ORAC Value List - Top 100 Highest Antioxidant Food Products

If you’re searching for the highest ORAC value in the world, the top two known sources today are Dragon’s Blood (a tree resin) and Astaxanthin (natural algae-derived antioxidant). Below is a ORAC Top 100 list based on the original USDA ORAC tables (no longer published) along with updated research notes and recommended high-ORAC foods (fruits, spices/herbs).

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→ Dragons Blood
→ Astaxanthin

Quick Summary:
ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) measures the antioxidant strength of foods, herbs, and supplements. The highest natural ORAC sources ever recorded are Dragon’s Blood (2.89 million) and Astaxanthin (2.82 million). Among whole foods, the top categories are spices, berries, and certain fruits.

I’ve researched ORAC values and antioxidant supplements for more than a decade, and this page is updated regularly as new data emerges.

Disclaimer: This is simply what my research has uncovered. There may be other data out there showing different results. Please use this information as a starting point and verify as needed.

Contents (Jump to a Section)

About ORAC Score
Highest ORAC Value in the World
Highest ORAC Fruits
Highest ORAC Spices
Highest Orac Value List, Top 100

The ORAC value of the following products, spices, herbs, foods, and berries is very high, so they are worth considering for your overall health and well-being.

ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, developed the ‘USDA Database for the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods’ from which some of this data is sourced.

ORAC units measure the antioxidant capacity of foods. Higher ORAC value units have the potential for better health.

(Consult your doctor for medical advice.)

It is widely believed that foods high in antioxidants help lower the risk of cancer, degenerative diseases, and other diseases.

The following list includes foods and spices/herbs with high ORAC values. You might consider increasing your intake of them in your regular diet.

About ORAC Score

Quick Summary:

ORAC values compare antioxidant capacity per 100g
Normalized for comparison only
USDA discontinued the database in 2012
Values can vary by source, growing conditions, etc.

More Detail:

The ORAC values in this list are normalized to 100 grams of weight (~ 3.5 ounces) because that is how the original database of information was presented. The intent is to ‘normalize’ the various items to compare ‘raw value,’ NOT ‘amount per serving.’

This ORAC list does not factor in or attempt to suggest the quantities that a person would typically eat in one serving (for example, who would eat 3.5 ounces of cloves in one serving?). I simply intend to point out which ‘foods’ are literally the highest in ORAC value (that I could find information about).

The ORAC value of a given food may vary due to factors such as growing conditions, processing conditions, specific variety, and others.

Data sourced from the US Department of Agriculture during 2010. The USDA recommends consuming approximately 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units daily.

ORAC values listed here are in units of µmol TE/100g (micromol Trolox Equivalent per 100 grams). Trolox equivalency is used as a benchmark for antioxidant capacity.

The list I’ve put together here is not all-inclusive

Source: USDA’s Nutrient Data Laboratory (NDL)

Update: Sometime in 2012, the USDA removed its ORAC listings. The original was titled, “USDA Database for the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) of Selected Foods, Release 2 – Prepared by Nutrient Data Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center (BHNRC), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – May 2010.”

Why did USDA remove ORAC?
My understanding is as follows… The USDA discontinued the database in 2012 because supplement companies were misusing ORAC scores as marketing claims. The underlying science remains valid, but ORAC was never intended as a health claim system. The original data remain a valuable reference for comparing relative antioxidant capacity.

UPDATE: I have found a copy of the original source:
Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity
(ORAC) of Selected Foods – 2007

Link to PDF at govinfo.gov

Highest ORAC Value Product In The World

Before diving into the ORAC value list below, it’s natural to wonder: What has the highest ORAC score ever measured? After revisiting the research, including antioxidant-rich foods, spices, herbs, and now supplements, the answer becomes surprisingly clear.

Two products stand out far above all others known today, Dragon’s Blood and Astaxanthin

Dragon’s Blood (Highest Known ORAC Value)

Several years ago, my research focused exclusively on foods and spices listed in the USDA ORAC tables. However, expanding that research to include natural supplements revealed an extraordinary outlier: Dragon’s Blood.

Dragon’s Blood isn’t from a mythical creature—it’s a deep red resin harvested from specific trees, traditionally used in various cultural remedies. Its antioxidant capacity is astounding.

