40 Purple Fruits and Vegetables to Add a Pop of Color to Your Plate

Purple fruits and vegetables contain compounds called anthocyanins¹, which give foods that royal hue — anywhere from deep red-orange to striking violet to beautiful blue. Breeding plants with anthocyanins creates purple cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, potatoes and cabbage. Anthocyanins protect plants against damage from sunlight, and the color attracts bees and other pollinators.

A 2021 study suggests that anthocyanins may help protect cells, heal the body, decrease inflammation, lower the risk of heart disease, and reduce the risk of some forms of cancer¹. Purple cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and red cabbage also contain indoles, nutrients derived from sulfur compounds that may slow the metabolism of carcinogens². Another 2021 study notes that berries are good sources of ellagic acid, a phytochemical that may also help protect cell integrity³.

In addition to the anthocyanins, indoles, and ellagic acid, these purple fruits and vegetables contain all the expected nutritional components of fresh produce — such as vitamins A, B2, C, dietary fiber, potassium, and other phenols.

Because anthocyanins are water-soluble (able to dissolve in water), you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck when you eat these fruits and veggies raw, steamed, or roasted. Most purple vegetables are easy to prepare — just use them as you would their paler cousins.

Toss berries into breakfast dishes, lunchtime salads, and desserts. Drizzle chopped veggies with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss to coat — and then roast in a 425-degree Fahrenheit oven for 15-20 minutes for an easy roasted side dish.

Blackberries are a go-to purple fruit that is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. A 2022 study finds that their source of soluble fiber helps with digestion and improves nutrient uptake⁴.

One of the best purple fruits and vegetables is blueberries, as they are associated with a variety of health benefits. A 2024 study shows that regular consumption can support cardiovascular disease and improve cognitive function⁵.

Raspberries are not only a great source of fiber but are an important addition to diets for people with prediabetes. Several studies show red raspberries could help reduce the risk of progressing to serious health conditions including type 2 diabetes⁶.

Thanks to their rich nutritional value, these superfoods not only bring a pop of color but several health benefits as well. There are numerous beet dishes to experiment with, like these delicious roasted beets, and their amount of manganese is perfect for metabolism and brain function.

Whether carnalized or raw, onions provide substantial health benefits, while still being very cheap. They’re a great source of potassium that can help with kidney function and nerve transmission⁷. And when you’re done dicing, make sure to save the scraps to make your very own garden.

Figs, along with their leaves, help with digestion and also reduce the risk of heart disease. While they contain several nutrients, they are mainly rich in both copper and vitamin B6, which are both great for brain health.

While the debate is still out about how healthy red wine is, it’s clear that red grapes alone are beneficial. They are a rich source of copper and vitamin K and aid in heart and eye health⁸.

Plums are rich in polyphenol, which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Along with that, plums are great for blood sugar control. If you want to help lower the risk of diabetes, try out these plum recipes.

Another one of the best purple fruits and vegetables is cherries, the tart and sweet fruit full of fiber and vitamins — especially Vitamin C. This is essential for maintaining your immune system and skin health, and the fiber works well for your digestive system.

Need some help with weight loss? Then try out eggplants, as they’re high in fiber and low in calories. They’re also an inexpensive vegetable for your diet, making them easily accessible.

Red Cabbage is rich in antioxidant compounds that fight harmful molecules and reduce stress on your cells. It also has nutrients that help reduce the risk of health conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease.

Red leaf lettuce is surprisingly hydrating, as it’s made of 96% water, which is vital for your overall health. Not only that, but it can help curb hunger and promote fullness. Try growing your own lettuce at home to save money.

Another leafy vegetable that has an abundance of nutrients is radicchio. It’s rich in vitamin K which aids in cognitive health, especially for older adults. It contains phytonutrients that help regulate blood pressure and insulin as well, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases⁹. Just add it to your salad for a boost in cardiovascular health.

Swiss chard is a dark, leafy green that fits in the purple fruits and vegetables category and is filled with vitamins and minerals. It contains a good source of iron, copper, potassium, and calcium, and is extremely low in calories. Thanks to its abundance of minerals, it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory that also has anticancer properties.

This root vegetable not only lowers the risk of diabetes thanks to its chemical compounds like glucosinolate but helps your liver function as well¹⁰. Even radish leaves have great health properties that can lower your blood pressure.

These tropical fruits are small in size, but rich in antioxidants and fiber that are a perfect addition to your everyday diet. Along with many tropical fruits — like mango, papaya, and pineapple — passionfruit is rich in polyphenols that reduce the risk of chronic inflammation and conditions like heart disease.

Pluots are a cross between plums and apricots and are generally sweeter and less acidic than plums. Because of the cross-pollinating, they do have similar nutritional value with plums like being rich in antioxidants, but they’re also a great source of vitamin C which is great for your immune system, and creating and maintaining collagen.

