• Wrinkly blueberries may be safe if they’re just dehydrated, but slimy or moldy ones should be tossed.
  • Some experts recommend discarding wrinkly berries altogether due to potential spoilage.
  • Store fresh blueberries in the fridge and wash only before eating to prevent mold growth.

Blueberries aren’t just packed with fiber and nutrients—they’re also known for their sweet-tart flavor. This berry is especially plump and flavorful during the summer, so there’s a good chance you’ve got a pint in your fridge right now. They’re great for tossing into yogurt, baking into muffins or pies, and snacking on by the handful.

But even when they’re in season, not every blueberry looks picture-perfect. They can spoil and grow mold, and sometimes you’ll spot a few wrinkly ones in the bunch. So… are these still safe to eat? The answer isn’t totally straightforward, so we asked the experts: Shawn Matijevich, lead chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, and Bryan Quoc Le, founder and principal food consultant at Mendocino Food Consulting.

Are Wrinkly Blueberries Safe To Eat?

Both experts agree that wrinkly blueberries aren’t the best to keep around. “If they are just wrinkly, then that means they have lost their moisture,” says Matijevich. “This won’t make them bad to eat, it’ll just mean their texture has changed a bit.”

While he’ll use those in smoothies, pancakes, or jam, he emphasizes avoiding any berries that are slimy or moldy.

Quoc Le is even more cautious. “While some shriveling may be caused by dehydration or sunburn and doesn’t affect safety, it can also indicate spoilage or diseases like anthracnose fruit rot,” he explains. For this reason, he recommends removing wrinkled berries from the pint entirely and storing the rest in the fridge for up to 10 days after purchase.

Since those wrinkles can mean anything from harmless dehydration to actual spoilage, your safest bet is to toss them.

The Bottom Line

Wrinkly blueberries might just be dehydrated, but they can also signal spoilage or disease. If they’re slimy or moldy, they’re definitely unsafe—and even if they’re just shriveled, both experts agree you’re better off tossing them. Save the firm, plump berries for eating fresh, and keep them refrigerated to extend their shelf life.

Stay Up to Speed On Food Safety