ORAC Value: 2,897,110 μmol TE/100g
Status: Highest known ORAC value recorded
Antioxidant comparison: Up to 6,000× the antioxidant power of vitamin C

While not commonly consumed as a food (but available as a supplement), Dragon’s Blood resin still holds the highest ORAC value ever recorded.

→ Dragon’s Blood 100% Pure Raw Sangre de Grado(Amazon)

Astaxanthin (Natural, AstaReal® Source Recommended)

A close second, and highly practical as a daily supplement is Astaxanthin, a naturally occurring red carotenoid derived from microalgae. One of several good sources is AstaReal®. It is one of the most thoroughly studied antioxidants in the world.

Why AstaReal® matters:
Most astaxanthin on the market is synthetic. AstaReal® is natural, clinically researched, and produced by Fuji Health Science in the USA and Japan.

Research notes:

Over 160 total studies
Including 80+ human clinical trials specifically on AstaReal®
Affirmed by the FDA as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)

ORAC Value: 2,822,200 μmol TE/100g, just behind Dragon’s Blood.

One of the highest ORAC-rated antioxidant supplements in the world.

Natural algae-derived (NOT synthetic)
Clinically studied: 160+ studies, 80 human trials
Supports skin, eye, joint, and cellular health
Only use brands sourcing from AstaReal®

→ Astaxanthin ASTAREAL(Amazon)

Highest ORAC Fruits

While spices and herbs dominate the top of the ORAC charts, several fruits also stand out for their exceptionally high antioxidant capacity. Below are the fruits with the highest ORAC values based on the Top 100 list compiled earlier.

Top High-ORAC Fruits (Overall)

1. Acai Berry (Freeze-Dried) – 102,700 μmol TE/100g

Acai berries are renowned for their antioxidant strength, especially in freeze-dried form, which concentrates their natural phytonutrients. They far surpass nearly all other berries in ORAC value.

→ Navitas Organics Acai Powder(Amazon)

2. Maqui Berry (Powder) – 75,000 μmol TE/100g

Maqui berries, native to South America, rank among the most antioxidant-dense fruits on the planet. The powder form retains and concentrates much of their natural potency.

→ KOYAH – Organic Maqui Berry Powder(Amazon)

3. Chokeberry (Aronia Berry) – 16,000 μmol TE/100g

Chokeberries (also known as Aronia berries) are among the most antioxidant-rich whole fruits studied. Their deep-purple colour comes from exceptionally high levels of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins.

→ Natural Aronia Berry Powder(Amazon)

Highest ORAC Fruits Commonly Found in Grocery Stores

Most of the world’s highest-ORAC fruits (acai, maqui, elderberry) are specialty items or sold in powdered form. However, many everyday supermarket fruits also provide excellent antioxidant levels. The list below ranks the highest-ORAC grocery-store fruits from strongest to moderate.

1. Cranberries (Raw) – 9,584 μmol TE/100g

Raw cranberries are extraordinarily high in antioxidants—higher even than blueberries. Their tart flavor means most people consume them dried or sweetened, but the raw form offers the biggest nutritional impact.

2. Plums – 7,581 μmol TE/100g

Plums are one of the best antioxidant-rich fruits that people often overlook. They surpass nearly all common berries except cranberries.

3. Blueberries – 6,552 μmol TE/100g

Blueberries are famous for their antioxidant strength and remain one of the top choices for a daily, accessible, high-ORAC fruit.

4. Prunes (Dried Plums) – 6,552 μmol TE/100g

Prunes match blueberries in ORAC value and are widely available. Their polyphenol-rich profile contributes significantly to antioxidant activity.

5. Blackberries – 5,347 μmol TE/100g

Rich in anthocyanins, blackberries are another strong contender and a very accessible high-ORAC fruit.

6. Raspberries – 4,882 μmol TE/100g

Raspberries bring excellent antioxidant benefits while being one of the most commonly purchased berries.

7. Red Delicious Apples – 4,275 μmol TE/100g

Among apple varieties, Red Delicious consistently ranks highest in ORAC value due to its deep-red skin pigments.

8. Dried Peaches – 4,222 μmol TE/100g

Dried peaches have a surprisingly high antioxidant score—much higher than fresh peaches.

