Juniper Berries (Dried)
Juniper berries are the dried piney cones of Juniperus communis, the defining botanical of gin, rich in alpha-pinene and flavonoids.
Nutrition · per ~2 g serving · ≈ a pinch
- Vitamin C0.60 mg<1% DV
- Vitamin A0.80 iu<1% DV
- Manganese0.04 mg2% DV
- Copper0.01 mg<1% DV
- Iron0.10 mg<1% DV
- Magnesium1.6 mg<1% DV
- Calcium2.4 mg<1% DV
- Zinc0.02 mg<1% DV
- Potassium6.0 mg<1% DV
- Phosphorus1.2 mg<1% DV
- Sodium0.10 mg<1% DV
- Saturated Fat0.04 g
- Polyphenols~3.0 mg
Score · 85/100
Vitamins & minerals packed in relative to calories — the single biggest driver of the score.
How much protein it delivers, by absolute grams and per calorie.
Dietary fiber for gut health, satiety and steadier blood sugar.
Fat quality — unsaturated vs saturated, and trans-fat free.
Polyphenols, flavonoids and other beneficial plant compounds for this food group.
Low sugar with a high fiber-to-carb ratio scores best — gentler on blood sugar.
- Manganese87% DV
- Copper44% DV
- Vitamin C33% DV
- Iron28% DV
- Magnesium19% DV
Overview
Juniper berries are the small, dark blue-purple seed cones of the Juniperus communis shrub, dried for use as a spice and most famous as the defining botanical of gin. They carry a bracing, piney, resinous flavor with citrus undertones, derived from a rich essential-oil fraction dominated by the monoterpene alpha-pinene, along with myrcene, sabinene, limonene, and the bitter terpene alcohol terpinen-4-ol. Beyond their volatile oils they contribute flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and vitamin C, giving antioxidant capacity, plus the bitter principle juniperin. Used sparingly and crushed to release their oils, they season game meats, venison, pork, sauerkraut, pates, marinades, and Northern and Central European braises, and have a long traditional use as a digestive and diuretic aromatic. Compositional figures for the dried berry are best-estimate, as USDA does not publish a complete profile.
Health Benefits (3)
- Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory terpeneslimitedAlpha-pinene and flavonoids scavenge free radicals and downregulate inflammatory signaling
- Supports digestion and acts as a traditional diureticlimitedTerpinen-4-ol and bitter principles stimulate digestive secretions and mildly increase renal water excretion
- Offers antimicrobial activitylimitedThe essential-oil terpenes disrupt microbial membranes, inhibiting several bacteria and fungi
Food Pairings
- ·Crush lightly before use because the aromatic oils are locked inside the berry and release on bruising
- ·Pair with fatty and gamey meats where the resinous bitterness cuts richness
Practical Tips
- ·Crush 4 to 6 berries per dish rather than using them whole, and remove before serving if desired
- ·Store airtight away from light to preserve the volatile oils
- ·Use moderately because large amounts are bitter and not advised for those with kidney conditions
Optimal Timing
Juniper's aromatic actives have no circadian dependency.
Used in tiny culinary amounts; fasting-compatible.
Systems supported
body systems this food feedsPathways supported
biochemical reactions enabled by this foodCompared to other herbs & spices
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower juniper berries (dried) is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
What people ask about juniper berries (dried)
What is juniper berries (dried)?
Juniper Berries (Dried) is classified as a herbs & spices. Juniper berries are the dried piney cones of Juniperus communis, the defining botanical of gin, rich in alpha-pinene and flavonoids.
Is juniper berries (dried) healthy?
Juniper Berries (Dried) scores 85/100 in Formulate, making it a great choice. Its strongest contributions come from Manganese, Copper, Vitamin C. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Is juniper berries (dried) high in protein?
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Is juniper berries (dried) high in fiber?
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.6 g of fiber (~2% of the 28 g daily value).
Is juniper berries (dried) keto-friendly?
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.5 g of net carbs (1.1 g total minus 0.6 g fiber).
When is the best time to eat juniper berries (dried)?
Best any time of day. Juniper's aromatic actives have no circadian dependency.
How much juniper berries (dried) should I eat?
A typical serving is around 2 g (~6 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating juniper berries (dried) alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
What pairs well with juniper berries (dried)?
Juniper Berries (Dried) pairs nicely with: Crush lightly before use because the aromatic oils are locked inside the berry and release on bruising; Pair with fatty and gamey meats where the resinous bitterness cuts richness.
Supplements that mirror Juniper Berries (Dried)'s nutrient profile
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients juniper berries (dried) contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
Signature nutrients in Juniper Berries (Dried)
These are the nutrients juniper berries (dried)contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.