12 Best Foods That Are High in Vitamin C
When it comes to staying healthy and energized, eating foods that are high in vitamin C can make a big difference. This powerful water-soluble vitamin is best known for boosting your immune function, but it also plays a key role in collagen synthesis, wound healing, and protecting your cells from oxidative stress. The good news? There are many delicious options to choose from.
Whether you love tropical fruits with vitamin C like papaya or prefer crunchy vegetables rich in vitamin C like broccoli and peppers, these foods are easy to enjoy every day. Let’s explore the best and most effective natural sources of vitamin C you can add to your diet.
1. Kakadu Plums
The Kakadu plum is one of the most powerful natural sources of vitamin C on Earth. This small Australian fruit contains up to 2,907 mg of vitamin C per 100g. Just one small plum (about 15g) gives you over 400 mg of vitamin C. That’s more than four times the dietary vitamin C intake recommendation in a single bite.
Besides its high vitamin C levels, the Kakadu plum is packed with lutein and polyphenols that help reduce oxidative stress and may prevent neurodegenerative diseases. It also supports collagen synthesis, which keeps your skin smooth and helps in wound healing. No other fruit in the world has this much ascorbic acid, making it one of the most effective immune boosting foods known to science.
2. Acerola Cherries
Acerola cherries are juicy and sweet, but their real power lies in their nutrition. Just half a cup (49g) contains around 1,650 mg of vitamin C. These tiny fruits are richer in ascorbic acid than almost anything else. They are popular in juices and powders for their strong immune function benefits.
These cherries are rich in polyphenols, which support cardiovascular health and offer chronic disease prevention. They are also packed with carotenoids and flavonoids, both known for reducing inflammation. Acerola cherries are excellent tropical fruits with vitamin C and perfect for anyone looking for a quick boost.
3. Guava
Guava is one of the most popular fruits high in vitamin C around the world. A single fruit can provide 125 mg of vitamin C, more than your entire daily requirement. Its soft, pink flesh contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may help with cancer prevention and skin repair.
Besides being tasty, guava supports your immune system and digestive health. It’s high in fiber, low in calories, and easy to include in your meals. This makes guava one of the best tropical fruits with vitamin C for boosting health naturally.
4. Red & Yellow Peppers
Red and yellow peppers are not just colorful—they’re also powerful vegetables rich in vitamin C. A large yellow pepper offers 342 mg of vitamin C, while red peppers have around 190 mg per 100g. These peppers contain carotenoids like beta-carotene, which support eye and skin health.
Eating these peppers raw is best to preserve their ascorbic acid. Studies show that cooking and vitamin C loss go hand in hand, especially with high heat. So adding raw bell peppers to your salads is a smart way to boost your vitamin C daily value quickly.
5. Kiwi
Kiwi is small, but it packs a serious punch. One medium kiwi gives about 56 mg of vitamin C. It’s a favorite for foods for glowing skin because of its ability to support collagen synthesis. The enzymes in kiwi also help digest protein better.
This green fruit contains flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols, which all work together to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. Kiwis may also help in stroke risk reduction and boost immune function, making them a true superfood.
6. Strawberries
Strawberries are sweet, juicy, and packed with 97 mg of vitamin C per cup. They’re one of the best high vitamin C foods in the USA. Not only do they help the immune system, but they also brighten the skin and support brain health.
Strawberries are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid. They also offer support for connective tissue, and may even lower neurodegenerative diseases risk. If you’re looking for a tasty way to improve your health, strawberries are the answer.
7. Papaya
One cup of papaya has about 88 mg of vitamin C. This delicious fruit also contains enzymes like papain, which help break down proteins and reduce inflammation. It’s one of the best foods for collagen production and also aids digestion.
Papaya is known for its role in chronic disease prevention. The presence of lycopene makes it an antioxidant rich food that can protect your body from free radical damage. It’s an ideal pick for those looking to eat more tropical fruits with vitamin C.
8. Broccoli
Broccoli is a classic vegetable rich in vitamin C. A half cup of cooked broccoli offers 51 mg of vitamin C. This makes it a solid option for everyday meals. Along with ascorbic acid, broccoli contains fiber, potassium, and sulforaphane—a compound linked to cancer prevention.
