberry it is an astounding 10,775, making the elderberry a superfood among superfoods.
Why Are Antioxidants So Beneficial?
Antioxidants can aid in preventing cellular damage caused by inflammation, oxidation, and free radicals. This is why antioxidant-rich foods are sometimes called ‘superfoods’.
Research:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32079214/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29952268/
May Aid in Reducing Cold and Flu Symptoms
Some studies have linked elderberry supplementation (such as from gummies) to reduction or better management of symptoms associated with colds and flu. These include relief for symptoms including sore throat, headache, fever, fatigue, body aches, and coughing.
Current research suggests that elderberry gummies may offer some preventative benefits. When sick with cold and flu symptoms, supplementation has the best effect when taken within 24-48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
One double-blind study published in the Journal of Nutrition, noted a significant reduction in the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms with elderberry supplementation. This study also revealed that elderberry supplementation also reduced the likelihood of contracting the cold or the flu, making elderberry gummies a potential preventative measure.
Reduce Symptoms of Viral Upper Respiratory Infections
The global COVID-19 pandemic, along with concerns over various flu virus mutations has brought greater awareness to the area of respiratory health and potential therapeutic aids.
A review of four studies on elderberry products, such as elderberry gummies, revealed that consumption of elderberry may act to reduce common symptoms associated with viral upper respiratory infections, including those caused by the common flu and cold virus.
Antimicrobial Effects
In recent years, strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been on the rise, leading clinicians and scientists to seek out alternative antimicrobial agents and solutions. Some studies, such as that published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies journal revealed that elderberry extract (often used in elderberry gummies) showed clinically significant inhibitory activity against human respiratory pathogens including Influenza A and B viruses as well as other bacterial pathogens.
Support Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
According to the CDC, more than 37 million Americans (or 1 out of every 10 people) have diabetes. Worse yet, nearly 20% of those suffering don’t know they have it. When we add in those at risk of pre-diabetes, that number skyrockets even higher.
As part of a healthy lifestyle, including diet changes and exercise, many people look to improve insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels with the help of supplementation.
Turns out, a study in the International Journal of Molecular Science revealed that dietary supplementation of elderberry extracts often used in elderberry gummies was able to reduce fasting blood glucose and reduce insulin resistance in animal models. Although more research is needed, these results are promising.
Best Elderberry Gummies – Our Top Picks
When it comes to elderberry gummies, consumers face the challenge of figuring out which product is the most effective. As health and wellness advocates, we are dedicated to spending our money, time, energy, and resources testing products and evaluating them for safety, effectiveness, and value.
It is our hope that this effort saves you time, energy, money, and frustration in your own search for the most effective choice.
So without further delay, let’s dive in…
About
Nurturing the connection between people and plants, since 1987 Gaia Herbs has remained committed to helping people heal and improving their quality of life with plants. As a Certified B corporation, Gaia Herbs meets the highest standard of environmental and social responsibility, public transparency, and legal accountability of balancing purpose and profit.
Value
Available in two sizes, each bottle offers a 20-40 day supply respectively. As far as value goes, these gummies end up being slightly more expensive than other options that made our list. However, as a Certified B company, you can rest easy knowing that money is going to socially and environmentally conscious efforts. Further, the product’s quality speaks for itself, with plants grown on company-owned farms nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Taste / Flavor
Naturally flavored and fruit-sweetened, these gummies have a superb flavor. Adding depth and a uniqueness to the taste is the addition of natural acai, another powerful antioxidant.
Effects
Each serving is loaded up with 12.3 grams of fresh organic black elderberries and 1,364mg of elderberry extract. Although these gummies lack additives such as vitamin C and zinc, each serving contains way more elderberry than most competitors, adding to the effectiveness of the product.
Consumer Rating
As a Certified B Corporation, the company’s focus is on people, not profit. As such, it is a lesser-known brand with a smaller marketing budget. This has translated to fewer reviews online, with the company boasting just shy of 500 reviews (still significant), and an average rating of 4.6/5 stars.
