Summer produce is going beyond the fruit bowl this year. With a strong presence across TikTok, skincare aisles, restaurant menus and science-backed reports, blueberries, tomatoes and cherries are the power players of summer 2025. Their growing appeal lies in a rare mix of visual charm, culinary range and research-driven health benefits that make them stand out across both trend forecasts and grocery carts.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.
Outside their buzz and visibility, these fruits now influence how food is discussed in wellness circles, driving conversations around functional eating, recovery routines and mental health. Here's how seasonal produce and its applications cross between categories, showing just how far they can go.
Why they're winning summer
The rise of blueberries, tomatoes and cherries in 2025 reflects a larger move toward nutrient-rich foods that do more than just taste good. One modeling study found that swapping a daily fruit with a cup of mixed berries, including blueberries, increased anthocyanins by 93.8%, fiber by 5.1% and vitamin C by 16%, with only minor nutrient shifts.
These findings align with what we're seeing at the grocery store and online, where 54% of surveyed shoppers reported buying blueberries in the past 12 months, holding steady from 2024. Prepared Foods named berries one of 2025's top trending superfoods. With tomatoes and cherries also bringing unique health benefits to the table, their combined appeal is changing everyday eating and wellness habits.
Trending online and on the ground
Berries dominate short-form food content right now, with creators experimenting across categories and showcasing a mix of color, texture and easy prep. On TikTok, berries are having their moment, as searching the word pulls up a colorful spread of smoothie bowls, syrupy compotes and frozen snacks, each styled to be as photogenic as they are functional. These bite-sized videos regularly rack up millions of views, helping transform how people approach fruit and turn everyday produce into viral stars.
Offline, that influence spills over into real-world choices, especially at markets across the country. Shoppers find seasonal goods like blueberry oat yogurt parfaits, cherry-vanilla shrub sodas and tomato pesto flatbreads alongside skincare booths. These creative offerings sit beside a growing wave of artisanal favorites like tomato-basil focaccia, blueberry kefir and small-batch cherry vinegar, showing how food trends blend with wellness and local craftsmanship.
Seasonal stars with staying power
The appeal of blueberries, tomatoes and cherries isn't limited to the peak of summer. Brands now preserve their flavor and function in dried snacks, frozen blends, jarred sauces and functional supplements that extend their shelf life and utility into every season.
For instance, small U.S.-based businesses are innovating preservation, responding to growing consumer demand for year-round access to nutrient-dense foods. Sidehill Farm in Vermont produces blueberry and cherry jams with no added pectin, capturing peak-season flavor in glass jars that reflect traditional techniques and local sourcing values.
Tomato Bliss in Michigan slow-roasts heirloom tomatoes, guided by a philosophy that all-natural, nutrient-dense food is better for the body. Meanwhile, American Spoon in Michigan offers sun-ripened sour cherry spoon fruit and tomato preserves made from local harvests.
These shelf-stable versions are turning seasonal produce into pantry staples, giving consumers access to summer's most talked-about ingredients all year. The ability to preserve both flavor and nutritional value has extended these fruits' shelf life and deepened their role in everyday eating.
Backed by science
It's not just popularity driving the buzz around blueberries, tomatoes and cherries; it's credible science. Experts agree these fruits provide a range of protective, nutrient-dense benefits that support everything from heart health to cognitive function.
Blueberries, in particular, deliver substantial health benefits. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and especially polyphenols like anthocyanins, which may reduce the risk of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline.
Tomatoes offer their own strengths. At only 23 calories each, they provide 19% of the daily recommended vitamin C and as much potassium as a banana, while packing powerful antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene. These nutrients may lower the risks of certain cancers, lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health, especially when cooked to enhance bioavailability.
Cherries also offer a wide range of science-backed health benefits supported by clinical and observational studies. They've been shown to help reduce uric acid levels, easing the risk of gout and kidney stones, while also decreasing inflammation that contributes to chronic disease. Research also links cherry consumption to improved sleep quality, reduced blood pressure and lower oxidative stress, making them a compelling addition to both daily diets and recovery routines.
A fresh look at the season's staples
As summer 2025 heats up, blueberries, tomatoes and cherries are stepping confidently into the spotlight, not just as produce aisle regulars but as lifestyle staples. Their presence across social media feeds, farmers' markets and nutrition panels is shaping how consumers eat, shop and care for their bodies. Whether it's the wellness claims, the vibrant recipes or the cultural traditions they carry, these seasonal power players are redefining purposeful eating.
Zuzana Paar is the visionary behind five inspiring websites: Amazing Travel Life, Low Carb No Carb, Best Clean Eating, Tiny Batch Cooking and Sustainable Life Idea. As a content creator, recipe developer, blogger and photographer, Zuzana shares her diverse skills through breathtaking travel adventures, healthy recipes and eco-friendly living tips. Her work inspires readers to live their best, healthiest and most sustainable lives.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this article, made available via Food Drink Life, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The Content presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary changes. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk.
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