Table of Contents
What is elderberry powder?
Elderberry Powder and Elderberry Juice Powder are premium functional ingredients sourced from Sambucus nigra—the European black elderberry celebrated globally for its exceptional immune-supporting properties and rich anthocyanin content. Both products are manufactured using either freeze-drying (preserving maximum nutrient integrity) or spray-drying (for superior dispersibility) to deliver the concentrated essence of elderberry in two optimized formats.
Two Formats — One Berry, Different Applications
Elderberry Powder (Whole Fruit) Produced from the entire elderberry fruit including skin, flesh, and seeds, this freeze-dried powder retains the full nutritional matrix of the berry: dietary fiber (8g/100g), natural sugars (8–12%), anthocyanins concentrated in the dark purple skin, and the complete mineral and vitamin profile. The natural dark purple color transfers beautifully to final products, while the fruity-slightly-tart flavor profile adds authentic elderberry character.
Elderberry Juice Powder (Juice Concentrate) Produced from concentrated elderberry juice, this spray-dried powder is engineered for superior water dispersibility and maximum flavor impact in low-dose applications. The concentrated tartness (20–25% natural sugars) delivers bold elderberry flavor even at small inclusion rates. With excellent heat stability (≤70°C), it is the preferred choice for gummies, clear beverages, powdered drink mixes, and encapsulated supplements where rapid dissolution and flavor precision are critical.
The Science of Elderberry Anthocyanins
The primary bioactive in both formats is anthocyanins—the deep purple-blue flavonoid pigments concentrated in elderberry skin that provide both the characteristic color and the berry’s most researched health benefits. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and support the body’s natural immune response. Combined with naturally occurring vitamin C, vitamin A (as beta-carotene), potassium, and iron, elderberry delivers comprehensive nutritional support for seasonal wellness.
Key Functional Benefits
- Immune System Support: Traditionally used to enhance resistance to seasonal stress and support upper respiratory health
- Antioxidant Defense: Anthocyanins help combat oxidative stress at the cellular level
- Nutrient Density: Naturally rich in vitamins A, C, potassium, and iron in a whole-food matrix
- Natural Color & Flavor: Authentic dark purple color and fruity-tart taste without artificial additives
- Multi-Format Versatility: Freeze-dried whole fruit for fiber applications; spray-dried juice for maximum solubility
Certifications & Quality
Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, and Halal. Manufactured under ISO22000 and HACCP-compliant conditions. Full batch-specific COA available upon request.
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Dual-Format Specification Table
| Parameter | Elderberry Powder | Elderberry Juice Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Sambucus nigra | Sambucus nigra |
| Part Used | Whole fruit (skin, flesh, seeds) | Juice concentrate |
| Appearance | Fine dark purple powder | Fine dark red-purple powder |
| Flavor / Aroma | Fruity, slightly tart | Fruity, concentrated tart |
| Processing Method | Freeze-drying (preferred) / Spray-drying | Spray-drying (from juice) |
| Moisture | ≤5.0% | ≤5.0% |
| Ash Content | ≤6.0% | ≤6.0% |
| Solubility | Good dispersibility in water | Excellent dispersibility in water |
| Color | Natural dark purple | Deep red-purple |
| Natural Sugars | 8–12% | 20–25% (concentrated) |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g/100g | Minimal (juice only) |
| Heat Stability | Tolerates ≤180°C baking | Stable ≤70°C |
| Anthocyanins | Naturally rich (skin-concentrated) | Naturally rich (concentrated) |
| Packaging | 25kg kraft drum or customized | 25kg kraft drum or customized |
| Shelf Life | 24 months | 24 months |
| Storage | Cool, dry, shaded place; keep sealed, away from direct sunlight | Cool, dry, shaded place; keep sealed, away from direct sunlight |
Product Format Selection Guide
| Application Need | Recommended Format |
|---|---|
| Gummies & Confectionery | Elderberry Juice Powder (uniform dissolution, concentrated flavor) |
| Clear Beverages & Powdered Drinks | Elderberry Juice Powder (excellent dispersibility) |
| Capsules & Encapsulated Supplements | Elderberry Juice Powder (rapid dissolution, precise dosing) |
| Bakery & High-Heat Applications | Elderberry Powder (stable up to 180°C) |
| Protein Bars & Energy Bars | Elderberry Powder (fiber content, texture contribution) |
| Breakfast Cereals & Granola | Elderberry Powder (fiber, natural color) |
| Smoothies & Frozen Desserts | Elderberry Powder (whole fruit matrix, fiber) |
| Functional Food Coloring | Elderberry Powder (natural deep purple pigment) |
MICROBIOLOGICAL & CONTAMINANT STANDARDS
| Test Item | Specification | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | ≤100,000 CFU/g | ISO 4833 |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤1,000 CFU/g | ISO 21527 |
| Coliforms | ≤100 CFU/g | ISO 4831 |
| E. coli | Negative/g | ISO 16649 |
| Salmonella | Negative/25g | ISO 6579 |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.3 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Pesticide Residues | Compliant with USDA NOP and EU MRL | LC-MS/MS, GC-MS |
Note: Full batch-specific COA available upon request for all test parameters.