What We Like Best About This Brand
- Certified B company focused on social causes, sustainability, the environment, and giving back
- Generous 12.3g of elderberry and 1,364mg of elderberry extract per serving
- Fruit-sweetened
- No artificial flavors, artificial colors, or artificial ingredients
- USDA certified organic
- Vegan
- Gluten and Soy-free
- Dairy-free
- Strong track record dating back to 1987
About
MyKind Organics from Garden of Life is the first Non-GMO verified, certified vegan, certified gluten-free, USDA certified organic project of its kind. The company’s entire like is made from real food with no added flavors, artificial ingredients, added sugar, colors, or chemicals.
Value
As for value, each bottle offers a one-month supply, with a price point that is fair in our opinion. Its not the cheapest, but it's not the most expensive. You get what you pay for and this product really excels in the area of quality, purity, and potency.
Taste / Flavor
Several customers reported this product tasting like candy, and honestly, we have to agree. Unlike some competitors, this product is ‘elderberry/berry’ flavored. Taste is natural, similar to an all-natural gummy snack pack you might have enjoyed as a child.
Effects
Here is where the product really shines through. Not only are these gummies packed with elderberry, but they also contain zinc, vitamin C, and an entire proprietary formula of immune boosting herbs including: Organic Aronia Berry, Organic Emblic, Organic Echinacea purpurea, Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract, Organic Guava Fruit, and Leaf, and a whole assortment or organic fruit ingredients.
Consumer Rating
One of the most popular and highest-rated elderberry gummies we’ve come across to date, this product has over 10,000 reviews with an overall 4.7/5 star rating. That makes this product one of the highest-rated and most popular we’ve had the chance to try out.
What We Like Best About These Elderberry Gummies:
- One of the most robust immune system formulas we’ve seen to date
- All ingredients are sourced from real whole foods
- All-natural certified USDA organic, gluten-free, and vegan
- Incredible candy-like taste
About
Founded in 2011, Viva Naturals is a health and supplement brand committed to making high-quality wellness products accessible to all. They focus on clinically backed ingredients, organic products, and affordable pricing.
Value
Comparatively, Viva Naturals Elderberry gummies offer a lot of value. Affordably priced, each bottle contains 120 gummies (a generous 2-month supply), and is fortified with both Vitamin C and zinc for added effectiveness.
Taste / Flavor
The taste of these gummies consistently ranks high, and we have to agree. The raspberry flavor and aroma is pronounced and acts to mask any type of herbal flavor, making these quite enjoyable to consume.
Effects
The effects of this product are also highly rated, with consumers reporting back that the product met or exceeded their expectations. Adding to the effectiveness is likely the 3-in-1 trifecta of immunity support and antioxidants, combining Vitamin C and Zinc with elderberry.
Consumer Rating
To date, the product has nearly 3,000 reviews on Amazon alone (not to mention other platforms), and a rating of 4.7/5 stars, making this one of the highest-rated Elderberry Gummy supplements on the market, and for good reason.
What We Like Best About These Elderberry Gummies:
- 3-in-1 immune boosting effect
- Great flavor and consistency, a literal treat for your tastebuds
- A generous 2-month supply per bottle makes this an incredible value
- Certified USDA Organic
About
Derived from nature and proven by science is the mantra from Natural Bioscience. Quality, transparency, and sustainable business practices are among the core values behind every Natual Bioscience product.
Value
At first glance, this product gives you ‘sticker shock’, with a higher price tag than most products in its category. However, each bottle of elderberry gummies contains a full 90-day (three-month) supply. Factoring that in, this product delivers big on value if you’re looking for a long-term solution and not just a one-month, one-time supply.
Taste / Flavor
The taste of these gummies is similar to a generic berry flavor that isn’t overpowering. Most customers seem to enjoy the taste and note that even their kids like them.
Effects
The effects of these gummies can be attributed to the use of a full-spectrum black elderberry extract, not just an isolate. Standardized for a highly bioactive flavonoid profile, these gummies have a lot of potential. Add to that zinc and vitamin C and these gummies pack a strong immune punch.
Consumer Rating
Although this product has fewer ratings than others reviewed, it still has a healthy 1000+ reviews on Amazon and another 600+ on its own website. Overall consumers seem to be quite satisfied with their purchase, giving the product a rating of 4.7/5 stars.
