Best Elderberry Supplements (2026)
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is one of the most popular immune-support supplements, rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and vitamins A, B, and C. Research shows elderberry extract can reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu, making it a staple in medicine cabinets during cold and flu season and year-round immune maintenance.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Ingredient | Form | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zazzee Organic Black Elderberry | Elderberry 10:1 Extract | Capsules | Overall potency | 9.5/10 |
| Sambucus Elderberry Gummies | Elderberry + Vitamin C + Zinc | Gummies | Immune combo | 9.3/10 |
| Elderberry Capsules with Zinc & Vitamin C | Elderberry + Zinc + Vitamin C | Capsules | Triple immune support | 9.2/10 |
| BioSchwartz Elderberry Gummies | Elderberry + Zinc + Vitamin C | Gummies | Best-tasting gummy | 9.1/10 |
| Vitamin Bounty Elderberry Immune Support | Elderberry + Zinc + Echinacea | Capsules | Multi-herb immune | 9.0/10 |
| Vitamin Bounty Organic Elderberry | Organic Elderberry + Zinc | Capsules | Organic option | 8.9/10 |
| Smurfs Kids Elderberry Gummies | Elderberry + Vitamin C + Zinc | Gummies | Kids immune support | 8.8/10 |
1. Zazzee USDA Organic Black Elderberry – Best Overall
- OUTSTANDING VALUE: Our Certified Organic Black Elderberry Extract contains 5000 mg strength per capsule, 120 capsules per bottle, AND is USDA Certified Organic – an amazing value! A single bottle contains a 2 month supply. Compare this to other leading brands that contain less than 120 capsules, are not Certified Organic, and use a much less potent, non-extract powder. Our Certified Organic Black Elderberry Extract is a bargain not be found elsewhere!
- USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Any Black Elderberry that is not CERTIFIED organic can be highly contaminated and even harmful. With Zazzee Naturals Certified Organic Black Elderberry, you can be sure your Black Elderberry is organic, all-natural, vegan, and non-GMO. More, while other competing products use various chemicals as fillers, binders, and excipients, our Organic Black Elderberry instead uses a unique blend of organic stabilizers.
- 5000 MG STRENGTH / POTENT 10:1 EXTRACT: Each capsule contains 5000 mg strength of Black Elderberry Extract from a potent, powerful 10:1 extract. Combine that with USDA Organic Certification, and our Extra Strength Organic Black Elderberry Extract, loaded with antioxidants, is one of the strongest dosages available!
- NATURAL, VEGAN & NON-GMO: All ingredients, including the capsule, are 100% vegan. Our Extra Strength Black Elderberry Extract does not contain any sweeteners, artificial flavors, wheat, corn, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, or tree nut ingredients. Enjoy the amazing benefits of our potent Black Elderberry Extract without worrying about what else might be hiding in each capsule!
- GOLD STANDARD PRODUCTION: Your health and safety mean everything to us. For that reason, our Extra Strength Black Elderberry Extract is manufactured in the USA, in a fully certified facility with adherence to good manufacturing policies and under the most stringent quality control. You can rest assured that you get the best value for your money!
This USDA-certified organic elderberry delivers a potent 10:1 extract ratio equivalent to 5,000 mg of fresh elderberries per serving, making it one of the strongest elderberry supplements available.
Each capsule provides a concentrated 10:1 black elderberry extract, meaning you get the bioactive compounds of 5,000 mg from a single manageable capsule. The product is USDA organic certified, vegan-friendly, and contains 120 capsules for a 4-month supply. Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility with no artificial additives, fillers, or preservatives. Zazzee uses European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), the most researched elderberry species.
- Pros:
- USDA organic certified with 10:1 concentrated extract
- 120 capsules provide excellent value (4-month supply)
- European Sambucus nigra — the most clinically studied elderberry species
- Cons:
- Capsule format only — no gummy option in this product
- Does not include added zinc or vitamin C
Best for: Anyone wanting the most potent, pure organic elderberry extract without fillers
2. Sambucus Elderberry Gummies – Best Immune Combo Gummy
- Elderberry Immune Support - Our elderberry gummies are packed with Sambucus elderberry, a powerful antioxidant that helps support immune function for daily wellness.
- Elderberry Vitamin C and Zinc - Each gummy combines elderberry with vitamin C and zinc, offering a triple-action blend to support immune defense and promote a healthy response to seasonal challenges.
- Delicious Berry Flavor Immune Support Gummies - Enjoy the benefits of elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc in a tasty, elderberry gummy that makes supporting your immune system a delicious part of your daily routine.
- Convenient Immune Gummies for Adults - These elderberry gummies are an easy and convenient way to support your immune health, perfect for those on-the-go or looking for a tasty alternative to capsules or tablets.
