I soaked my berries in salt water and saw these white wiggling things come out. Should I just throw them away?

What Are Those Tiny White Worms?

In many cases, the small white creatures seen after soaking berries are insect larvae, often associated with fruit flies that lay eggs inside soft fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries.

These insects are naturally attracted to ripe fruit. Because berries have thin skins and many small crevices, they can occasionally become hosts for tiny eggs or larvae before they reach your kitchen.

The salt-water soak doesn’t create the worms—it simply encourages any hidden larvae to emerge from the fruit.

Is This Normal?

As unpleasant as it may seem, finding tiny insects or larvae in fresh produce is not unusual.

Fruits and vegetables are grown outdoors, where they are exposed to insects, weather, and natural environmental conditions. Even with modern farming practices, it is nearly impossible to prevent every insect from coming into contact with crops.

Many consumers are surprised because the larvae are often too small to notice until they are forced out by soaking.