Driscoll’s, a global leader in fresh berry innovation, proudly announced that its Sweetest Batch™ Blackberries have been named a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Snack Awards. The recognition highlights Driscoll’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional fruit that meets the highest standards of flavor, texture, and consumer satisfaction. The full list of award-winning products can be viewed at
Celebrated for their bold, luscious taste and velvety-smooth texture, Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch™ Blackberries were singled out as a standout among hundreds of snack products evaluated by the Good Housekeeping Institute. The honor is a testament to the years of research, development, and passion that go into crafting these berries — the result of meticulous breeding, scientific innovation, and close collaboration with Driscoll’s exclusive network of independent farmers.
A Flavor Experience Decades in the Making
Sweetest Batch™ Blackberries are not just any berries — they are the product of decades of expertise in berry breeding and sensory science. Unlike traditional blackberries, which can often be tart or inconsistent in taste, Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch™ varieties are known for their juicy, sweet flavor and appealing texture. These berries are bred using time-tested, traditional cross-pollination methods — not genetic modification — by a dedicated team of Driscoll’s agronomists, plant breeders, entomologists, and sensory analysts.
Each berry variety in the Sweetest Batch™ lineup is carefully selected from thousands of potential candidates based on flavor, appearance, mouthfeel, and shelf life. This intensive process ensures that only the most flavorful and consistent berries make it to market. The proprietary blackberry varieties are grown by a select group of independent family farms, who adhere to precise growing protocols to ensure that the final fruit lives up to the brand’s promise of “Only The Finest Berries™.”
Due to their unique cultivation needs and ideal growing conditions, Sweetest Batch™ Blackberries are grown in limited quantities and are only available during specific seasons, making them an exclusive and highly sought-after fruit in the fresh produce aisle.
Consumer-Approved Excellence
As part of the judging process for the 2025 Good Housekeeping Snack Awards, Driscoll’s blackberries were evaluated both by expert panels and everyday consumers. The Good Housekeeping Institute — composed of registered dietitians, culinary professionals, and nutrition scientists — assessed the blackberries against a rigorous set of criteria. These included ingredient quality, nutritional value, packaging claims, and most importantly, taste.
More than 1,000 consumer testers also weighed in, providing real-world insights into how the berries performed in everyday snacking situations. One panelist remarked, “I wasn’t expecting much from these, but was so surprised in the best way. They are unbelievably good!” Other testers echoed the sentiment with enthusiastic praise: “out-of-this-world delicious,” “consistently plump and juicy,” and “next-level.”
Winners of the Snack Awards were selected not only for delivering outstanding taste but also for demonstrating innovation in the food space and meeting modern nutritional standards. That means keeping sugar, sodium, and calorie counts in check — a bar that Driscoll’s easily cleared thanks to its all-natural, no-added-sugar fruit.
A Pioneer in Berry Innovation
Driscoll’s is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of what fresh berries can be. In 2019, the company launched its Sweetest Batch™ brand as a premium tier of its berry offerings. It was the first fresh produce company to market an entire range of ultra-flavorful berries — strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries — under one branded umbrella.
The goal? To transform the perception of berries from simply being ingredients in recipes or smoothie add-ins to becoming premium, standalone snack items that consumers can savor without any additions. This is especially relevant in the case of blackberries, which have historically been viewed as overly tart or best used with added sugar.
Through its robust breeding program and a clear focus on the sensory experience of eating a berry, Driscoll’s has redefined what blackberries can taste like. By focusing on flavor first and using feedback from sensory testing panels and consumer groups, the company’s R&D team has shifted the market’s expectations for what fresh fruit can deliver.
Recognized for Innovation
Driscoll’s dedication to flavor innovation and premium quality has not gone unnoticed. In addition to this latest honor from Good Housekeeping, Driscoll’s was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies — a recognition that underscores its leadership role in fresh produce R&D and marketing.
The brand has also received previous accolades for its Sweetest Batch™ berries, including a 2024 Good Housekeeping Snack Award. These repeated honors highlight the consistency and continued excellence of Driscoll’s premium fruit offerings year after year.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Premium Snacking
As consumers increasingly gravitate toward better-for-you snacks that don’t sacrifice taste, the demand for premium fruit options is on the rise. According to market trends, more shoppers are looking for snacks that are not only convenient and healthful but also indulgent and satisfying. Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch™ Blackberries check all the boxes — offering a rich, multi-layered flavor that stands on its own.
“At Driscoll’s, we’re always looking for ways to delight consumers with truly remarkable flavor,” said a company spokesperson. “Our Sweetest Batch™ line reflects that commitment, and it’s gratifying to see these efforts recognized by both industry experts and everyday shoppers.”
