Simmering a pot of elderberries on a fall afternoon feels wholesome, and it can be. But elderberries are one of the few kitchen ingredients where skipping a step can make people sick.
Written by Vita Globe Editorial Team | Reviewed against CDC, NIH (NCCIH) and university extension food-safety guidance
Is homemade elderberry syrup safe for kids?
It can be if you do it right. Raw elderberries, and especially the stems and leaves, contain compounds that can release cyanide; cooking removes the risk[1][2]. Remove all stems and leaves, cook thoroughly, avoid red elderberries[2], and store the syrup in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer[3]. Never give honey-sweetened syrup to a baby under 12 months[5].
Caveat: Homemade syrups have no standardized elderberry amount, so they aren't comparable to the extracts used in studies[6].
Sources: NCCIH · Oregon State Extension · UMaine Extension · CDC infant nutrition · Verified 2026-09-28
IN THIS ARTICLE
Why can elderberries make you sick?
Elderberries contain natural compounds called cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide during digestion. Oregon State University's food-safety specialists put it simply: all varieties of elderberries are toxic when raw, and the stems and leaves contain higher levels[2]. NIH notes that raw or unripe berries and other plant parts can cause nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea, and that cooking eliminates the toxin[1].
This isn't just theory. In 1983, eleven people got sick after drinking juice made by crushing wild elderberries along with leaves and branches, served uncooked. One person was hospitalized[4].
Which elderberries are safe to use?
Use dried elderberries from a reputable food supplier, or fresh blue or black elderberries you've identified with certainty. Oregon State's guidance says to avoid red elderberries (Sambucus racemosa), which may contain higher toxin levels, particularly in the seeds[2]. If you're foraging and aren't 100% sure what you've picked, don't use it.
With fresh fruit, wash well and pick out every stem and leaf. University of Maine Extension calls this out as a key step[3].
How should you cook it?
Thorough cooking is the step that makes elderberries safe to eat[1][2]. Follow the heating directions in a tested recipe and don't shortcut them[3]. A few practical points:
- Simmer the berries in water for the full time the recipe gives, then strain out the solids.
- Use a tested recipe from an extension service or other reliable food-safety source.
- Don't make 'cold-pressed' or raw elderberry juice. Uncooked juice pressed with leaves and stems is what caused the 1983 poisonings[4].
What about honey and storage?
Many recipes use honey. That's fine for older kids and adults, but the CDC says not to give honey to children before 12 months because it can cause botulism[5]. If there's a baby in the house, make a honey-free batch or keep it clearly labeled.
Homemade syrup isn't shelf-stable. University of Maine Extension recommends refrigerating it and using it within two weeks, or freezing it for up to 8 months. It does not recommend canning elderberry syrup, because common elderberries aren't acidic enough for safe water-bath canning[3]. Oregon State agrees that American and European elderberry syrups must be refrigerated or frozen[2].
| Step | Why |
|---|---|
| Remove all stems and leaves | Highest toxin levels[2] |
| Cook thoroughly | Eliminates the toxin[1] |
| No honey under 12 months | Botulism risk[5] |
| Fridge up to 2 weeks or freeze | Not recommended for home canning[3] |
How does homemade compare to store-bought?
The trade-off is consistency. You don't know how much elderberry is in a teaspoon of homemade syrup, and it will vary batch to batch. The small trials that exist used specific elderberry extract preparations, and even with those, a systematic review rated the evidence as low certainty[6]. A labeled product gives you a consistent serving, age guidance and allergen information. See Are Elderberries Poisonous? and Elderberry Syrup vs. Gummies for more.
The honest summary
- Never raw: cook elderberries thoroughly[1].
- Remove stems and leaves; skip red elderberries[2].
- No honey for babies under 1[5].
- Refrigerate (2 weeks) or freeze; don't can it[3].
Our option
Vita Globe Vitalolli™ Elderberry Immune Support Lollipops
Mixed berry flavored lollipops made with elderberry, five to a pouch, with a suggested use of one lollipop a day. The product page lists them for kids ages 4+ and adults; they are gluten-free and non-GMO, contain coconut, and are tested by an independent third-party lab. Check the Supplement Facts panel on the package for the exact elderberry amount per pop.*
Frequently asked questions
Can you eat raw elderberries?
No. All elderberries are toxic raw and must be cooked[2].
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?
University of Maine Extension recommends using it within 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or freezing it for up to 8 months[3].
Can I can elderberry syrup for the pantry?
Extension experts don't recommend water-bath canning for American or European elderberry syrup because it isn't acidic enough; refrigerate or freeze instead[2][3].
Can babies have homemade elderberry syrup?
Not if it contains honey. The CDC says no honey before 12 months[5]. Talk to your pediatrician before giving any elderberry product to a young child.
Are red elderberries safe for syrup?
Oregon State University Extension advises avoiding red elderberries (Sambucus racemosa) entirely[2].
Sources
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Elderberry: Usefulness and Safety. Updated November 2024. www.nccih.nih.gov/health/european-elder
- Oehler N, Waite-Cusic J, Hibbard-Swanson J. Play It Safe When Preserving Elderberries (EM 9446). Oregon State University Extension Service. November 2024. extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/em-9446-play-it-safe-when-preserving-elderberries
- McCarty K. How to Make and Preserve Elderberry Syrup Safely. University of Maine Cooperative Extension. February 20, 2025. extension.umaine.edu/food-health/2025/02/20/how-to-make-and-preserve-elderberry-syrup-safely/
- Centers for Disease Control. Poisoning from elderberry juice — California. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1984;33(13):173. www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00000311.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit. Infant and Toddler Nutrition. www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/foods-and-drinks-to-avoid-or-limit.html
- Wieland LS, Piechotta V, Feinberg T, et al. Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):112. doi:10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
About the Vita Globe Editorial Team
The Vita Globe Editorial Team researches and writes our wellness content, working from peer-reviewed research, systematic reviews and guidance from bodies such as the NIH and the FDA. We cite our sources inline and update articles when the evidence changes.
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