If you have a sensitive stomach but still want fruit in your life, choosing the right option matters. Blueberries, bananas, apples, and strawberries all behave differently once they hit your gut. This comparison breaks down how blueberries stack up against other common fruit options, focusing purely on what feels easiest to digest.
On our blueberries page, it scores a 9/10 for digestibility. Let’s see how that compares to the competition.
Blueberries vs bananas
Winner for digestibility: Tie (both 9/10)
This is a close matchup, with both fruits being very easy to digest:
- Bananas: Softer texture, lower fiber, very easy to digest.
- Blueberries: Small size, high water content, balanced fiber, very easy to digest.
Blueberries have the edge in:
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More antioxidants.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, though this doesn’t affect digestibility. -
Lower calorie density.
Blueberries have fewer calories per serving, which can matter if you’re watching portions. -
More fiber variety.
Blueberries have both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can support gut health in different ways.
Bananas have the advantage in:
-
Softer texture.
Bananas are softer and easier to break down than blueberries, which can matter for very sensitive stomachs. -
Less fiber.
Bananas have less fiber than blueberries, which can make them easier for people who struggle with high-fiber foods. -
Resistant starch benefits.
Slightly underripe bananas contain resistant starch, which can support gut health without causing digestive stress.
Bottom line: Both blueberries and bananas are excellent choices for sensitive stomachs. Choose based on your preference, but both are very easy to digest.
Blueberries vs apples
Winner for digestibility: Blueberries (9/10 vs 8/10)
Blueberries usually win this matchup because:
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Smaller size.
Blueberries are small and easy to break down, while apples are larger and have tougher skin. -
Softer texture.
Blueberries are softer and easier to digest than the crisp texture of apples. -
No tough skin.
Blueberries don’t have a tough skin like apples, so there’s no need to peel or worry about insoluble fiber. -
More consistent ripeness.
Blueberries are more consistent in texture and ripeness, while apples can vary widely.
Apples have the edge in:
-
Lower sugar content.
Apples typically have less natural sugar than blueberries, which can matter if you’re watching blood sugar. -
More fiber variety.
Apples have both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can support gut health in different ways. -
Can be cooked easily.
Apples can be cooked (baked, stewed) to make them even easier to digest, while cooking blueberries changes their texture significantly.
Bottom line: If digestibility is your top priority, blueberries are usually slightly easier than apples due to smaller size and softer texture. However, both are very easy to digest, so choose based on your preference.
Blueberries vs strawberries
Winner for digestibility: Tie (both 8–9/10)
This is a very close matchup, with both berries being very similar:
- Strawberries: Similar size, high water content, balanced fiber, very easy to digest.
- Blueberries: Similar size, high water content, balanced fiber, very easy to digest.
Blueberries have the edge in:
-
More antioxidants.
Blueberries are packed with more antioxidants, though this doesn’t affect digestibility. -
Smaller seeds.
Blueberries have very small, soft seeds that are easy to digest, while strawberries have larger seeds on the outside.
Strawberries have the advantage in:
-
Larger size.
Strawberries are larger, so you might eat fewer overall, which can reduce digestive load. -
More vitamin C.
Strawberries have more vitamin C, though this doesn’t affect digestibility.
Bottom line: Both blueberries and strawberries are excellent choices for sensitive stomachs. They’re very similar in digestibility, so choose based on your preference.
Blueberries vs raspberries
Winner for digestibility: Blueberries (9/10 vs 7–8/10)
Blueberries generally beat raspberries because:
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Softer seeds.
Blueberries have very small, soft seeds that are easy to digest, while raspberries have larger, harder seeds that can be more challenging. -
More consistent texture.
Blueberries have a uniform texture, while raspberries can be more delicate and vary in ripeness. -
Less fiber.
Blueberries have slightly less fiber than raspberries, which can make them easier for people who struggle with high-fiber foods.
Raspberries have the edge in:
-
More fiber.
Raspberries have more fiber, which can support gut health, though this can also make them harder to digest for some people. -
Different nutrient profile.
Raspberries offer different vitamins and antioxidants, though this doesn’t affect digestibility.
Bottom line: Blueberries are usually slightly easier to digest than raspberries due to softer seeds and more consistent texture. However, both are relatively easy, so choose based on your preference.
Blueberries vs citrus fruits
Winner for digestibility: Blueberries (9/10 vs 6–7/10)
Blueberries generally beat citrus fruits because:
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Less acidity.
Blueberries are less acidic than citrus fruits, which means they’re less likely to trigger acid reflux or stomach irritation. -
Softer on the stomach.
The neutral pH of blueberries is gentler on sensitive stomachs than the high acidity of citrus. -
No tough membranes.
Blueberries don’t have the tough membranes and pith that citrus fruits have, which can be harder to digest. -
Smaller size.
Blueberries are small and easy to break down, while citrus fruits are larger and have more complex structures.
Citrus fruits have the edge in:
-
Higher vitamin C.
Citrus fruits have more vitamin C, though this doesn’t affect digestibility. -
Lower fructose content.
Some citrus fruits have less fructose than blueberries, which can matter if you have fructose malabsorption.
Bottom line: Blueberries are usually much easier to digest than citrus fruits due to lower acidity and simpler structure. If you have acid reflux or a sensitive stomach, blueberries are usually the safer choice.
Overall ranking: easiest to hardest
From a pure digestibility perspective, here’s how common fruits typically rank:
- Bananas (9/10): Softest texture, lowest fiber, easiest to digest.
- Blueberries (9/10): Small size, high water content, very easy to digest.
- Strawberries (8–9/10): Very similar to blueberries.
- Apples (8/10): High water content, balanced fiber, easy when peeled or cooked.
- Raspberries (7–8/10): Similar to blueberries, but larger seeds can be an issue.
- Citrus fruits (6–7/10): Can be harder due to acidity.
Which should you choose?
The best fruit option for you depends on your specific needs:
- If digestibility is your top priority: Start with bananas or blueberries. They’re almost always the gentlest options.
- If you want antioxidants: Blueberries are your best bet, packed with powerful antioxidants.
- If you have acid reflux: Blueberries are usually safer than citrus fruits due to lower acidity.
- If you have fructose malabsorption: You might need to limit or avoid blueberries, and choose lower-fructose options instead.
Remember: these scores are averages. Your individual tolerance matters more than any ranking. Start with small portions of your chosen option and track how you feel.
The bottom line
Blueberries sit at the top of the fruit digestibility spectrum: easier than apples and citrus fruits, and tied with bananas for the easiest options. Their 9/10 score reflects that they’re high in water, small in size, and digest in about 30 minutes.
If you’re choosing between fruit options, bananas and blueberries are usually your safest bets for pure digestibility. Strawberries are also very similar to blueberries. If you have acid reflux, blueberries are usually safer than acidic fruits like citrus.
The key is treating fruit as a food you can customize for your gut: small portions for maximum digestibility, or larger amounts if your stomach can handle it. Small amounts, smart preparation, and listening to your body can help you enjoy fruit without paying for it with digestive discomfort.
Related reading: Want a deeper dive into blueberries specifically? Check out our article on Blueberries and Your Gut: Why This Superfood Is Usually Easy to Digest