Best Elderberry Syrup of 2024 (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

Best Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry (Sambucus) is a medicinal plant that has a long history to tell. The discovery of its medicinal properties dated as far back as 460–370 BC. Today, much research proves its protective properties against the symptoms of flu and colds. It also has excellent properties to boost the immune system.

And, with the flu season always around the corner and Covid-19 still looming over, we bring you the list of the best elderberry syrup products of 2022.

We’ve ranked the syrups based on quality, elderberry content, price, customer reviews, and several other factors. 

Let’s dig in!

The Best Elderberry Syrup List for 2022

Product
Rating
Key Features
Website
OVERALL RATING
9.9
Expert Review
  • Best overall
  • Contains 14.5g of fresh black elderberries per teaspoon
  • Certified USDA organic
  • Contains Acerola
FROM: $ 21.99
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OVERALL RATING
9.6
Expert Review
  • Best elderberry syrup for colds
  • Contains 1,000mg of elderberry extract per serving
  • Made in the US
  • Safe for both kids and adults
FROM: $ 24.99
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OVERALL RATING
9.9
Expert Review
  • Best for adults
  • Contains 500mg fresh elderberry extract per serving
  • No added sugar
  • Potent free radical scavenging vitamins
FROM: $ 13.66
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OVERALL RATING
10
Expert Review
  • Top-rated elderberry syrup
  • Contains 150mg black elderberry per serving
  • A powerful blend of organic ingredients
  • Safe for all ages
FROM: $ 18.86
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OVERALL RATING
9.7
Expert Review
  • Best value for money
  • Contains 457mg per serving
  • Certified USDA organic
  • Contains Aronia berry
FROM: $ 19.99
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OVERALL RATING
9.6
Expert Review
  • Best antioxidant
  • Contains 2.78g elderberries per serving
  • Blended American and European elderberries
  • Has a pleasant taste
FROM: $ 28.95
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OVERALL RATING
9.7
Expert Review
  • Best-tasting elderberry syrup
  • Contains 200mg of elderberry extract per serving
  • Tasty berry flavor
  • Perfect for all ages
FROM: $ 19.95
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OVERALL RATING
9.8
Expert Review
  • Best elderberry syrup for kids
  • Contains 178mg elderberry extract per teaspoon
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Contains Vitamin C and zinc
FROM: $ 10.99
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OVERALL RATING
9.7
Expert Review
  • Best global brand
  • Contains 3.8g of elderberry extract per serving
  • Certified kosher
  • Flagship product
FROM: $ 12.99
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OVERALL RATING
9.9
Expert Review
  • Best blend elderberry syrup
  • Contains 1.5g of elderberries per serving
  • Certified USDA organic
  • Blended with echinacea and amla berry
FROM: $ 24.43
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Top 10 Elderberry Syrup Reviews

Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup

OVERALL RATING 9.9
  • Award: Best overall
  • Elderberry content: 14.5g per teaspoon
  • Size: 3 fl oz and 5.4 fl oz
  • Flavors: Natural elderberry
  • Price: $21.99 for 3 fl oz and $32.99 for 5.4 fl oz
  • Discount: 10% upon subscribing, coupons available
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on all orders over $49
  • Return policy: Returns possible within 45 days from the ship date

Founded in 1987, Gaia Herbs is a leading producer of high-quality herbal products, including the Black Elderberry Syrup. The company is 100% American, with its farm located in Brevard, North Carolina. That said, it’s Aboca in Italy, a trusted Gaia Herbs’ partner, that produces this USDA organic elderberry syrup.

Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup made it to our list as the “best overall” due to its high concentration of black elderberries. Each teaspoon contains a whopping amount of black elderberries extract of 14.5g. 

With added antioxidant power from acerola cherry extract, it’s excellent in providing daily immune support and can be even taken by 1–3 year-olds. Based on our expert reviews, Gaia Herbs is our best elderberry syrup brand.

PROS:
  • Certified USDA organic
  • Good value for money
  • Great taste
  • Free of pesticides, heavy metals, and microbes
CONS:
  • Too sweet (8g of sugar per 10ml)

RD Naturals Elderberry Syrup

OVERALL RATING 9.6
  • Award: Best elderberry syrup for colds
  • Elderberry content: 1000mg per serving
  • Size: 8 fl oz
  • Flavors: Natural elderberry
  • Price: $24.99
  • Discounts: Coupons available
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on your first order
  • Return policy: Return options vary by seller

RD Naturals, based in South Carolina, was founded by a registered dietician, Sara Gail. Her elderberry syrup contains all-natural ingredients, such as honey, herbs, and spices for added immune support. 

