Boombites red berry grapes have arrived in Tesco, M&S and Ocado for a limited period, offering shoppers a fruit that health experts say may help manage high cholesterol and blood pressure. The antioxidant-rich grapes are marketed as a colourful addition to a balanced diet.
New fruit hits UK shelves after successful trial
The grapes follow a successful trial pilot last year and are believed to be the first in the world to boast a deep red, skin-to-centre colour running throughout the entire fruit. They will be stocked in M&S and Tesco stores, as well as on Ocado online, until October 2026.
This launch comes after the publication of research in the Nutrients Journal titled Polyphenols and Cardiovascular Health: Emerging Relevance for Blueberries, Grapes and Red-Fleshed Table Grapes. The study found that compounds in naturally red-fleshed grapes may help promote cardiovascular health when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Health experts weigh in on benefits
Dr Emma Derbyshire, public health nutritionist and co-author of the new paper, said: "A daily diet of five fruit and vegetables including the colourful addition to your five-a-day, red berry grapes, as well as being active, can potentially help to improve blood flow and lower levels of bad cholesterol, which all help support our heart health."
She added: "And if you were after a snack that delivers on both taste and nutrition, red bed grapes, including those marketing under the Boombites brands, do just that."
Dr Roy Jogiya, Chief Medical Advisor from Heart Research UK, said: "Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK. Many cases of cardiovascular disease can be prevented or delayed through healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and managing blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes."
Nutritional profile and blood sugar impact
A single 80g handful of Boombites red berry grapes contributes towards one of your five-a-day portions, while each 125g serving amounts to fewer than 100 calories. The grapes are packed with fibre, vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamine, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
Research suggests that consuming a diet abundant in polyphenols may potentially lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 46%, while resveratrol is recognised for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, which can assist in managing blood pressure. Studies conducted by Spanish technology centre AINIA reveal that the distinctive blend of polyphenols in these red-fleshed grapes modifies how sugars are processed in the digestive system, leading to lower glucose absorption despite their naturally sweet flavour.
How the grapes were developed
Dr Nisa Aslam, GP and co-author of the new paper, says: "Red berry grapes have been found to be abundant in resveratrol and antioxidants, just like blueberries, which help support your body's cells from damage caused by everyday stress, diet and environmental factors such as the sun."
It took thousands of different combinations of small and soft, red-fleshed wine grapes with large, sweet, and crunchy seedless table grapes to come up with the new red berry grapes. This new category has the beautiful visual impact of a berry, combined with the sweetness, crunch and convenience of a premium seedless table grape.
