Top 10 Fruits Rich in Calcium

Milk may be the go-to for calcium, but it’s not the only option. For those who can’t or won’t consume dairy products, fruits offer a helpful backup. While fruits don’t deliver as much calcium as milk or cheese, they bring along vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that make them powerful partners for strong bones.

Ready to take a closer look at the fruits worth adding to the mix? Here we go!

Fun fact: An 8-ounce glass of calcium-fortified orange juice delivers about 30 % of the recommended DV for a serving of milk [1].

Key Takeaways

  • Fruits aid calcium absorption, thanks to vitamin C and other nutrients.

  • Dried figs, prunes, and apricots pack the highest calcium among fruits, making them great non-dairy snacks.

  • Papaya, guava, and prickly pear are flavorful sources of calcium and antioxidants that boost immunity and digestion.

  • Citrus, kiwi, and berries boost collagen, helping bones lock in calcium.

  • Pair fruits with vitamin D or magnesium for better absorption.

  • Enjoy calcium-rich fruits in smoothies, trail mix, or salads.

a-child-eating-kiwi

What Makes High-Calcium Fruits Stand Out?

When we think of calcium-rich foods, fruits rarely top the list—that title belongs to dairy and fortified products. But here’s the thing: even though fruits aren’t loaded with calcium, they still play a valuable role in a nutrient-rich diet.

Fruits bring more than sweetness to the table. They add variety, texture, and flavor to meals (a win for picky eaters), while also delivering fiber, antioxidants, and a broad range of vitamins and minerals that work hand-in-hand with calcium-rich foods. In other words, they may not provide as much calcium on their own, but they help your body make better use of the calcium you consume.

Even better, some fruits actually support calcium absorption. Citrus fruits, kiwi, and berries are loaded with vitamin C, which helps your body produce collagen, a protein that gives bones structure and helps them retain calcium.

In fact, an observational study found that higher vitamin C intake was linked to stronger bone mineral density and lower VCAM-1, a marker of inflammation and bone breakdown. 

That’s a big win for something as simple as adding orange slices to your breakfast or tossing berries into your kid’s lunchbox.

So, while fruits may never replace dairy as the main calcium source, certain varieties stand out for their bone-boosting benefits. Whether dried or fresh, these fruits offer a surprising calcium boost, along with other nutrients your bones will thank you for. 

To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at the recommended daily calcium intake alongside the calcium content of various fruits.

calcium-daily-intake-per-day

Top 10 Fruits Rich in Calcium

The infographic gives you a snapshot of daily calcium needs, but numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. Fruits also provide vitamins, antioxidants, and flavors that make them valuable additions to your diet. Below is a list of the top 10 fruits richest in calcium, along with their calcium content per serving.

* All data is sourced from MyFoodData, a trusted nutrition database that provides accurate and up-to-date nutrient values.

Dried Figs

1. Dried Figs

Calcium per Cup Calcium per 100g
241.4mg (19% DV) 162mg (12% DV)

Dried figs pack more calcium than most other dried fruits, making them a great non-dairy way to boost your intake. They're also rich in fiber, antioxidants, and bone-friendly nutrients like potassium and vitamin K. Naturally sweet and satisfying, figs work well as a snack or a topping for yogurt, giving you a flavorful and nutritious meal.

Prickly Pears

2. Prickly Pears

Calcium per Cup Calcium per 100g
83.4mg (6% DV) 56mg (4% DV)

Prickly pear is a cactus fruit that stands out for its impressive calcium content, along with vitamin C, potassium, beta-carotene, and other beneficial nutrients. Depending on the variety, its flavor can range from sweet (like strawberries) to refreshing (like watermelon or citrus). Enjoy it peeled and seeded as a snack, or incorporate it into juices, desserts, and jellies for a unique, nutrient-rich treat.

Prunes

3. Prunes

Calcium per Cup Calcium per 100g
74.8mg (6% DV) 43mg (3% DV)

Prunes are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin K, and antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. Naturally sweet with a hint of tang, prunes make a satisfying snack, pair well with yogurt or oatmeal, and can be added to baked goods, sauces, and even savory dishes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Oranges

4. Oranges

Calcium per Cup Calcium per 100g
72mg (6% DV) 40mg (3% DV)

Oranges are best known for their high vitamin C content, a nutrient that not only supports immunity but also helps your body absorb calcium from other foods, making them a smart addition to a bone-friendly diet. They're also rich in potassium and hydration-promoting water content. Enjoy them fresh, in salads, or as a glass of calcium-fortified juice for an extra nutrient kick.

Dried Apricots

5. Dried Apricots

Calcium per Cup Calcium per 100g
71.5mg (6% DV) 55mg (4% DV)

Dried apricots are rich in not only vitamin A for healthy vision and immune support but also iron and even a bit of plant-based protein. Sweet, chewy, and versatile, they're perfect in trail mix, granola bars, baked goods, or enjoyed as a quick, nutritious snack.

Kiwifruits

6. Kiwifruits

Calcium per Cup Calcium per 100g
61.2mg (5% DV) 34mg (3% DV)

Kiwifruits deliver more vitamin C than an orange, plenty of vitamin K for bone health and blood clotting, and a healthy dose of fiber for digestion. Also rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and potassium, this fruit helps support immunity, reduce inflammation, and can even aid in relieving chronic constipation. Enjoy it sliced on its own, added to salads, or blended into smoothies for a refreshing boost.

Mulberries

7. Mulberries

Calcium per Cup Calcium per 100g
54.6mg (6% DV) 39mg (3% DV)

Mulberries are tiny, flavorful berries that offer a moderate calcium boost along with antioxidants like anthocyanins and resveratrol—compounds linked to heart health and anti-aging benefits. Consume them fresh as a snack, sprinkle over cereal, yogurt, or oatmeal, or use them in smoothies, jams, and baked goods.