It goes without saying that Sara Gail takes her best elderberry syrup formula seriously. Not only is it backed by evidence-based science, but it’s also tested by independent laboratories. Besides, if you are a conscious consumer, this elderberry syrup is bound to be right up your alley—there are no artificial ingredients or preservatives in it. 

What’s more, you can give your immune system an additional boost by taking the syrup as many as four times a day. All in all, this delicious and soothing elderberry syrup ensures cold and cough seasons don’t lay a finger on you. 

When it comes to colds, numerous elderberry syrup reviews point to RD Naturals Elderberry Syrup due to its high concentration. Each serving contains a massive amount of elderberry extracts at 1000mg.

PROS:
  • All-natural ingredients
  • 100% made in the US
  • Safe for children over the age of one
  • Quick effect according to customer reviews
CONS:
  • Limited information on the main website
  • The packaging is a bit unattractive

NOW Foods Elderberry Liquid

OVERALL RATING 9.9
  • Award: Best for adults
  • Elderberry content: 500mg per serving
  • Size: 8 fl oz
  • Flavors: Natural elderberry
  • Price: $13.66
  • Discounts: Coupons available
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on your first order
  • Return policy: Return options vary by seller

Having been in operation since 1968, NOW Foods is now a living legend in the natural products industry. Its numerous awards prove this, including Better Nutrition Best of Supplements Award, Taste for Life Essentials Award, Vitamin Retailer Magazine Vity Award, and many more. Indeed, NOW Foods Elderberry Liquid deserves a spot on our best elderberry syrup list.

NOW Foods Elderberry Liquid contains one of the highest concentrations of elderberries at 500mg per teaspoon. Even people with diabetes can take it because it doesn’t contain any sugar.

Be cautious, though, not to give this to kids. The product page specified that it’s for adults only, perhaps due to high concentration and the unsweetened taste. But if you’re looking for pure elderberry syrup, this one is your go-to because it doesn’t contain any other active ingredients. Just elderberry extract, that’s it!

PROS:
  • Potent and pure
  • Award-winning brand
  • Contains free radical scavenging vitamins and anthocyanins
  • 100% made in the US
CONS:
  • A bit pricey
  • Not for children

Mary Ruth’s Liquid Elderberry Immunity

OVERALL RATING 10
  • Award: Top-rated elderberry syrup
  • Elderberry content: 150mg black elderberry per serving
  • Size: 1fl oz
  • Flavors: Raspberry and blueberry
  • Price: $18.86
  • Discount: 10% upon subscribing, coupons available
  • Shipping policy: Free on orders over $49.00
  • Return policy: Get a 100% refund and keep the product if unsatisfied

Mary Ruth was named after the founder herself, a certified health educator, culinary chef, and nutritional consultant. Although the company is relatively new as it was founded in 2014, it has already gained widespread popularity due to its excellent black elderberry syrup reviews.

It has a 94% 5-star rating from more than 350 customer reviews on its website. On Amazon, it has 4.8/5 out of an astounding 4,700+ global ratings. Those are impressive numbers! 

Most of the feedback is about the product’s great taste because of the blueberry and raspberry extracts. Other reviews testified its strong impact on their energy level and immune system, especially when taken along with Vitamin C rich foods.

PROS:
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great taste
  • Safe for the whole family
  • Made in the US
CONS:
  • Expensive
  • Small size

Elderberry Queen Elderberry Syrup

OVERALL RATING 9.7
  • Award: Best value for money
  • Elderberry content: 457mg per serving
  • Size: 12 fl oz/24 fl oz/30 fl oz
  • Flavors: Natural elderberry
  • Price: $19.99/$36.99/$42.92
  • Discount: 10% off and $5 flat rate shipping upon subscribing, coupons available
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on orders of $99 or more
  • Return policy: No returns on elderberry syrups in particular

The story of the Elderberry Queen is unique. The founder, Lindsey Christianson, is not an entrepreneur. She is a typical mother of 5 beautiful kids who were always sick. That’s what pushed her to discover the many elderberry syrup benefits. Eventually, she started making her own formula. In 2014, she created the brand Elderberry Queen.