What We Like Best About This Brand
- Standardized bioflavonoid profile
- Use of full-spectrum elderberry extract
- Inclusion of zinc and Vitamin C
- Made from 100% all-natural ingredients
- Non-GMO
- Lab-tested for safety, purity, and potency
How To Choose The Best Elderberry Gummies (shopping tips)
Lab Testing and Certifications
The supplement industry is largely an unregulated one. As such, consumers need to be extra prudent when choosing what to put in their bodies. As a good rule of thumb, you want to look for certifications such as:
· GMP – Good Manufacturing Practices Certification
· USDA Organic Certification
· Independent third-party lab tests for purity, potency, and safety
Customer Reviews and Ratings
We’re not just looking for 5-star reviews here. Below are a few tips to help you sort through the noise and find out what you really need to know:
· The worst reviews often don’t matter. Can’t satisfy everyone and unless there are a ton of them, these are likely just ‘Karens’ who had a bad day or a random bad experience (it can happen to any company).
· But don’t just rely on the GOOD 5-star ratings either. What you really want to pay attention to are the ones in the middle (2-4 stars). There you’ll find a lot of real-world constructive criticism, and a better idea of what to expect.
· Always sort by the PRODUCT you intend to buy. Just because a different product has a lower rating doesn’t mean the same is true for the one you want to purchase.
· Other than that, look at rating history. Ideally, you want to see a LONG documented track record of happy customers over the years, not random sporadic good or bad.
Manufacturer Reputation and Time In The Industry
Nothing says quality like a long-standing reputation of doing right by its customers. There’s nothing inherently wrong with a ‘new’ brand or company, but when it comes to what you put in your body, extra due diligence is necessary.
Lookout For Cheap Fillers In The Gummies
A Tell-tale sign of poor quality or cutting corners is the addition of the following to elderberry gummies:
- Artificial sweeteners or excessive added cane sugar to mask taste
- Artificial food coloring or dyes
- Artificial flavoring
- Artificial preservatives
Who Sells Them?
Due to its rise in popularity, Elderberry Gummies can be purchased in a variety of places. Big Box retailers, health food stores, vitamin shops, holistic health shops, boutique wellness stores, and a myriad of online retailers all sell them.
Online you’ll find both retail stores and Amazon, as well as direct sales on the manufacturers’ websites. However, shopping on Amazon for these deals offers several benefits.
Benefits of Purchasing On Amazon:
Each manufacturer has its own shop on Amazon so you know the product is authentic
- Lightning-fast shipping
- Great customer service
- Free returns
- Discounts on subscription purchases
- And more…
Homemade Black Elderberry Gummies Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring cup
- Lemon juicer (can be done by hand)
- Airtight glass storage container or bottle
- Glass bowl
- Saucepan
- Silicone gummy mold
- Baking sheet or platter
- Mini-baster or dropper
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries (ideally organic)
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1-2 stick cinnamon
- 1-2 inches fresh ginger (chopped)
- 6-10 each cloves (optional)
- 1 each lemon
- 3/4-1 cup raw honey (your prefernce on sweetness)
- 1/4 cup gelatin
- 2/3 cup hot but not boiling water
Instructions
- Get out a medium saucepan and toss in your dried elderberries along with the ginger, cloves (optional), cinnamon, and 4 cups of filtered water.
- Bring this mixture to a slow boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for between 30 to 45 minutes. This process will ‘reduce’ the mixture down to a thicker syrup.
- Next, strain the contents of the saucepan into a glass bowl and let it cool down naturally on its own to around lukewarm or room temp.
- Get out your lemon and squeeze the juice out of one ½ into the glass bowl. Next, add as much honey as needed to reach the desired sweetness. Whisk this mixture until all ingredients are uniformly mixed.
- Pour out one full cup of this syrup into a measuring cup. Let the rest of the mixture cool down before transferring to an air-tight container (glass preferable). The remaining ‘extra’ syrup should stay good for up to 2-months in the fridge.
- Take your silicone molds and place them on a platter or baking sheet.
- Get out a bowl capable of holding about 5-6 cups, and add in about ¼ cup of the now cooled elderberry syrup you made.
- Add your gelatin to the elderberry syrup and whisk in the small bowl until it is entirely dissolved and uniform.