- We Believe in High Standards - Our elderberry vitamins are produced in a GMP facility, ensuring rigorous testing for a supplement you can trust.
Combining elderberry with vitamin C and zinc in a delicious gummy, this all-in-one formula covers the three most popular immune-support ingredients in a single daily dose.
Each serving delivers black elderberry extract alongside vitamin C and zinc — two essential micronutrients that play critical roles in immune cell function. The gummy format makes it easy to take daily, especially for adults who dislike swallowing capsules. The natural berry flavor has earned consistently high taste ratings, and the product is made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility.
- Pros:
- Triple immune support with elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc
- Great-tasting gummy with natural berry flavor
- Easy daily compliance — no water or capsule swallowing needed
- Cons:
- Contains added sugars for gummy base
- Lower elderberry concentration compared to capsule alternatives
Best for: Adults who want a tasty all-in-one immune gummy with elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc
3. Elderberry Capsules with Zinc and Vitamin C – Best Triple-Action Capsule
- 3 layers of natural immune support in 1 daily supplement: BioSchwartz elderberry capsules combine 500mg sambucus elderberry fruit (sambucus nigra) with 7mg zinc and 120mg vitamin C into a potent blend of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and herbal flower essences. This expertly crafted formula is designed to support a healthy immune system in men, women, and children
- Rich in beneficial minerals and antioxidants: Because sambucus elderberry naturally has high levels of antioxidants and multiminerals, it’s been traditionally used for thousands of years to support a healthy immune system. Elderberry also plays a key role in a number of critical functions within the body and may help fight free-radicals while reducing oxidative-stress
- Natural support for smoother skin: along with elderberry, both vitamin C and zinc can help promote firm and healthy looking skin; vitamin C protects the skin’s collagen and elastin, while zinc can help promote the formation of connective tissues, an important factor in maintaining skin health
- Expert formulated: BioSchwartz sambucus elderberry capsules were expertly formulated with premium natural quality ingredients to promote immune support and a healthy immune system
- 2 month supply of daily immune support: Every bottle of Bioschwartz sambucus elderberry capsules comes filled with 60 1-per-day veggie capsules (a full 2 month supply), each one containing an exclusive blend of natural elderberry, zinc, and vitamin C
This capsule delivers a concentrated elderberry extract with therapeutic doses of zinc and vitamin C, offering maximum immune support in a no-sugar, no-filler format.
The combination of elderberry extract with zinc and vitamin C targets multiple immune pathways simultaneously. Zinc supports T-cell function and acts as an antiviral mineral, while vitamin C enhances white blood cell production and antioxidant defense. The capsule format allows for higher ingredient doses than gummies without any added sugars. Each bottle provides a 2-month supply.
- Pros:
- Higher elderberry and zinc doses than most gummy alternatives
- Sugar-free capsule format with clean ingredient profile
- Two-month supply per bottle for good value
- Cons:
- Capsules may be harder for some users to swallow
- No added echinacea or other herbal immune boosters
Best for: Adults who prefer capsules and want maximum elderberry potency with zinc and vitamin C
4. BioSchwartz Elderberry Gummies – Best Premium Gummy
- Supports Your Immune System: These elderberry gummies are expertly formulated with Vitamin C and zinc to strengthen your body's natural immune support defenses, offering essential nutrients that your body needs in tasty and easy-to-chew gummies
- A Delightful Wellness Boost for Adults & Kids: Say goodbye to hard-to-swallow pills and embrace the convenience of elderberry gummies for adults and children that make immune support easy and enjoyable for everyone in the family
- Premium Black Elderberry: Experience the multifaceted benefits of black sambucus elderberries, renowned for their antioxidant properties; these gummies support your body's natural defenses while being kind to sensitive dietary needs with their non-GMO and vegan-friendly formulation
- Convenient Whole Body Health Support: The compact 60-count bottle of sambucus immune gummy elderberry is your go-to for on-the-go wellness, ensuring you never miss out on an essential immunity boost wherever you are
- The New Standard in Elderberry Supplements: BioSchwartz elderberry gummies are made in the USA with premium globally-sourced ingredients and third party tested for purity, potency and quality
BioSchwartz is a well-known supplement brand with a reputation for quality, and their elderberry gummies deliver a premium immune-support experience with zinc and vitamin C.
The formula combines elderberry extract with zinc and vitamin C in a pectin-based gummy that’s suitable for vegetarians. BioSchwartz uses third-party testing to verify potency and purity, a practice that sets it apart from many competitors. The brand’s strong reputation and transparent quality standards make this a trustworthy pick for daily immune support.
