7 Surprising Superfoods That Rival Green Tea in Antioxidant Power
Green tea has long been hailed as a superfood in a cup, praised for its high antioxidant content and wide-ranging health benefits. But what if we told you that your pantry and fridge might already hold foods that are just as antioxidant-rich—or even more? Antioxidants are crucial compounds that help fight oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, slow aging, and protect against chronic disease. While green tea (especially matcha) is a great source of these free-radical fighters, it's far from the only one.
Here are 7 powerhouse foods that pack as many—or more—antioxidants as green tea, plus tips on how to enjoy them every day.
1. Blueberries: The Tiny Antioxidant Giants
What Makes Them Special:
Blueberries are often dubbed the king of antioxidant fruits, and for good reason. Rich in anthocyanins—a type of flavonoid responsible for their deep blue color—these berries help fight inflammation, boost brain function, and support heart health.
How They Compare to Green Tea:
Green tea contains around 125–250 mg of antioxidants per cup, depending on the type and steeping method. A cup of wild blueberries can contain over 13,000 ORAC units (a measure of antioxidant capacity), placing them well above green tea in antioxidant density.
How to Enjoy:
Add them to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt
Freeze them for a cool snack
Use them in healthy baking recipes
2. Dark Chocolate (70%+ Cocoa): Dessert With Benefits
What Makes It Special:
Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins—some of the same antioxidants found in green tea.
How It Compares:
One study found that dark chocolate contains more antioxidant activity than green tea and red wine. A 40g serving of 70%+ dark chocolate can contain as much or more antioxidant power than a serving of green tea.
How to Enjoy:
Snack on a few squares of high-quality dark chocolate
Grate it over oatmeal or mix into trail mix
Melt and drizzle over fresh fruit
Pro Tip: Go for chocolate with minimal sugar and at least 70% cocoa to get the antioxidant benefits without the junk.
3. Pecans: The Antioxidant Power Nut
What Makes Them Special:
Pecans are not only rich in healthy fats, but they're also one of the most antioxidant-rich nuts available, thanks to their high content of vitamin E, ellagic acid, and flavonoids.
How They Compare:
Pecans contain up to 17,940 ORAC units per 100g, which is many times higher than green tea on a per-gram basis.
How to Enjoy:
Toss them into salads for crunch and nutrients
Make your own antioxidant-rich granola
Snack on a handful between meals
4. Artichokes: More Than Just Fiber
What Makes Them Special:
Artichokes are one of the most antioxidant-rich vegetables, loaded with chlorogenic acid, which helps protect the liver and lower cholesterol.
How They Compare:
Cooked artichokes can contain over 9,400 ORAC units per 100g, significantly higher than green tea on a per-weight basis.
How to Enjoy:
Steam and dip in olive oil or Greek yogurt sauce
Add to salads, pasta dishes, or grilled veggie platters
Try marinated artichoke hearts for convenience
5. Goji Berries: The Ancient Chinese Superfood
What Makes Them Special:
Goji berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for their supposed anti-aging and vision-enhancing benefits. They’re high in zeaxanthin, vitamin C, and polyphenols.
How They Compare:
Dried goji berries have an ORAC score of 25,300 per 100g, making them one of the most antioxidant-rich dried fruits.
How to Enjoy:
Add to trail mix or granola
Steep in hot water like tea
Blend into smoothies or protein bowls
6. Red Kidney Beans: The Antioxidant-Rich Pantry Staple
What Makes Them Special:
Beans may not be glamorous, but they’re antioxidant heavyweights. Red kidney beans contain polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins similar to those in berries.
How They Compare:
Cooked red kidney beans boast an ORAC score of around 8,400 per 100g, rivaling or surpassing green tea in antioxidant potential.
How to Enjoy:
Add to chili, soups, or stews
Use in cold bean salads or burrito bowls
Make antioxidant-rich veggie burgers
7. Matcha: Green Tea’s Supercharged Cousin
What Makes It Special:
Okay, technically it’s still green tea—but matcha deserves its own mention because it's even more powerful than your average brew. When you drink matcha, you're consuming the entire leaf, not just a water infusion.
How It Compares:
A serving of matcha contains up to 137 times more EGCG (a powerful antioxidant) than regular green tea, making it a top contender in the antioxidant game.
How to Enjoy:
Whisk into hot water for a traditional tea
Blend into lattes or smoothies
Use in baking, pancakes, or energy bites
Don’t Forget Herbs and Spices
Spices like cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, oregano, and rosemary have sky-high antioxidant levels too—some with ORAC scores above 100,000. While you eat smaller quantities, using them regularly in cooking adds up over time.
Green tea may be the poster child for antioxidants, but it’s far from the only food that packs a health punch. These 7 antioxidant-rich foods not only match green tea—they often surpass it. Incorporating a variety of these superfoods into your daily diet can:
Support your immune system
Reduce chronic inflammation
Promote healthy aging
Improve cardiovascular health
Boost your energy and focus
Eat the rainbow, sip your tea, and enjoy the antioxidant abundance nature offers. You don’t need to rely on just one source when you have a whole supermarket full of them!