Papayas

8. Papayas

Calcium per Cup Calcium per 100g
46mg (4% DV) 20mg (2% DV)

Papaya is a tropical favorite that offers vitamins A, C, E, and K, plus minerals like magnesium, potassium, and folate. It contains papain, a natural enzyme that supports digestion and may help relieve discomfort. Rich in antioxidants such as lycopene, papaya is also linked to heart health and longevity. Enjoy it fresh, in smoothies, or as part of refreshing fruit salads and desserts.

Blackberries

9. Blackberries

Calcium per Cup Calcium per 100g
41.8mg (3% DV) 29mg (2% DV)

Sweet-tart and bursting with flavor, blackberries offer fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins. These compounds have been linked to lowering the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall health. Take them fresh as a snack, sprinkled over yogurt or oatmeal, blended into smoothies, or tossed into fruit salads for a delicious and nutrient-rich boost.

Guavas

10. Guavas

Calcium per Cup Calcium per 100g
29.7mg (2% DV) 18mg (1% DV)

Guava is a tropical fruit that delivers impressive amounts of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants like lycopene. Naturally sweet and fragrant, it supports immunity, promotes healthy digestion, and even provides folic acid, which is beneficial for pregnant women. Enjoy guava fresh, blend it into smoothies, or use it to make jams, jellies, and refreshing juices.

Ways to Eat Rich-Calcium Fruits for Maximum Benefits

Calcium-rich fruits may not replace your main calcium sources, but the way you eat them can make a big difference in how much your body actually benefits. By pairing them wisely and preparing them in nutrient-boosting combinations, you can maximize calcium absorption and support overall bone health.

  • Choose calcium-rich fruits like dried figs, berries, orange slices, and kiwi as easy, on-the-go snacks. They not only add a nutritional boost but also complement whole grains, nuts, or yogurt to support healthy bones in a tasty way.

  • Blend fruits with naturally high vitamin C, like oranges, kiwi, and berries, with fortified orange juice or dairy alternatives.

  • Combine fruits with dairy or plant-based, calcium-fortified products like soy milk, breakfast cereals, tofu, or orange juice. This pairing doesn’t just boost your intake—it creates a complete calcium-rich mix that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

  • Fruits like kiwi, oranges, and berries are packed with vitamin C, which supports collagen formation and may help your body better absorb and use calcium.

  • For optimal calcium utilization, pair calcium-rich fruits with sources of vitamin D (e.g., fatty fish, fortified foods, or sun exposure) and magnesium (e.g., nuts, seeds, leafy greens). Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, while magnesium supports the activation of vitamin D in the body.

  • Some foods, including spinach, rhubarb, and certain leafy greens, are high in oxalates, which bind calcium and reduce its absorption [3]. When eating high-oxalate items, pairing them with calcium-rich foods can help offset the negative effect.

Day 1   Dried figs with fortified yogurt
Day 2   Kiwi and orange smoothie with fortified orange juice
Day 3   Prunes and leafy salad with olive oil vinaigrette
Day 4   Blackberries over calcium-fortified cereals
Day 5   Guava and almond or soy milk chia pudding
Day 6   Papaya and fig fruit salad with fortified-milk toast
Day 7   Prickly pear juice and tofu stir-fry

Think of this 7-day plan as a flexible guide, not a rigid rulebook. Mix and match, swap in your family’s favorite fruits, and keep things fun at the table. With a little variety and the right pairings, you’ll be boosting bone health in the simplest, tastiest way possible.

Of course, fruits are just one piece of the bone-health puzzle.

Building strong bones takes more than just one food group. While calcium-rich fruits are a smart addition, pairing them with science-backed nutrition for bones and growth can especially give kids and teens the extra support they need to make the most of their growth years.

FAQs

What fruits have the highest calcium?

Dried fruits like figs and apricots have the highest calcium as the drying process removes water, concentrating their nutrients.

What are 5 foods high in calcium?

The 5 foods high in calcium are:

  • Dairy products (milk, yogurt, and cheese)

  • Leafy greens (kale, collard greens, and bok choy)

  • Fortified foods (plant-based milk, fortified orange juice, and cereals)

  • Tofu

  • Canned fish with edible bones

Pairing them with vitamin D and magnesium sources will give the body the best chance to absorb and use calcium effectively.

What veggies are high in calcium?

Some of the veggies highest in calcium include collard greens, kale, spinach, turnip greens, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, edamame, okra, and rhubarb. For better calcium absorption, combine these vegetables with foods rich in vitamin D (like fortified foods or fatty fish) and avoid relying solely on high-oxalate greens, such as spinach.

How to increase calcium in the body fast?

To increase calcium in the body fast and safely, you should eat calcium-rich foods and pair them with vitamin D sources to boost absorption. Also include magnesium-rich foods like beans and nuts or leafy greens, and avoid caffeine or high-oxalate foods during calcium intake to maximize effectiveness.

References

[1] Florida Citrus, Calcium and Vitamin D. https://www.floridacitrus.org/orange-juice-nutrition/calcium-and-vitamin-d/

[2] Muss C, Mosgoeller W, Endler T. Papaya preparation (Caricol®) in digestive disorders. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2013;34(1):38-46. PMID: 23524622. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23524622/ 

[3] Heaney RP, Weaver CM, Recker RR. Calcium absorbability from spinach. Am J Clin Nutr. 1988 Apr;47(4):707-9. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/47.4.707. PMID: 3354496. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002916523165099

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