Its elderberry syrup is certified USDA organic and contains 100% all-natural ingredients. With 457mg of elderberry extract in each serving, it is the best value for money on our list.

Another thing that sets Elderberry Queen Elderberry Syrup apart from the rest is that it’s more of an organic elderberry juice due to its juice-like consistency. Regardless, its support for immune health remains intact.

PROS:
  • Affordable
  • All-natural ingredients
  • Certified USDA organic
  • Available in wholesale orders
CONS:
  • No returns on elderberry syrups

Maine Medicinals Elderberry Syrup

OVERALL RATING 9.6
  • Award: Best antioxidant
  • Elderberry content: 2.78g per serving
  • Size: 4 fl oz and 8 fl oz
  • Flavors: Blueberry and elderberry
  • Price: 28.95
  • Discount: Coupons available
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping
  • Return policy: Return options vary by seller

Maine Medicinals was built by the mother and son tandem of Edie and Geo Johnston, both natives of Maine. It all began with the vision to share Edie’s knowledge and research about elderberry syrup uses and benefits. Following this, the AnthoImmune Elderberry Syrup was formulated, a trademark and the company’s most popular product.

Each serving of AnthoImmune Elderberry Syrup contains 2.78g of blended American and European elderberries and elderflowers along with other organic ingredients, such as organic agave nectar, organic pure grain alcohol, and fresh blueberry extract, which gives it a fantastic taste.

All these ingredients have antioxidant properties, making the total package the best antioxidant, natural elderberry syrup. Some customer reviews state that they have never had flu and colds ever since they started taking it. Some say that they’ve never felt stronger with only a teaspoon a day. Despite the lack of information about the respective company’s shipping and return policy, we still believe that this elderberry syrup deserves a spot on our list.

PROS:
  • Trademark recipe
  • Great-tasting elderberry syrup ingredients
  • Packed with valuable phytonutrients
  • Strong antioxidant properties
CONS:
  • No available information about the company’s shipping and return policies
  • The official website lacks a lot of important information

Nutrachamps Elderberry Liquid Drops

OVERALL RATING 9.7
  • Award: Best-tasting elderberry syrup
  • Elderberry content: 200mg per serving
  • Size: 2 fl oz
  • Flavors: Natural elderberry
  • Price: $19.95
  • Discount: 10% off upon subscription, bundle discounts, coupons available
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on orders over $49
  • Return policy: 100% money-back guarantee

While the main website doesn’t mention who the founder is or when the company was launched, Nutrachamps has a clear enough mission—to help people live healthier and happier lives through premium quality supplements. Among its most popular products is the high-quality black elderberry syrup in liquid drops form. 

It’s best for those who don’t like to take capsules or aren’t fans of thick syrups. Each serving contains 200mg of elderberry, and only a few other organic ingredients: purified water, vegetable glycerin, and natural flavors. Many customers have testified about how good-tasting the syrup is.

It’s easy to use too. Take three drops orally or add them to food and drinks. It’s potent enough to give your body that extra boost every day. Nutrachamps also recommends maximizing the best uses for elderberry syrup by getting enough sleep, doing regular exercises, and avoiding stress.

PROS:
  • Great taste
  • 100% American-made
  • Excellent shipping and return policy
  • Trusted brand
CONS:
  • A bit pricey

Zarbee's Children's Black Elderberry Syrup

OVERALL RATING 9.8
  • Award: Best elderberry syrup for kids
  • Elderberry content: 178mg per teaspoon
  • Size: 4 fl oz
  • Flavors: Natural elderberry
  • Price: $10.99
  • Discount: Rewards on the main website
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on your first order
  • Return policy: Return options vary by seller

The creation of Zarbee’s Naturals began when the pediatrician Dr. Zak Zarbock noticed that most of his patients had a cough. But most cough medicines contained chemicals, so the doctor started his research to find more natural alternatives. 

And so, Zarbee’s line of products with elderberries, black honey, and agave was born, including the Zarbee’s Children’s Black Elderberry Syrup—our bet for the best elderberry syrup formulated to suit the ever-increasing needs of your offsprings. It contains 178mg of freshly-pressed elderberries per serving and is enriched with Vitamin C and zinc. 

It’s free from any chemicals and artificial flavors. The company claims that it doesn’t only help avoid coughing but also boosts the immune system and supports healthy cells. It’s specifically created for children two years and older. While it’s indeed the best organic elderberry syrup for kids, the company doesn’t recommend giving it to infants.