The best way to eat broccoli is lightly steamed. This reduces cooking and vitamin C loss while keeping nutrients intact. Broccoli also supports bone health, thanks to its mix of vitamin C, calcium, and carotenoids.
9. Mustard Spinach
Mustard spinach is one of the top leafy greens high in vitamin C. A single cup of raw mustard spinach delivers around 195 mg of vitamin C. Even after cooking, it still offers over 100 mg. That’s more than many fruits.
In addition to ascorbic acid, mustard spinach has folate, fiber, and vitamin A. These nutrients support bone strength, immune function, and better skin. Its role in osteoporosis prevention makes it an excellent food for aging adults in the USA.
10. Black Currants
Black currants may not be as common in American homes, but they’re a gem. Just half a cup contains 102 mg of vitamin C. These small berries are filled with anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation and protect the heart.
The deep color of black currants comes from flavonoids and polyphenols. These compounds support cardiovascular health and even improve blood flow. If you want more variety in your diet, black currants are a smart, antioxidant rich food to try.
11. Oranges & Lemons
Oranges and lemons are probably the most well-known citrus fruits vitamin C options. A medium orange gives you 83 mg of vitamin C, while a lemon offers about 45 mg. These fruits are easy to find and easy to eat.
Both are helpful for improving collagen synthesis, healing cuts faster, and fighting infections. Lemon juice is also used in cooking to prevent oxidative stress in foods. If you want simple, daily vitamin C fruits, citrus is always a good choice.
12. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is a refreshing melon with 17 mg of vitamin C per cup. While it has less than other fruits on this list, it still helps you move toward your vitamin C daily value goal. It’s also rich in vitamin A and hydration, making it great for hot summers.
Cantaloupe is easy on digestion and pairs well with breakfast or snacks. It’s considered one of the best foods for glowing skin due to its water and antioxidant content. Add it to fruit salads or smoothies for a light vitamin C boost.
Final Thought
Eating more foods that are high in vitamin C is a smart way to boost your immune function, support collagen synthesis, and protect your body from oxidative stress. From juicy fruits like guava and kiwi to leafy greens like mustard spinach, these natural sources of vitamin C can do wonders for your health.
To get the most out of this water-soluble vitamin, enjoy your fruits and veggies raw or lightly cooked. A diet rich in antioxidant and polyphenol-rich foods can help with chronic disease prevention, better skin, and stronger bones. Make it a daily habit—your body will thank you.
Table: Vitamin C Content Per 100g (Top Foods)
Food | Vitamin C Content per 100g |
Kakadu Plums | 2,907 mg |
Acerola Cherries | 1,650 mg |
Guava | 228 mg |
Yellow Peppers | 342 mg |
Mustard Spinach | 195 mg (raw) |
Black Currants | 181 mg |
Strawberries | 59 mg |
Kiwi | 93 mg |
Oranges | 53 mg |
Papaya | 61 mg |
Broccoli (cooked) | 51 mg |
Cantaloupe | 17 mg |
FAQS
Which food is highest in vitamin C?
Kakadu plums are the most powerful natural source of vitamin C, offering up to 530% of your vitamin C daily value in just one fruit.
They also contain high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and support strong immune function.
How can I increase vitamin C?
Add more high vitamin C foods like guava, kiwi, and red peppers to your meals.
To avoid cooking and vitamin C loss, eat fruits and leafy greens high in vitamin C raw or lightly steamed.
This helps with collagen synthesis, skin health, and chronic disease prevention.
How to get your body to absorb more vitamin C?
Your body absorbs ascorbic acid better in small doses spread through the day.
Combine vitamin C-rich foods with iron-rich items like spinach or beans for better nutrient uptake.
This pairing improves immune function and helps reduce oxidative stress.
What fruit is very rich in vitamin C?
Fruit | Vitamin C per 100g | Benefits |
Acerola Cherries | 1677 mg | Extremely high in ascorbic acid, polyphenols, and supports immune function. |
Guava | 228 mg | A tropical fruit with vitamin C that aids in collagen synthesis and skin glow. |
Kiwi | 93 mg | Packed with antioxidants, supports cardiovascular health and digestion. |
Strawberries | 59 mg | Great for oxidative stress reduction and rich in flavonoids. |
Oranges | 53 mg | Classic citrus fruit vitamin C source that boosts immune function. |
Papaya | 61 mg | Supports bone health, helps in wound healing, and rich in carotenoids. |