CERTIFICATIONS
| Certification | Status | Issuing Body |
|---|---|---|
| Non-GMO Project | √ Verified | Non-GMO Project |
| Vegan | √ Verified | Self-declaration |
| Gluten-Free | √ Verified | Third-party lab |
| Kosher | √ Certified | Certified agency |
| Halal | √ Certified | Certified agency |
| ISO 22000 | √ Compliant | Bureau Veritas/SGS |
| HACCP | √ Compliant | Third-party audit |
APPLICATIONS & USAGE GUIDELINES
Primary Application Matrix
| Application Category | Form Recommendation | Usage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Immune Support Supplements | Juice Powder (capsules, sachets) | 200–500mg per serving |
| Gummies | Juice Powder (concentrated flavor) | 1–3% inclusion |
| Functional Beverages | Juice Powder | 1–3g per serving |
| Powdered Drink Mixes | Juice Powder | 1–2g per sachet |
| Smoothies & Frozen Desserts | Elderberry Powder | 2–5g per serving |
| Protein Bars & Energy Bars | Elderberry Powder | 3–8% inclusion |
| Bakery (Cakes, Cookies) | Elderberry Powder (heat-stable) | 2–5% inclusion |
| Breakfast Cereals & Granola | Elderberry Powder | 2–5% inclusion |
| Chocolate & Confectionery | Either format | Per formulation spec |
Formulation Guidelines
Immune Support Supplement Formulation
- Recommended format: Elderberry Juice Powder for capsules and tablets
- Typical serving: 200–500mg elderberry powder per capsule or tablet
- Combine with: Vitamin C, zinc, echinacea, ginger for synergistic immune formulations
- Custom immune blend MOQ: 25kg (can combine elderberry + echinacea + ginger)
Gummy Formulation
- Recommended format: Elderberry Juice Powder (critical: uniform dissolution + concentrated flavor)
- Why not whole fruit powder?: Contains fiber that increases viscosity and affects gummy texture
- Heat consideration: Juice Powder stable ≤70°C—suitable for standard gummy cooking processes
- Flavor pairing: Elderberry pairs excellently with raspberry, blackcurrant, honey, and lemon
- Color contribution: Deep red-purple anthocyanin color; adjust pH to maintain color stability
Heat-Sensitive Applications
| Format | Heat Stability | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Elderberry Powder (Freeze-dried Whole Fruit) | Tolerates ≤180°C | Baking, cookies, cakes, granola |
| Elderberry Juice Powder (Spray-dried) | Stable ≤70°C | Gummies, beverages, capsules |
Sugar Content Considerations
- Elderberry Powder (Whole Fruit): 8–12% natural sugars per 100g
- Elderberry Juice Powder (Concentrated): 20–25% natural sugars per 100g
- Both are naturally occurring sugars—no added sugars
- Factor into total sugar calculations for nutrition labeling
Anthocyanin Color Stability
- Anthocyanins are pH-sensitive: more stable in acidic conditions (pH 2–4)
- Color intensifies at lower pH; may appear more blue at higher pH
- Protect from excessive heat and light during storage
- Natural color makes elderberry ideal for clean-label coloring applications
Stability Notes
Anthocyanins may fade slightly over time—this is a natural characteristic
Stable in original sealed packaging (24 months shelf life)
Protect from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight
Low moisture specification (≤5%) supports long-term stability
FAQ
Q: Which elderberry powder format is better for gummies?