PROS:
  • No artificial flavors or sweeteners
  • Children’s favorite
  • Excellent customer reviews
  • Rich in Vitamin C and zinc
CONS:
  • Less elderberry content
  • The product isn’t sold on the company’s official website

Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup

OVERALL RATING 9.7
  • Award: Best global brand
  • Elderberry content: 3.8g per serving
  • Size: 4 fl oz and 7.8 fl oz
  • Flavors: Natural elderberry
  • Price: $12.99 and $21.99 discounts available
  • Discount: Subscribe & Save for a discount of up to 15%
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on your first order
  • Return policy: Returns vary by seller

After years of extensive research, a virologist created Sambucol in 1991. After almost three decades, it’s now a global best brand elderberry syrup. The company claims that it’s the world’s most extensively researched elderberry product, with its formulation used in many published scientific studies.

That said, this syrup has many more benefits. For instance, it is low in allergens since it is free from gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, and wheat. Conscious consumers will also be happy to find out that Sambucol Elderberry Syrup is vegan- and vegetarian- friendly, making it the best elderberry syrup for many. 

Note that only adults and children over the age of four can take this syrup. Sambucol Elderberry Syrup is wonderful nourishment for the entire family! Not only can you take the syrup as it is, but you can also add it to smoothies, yogurts, water, fruit juices, and even sauces. 

Each serving of Sambucol contains 3.8g of black elderberries and doesn’t have artificial flavors and colors. But it does contain the chemical potassium sorbate as a preservative. Despite this, it’s still one of the best elderberry syrup brands and the world’s long-standing favorite.

PROS:
  • World-renowned brand
  • No artificial colors and flavors
  • Affordable
  • Simple formula
CONS:
  • Contains potassium sorbate

Garden of Life Elderberry Syrup

OVERALL RATING 9.9
  • Award: Best blend elderberry syrup
  • Elderberry content: 1.5g per serving
  • Size: 6.59 fl oz
  • Flavors: Natural fruits
  • Price: $24.43
  • Discount: Subscribe & Save for a discount of up to 15%
  • Shipping policy: Free shipping on your first order
  • Return policy: Return options vary by seller

Remember Alicia Silverstone? Yes, that’s her! The Batgirl from Batman and Robin movie. Well, she’s one of the co-founders of Mykind Organics. She said that the pursuit of a prenatal vitamin without chemicals drove her to create her own brand. 

She partnered with Garden of Life, and Mykind Organics Organic Elderberry Syrup and other elderberry products were born. These products are packed with nutrients from real foods. Gentle water extraction ensures that the syrup that hits your shelf is potent enough to strengthen your immune system.

Mykind Elderberry Syrup contains 1.5g of fresh elderberry extract in each serving. A notable characteristic of this product is that it has a great blend of not only elderberry extract and juice, but also other organic extracts, such as aronia berry, amla, guava fruit, and other immune-boosting herbal extracts.

All in all, it’s deserving of a spot on our list of best non-GMO raw elderberry syrup brands.

PROS:
  • Great blend of organic extracts
  • Certified USDA organic
  • No added sugar
  • All-naturals
CONS:
  • Rather expensive

How We Chose the Best Elderberry Syrup Brands for 2022

While doing our research, we discovered that there’s an over-abundance of elderberry syrups today. While each syrup has its own unique features, all of these products share one goal—boosting the immune system.

To identify which ones were worthy of making it to our list, we’ve developed a methodology to help us arrive at our final decision. Go ahead and take a look.

Elderberry Content

You buy elderberry syrup because you want to maximize the benefits of, well, elderberries, when you take it, right? Hence, we ensured that syrups that made it to our list contain a significant amount of elderberry extract per serving—freshly-pressed elderberries, for that matter. Also, we only included the brands that use elderberries of the highest quality.

Elderberry Syrup Ingredients

Some elderberry syrups contain additives, chemicals, or non-organic ingredients. Many go even further and include unknown ingredients, binders, or fillers. We chose the ones that contain only organic and all-natural ingredients. Most syrups with the higher ranks even have Vitamin C, zinc, echinacea, and other immune-boosting ingredients.

Transparency

A transparent elderberry syrup brand is trusted by numerous elderberry syrup reviews. Such brands have accurate labels that are accessible both on the packaging and on the main website. We also prefer websites that publish certificates, awards, lab tests, and other important information.

