What are ORAC Units?

Units that measure the antioxidant capacity of different substances are called ORAC. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It’s a lab test developed by scientists at the National Institute of Health and Aging (NIH).

The first database of ORAC values was released by USDA in 2007 and it covered 277 food items. Then in 2010, the research was published that took 8 years to complete and included the antioxidative value of 3149 food items (The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs,

and supplements used worldwide. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-9-3). Today the entire database of ORAC values has been removed from the USDA website. Because there is no “official” daily recommended intake of ORAC units, you will see various researchers suggest an optimal intake to be only 3000-5000 ORAC units per day, and many physicians will not recommend antioxidant-rich diets at all. Even the USDA has come up with a suggested intake of 5000 ORAC units per day. The UK FSA and the FDA recommend “5 a day” of fruit and vegetable servings, which gives an approximate ORAC score of 3500. It’s all just a joke and even worse, deliberate conspiracy. Units represented here are just medium values of different lab tests and are not to be taken at face value. These measurements can vary depending on different conditions. Even the same food type can have several times different values in ORAC potency depending on the different parameters. For example, the time a sample has been left exposed to air before testing, the type of processing, the manufacturing process itself, and a whole range of other different parameters. Also, these measurements are taken in vitro and there is a question about the bioavailability of some of the antioxidants and their absorption rate. Read more about the importance and optimal antioxidant intake in

Go Vegan? Review of Science Part 3. Here I have compiled a list of once available ORAC values that you can download as an additional resource for the book series.

ORAC Values

Food Item	ORAC Value (μmol TE/100g)
Dragon's Blood (Sangre de grado) (Croton lechleri)	2897110
Astaxanthin Supplements (Isolated From Microalgae)	3000000
Triphala Powder	706250
Coffee Cherry (Cascara) Powder	344000
Sumac Bran, Raw	313000
Ground Cloves Spice	291000
Indian Gooseberry (Amla Berries), Dried	262000
Sorghum Bran, High-Tannin	241000
Oregano Spice, Dried	176000
Bacopa, Dried (Standardized Extract)	170000
Rosemary Spice, Dried	165000
Peppermint Leaves, Dried	160000
Thyme Spice, Dried	157400
Chaga Mushroom Extract	150000
Baobab Fruit Powder, Dried	140000
Cinnamon Spice, Ground	131500
Turmeric Spice, Ground	127000
Black Cohosh Root, Dried	126500
Vanilla Bean Spice, Dried	123000
Sage Spice, Ground	120000
Szechuan Pepper Spice, Dried	118000
Grape Seed Extract	108000
Licorice Root, Dried	103000
Acai Berry Pulp/Skin/Puree Powder	102700
Black Sorghum Bran	100500
Allspice, Ground	100400