- Pros:
- Third-party tested for potency and purity
- Established brand with strong quality reputation
- Pectin-based gummy suitable for vegetarians
- Cons:
- Premium price compared to generic elderberry gummies
- Smaller bottle size requires more frequent reordering
Best for: Consumers who prioritize brand reputation and third-party testing in their elderberry supplement
5. Vitamin Bounty Elderberry Immune Support – Best Multi-Herb Formula
- Powerful Elderberry Immune Support: Complete 5-in-1 formula with elderberry, vitamin C, zinc, garlic, and echinacea; designed to support immune system health, strengthen natural defenses, and provide seasonal wellness for adults
- Packed with Antioxidants: Each serving delivers vitamin C and zinc plus antioxidants from elderberries; includes additional nutrients like vitamin A, B-complex, and amino acids to help fight oxidative stress and promote daily vitality
- Elderberry 5-in-1 Blend: Combines herbal extracts and essential nutrients in one convenient capsule; elderberry, echinacea, and garlic work together with vitamin C and zinc to reinforce immune defense and overall health
- High Potency Vitamin C with Zinc: Essential immune system vitamins that support collagen production, skin health, and energy metabolism; helps your body stay strong and resilient year-round
- Garlic & Echinacea Boost: Traditional botanicals known for immune and wellness support; garlic extract promotes circulation while echinacea provides added defense against seasonal challenges
This formula goes beyond basic elderberry by adding echinacea and zinc for a multi-pathway immune defense that covers antiviral, antibacterial, and immune-activating benefits.
The combination of elderberry with echinacea — an herb clinically studied for upper respiratory infection support — creates a broader immune defense profile. Zinc provides additional antiviral activity, while vitamin C rounds out the formula. This multi-herb approach makes it especially useful during cold and flu season when immune demands are highest.
- Pros:
- Echinacea addition provides broader immune coverage
- Multi-herb formula for cold and flu season defense
- Well-dosed zinc for antiviral support
- Cons:
- Multi-ingredient formulas mean lower individual herb doses
- Echinacea may interact with immunosuppressant medications
Best for: Adults seeking a comprehensive multi-herb immune formula during cold and flu season
6. Vitamin Bounty Organic Elderberry Capsules – Best Organic Capsule
- Powerful Elderberry Immune Support: Complete 5-in-1 formula with elderberry, vitamin C, zinc, garlic, and echinacea; designed to support immune system health, strengthen natural defenses, and provide seasonal wellness for adults
- Packed with Antioxidants: Each serving delivers vitamin C and zinc plus antioxidants from elderberries; includes additional nutrients like vitamin A, B-complex, and amino acids to help fight oxidative stress and promote daily vitality
- Elderberry 5-in-1 Blend: Combines herbal extracts and essential nutrients in one convenient capsule; elderberry, echinacea, and garlic work together with vitamin C and zinc to reinforce immune defense and overall health
- High Potency Vitamin C with Zinc: Essential immune system vitamins that support collagen production, skin health, and energy metabolism; helps your body stay strong and resilient year-round
- Garlic & Echinacea Boost: Traditional botanicals known for immune and wellness support; garlic extract promotes circulation while echinacea provides added defense against seasonal challenges
Made with certified organic elderberry and combined with zinc and vitamin C, this capsule offers clean organic immune support with no synthetic fillers or artificial ingredients.
The organic certification ensures the elderberry is grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, appealing to health-conscious consumers who prioritize clean sourcing. The formula includes zinc and vitamin C for synergistic immune support. Each capsule delivers a standardized dose of elderberry extract, and the product is manufactured in a GMP-certified facility in the USA.
- Pros:
- Certified organic elderberry for clean sourcing
- Includes zinc and vitamin C for complete immune support
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Cons:
- Organic sourcing comes at a slightly higher price
- Capsule format won’t appeal to gummy lovers
Best for: Health-conscious adults who prioritize organic, clean-label immune supplements
7. BioSchwartz Immune Support Supplement – Best Full-Spectrum Immune
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This goes beyond basic elderberry by combining it with vitamin C, zinc, elderberry, ginger, and echinacea for a comprehensive full-spectrum immune defense supplement.
The formula targets immune support from multiple angles: elderberry provides anthocyanin antioxidants, ginger delivers anti-inflammatory gingerols, echinacea stimulates immune cell activity, and zinc and vitamin C round out the micronutrient support. This multi-ingredient approach creates a synergistic immune blend suitable for daily year-round use or intensive seasonal protection.