9. Granny Smith Apples – 3,898 μmol TE/100g

A crisp, tart apple with a strong antioxidant profile, ranking above many other common fruits.

10. Figs – 3,383 μmol TE/100g

Fresh or dried figs offer solid antioxidant content, along with fiber and natural sweetness.

11. Cherries – 3,365 μmol TE/100g

Sweet cherries, tart cherries, and their juices are all considered strong sources of anthocyanins.

12. Strawberries – 3,577 μmol TE/100g

Strawberries remain one of the most widely consumed antioxidant-rich berries and provide a solid ORAC score.

13. Red Grapes / Concord Grape Juice – ~2,377 μmol TE/100g

Red and purple grapes contain resveratrol and other polyphenols. Concord grape juice is particularly strong among fruit juices.

Highest ORAC Spices & Herbs

Spices and herbs dominate the very top of the ORAC scale. far surpassing fruits, vegetables, and most other plant foods on a gram-for-gram basis. Their extremely concentrated phytonutrients make them some of the most potent natural antioxidants known.

Below are the highest ORAC spices and herbs from the Top 100 list.

Top High-ORAC Spices & Herbs (Overall)

These spices sit at the pinnacle of antioxidant density. Even small amounts can significantly boost the antioxidant content of a meal.

Note: The spice and herb products linked below are sourced from trusted, well-known brands such as Simply Organic and Frontier Co-op. These companies are highly regarded for their clean sourcing, organic options, and consistent quality – important considerations when choosing antioxidant-rich spices.

1. Cloves (Ground) – 314,446 μmol TE/100g

Ground cloves hold the #1 spot on the entire ORAC list. Their extraordinary polyphenol concentration makes them the most potent antioxidant spice known. Commonly used in baking, spiced drinks, sauces, and ham glazes, cloves deliver a remarkable nutritional punch even in tiny amounts.

→ Simply Organic Ground Cloves(Amazon)

2. Sumac – 312,400 μmol TE/100g

Sumac is an ancient Middle Eastern spice with a tart, lemony flavor. It ranks almost identical to cloves in ORAC value and is traditionally sprinkled on meats, salads, and rice dishes. Sumac’s deep red pigments signal its high polyphenol content.

→ Frontier Co-op Sumac Spice(Amazon)

3. Cinnamon (Ground) – 267,536 μmol TE/100g

Cinnamon is one of the most commonly used antioxidant spices in the world, and one of the strongest. Its high ORAC value comes from cinnamaldehyde and other potent plant compounds. Popular in baking, oatmeal, beverages, and savory dishes.

→ Simply Organic Ground Cinnamon(Amazon)

Additional High-ORAC Spices & Herbs

These spices and herbs may not take the top three spots, but they remain exceptional antioxidant sources and are widely used in everyday cooking.

4. Oregano (Dried) – 200,129 μmol TE/100g

Dried oregano is extremely rich in polyphenols. Just a teaspoon provides a noticeable antioxidant boost. Excellent for Italian, Mediterranean, and Mexican dishes.

→ Simply Organic Oregano(Amazon)

5. Turmeric (Ground) – 159,277 μmol TE/100g

Turmeric owes its high ORAC score to curcumin, the bright yellow compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Commonly used in curries, soups, and wellness blends.

→ Simply Organic Ground Turmeric Root(Amazon)

6. Parsley (Dried) – 74,349 μmol TE/100g

Dried parsley has a surprisingly high ORAC value—far higher than most people expect. A single sprinkle adds color, flavor, and antioxidants to soups, stews, and sauces.

→ Simply Organic Parsley Flakes(Amazon)

Everyday Spices & Herbs With Strong ORAC Values

These spices may be more familiar and frequently used, yet still provide impressive antioxidant potential in everyday cooking:

Cumin Seed – 76,800
Sage – 32,004
Ginger (Ground) – 28,811
Black Pepper – 27,618
Thyme (Fresh) – 27,426
Marjoram (Fresh) – 27,297
Chili Powder – 23,636
Paprika – 17,919

Even modest use of these spices can increase the ORAC value of a meal significantly.

Why Spices Rank So High

Spices and herbs are dense sources of essential oils, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other protective plant compounds. Because they’re consumed in small quantities, ORAC scores are normalized to 100 grams merely for comparison—not for suggested serving sizes.