Yaupon Holly Leaves (Cassina)	98700
Rose Hip	96000
Marjoram Spice, Dried (Sweet Marjoram)	92000
Sumac Grain, Raw	87000
Parsley Spice, Dried	73700
Red Sorghum Bran	71000
Gotu Kola Leaves, Dried	70000
Nutmeg Spice, Ground	69500
Green Tea Leaves, Dried	62700
Basil Spice, Dried	61000
Cocoa Powder, Unsweetened	55600
Pomegranate, Yellow Pith Only	55600
Camu Camu Powder	52000
Cumin Seed Spice	50300
Baking Chocolate Squares, Unsweetened	50000
Curry Spices Powder	48500
Wild Bilberries, Dried	48300
Sorghum Grain, High-Tannin	45400
White Pepper Spice	40700
Dutch Chocolate Powder	40200
Ginger Spice, Ground	39000
Ginkgo Biloba Supplements	35900
Chyawanprash	35800
Black Pepper Spice	34000
Sage, Fresh	32000
Mistletoe, Dried	30500
Yellow Mustard Seed Spice	29300
Thyme, Fresh	27500
Barberries, Dried	27300
Marjoram, Fresh (Sweet Marjoram)	27200
Brazilian Grape Tree / Jabuticaba Fruit, Skin Extract	25500
Macambo Beans, Raw	24300
Rice Bran, Crude	24300
Chili Powder Spice	23600
Paprika Spice	21950
Black Sorghum Grain	21900
Dark Chocolate Candies	20800
Saffron Spice, Whole	20600
Lingonberry (Cowberries), Raw	20300
Maqui Berry, Fresh	19850
Cayenne Pepper Spice, Red	19700
Black Raspberries, Raw	19300
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Candies	18000
Pecans, Nuts	17900
Golden Apple / Bael Fruit (Aegle Marmelos)	17900
Astragalus Root, Dried	17700
Chervil / French Parsley, Dried	17600
Chokeberry (Aronia Berries), Raw	16000
Tarragon, Fresh	15500
Dandelion Root, Dried	15200
Serviceberry / Saskatoon Berries / Juneberry, Raw	15000
Ginger Root, Raw	14800
Elderberries, Raw	14700
Red Sorghum Grain	14000
Peppermint, Fresh	13900
Oregano, Fresh	13800
English Walnuts	13500
Japanese Persimmon Fruit, Dried	12300
Moringa Stenopetala (Cabbage Tree), Dried	11900
Star Anise Spice	11300
Rosemary Leaves, Fresh	11000
Purple Corn, Raw	10800
Black Raspberry Juice	10400
Golden Raisins, Seedless	10400
Black Chia Seeds, Raw	9800
Black Chia Seeds, Raw	9700
Hazelnuts or Filberts	9600
Wild Blueberries, Raw	9500
Dried Pears (40% Moisture)	9400
Savory, Fresh	9460
Artichokes, Boiled	9420
Artichokes, Microwaved	9402
Reishi Mushrooms, Dried	9220
Cranberries, Raw	9090
Red Kidney Beans, Raw	8600
Black Beans, Raw	8490
Ashwagandha Root, Dried	8480
Pink Beans, Raw	8320
Jalapeno Peppers, Dried	8250
Prunes (Dried Plums), Uncooked	8060
Pinto Beans, Raw	8040
Black Currants (European), Raw	7960
Crowberry (Black Crowberries), Raw	7900
Pistachios, Nuts, Raw	7660
Black Diamond Plums, Raw	7600
Wild Bilberries, Raw	7550
Agave, Dried (Southwest)	7520
Milk Chocolate Candies	7520
Lentils, Raw	7280
White Chia Seeds, Raw	7000
Hibiscus Tea, Brewed	6990
Burdock Root / Gobo, Raw	6740
Dried Apples (40% Moisture)	6680
Garlic Powder Spice	6600
Artichokes, Globe or French, Raw	6550
Black Turtle Beans, Raw	6410
White Sorghum Bran	6400
Chocolate Syrup	6330
Peach Babyfood	6250
Mulberries, Fresh	6130
Plums, Raw	6100
Maca Powder, Raw	6100
Lemon Balm Leaves, Raw	6000
Spirulina Powder Capsules	5960
Blackberries, Raw	5900
