As the winter nights continue to bite and the flurry of winter illnesses shows no sign of slowing, people are looking for mood-boosting foods to help pack their plates with a healthy hit. A simple way to achieve this is by treating your tastebuds first thing in the morning to fresh berries.
Fresh berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, are packed with flavour and brimming with natural nutrients, making these vibrant fruits a key ingredient of a mood-boosting diet.
With that in time, now is the time to embrace ‘dopamine dining’ and colourful plates to help improve your health and energise your day. What better way to start the day than with a breakfast bowl full of berries? Sales figures show the demand for berries continues to rise, with sales increasing by 4.3 per cent in the past year alone.¹
Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, the industry body representing 95 per cent of berry growers in the UK, says, “Berries are not just a delicious and versatile fruit; studies support that they also contribute towards a healthier lifestyle. Our growers are committed to ensuring the highest quality berries reach your tables so more and more people can enjoy these vitamin and nutrient-packed products in a variety of ways.”

Let’s dive into how berries can support your healthy habits throughout the winter months.
Dopamine Dining
Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support the body’s natural production of dopamine – the ‘happy hormone’.
By choosing foods that naturally support the production of dopamine, you can contribute to both your physical health and mental well-being to help elevate your mood.
Brain-boosting
Berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which help to combat oxidative stress that can age the brain and affect memory.
According to King’s College London experts, it only takes a handful of blueberries a day to protect our brain cells and improve communication, boosting memory, cognitive function, and overall brain health².
Gut-loving
With the growing trend toward gut health, more people are realising just how important it is to nurture our digestive systems.
Blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries are particularly beneficial for gut health.
Their high fibre content and natural prebiotic properties help cleanse your digestive system. Fibre keeps everything moving smoothly, while polyphenols fuel the good bacteria in your gut, helping them thrive and maintain balance.
Breakfast Berries
Berries are an excellent addition to any meal—whether you eat them as a sweet treat after a meal, snack on them during the day, or throw them in smoothies. There’s no wrong way to enjoy these little nutritional powerhouses.
However, the way to make healthy habits stick is to make them a part of your daily routine. Packaging berries onto your morning porridge, sprinkling them on your cereal, or covering them in yoghurt gives your brain the best start to the day.
References:
¹ Kantar sales data
² Kings College London
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