The unique power of the muscadine grape
Muscadine grapes have extraordinary properties that make them an ideal functional food, surpassing other popular nutraceuticals derived from açaí, goji berries, and ordinary grapes. These lend themselves to a host of formulations, including capsules, beverages, energy shots and topical skin products. Muscadine grapes have been the subject of exciting research at major universities. Learn more about muscadine science below, and use code HOFFMAN to save 15% on Mighty Muscadine’s supplements and antioxidant drinks at MightyMuscadine.com
—Dr. Ronald Hoffman
This article contains content from one of our trusted sponsors.
The United States has more than one million acres suitable for grape production, with grapes contributing over $6.5 billion annually to the agricultural economy. Within this vast industry, the muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia) represents a distinctive and valuable segment. Native to the southeastern United States, muscadines are uniquely adapted to the region’s hot summers, mild winters, and challenging growing conditions—thriving where other grape varieties cannot.
What sets the muscadine grape apart is its exceptional nutritional and phytochemical profile. Unlike other grape species, muscadines contain 20 pairs of chromosomes (2n = 40), a genetic distinction believed to enhance their resilience and enrich their phytochemical diversity. Among these compounds are some of the richest and most diverse sources of antioxidant polyphenolics found in any fruit.
One of the most notable components of muscadines is ellagic acid, a polyphenolic compound absent in other grape species. More than 30 unique derivatives of ellagic acid have been identified in muscadines, alongside other beneficial compounds including resveratrol, piceid, gallic acid, quercetin, gallotannins, condensed tannins, and anthocyanins. These bioactive molecules act as prebiotics for the human gut microbiome and, once absorbed into the bloodstream, may provide wide-ranging benefits for cardiovascular health, mitochondrial function, and natural energy support.
Muscadines also develop unusually thick skins and tannin-rich seeds to withstand their environment, concentrating polyphenolics in these tissues. After pressing for juice or wine, the remaining skins and seeds can be utilized in supplements, extracts, seed oils, and other functional applications. Academic research continues to explore muscadine-derived compounds for potential roles in cancer therapies, glucose regulation, cardiometabolic health, cognitive performance, and mood support.
Recognizing the potential of this remarkable fruit, Mighty Muscadine® has developed products to bring the benefits of muscadines to a wider audience. One such innovation is Vinetastic®, a line of functional waters created through a patented process that extracts muscadine polyphenolics and infuses them into Le Bleu® Ultra Pure Vapor Compression Distilled Water. The result is a clean, refreshing, antioxidant-rich beverage formulated by Dr. Steve Talcott of Texas A&M University.
Vinetastic® delivers over 100 naturally occurring phytochemicals from muscadine grape seeds and skins in a lightly flavored water with no added sugars, no carbohydrates, no calories, and no artificial sweeteners. This science-backed beverage offers consumers a convenient way to support healthy hydration while enjoying the unique antioxidant power of the muscadine grape.