Even a ¼ teaspoon of a high-ORAC spice can meaningfully increase the total antioxidants of a dish.

ORAC Value List, Top 100

Again, this ORAC score list does not account for or suggest the typical serving quantities that a person would consume.

Instead, it simply points out the ORAC value for each ‘food’ (at least those on which I could find information).

1	Cloves, ground	314,446
2	Sumac bran	312,400
3	Cinnamon, ground	267,536
4	Sorghum, bran, raw	240,000
5	Oregano, dried	200,129
6	Turmeric, ground	159,277
7	Acai berry, freeze-dried	102,700
8	Sorghum, bran, black	100,800
9	Sumac, grain, raw	86,800
10	Cocoa powder, unsweetened	80,933
11	Cumin seed	76,800
12	Maqui berry, powder	75,000
13	Parsley, dried	74,349
14	Sorghum, bran, red	71,000
15	Basil, dried	67,553
16	Baking chocolate, unsweetened	49,926
17	Curry powder	48,504
18	Sorghum, grain, hi-tannin	45,400
19	Chocolate, dutched powder	40,200
20	Maqui berry, juice	40,000
21	Sage	32,004
22	Mustard seed, yellow	29,257
23	Ginger, ground	28,811
24	Pepper, black	27,618
25	Thyme, fresh	27,426
26	Marjoram, fresh	27,297
27	Goji berries	25,300
28	Rice bran, crude	24,287
29	Chili powder	23,636
30	Sorghum, grain, black	21,900
31	Chocolate, dark	20,823
32	Flax hull lignans	19,600
33	Chocolate, semisweet	18,053
34	Pecans	17,940
35	Paprika	17,919
36	Chokeberry, raw	16,062
37	Tarragon, fresh	15,542
38	Ginger root, raw	14,840
39	Elderberries, raw	14,697
40	Sorghum, grain, red	14,000
41	Peppermint, fresh	13,978
42	Oregano, fresh	13,978
43	Walnuts	13,541
44	Hazelnuts	9,645
45	Cranberries, raw	9,584
46	Pears, dried	9,496
47	Savory, fresh	9,465
48	Artichokes	9,416
49	Kidney beans, red	8,459
50	Pink beans	8,320
51	Black beans	8,040
52	Pistachio nuts	7,983
53	Currants	7,960
54	Pinto beans	7,779
55	Plums	7,581
56	Chocolate, milk chocolate	7,528
57	Lentils	7,282
58	Agave, dried	7,274
59	Apples, dried	6,681
60	Garlic powder	6,665
61	Blueberries	6,552
62	Prunes	6,552
63	Sorghum, bran, white	6,400
64	Lemon balm, leaves	5,997
65	Soybeans	5,764
66	Onion powder	5,735
67	Blackberries	5,347
68	Garlic, raw	5,346
69	Cilantro leaves	5,141
70	Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon	5,034
71	Raspberries	4,882
72	Basil, fresh	4,805
73	Almonds	4,454
74	Dill weed	4,392
75	Cowpeas	4,343
76	Apples, red delicious	4,275
77	Peaches, dried	4,222
78	Raisins, white	4,188
79	Apples, granny smith	3,898
80	Dates	3,895
81	Wine, red	3,873
82	Strawberries	3,577
83	Peanut butter, smooth	3,432
84	Currants, red	3,387
85	Figs	3,383
86	Cherries	3,365
87	Gooseberries	3,277
88	Apricots, dried	3,234
89	Peanuts, all types	3,166
90	Cabbage, red	3,145
91	Broccoli	3,083
92	Apples	3,082
93	Raisins	3,037
94	Pears	2,941
95	Agave	2,938
96	Blueberry juice	2,906
97	Cardamom	2,764
98	Guava	2,550
99	Lettuce, red leaf	2,380
100	Concord grape juice	2,377

I compiled this list way back in ~2011, after reading the original report. It is not all-inclusive, and there are likely other food products that could be inserted into my data. However, it does offer some insight for those interested.

Within the realm of spices and herbs, Ground Cloves are very high in antioxidants, with an ORAC value of 314,000 µmol TE/100g (see explanation below). They are used in baked sweets, meats, ham, sweet potatoes, baked beans, BBQ and tomato sauces, pumpkin pie, and gingerbread…