What Are Goji Berries?

If goji berries (pronounced “go-gee”) aren’t part of your superfood pantry yet, get ready for a treat. Also known as “wolfberries,” goji berries are primarily grown in the Himalayan regions of Tibet and Mongolia, and in addition to being found in many traditional Asian dishes, goji berries have been used medicinally to help support everything from better sleep to improved digestion. Read on to get to know the benefits and uses of this powerhouse plant.

The Goji Berry Plant

Goji berries grow on bushes that can reach up to six feet tall. The red fruits bloom in late spring to early summer, and reach their peak ripeness by mid-summer. Because they’re delicate, the berries need to be harvested by hand (they can bruise easily), and are then dried in the sun until nice and wrinkly, like raisins.

Benefits of Goji Berries

For a nutritional boost, just add goji berries. Here’s what you can find inside Thrive Market’s Organic Goji Berries:

• 150 calories per ⅓ cup serving
• 1.5 grams of fat
• 6 grams of dietary fiber
• 4 grams of protein
• 10% recommended daily value of vitamin A
• 4% recommended daily value of calcium
• 15% recommended daily value of iron

Goji Berry FAQs

If goji berries are a new-to-you ingredient, check out our list of common questions to help you get the most out of this superfood.

How do you eat goji berries?

Don’t be fooled by the exotic name—there are no special instructions for eating them! Dried goji berries are soft and tender, so you can enjoy them by the handful, or add some to granola, yogurt, or homemade chocolate bark.

What do goji berries taste like?

When it comes to flavor, they’re equal parts tart and sweet, like a cross between strawberries and raspberries.

What are goji berries good for?

So many things! Here are just a few ways to use goji berries in your snacks and meals.

• Toss them in a batch of granola
• Swirl them into yogurt
• Brew into a tea
• Add soaked goji berries to smoothies
• Bake into scones or muffins
• Include in homemade energy bars

How many goji berries should I eat a day?

If everything is best in moderation, goji berries can follow the same philosophy. A serving size is approximately ⅓ cup, so that’s a good place to start.

Can dogs eat goji berries?

Goji berries are known for their antioxidants, which may be beneficial to Fido’s health. But when it comes to introducing new foods into your pup’s diet, be sure to check with your vet first.

Goji Berry Products

Ready to give goji berries a whirl? Try these tasty additions to your pantry.

Thrive Market Organic Goji Berries

You can’t go wrong with a bag of these ruby red berries on the shelf. Enjoy them in smoothies or straight out of the bag to add a dose of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to your daily diet.

Navitas Organic Goji Berry Powder

These freeze-dried goji berries have been ground to a fine powder, making it easy to scoop them into smoothies, stir into yogurt, or mix into batters.

Thrive Market Organic Goji Berry Power Trail Mix

When you need a go-to nibble, trail mix fits the bill. Paired with raisins, sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, and dried apples, this is a power snack done right.

Recipes With Goji Berries

There are plenty of ways to incorporate goji berries into your diet. Here are some ideas!

Frosé With Goji Berry Simple Syrup

Warm summer days call for frozen adult beverages. The base is a boozy frosé that’s topped with a perfectly sweet goji berry-infused simple syrup.

Maca Chocolate Bark

Here’s a vegan and gluten-free dessert you won’t want to share. A medley of nuts and berries like goji berries, cranberries, and pecans top easy-to-make chocolate bark that’s perfect for satisfying cravings.

Dairy-Free Caramel Apples

This seasonal treat gets a superfood spin when you dip caramel apples into toppings like coconut chips, sunflower seeds, and chopped goji berries.

Superberry-Ginger Cranberry Sauce

Update a classic the next time you host Thanksgiving dinner. This cranberry sauce is made with goji berries, cranberries, and ginger for a little kick.