Cranberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C and may help prevent urinary tract infections.
Nutrition
One cup of raw cranberries (100 g) has about 46 calories, 4.6 g of fiber, 14 mg of vitamin C (15 percent DV) and manganese. Dried sweetened cranberries add sugar.
Urinary tract infections
Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins (PACs) that may stop bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. A 2023 Cochrane review of 50 studies found cranberry products reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs in women, children and people prone to infection. They do not treat an existing infection.
Other benefits
Antioxidants and possible heart benefits.
Cautions
- Juice is high in sugar. Choose unsweetened.
- Can interact with warfarin.
- Large amounts can contribute to kidney stones.
See a doctor
For symptoms of UTI.
Nutrition data
One cup (100 grams) of raw cranberries has about 46 calories, 12 grams of carbohydrate, 4 grams of sugar, 4.6 grams of fiber and less than 1 gram of protein. It supplies 13 milligrams of vitamin C (about 15% of the daily value), manganese, vitamin E, vitamin K and copper. Cranberries are tart and low in sugar. Dried sweetened cranberries contain about 26 grams of sugar per quarter cup, and cranberry juice cocktail contains added sugar.
Urinary tract infections
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) of the A-type, which can stop E. coli bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. A 2023 Cochrane review of 50 studies with 8,857 participants found that cranberry products reduce the risk of symptomatic UTIs by about 30% in women with recurrent UTIs, in children, and in people having medical procedures. It did not show benefit in older institutionalized adults, pregnant women or those with bladder problems. Cranberry does not treat an active infection. Antibiotics are needed for that.
Other benefits
- Antioxidants: cranberries are among the fruits with highest polyphenol content.
- Heart health: studies show cranberry juice may improve blood vessel function and raise HDL cholesterol modestly.
- Gum and dental health: PACs may reduce bacterial adhesion in the mouth, an area of research.
- Stomach: some studies suggest cranberry may inhibit H. pylori adhesion.
- Vitamin C and manganese.
Cautions
- Sweetened juice and dried cranberries have a lot of added sugar. Choose unsweetened juice or fresh and frozen berries.
- Cranberries contain oxalates, which may increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible people.
- A possible interaction with warfarin has been reported (increased INR), although studies are mixed. Talk to a doctor if on warfarin.
- Large amounts can cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
See a doctor
See a doctor if you have UTI symptoms such as burning urination, urgency, pelvic pain, blood in urine, fever or back pain. Untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys. Cranberry is a preventive measure, not a treatment.
Evidence on proanthocyanins
Cranberries contain A type proanthocyanidins, which may keep certain E. coli from sticking to the bladder wall. A 2023 Cochrane review of 50 studies with over 8,800 participants found cranberry products reduced the risk of symptomatic urinary tract infection by about 26 percent overall, with benefits in women with recurrent UTIs, children and people after bladder procedures. It did not show benefit in the elderly in care homes or in pregnant women. Cranberries do not treat an active infection, so antibiotics are still needed, and a UTI with fever, back pain or blood in urine needs medical care. One cup of raw cranberries has about 46 calories and 4.6 grams of fiber. Cranberry juice cocktail has added sugar, often about 30 grams per cup, so unsweetened versions are better. People taking warfarin should consult a doctor, as large amounts may affect INR. Cranberries are high in oxalate, which may matter for those with kidney stones.
Based on data from the Cochrane Library and the NIH