Garlic, Raw	5700
Soybeans, Raw	5400
Brazilian Grape Tree / Jabuticaba Fruit, Fresh Skin	5230
Cilantro Leaves (Coriander), Raw	5140
Red Raspberries, Raw	5060
Babyfood, Apple and Blueberry, Junior Version	4820
Basil, Fresh	4800
Black Quinoa, Uncooked	4800
Artichokes, Canned	4750
Chestnuts With Pellicle	4670
Blueberries, Raw	4670
Sea Buckthorn Berries, Raw	4580
Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine	4520
Pomegranates, Raw	4480
Almonds, Nuts	4450
Dill Weed, Fresh	4390
Black Eyed Peas (Cowpeas), Raw	4340
Goji Berry (Wolfberries), Dried	4310
Strawberries, Raw	4300
Onion Powder Spice	4290
Red Delicious Apples With Skin, Raw	4275
Dried Peaches (40% Moisture)	4220
White Raisins (40% Moisture)	4190
Applesauce Babyfood, Strained	4120
Red Quinoa, Uncooked	3900
Granny Smith Apples With Skin, Raw	3900
Deglet Noor Dates	3890
Golden Berries / Cape Gooseberries / Inca Berries	3870
Sweet Cherries, Raw	3750
Moringa Stenopetala (Cabbage Tree), Fresh	3700
Makiang, Raw	3695
Red Wine (Table)	3600
Red Rice, Uncooked	3600
Tamarind	3500
Peanut Butter, Smooth Style	3400
Raisins, Seedless	3400
Red Currants, Raw	3380
Figs, Raw	3370
Gooseberries, Raw	3330
Goji Berry (Wolfberries), Raw	3290
Dried Apricots 40% Moisture)	3230
Quinoa, White / Ivory, Uncooked	3200
Peanuts, Raw (All Varieties)	3150
Red Cabbage, Boiled	3145
Kalamata Olives	3130
Broccoli Rabe, Raw	3080
Cooked Agave (Southwest)	3070
Apples With Skin, Raw	3050
Red Delicious Apples Without Skin, Raw	3000
Gala Apples With Skin, Raw	2820
Brewed Arabica Coffee, Medium Roast	2780
Cardamom Spice	2760
Purple Sweet Potato, Raw	2720
Brewed Arabica Coffee, Dark Roast	2690
Pomegranate Juice, Bottled	2680
Red Merlot Wine	2670
Golden Delicious Apples With Skin, Raw	2670
Banana Babyfood	2650
Maloud, Raw	2610
Fuji Apples With Skin, Raw	2590
Apples Without Skin, Raw	2570
Peach Babyfood, Junior Version	2550
White Guava, Fleshed	2550
Cloudberry (Knotberries), Raw	2530
Mangosteen, Raw	2500
Red Cabbage, Raw	2490
Brewed Arabica Coffee, Light Roast	2450
Red Leaf Lettuce, Raw	2420
Red Zinfandel Wine	2400
Concord Grape Juice	2380
Medjool Dates	2380
Black Cherry Juice	2370
Rowan Berries, Raw	2360
Corn Flakes Cereal	2350
Blueberry Juice	2350
Plain Instant Oatmeal, Fortified, Dry	2300
Low-Fat Granola With Raisins	2290
Asparagus, Raw	2250
Black Beans, Boiled	2240
Golden Delicious Apples Without Skin, Raw	2210
Purple Cauliflower, Cooked	2210
Green Pears With Skin/Peel, Raw	2200
White Sorghum Grain	2200
Sprouted Radish Seeds, Raw	2180
Oat Bran Cereal, Ready To Eat	2180
Lotus Root, Raw	2170
Toasted Oatmeal Cereal (Cheerios)	2170
Oats / Oatmeal, Uncooked	2160
Broccoli, Boiled	2160
Toasted Oatmeal Squares Cereal	2140
Rice, Purple Forbidden Rice, Uncooked	2120
Sweet Potato, Baked In Skin	2110
Grain Bread	2100
Oranges, All Varieties, Raw	2100
Chives, Raw	2090
Fenugreek Seeds, Raw	2090
Cauliflower, Raw	2080
Savoy Cabbage, Boiled	2050
Juice, Canned	2030
Guava, Fleshed	1990
Applesauce, Unsweetened	1960
