So Much More Than Blue Color in Fruits

ABSTRACT The blue appearance of fruits not only facilitates seed dispersal by attracting animals but also leaves a lasting impression on consumers. This coloration stems for example, from pigments like anthocyanins, but as well from structural coloration arising through the interaction between nanoscale structures and light. The intrinsic optical mechanism of structural color provides a stable and sustainable alternative to traditional pigmentary coloration, bridging biological inspiration with material innovation. And it is gradually demonstrating unique potential in various fields, for example, food, smart sensing, cosmetics, and functional materials. A systematic overview of types and sources of blue fruits is provided in this review. The coloration mechanisms of pigmentary and structural blue are elucidated separately. In addition, the current applications of their chromogenic components and structural features, along with recent advances in AI‐assisted color regulation, are summarized. As a next‐generation coloration strategy, structural color combines stability, tunability, and sustainability, offering a promising route toward the design of eco‐friendly and intelligent color systems. Furthermore, integrating AI‐assisted design and bioinspired nanostructure engineering could accelerate the development of advanced optical materials. Its unique optical versatility is expected to drive future innovations across sensing, functional materials, and bio‐related applications.