A: Elderberry Juice Powder is the preferred choice for gummy formulations. It provides uniform dissolution in the gummy matrix, delivers concentrated tart elderberry flavor even at low inclusion rates (1–3%), and does not add fiber that would increase viscosity or affect texture. Using whole fruit Elderberry Powder in gummies would introduce insoluble fiber that disrupts the smooth gummy texture and creates an undesirable gritty mouthfeel.
Q: What is the sugar content of each elderberry powder format?
A: The sugar content varies significantly between the two formats:
Elderberry Powder (Whole Fruit): Contains 8–12% natural sugars per 100g, with the sugar naturally present in the whole fruit matrix alongside 8g dietary fiber per 100g
Elderberry Juice Powder: Contains 20–25% natural sugars per 100g, concentrated from the juice. This higher sugar content contributes to the intense tart-sweet flavor and rapid dissolution
Both figures represent naturally occurring sugars—no added sugars or sweeteners.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity for custom immune blend formulations?
A: The standard MOQ for bulk orders is 25kg. For custom immune blend formulations combining elderberry with complementary ingredients such as echinacea, ginger, vitamin C, or zinc, the 25kg MOQ applies to the total blended product. This allows brands to create differentiated immune support formulations with synergistic ingredient combinations while meeting minimum volume requirements.
Q: How heat-stable are the elderberry powders for baking and cooking applications?
A: Heat stability differs significantly between the two formats:
Elderberry Powder (Whole Fruit): Tolerates up to 180°C, making it suitable for cookies, cakes, breads, granola bars, and other baked goods where high-temperature processing is required. Freeze-drying preserves anthocyanin and nutrient integrity through heat exposure.
Elderberry Juice Powder: Stable at ≤70°C, making it suitable for gummy manufacturing, low-temperature beverage processing, and encapsulated supplement production, but not recommended for high-temperature baking applications.
Q: What are the main health-supporting properties of elderberry?
A: The key health-supporting properties include: (1) Immune System Support—traditionally used to enhance resistance to seasonal stress and support upper respiratory health; (2) Antioxidant Defense—anthocyanins help neutralize free radicals and combat oxidative stress; (3) Nutrient Density—naturally rich in vitamins A (as beta-carotene) and C, potassium, and iron in a whole-food matrix.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity and lead time?
A: Standard bulk packaging is 25kg per kraft drum or carton. Lead time is 10–20 days from order confirmation. Free samples are available via FedEx, UPS, or EMS for quality evaluation prior to bulk ordering.
Q: Can elderberry powder be combined with other immune-supporting ingredients in custom blends?
A: Yes. We offer custom immune blend formulations at our standard 25kg MOQ, combining elderberry with complementary immune-supporting ingredients such as echinacea, ginger, astragalus, andrographis, vitamin C, and zinc. Contact our sales team to discuss your specific formulation requirements and synergy goals.
Q: Is elderberry powder suitable for vegan and gluten-free formulations?
A: Yes. ORGANICWAY Elderberry Powder and Elderberry Juice Powder are 100% plant-based with no animal-derived ingredients, making them inherently vegan and vegetarian. As products from fruit, they are naturally gluten-free and allergen-free. Both formats are suitable for clean-label vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-sensitive supplement and food formulations.
PACKAGING & STORAGE
Standard Packaging Options
| Package Size | Material | Units/Pallet |
|---|---|---|
| 25 kg | Food-grade kraft drum | 40 drums/pallet |
| 25 kg | Food-grade carton | 40 cartons/pallet |
| Custom | Foil bag or consumer-pack format | Upon request |
Storage Conditions
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Cool, dry, shaded place (recommended ≤25°C) |
| Humidity | Low humidity; avoid moisture |
| Packaging | Airtight, sealed original container |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from production date |
| Light | Protect from direct sunlight (anthocyanins are light-sensitive) |