Pumpernickel Bread	1960
Cashews, Nuts	1940
Beet Greens, Raw	1940
Hass Avocados, Raw	1920
Peaches, Raw	1920
Arugula (Rocket), Raw	1900
Navy Beans, Raw	1861
Nachos - Tortilla Chips With Cheese	1858
Oreo Cookies, Chocolate w/ Vanilla Creme Filling	1840
Red Grapes, Raw	1835
Navel Oranges, Raw	1820
Red Grape Juice	1785
Beets, Raw	1780
Kale (Dinosaur, Tuscan, Black Kale), Cooked	1770
Green Kale, Raw	1765
Acai Juice Blends / Bowls	1767
Radishes, Raw	1760
Black Grapes	1740
Red Anjou Pears, Raw	1745
Popcorn, Air-Popped	1740
Old Fashioned Oats / Oatmeal, Uncooked	1700
Yerba Mate Tea, Brewed	1700
Macadamia Nuts, Dry Roasted	1695
Frozen Spinach (Chopped or Leaf), Unprepared	1685
Russet Potatoes With Skin, Baked	1680
Asparagus, Cooked, Boiled, Drained	1640
White, Red, & Pink Grapefruit, Raw	1635
Tangerines, Mandarin Oranges, Raw	1620
Broccoli Rabe, Cooked	1590
Low Fat Tortilla Chips Made With Olestra	1550
Pink & Red Grapefruit, Raw	1540
Green Leaf Lettuce, Raw	1530
Red Onions, Raw	1520
Quaker Oat Life Cereal	1512
Spinach, Raw	1510
Brazilian Grape Tree / Jabuticaba Fruit	1510
Sprouted Alfalfa Seeds, Raw	1506
Broccoli, Raw	1500
Cranberry Concord Grape Juice	1480
Unsweetened Cranberry Juice	1450
Soursop / Guanabana / Graviola, Pulp	1450
Bibb Butter Lettuce (Incl. Boston), Raw	1420
Yellow Guava, Raw	1420
Whole Grain Bread (Incl. Multigrain)	1415
Brazil Nuts, Unblanched	1415
Romanesco / Green Cauliflower / Broccoflower, Cooked	1380
Safflower Oil	1370
Lemons Without Peel, Raw	1340
Brussels Sprouts, Raw	1330
Red Potatoes With Skin, Baked	1325
Russet Potatoes With Skin, Raw	1320
Oatnut Bread	1300
Shredded Wheat Cereal, Plain w/o Added Sugar	1300
Parsley, Raw	1300
Mangos, Raw	1300
Raw Agave (Southwest)	1290
Chocolate Chip Cookies	1285
Spearmint, Fresh	1270
Milk Chocolate Syrup, Reduced Fat	1260
Green Tea, Brewed	1250
White Grapefruit Juice, Raw	1240
Lemon Juice, Raw	1220
Yellow Onions, Sauteed	1220
Golden Kiwi (Yellow Kiwi), Raw	1210
Ceylon Tea, Brewed	1210
Barley Flour, Wholemeal	1190
White Potatoes With Skin, Baked	1135
Ground Flaxseed	1130
Black Tea, Brewed	1125
Apricots, Raw	1110
Red Swiss Chard, Raw	1100
Red Potatoes With Skin, Raw	1095
Coconut Oil	1070
White Potatoes With Skin, Raw	1050
Yellow Peppers, Raw	1040
White Grapes / Green Grapes, Raw	1020
Romaine Lettuce, Raw	1010
Green Olives	1005
Rose Wine	1003
Strawberry Juice	1002
Salsa Jar or Canned Version	1001
Orange Peppers, Raw	980
Portobello Mushrooms, Raw	965
Sprouted Soybeans, Raw	960
Crimini Mushrooms (Italian Brown), Raw	950
Earl Grey Tea, Brewed	945
Extra Sweet Pineapple, Raw	943
Green Bell Peppers, Raw	935
Eggplant, Raw	931
Nectarines, Raw	915
Onions, Raw	913
Pinto Beans, Boiled	904
Potato, Raw	902
Cauliflower, Raw	870
100% Cranberry Juice Blend	865
White Onions, Raw	863
Kiwi Fruit, Raw	860
Cabbage, Boiled	855
Fried Bacon - Meat	850
Garbanzo Beans / Chickpea / Bengal Gram, Raw	849
Red Peppers, Sauteed	845
Lime Juice, Raw	820
Red Peppers, Raw	819
Lucuma Fruit, Peel / Skin	815
Sacha Inchi / Saviseed	800