Thanks to black currants tartness, they’re the perfect ingredient for jams and juices, making them an easy addition to your diet. They have several health benefits like aiding in blood flow and improving your immune system.

Another delicious ingredient for juices is the Açai berry, which is known as a superfruit in Brazil. One of the most notable benefits comes from anthocyanins, which is an antioxidant with many health benefits¹¹.

For blood sugar and blood pressure benefits, the best purple fruits and vegetables are purple potatoes thanks to their glycemic index. Purple potatoes can even help reduce the risk of cancer, especially colon and breast cancer.

Purple cauliflower is an easy addition to your everyday plate and has amazing nutrients that can help reduce the risk of several diseases and cancers as it is rich in sulforaphane. High in fiber, purple cauliflower can lower the risk of illnesses and prevent obesity. Simply roast some cauliflower as a side for an easy nutrient-dense addition.

Purple corn is a type of corn that comes from Peru and has several beneficial antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamins C, B6, A, and KI. Adding purple corn to your diet can help reduce cholesterol levels, improve blood circulation, and guard against cancer, and is a beautiful addition to any plate.

Kale is a versatile leaf that is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C and helps promote weight loss. A Harvard study also found that leafy greens, like red kale, can help reduce the risk of developing glaucoma¹².

Carrots are especially beneficial to eye health, but purple carrots are even better at fighting inflammation. They’re rich in anthocyanins, which are the anti-inflammatory agents that reduce harmful compounds like cytokines, which can reduce the risk of certain heart diseases.

Bell peppers come in a variety of colors and are rich in fiber and other nutrients. An important role that purple bell peppers play in your body is preventing anemia, which can lead to fatigue and reduced cognitive function. Reduce the risks by giving this stuffed bell pepper recipe a try.

Want a colorful version of the fiber-rich vegetable? Purple broccoli is a delicious addition to your diet and is high in glucoraphanin, which helps reduce blood sugar, oxidative stress, and chronic disease development. Its source of sulforaphane also helps in preventing cancer¹³.

Artichokes make the perfect appetizer and are chock full of vitamins. One of the many phytochemicals in artichokes is cynarine, which not only helps lower cholesterol but also helps the liver digest so it stays healthy. And thanks to its abundance in fiber, it helps fill you up and stay on track with your nutrition goals.

Particularly high in flavonoids quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol, asparagus helps lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and reduce the risk of cancer. The antioxidants found in asparagus can also help against oxidative stress, which impacts diseases including cancer.

One of the many purple fruits and vegetables that you might not have heard of before is kohlrabi. Kohlrabi is related to the cabbage family and is primarily rich in vitamin C and fiber and is perfect roasted or raw. A study shows that consuming kohlrabi can help reduce the risk of cardiometabolic diseases, and cancer¹⁴.

In comparison to purple potatoes, purple sweet potatoes are better for blood sugar regulation. That being said, both are still full of nutrients and vitamins, like vitamin C. Consider adding purple sweet potatoes to your weekly dinner rotation.

We must include purple snow peas on the list of best purple fruits and vegetables. The vegetable plays a big role in blood vessel support and creating healthy circulation and methylation¹⁵.

These beans are not only low in calories but are high in fiber and are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K. Adding Chinese long beans to your diet can help with digestion, blood sugar regulation, and even weight management.

Okra is an edible seed pod that has a plethora of vitamins and minerals. Okra is a great vegetable option if you want a boost of calcium, which can help strengthen bones¹⁶.

Purple green onions are an easy addition to meals, either raw on top of your meal or sauteed. These onions are an excellent source of vitamins A and C which are essential for healthy skin and maintaining skin elasticity. In addition, purple-green onions also promote keratin, which strengthens the hair and skin.

Yams are a starchy root vegetable that is a great source of anthocyanins, which not only give it its vibrant hue, but also help reduce blood pressure, and inflammation, and protect against cancer. Purple yams also have vitamin C which boosts iron absorption and protects your DNA from damage.

The elderberry dates back thousands of years and is one of the most nutritious purple fruits and vegetables around. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins that boost your immune system and protect your heart. It’s also great for joint and muscle pain, headaches, and fevers as well¹⁷.

Herbs are easy to grow at home and have amazing nutritional value and can be added easily to many dishes. Thyme, for example, is a culinary stable that not only fights acne but regulates mucus and fights infection¹⁸.

Basil is another herb that combats infection, especially chronic diseases. Basil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, and can even boost your neurocognitive which helps your thinking and reasoning ability.

Lavender doesn’t just smell divine, it’s also one of the best edible herbs that you can add to your baked goods and even coffee for health benefits. Lavender is great for its calming abilities, consumed or as an essential oil, but is also great for eye and bone health¹⁹.

Interestingly enough, violets are edible and have a lot of health benefits when doing so. When consuming purple violets, whether through honey or infused oil, you can reduce inflammation and prevent respiratory illnesses.

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