5 Reasons Why Blackberries Can Cause Diarrhea

Blackberries are versatile, nutritious, and delicious — but for people with certain food sensitivities, or if the fruit is spoiled, they can cause diarrhea and other digestive symptoms.

Here are five reasons that blackberries may not agree with you.

1. Salicylate Sensitivity

Salicylates are chemicals that are naturally found in various fruits and vegetables. Salicylate sensitivity occurs when your body is unable to process the amount of salicylates you eat in one sitting.

“For people with an overactive immune system, it's possible to have a food sensitivity response to any food, including blackberries,” says Jenna Volpe, RDN, licensed dietitian and founder of Whole-istic Living. “Food sensitivity reactions involve the release of chemical mediators from white blood cells in the gut, in response to eating a reactive food. This can lead to diarrhea.”

2. Food Allergy

Food allergies are different from sensitivities and intolerances, but they can have similar symptoms — diarrhea included. Allergies to blackberries are rare but possible.

In some cases, food allergies can lead to a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which could be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing along with gastrointestinal symptoms after eating blackberries.

3. Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can occur with any food, but it's more common in fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. This acute digestive condition is caused by infectious organisms found in the food.

4. Mold

“Blackberries are highly perishable, which means they don't have a very long shelf life before they start growing moldy,” Volpe says. “Organic blackberries will get moldy even quicker. People most likely to get diarrhea from moldy blackberries are people with a mold allergy.”

To avoid eating moldy blackberries, Volpe recommends inspecting the fruit for white fuzz.

5. FODMAPs

FODMAPs like fructose are known for being difficult to digest, especially for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Blackberries are especially high in the FODMAP sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive problems.

The Takeaway

• Blackberries can sometimes cause diarrhea and other digestive symptoms in people with a food allergy or sensitivity.
• Eating moldy fruit, or any food that has been infected with bacteria, can also cause diarrhea.
• Always wash blackberries before eating them. Do not eat moldy fruit. If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, after eating blackberries, get medical help immediately.