- Heat up 4 cups of water until hot (but not boiling), and add that to the bowl. Next, add and stir in the remainder of elderberry syrup (about ¾ of a cup).
- Gently pour the mixture into each of the gummy molds. Given the size of most gummy molds, the use of a dropper or mini baster is preferred to prevent excessive spilling and save yourself the mess.
- Place the baking sheet with the now filled gummy molds in the refrigerator. Allow them to chill for around 1-hour or until they become firm.
- Once firm, you can easily pop each gummy out of its respective mold. Store gummies together in an airtight glass container. They should keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-months.
Notes
Nutrition
Elderberry or Airborne – What are The Differences?
Although no direct comparisons have been clinically studied between the two, each product has earned a place in the immune support category.
The original effervescent airborne formula focuses heavily on a massive dose of vitamin C, along with zinc and a host of other vitamins and minerals. In this way, Airborne leans more towards a multi-vitamin than it does a dedicated immune support supplement.
However, even Airborne has succumbed to pressure from consumers who want a more potent immune support option. The company has since introduced its own line of Elderberry Gummies, packed with many of the same vitamins and minerals found in the original formula, with the addition of Elderberry for enhanced immune support.
FAQ – You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers!
Why Do Most Elderberry Gummies Also Contain Vitamin C and Zinc?
Both Vitamin C and Zinc have been clinically proven to aid in supporting immune health for adults and children, as well as being essential nutrients for a wide range of physiological and biological processes. This makes each a strong addition to Elderberry Gummies, a product that is often taken as a proactive measure to maintain optimal immune health and overall wellness.
Is It Okay To Take Elderberry Gummies Every Day?
We aren’t doctors, so we cannot give you any type of dietary or medical advice. However, Elderberry has been safely used for centuries and is a common supplement used by tens of millions of individuals around the globe. We always suggest speaking with your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement routine, and to always follow the guidelines of the manufacturer regarding dosing.
Can You Take Elderberry and Vitamin C Together?
Yes. In fact, elderberry and Vitamin C make a for a fantastic 1-2 punch in the fight against colds, flu, and in support of overall health, well-being, and immune support
Do These Elderberry Gummies Have Any Side Effects?
You may have heard about the dangers of Elderberry. And you’d be right. Raw, uncooked leaves, bark, berries, and roots can all be dangerous. Each contains a small amount of cyanide and lectin, known to cause vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, stomach cramps, numbness, and nausea if ingested.
HOWEVER, cooking elderberry REMOVES the cyanide, making Elderberry safe and healthy for consumption. Cooked Elderberry is GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the Food and Drug Administration.
Generally speaking, the consumption of black elderberry gummies should have no notable side effects. However, some individuals may have sensitive stomachs, requiring taking such gummies with a meal.
Can They Go Bad?
Elderberry Gummies have a long shelf life. However, like any food item, they can go bad over time. To extend the shelf life, consider storing them in a cool, dry place instead of at room temperature. And for preservation for an even longer period of time, freezing them also works.
That said, the shelf life is quite generous and they should remain good to consume until the expiration date on the manufacturers bottle.
How Should I Store Elderberry Gummies?
Gummies can melt when exposed to heat or moisture. We suggest storing them in a cool, dry place.
Why Isn’t Sambucol In Your Top Choices?
We used to be fans of this brand, but sometime around 2019 it appears they changed their formula. The new formula does not taste nearly as good.
Can You Take Too Many Elderberry Gummies??
Taking a few extra gummies probably won’t hurt you, but we’re not doctors. We always suggest adhering to the suggested doses on the package, and/or reaching out to the manufacturer for or your doctor for specific advice.
Final Thoughts
Elderberry gummies are a safe, natural, and reliable supplement used by millions of health-conscious individuals worldwide. Backed by science and clinical studies, elderberry has the potential to aid in lessening a wide range of symptoms associated with colds and flu, and may serve as both a preventative and therapeutic aid for those with upper respiratory viral infections.
More than that, elderberry may help to support the immune system, as well as offer a host of other benefits due to its naturally high antioxidant content and properties.
Adam Shimit is the main author of Chromatin Health Network. Adam is a medical research professional who has published case studies and reviews across many professional journals and websites. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, nature, and anything fitness related. Read more about him here.