Whole Flaxseed	800
Noni Fruit, Raw	800
Green Beans / String Beans, Raw	798
Bananas, Raw	793
White Grape Juice	792
Olive Oil w/ Parsley (Home Prepared)	769
Sweet Potato Without Skin, Cooked / Boiled	766
Turkey Hot Dog, Barbecued - Meat	762
Red Dragon Fruit / Pitaya, Fresh	760
Shiitake Mushrooms, Dried	752
Chestnuts Without Pellicle	750
Japanese Persimmon Fruit, Raw	740
Yellow Split Peas, Raw	740
Chiilchin / Sumac Berries / Lemonade Berry Navajo Tea Beverage	740
Cauliflower, Boiled	735
Butter	730
Sweet Corn, Raw	727
Orange Juice, Raw	725
Pine Nuts, Dried	720
Beef Liver, Frozen - Meat	710
Pear Juice, All Varieties	703
Orange Juice Carton / Canned / Bottle	702
Carrots, Raw	695
Yellow Peppers, Grilled	692
Canned Tomato Sauce / Jarred Spaghetti Sauce	692
Button Mushrooms / White Mushrooms, Raw	690
Blue Corn (Navajo)	680
Olive Oil w/ Basil (Home Prepared)	680
Maitake Mushrooms, Raw	670
Oyster Mushrooms, Raw	660
Chicken Drumstick Without Skin, Grilled - Meat	650
Cauliflower, Frozen & Unprepared	620
Green Peppers, Sauteed	615
Sweet Onions, Raw	614
Turkey Hot Dogs / Frankfurter - Meat	610
Rooibos Tea, Brewed	610
Green Peas, Frozen & Unprepared	600
Chocolate Brownies	600
Maple Syrup	590
Ketchup / Catsup	570
Leeks (Bulb w/ Lower Leaves), Raw	565
Pineapple Juice, Canned & Unsweetened	562
Apple Cider Vinegar	560
Pineapple, Traditional Varieties, Raw	560
Olive Oil w/ Garlic (Home Prepared)	557
Celery, Raw	550
Vegetable Juice Cocktail, Canned or Bottled	540
Plum Tomatoes, Raw	540
Lychee Fruit	540
Cabbage, Raw	530
Green Split Peas, Raw	525
Sweet Corn Kernels, Frozen & Unprepared	521
Green Tea, Bottled	520
Frozen Broccoli Spears, Unprepared	496
Tomato Juice, Canned or Bottled	485
Powdered Chocolate Drink (Nesquik Cocoa Mix)	483
Pumpkin, Raw	482
Poppy Seeds Spice	480
Beef Hot Dogs - Meat	470
Blueberry Muffins	460
Canola Oil	460
Grilled Chicken Drumstick With Skin - Meat	450
Iceberg Lettuce / Crisphead Lettuce, Raw	440
Baby Carrots, Raw	430
Canned Peaches	430
Cashew Apple Fruit	430
Betty Crocker Chocolate Cake Mix, Prepared	430
Cooked Tomatoes, Red Ripe	420
Apple Juice, Canned or Bottled	410
Babyfood, Pear Juice	410
Sweet Corn, Canned	410
Red Wine Vinegar	410
Butternut Squash, Raw	395
White Wine	392
Tomatoes, Red Ripe Variety, Raw	385
Raw Pineapple, All Varieties	385
Whole Grain Wheat	380
Extra Virgin Olive Oil	370
Black Olives	350
Corn Oil	340
Brown Rice, Uncooked	330
Longan Fruit, Raw	330
Carrots, Boiled	320
Cantaloupe Melon, Raw	320
Black Tea, Bottled	310
Fennel Bulb, Raw	300
Papaya, Raw	300
Papa John's Cheese Pizza, Original Crust	300
Hot Dogs - Meat	300
White Dragon Fruit / Pitaya, Fresh	300
White Asparagus, Raw	296
Green Beans / String Beans, Canned	295
Japanese White Sweet Potato / Murasaki, Raw	270
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey	270
White Tea, Bottled	260
Bananas, Nam-Wa Variety	260
Green Peas, Fresh & Raw	260
Honeydew Melon, Raw	250
Eggplant, Boiled	245
Lima Beans, Canned	242
Papa John's Pepperoni Pizza, Original Crust	240