- Pros:
- Full-spectrum formula with five active immune ingredients
- Ginger adds anti-inflammatory benefits alongside immune support
- BioSchwartz quality standards with third-party testing
- Cons:
- Multiple ingredients mean lower doses of each individual compound
- Larger capsule size may be difficult for some to swallow
Best for: Anyone wanting a comprehensive immune supplement that goes beyond elderberry alone
8. Smurfs Kids Elderberry Gummies – Best for Children
- Year Round Immunity Support: Try our sambucus elderberry gummies for kids packed with protective nutrients that support a healthy immune system in little ones that is great for seasonal support
- Superior Formula: Our sambucus elderberry immune support supplement gummies features a trusted blend of nutrients that parents can feel good about including vitamin C D zinc and elderberry
- Doctor Developed: The Smurfs line of kids vitamin gummies has been carefully reviewed and formulated under the guidance of a medical doctor to include the most beneficial ingredients and dosages
- Made with Real Fruit: Ditch those questionable kids gummy vitamins and try these Smurfilicious gummies made with Apple Orange Peach Pineapple Pear and Passionfruit no artificial sweeteners
- Smurfs Certified: The Smurfs have set a standard for fun and positivity all parents can appreciate just like these gummies made without nasty ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and GMOs
Designed specifically for children, these fun Smurf-themed gummies make immune support enjoyable for kids with elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc in a kid-friendly dose.
The gummies use age-appropriate doses of black elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc calibrated for children’s smaller body weight. The Smurf character branding makes them appealing to kids, improving compliance for parents who struggle to get their children to take supplements. Made with natural flavors and colors, they contain no artificial preservatives.
- Pros:
- Kid-friendly doses with fun character branding
- Natural flavors and colors without artificial preservatives
- Elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc in one gummy
- Cons:
- Contains added sugars
- Character branding means a slight premium over generic kids’ gummies
Best for: Parents looking for an elderberry immune supplement their kids will actually enjoy taking
How to Choose the Best Elderberry Supplement
Look for elderberry supplements made from European black elderberry (Sambucus nigra), which is the most clinically studied species. Extracts standardized to anthocyanin content or using a concentrated extract ratio (like 10:1 or 64:1) deliver more bioactive compounds per serving. Avoid products that list elderberry powder without specifying extract concentration, as these provide significantly less potency.
The ideal daily elderberry dose for adults is 150-300 mg of a concentrated extract (equivalent to 500-5,000 mg of raw elderberry, depending on extraction ratio). For maintenance, lower doses work fine, but during acute illness, higher doses of up to 600-900 mg of extract per day have been used in clinical studies. Children’s doses should be approximately half the adult dose.
Form matters based on your priorities. Capsules deliver higher concentrations without added sugars, while gummies offer better taste and compliance but sacrifice some potency. Syrups provide another option, especially for children, though they tend to contain significant added sugars. Choose whichever form you’ll take consistently.
Third-party testing, GMP certification, and organic certifications like USDA Organic add quality assurance. Many elderberry supplements combine elderberry with vitamin C and zinc — two well-researched immune nutrients — which provides a more comprehensive immune formula. Check that added ingredients are present in meaningful doses, not just trace amounts for label appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is elderberry and what does it do?
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a dark purple berry rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids that support immune function. Clinical research shows elderberry extract can reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms by inhibiting viral replication and stimulating cytokine production. It also provides potent antioxidant activity, with anthocyanin levels comparable to blueberries and acai.
How much elderberry should I take daily?
For general immune maintenance, 150-300 mg of elderberry extract daily is typical. During acute illness, studies have used 600-900 mg of extract per day, divided into multiple doses, for up to 5 days. Follow the dosing instructions on your specific product since extract concentrations vary widely between brands. Children typically take half the adult dose.
When is the best time to take elderberry?
Elderberry can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Many people prefer taking it in the morning as part of their daily supplement routine. During cold and flu season, some people increase to twice-daily dosing — morning and evening — for enhanced immune protection. There’s no evidence that timing significantly affects absorption or efficacy.
Are there any side effects of elderberry?
Commercially prepared elderberry supplements are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Some people experience mild digestive discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea, especially at higher doses. Raw or unripe elderberries contain cyanogenic glycosides and should never be consumed — always use commercially processed extracts. People with autoimmune conditions should consult a doctor, as elderberry may stimulate immune activity.
Can I take elderberry with other supplements?
Elderberry pairs well with vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and probiotics for comprehensive immune support. It’s generally safe to combine with multivitamins and most common supplements. However, elderberry may interact with immunosuppressant medications, diuretics, and diabetes medications due to its immune-stimulating and mild blood sugar-lowering effects. Check with a healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.
How long does it take for elderberry to work?
For acute cold and flu symptoms, clinical studies show elderberry can reduce symptom duration within 2-4 days of starting supplementation. For general immune maintenance, consistent daily use over 2-4 weeks builds cumulative antioxidant and immune-supportive benefits. Elderberry works best as a proactive supplement taken before illness strikes rather than as a reactive treatment after symptoms are severe.