Value for Money

We’ve compared the prices with the elderberry content per serving, size of the packaging, discounts available, even the shipping fee to identify if the products are worth the buck. We ensured that each brand that made it to our elderberry syrup reviews fits all kinds of budgets and needs.

Customer Experience

Of course, the start of your consumer journey is right at the checkout when you get to learn the shipping fees. For many, shipping fees either make or mar their customer experience. That’s why we made sure to include the brands that offer free shipping on either first orders or provide Subscribe & Save discounts. Many brands on our list also follow the practice of offering free shipping on orders that exceed a certain amount. 

The return policy is another criterion we focused on in our evaluation. It is important that you can return the product should you find yourself unsatisfied with it.

How to Choose the Best Elderberry Syrup 

The discovery of the elderberries’ benefits is centuries old, yet many people are still new to it. Fortunately, many people are already familiar with it, and words about it started to spread like wildfire. 

Today, tons of different mixtures contain elderberries, making it rather difficult to choose the one that is right for you. 

If you’re looking to buy an elderberry syrup, there are a few things you need to know about it first.

Learn About Elderberry 

Elderberry is a general term used for several species of the Sambucus tree. It’s a flowering plant that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. The most common type used for syrups and other mixes is the black elderberry, with the scientific name Sambucus Nigra, which you may see in the best brand elderberry syrup labels. 

Black elderberries are native to Europe but are now grown in many parts of the world. Some of the most known health benefits of elderberries include fighting colds, flu, and boosting the immune system.

Check the Ingredients

Other than the elderberries, check what other ingredients are there in the syrup. The lesser— the better, so that the effects of the elderberries are maximized. Check the label first before you make a purchase and ensure that the product of your choice only contains organic ingredients, with fewer sweeteners and no artificial flavors or colors. That’s what makes up the best-tasting elderberry syrup because elderberries taste great even on their own.

Look Into the Brand

With so many options out there, choosing the right brand of elderberry syrup can be challenging. Choose the one that is trusted by many. How would you know that? Check the customer reviews, awards, if available, and lab certifications.

Consult Your Physician 

Elderberry syrups are generally safe, but they may interact with certain medications and health conditions. If you’re on any medication or have a health condition other than a common illness, consult your physician first before taking any pure elderberry syrup.

Take Precautions 

The syrup’s elderberry content is high in nutrients, Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Some of its most known benefits include fighting cold and flu symptoms, combating inflammation, and supporting heart health.

Elderberries are not to be taken raw as it may cause certain side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness, or even stupor because they contain chemicals lectin and cyanide. As a precaution, take them only if they are in a natural elderberry syrup or other supplement forms.

 Final Thought

The many benefits of elderberries as part of dietary supplements, such as syrups, have caught the attention of people who continuously seek more natural remedies for their health and wellbeing.

Searching for an elderberry syrup can be daunting. That is why we took our time to do the job for you. Here, on our list, you can find the best elderberry syrup brand that suits your needs and fits your budget.

FAQs

What is the best brand of elderberry syrup?

The best brand of elderberry syrup is the one that provides its accurate composition on the label and its main website. What’s more, the best brands are expected to be transparent about the tests their products went through. Such brands also offer excellent value for money, and you can easily buy their products from their official websites.

What is the most effective way to take elderberry?

Some studies show that elderberry supplements are most effective when taken within 24 to 48 hours since the flu symptoms began. There is no standard dosage when taking it, but the elderberry syrup benefits tend to kick in when it’s taken 3 to 4 times a day.

Does elderberry syrup really work?

How elderberry syrup works depends on what it’s working on. If it’s to help reduce the severity of flu and cold, or if it’s used as an antioxidant and immune booster, then it really works. But if it’s to prevent or cure flu and cold, then those elderberry syrup myths were debunked a long time ago. 

Is it OK to take elderberry syrup every day?

Yes, elderberry syrup is OK to take every day. Most manufacturers recommend taking one teaspoon of elderberry syrup four times a day to alleviate flu and cold symptoms.

Where to buy elderberry syrup?

Elderberry syrup is available in many parts of the world. But your first stop in finding the best elderberry syrup is on the manufacturer’s website. You can find links to the websites of the best brands here. They are also available on online retail platforms, such as Amazon, Walmart, CVS Pharmacy, iHerb, and many more.