Prawns, Peeled and Cooked - Seafood	240
Cucumber With Peel / Skin, Raw	230
White Cranberry Juice	230
Honey Vinegar / Honey Wine Vinegar	225
Olive Oil w/ Garlic & Hot Red Peppers (Home Prepared)	215
DiGiorno Rising Crust Cheese Pizza, Frozen	210
Guinness Stout Beer	210
Domino's Cheese Pizza, Classic Hand-Tossed	200
Red Baron Cheese Pizza, Frozen	190
Apple Pie	190
Zucchini Summer Squash With Skin, Raw	180
Little Caesar's Deep Dish Cheese Pizza	180
McDonald's Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Fried - Meat	180
Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza, Pan Crust	170
Aunt Jemima Waffles, Frozen	170
Tombstone Cheese Pizza, Frozen	160
Krispy Kreme Donuts / Doughnuts, Plain	160
Wendy's Frosty, Classic Chocolate Flavor	160
Rambutan Fruit	160
Celeste Cheese Pizza, Frozen	150
Wendy's Grilled Chicken Sandwich - Meat	150
Budweiser Beer	150
Kellogg's Pop Tarts, Frosted Strawberry Flavor	150
Watermelon, Raw	145
Cucumber Without Skin / Peeled, Raw	140
Tilapia Fish Fillets, Baked	140
Romanesco / Green Cauliflower / Broccoflower, Raw	135
Heineken Lager Beer	130
Honey	130
Lucuma Fruit, Nut / Seed	120
Mizuna Mustard Greens	120
Burger King Chicken Nuggets, Fried - Meat	120
Mackerel Fish, Fried	120
Green Peas, Canned	120
Hamburger Meat Patty, Fried	110
Parsnips	110
Peanut Oil	105
Totino's Thin Crust Cheese Pizza, Frozen	100
Eggo Buttermilk Pancakes	100
Coconut Flakes, Sweetened	90
Canned Tuna Fish In Water	90
Miller Lite Beer	90
Tofu	90
Limes, Raw	85
Tony's Cheese Pizza, Frozen	80
Clove, Essential Oil	1078700
Lucuma Fruit Powder, Pulp Extract	70
Fried Chicken Without Skin, Frozen - Meat	60
Fried Chicken With Skin, Frozen - Meat	50
Milk, 2% Fat	50
Milk, 1% Fat	40
Salmon Fish, Raw	30
Instant White Rice, Cooked	30
Egg Yolk	20
Egg, Whole	20
Egg Whites	10
Myrrh	380000
Coriander Seed Oil	299000
Fennel Oil	238,500
Clary Sage Oil	221000
German Chamomile Oil	218500
Marjoram Oil	151000
Lemon Balm Oil	140000
Palmarosa Oil	130000
Manuka Oil	106200
Wintergreen Oil	101800
Cumin Oil	82500
Black Pepper Oil	79800
Petitgrain Oil	73500
Basil Oil	54000
Patchouli Oil	49500
Peppermint Oil	37200
Cardamom Oil	36500
Dill Oil	35500
Celery Seed Oil	30200
Mandarin Oil	26500
Lime Oil	26200
Galbanum Oil	25500
Myrtle Oil	25400
Hyssop Oil	21000
Thyme Oil	16000
Oregano Oil	15200
Chinese (Cassia) Cinnamon Oil	15200
Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Oil	10350
Sage Oil	15000
Mountain Savory Oil	11300
Orange Oil	1900
Helichrysum Oil	1750
Lemongrass Oil	1760
Ravensara Oil	890
Lemon Oil	650
Frankincense Oil	620
Spearmint Oil	520
Rosemary Oil	320
Juniper Oil	250
Sandalwood Oil	150
Roman Chamomile Oil	240

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GoVeganWay.com brings you reviews of the latest nutrition and health-related research. The information provided represents the personal opinion of the author and is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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