When Did Strawberries Get So Complicated?

Buying strawberries has gotten a lot more intriguing. And confusing! Supermarkets now carry several varieties of strawberries that seem similar, in appearance and in price, but offer different tastes, juiciness levels, colors, and more factors—creating a classic shopper’s dilemma of choice.

To help select which strawberry is for you, Good Housekeeping has compiled this guide on the most commonly found types of specialty strawberries at the supermarket. Here’s what to shop for and why:

Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch™ Strawberries

• What makes it stand out: These bright red berries are the iconic ones you probably envision when you think of summer strawberries. Typically, Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch strawberries are available early spring through summer. These aren’t a specific varietal, but rather a selection of berries harvested at peak ripeness for optimal flavor.
• How it actually tastes: Juicy and sweet, full of strawberry flavor.
• The texture: Firm and holds its shape for slicing.
• Is it worth the price?: Depending on the price, sure! If you’re shopping for in-season strawberries, your best bet may be a local farmers market or produce stand, but the Sweetest Batch strawberries are a reliable grocery store alternative.
• The best way to eat it: Eat these as you would any strawberries—fresh, sliced, or in desserts.

Oishii Omakase Berry

• What makes it stand out: The Omakase Berry is Oishii’s original strawberry varietal, which debuted in November 2018 to viral intrigue due to its original pricing of $50 for a tray of 8. Today, they are more widely available at premium grocery retailers, where packages typically range from about $8 to $15 depending on size and retailer. Native to the foothills of the Japanese Alps, the original Omakase berry is available for only a few short weeks each year in its traditional growing region, but Oishii grows them year-round in indoor vertical farms.
• How it actually tastes: Named for omakase, which means “trust the chef” in Japanese, these berries are inspired by upscale, gourmet cuisine. The strawberry itself is characterized by a soft, creamy texture, very sweet taste, and distinctly fragrant aroma.
• The texture: The berry is firm and not too juicy, so it’s less likely to drip or stain.
• Is it worth the price?: It’s a splurge, but if you find yourself tossing away mushy or bland strawberries, the Omakase berry is consistent, high-quality option. They’re also a go-to outside of strawberry season due to their controlled growing environment.
• The best way to eat it: These gorgeous strawberries are excellent on their own, or even gifted to a host thanks to their jewel-like packaging. Ideally, they’re served whole, on a platter or to garnish a dessert.

Oishii Koyo Berry

• What makes it stand out: The Koyo Berry is Oishii’s second varietal of strawberry and has become an everyday favorite. Unlike the Omakase Berry, the Koyo is traditionally grown just outside Tokyo. The berry itself has a deep ruby red color and slightly firmer texture.
• How it actually tastes: Named for the Japanese word meaning “elated,” the Koyo Berry has a bright aroma and a more tart, refreshing flavor.
• The texture: This berry is firmer than the Omakase berry and offers a nice bite.
• Is it worth the price?: At $9.99 for a 6 oz package, the Koyo berry is often at the pricier spectrum of strawberries in the market, but they’re good year-round and grown without conventional pesticides.
• The best way to eat it: Treat yourself to Koyo berries for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. They’re great enjoyed whole.

Pineberries

• What makes it stand out: These white strawberries are intriguing in their pale hue, but don’t be fooled that color impacts flavor. The pineberry is a hybrid of strawberry varieties, often sold under the name Pink-A-Boo® (from Wish Farms in Florida). Pineberries are ripe when picked, and the blush color with red seeds is as dark as they are supposed to get.
• How it actually tastes: Named for pineapples, pineberries have a tropical, pineapple-like flavor and sweetness.
• The texture: Pineberries are known for their softness (think the flesh of a pear) and juiciness.
• Is it worth the price?: Pineberries range in price and are similar enough to strawberries that they’re more of a novelty than a must-buy splurge.
• The best way to eat it: If you’re baking with strawberries and want great flavor, Pineberries can work well (though you may want to use a few drops of red food coloring or beet juice). They’re also welcome in fruit salad, parfaits, or other berry-based desserts that can use some juiciness but don’t need extra color.