FOLSOM, CALIF. – During American Diabetes Month, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is encouraging consumers to “grab a boost of blue” as part of an overall healthy diet. 

The American Diabetes Association notes that fruit can fit into a diabetes friendly meal plan, help to satisfy a sweet tooth and provide extra nutrition. Blueberries are a great way to combine natural sweetness with the added benefit of essential nutrients like fiber, manganese, vitamin C and vitamin K, according to the USHBC. They’re a good source of fiber as well, containing 3.6 grams, and only 80 calories per serving (one cup, or a handful).

USHBC is making it easy to choose blueberries throughout this important month, sharing recipes, nutrition information, research and other content as part of a promotional campaign designed to boost awareness and reach new audiences:

Program spokesperson, Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN, and other health professional partners in the USHBC “Blue Crew” are contributing original content, including blog posts, recipes, social media content and more.

“American Diabetes Month is an opportunity for USHBC to help individuals impacted by type 1 or type 2 diabetes find delicious ways to enjoy healthy meals and snacks – including grabbing a boost of blue,” said Jennifer Sparks, vice president of marketing and communications at USHBC. “Through our partnerships with trusted and credible health organizations and experts, we’re excited to showcase how fresh and frozen blueberries can fit conveniently into a diabetes friendly meal plan and provide a pop of sweet-tart flavor, along with a variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals.”

The fifth of six “power periods,” American Diabetes Month is part of Grab a Boost of Blue, a strategic positioning and call to action backed by new tools and consumer research for retailers. It’s designed to tap into consumers’ passion for blueberries and increase consumption. USHBC has developed a digital toolkit of compelling content – social media images, digital ads and other resources – retailers and industry stakeholders can use to participate in the promotion.