Are Maraschino Cherries Good for You? Nutrition Facts and Health Risks

Maraschino cherries are a staple garnish in cocktails, ice cream sundaes, and desserts. Their bright red color and sweet taste make them visually appealing, but many people wonder: are maraschino cherries good for you? The short answer is no—these processed cherries contain artificial dyes, excessive sugar, and very few nutrients compared to fresh cherries.

This comprehensive guide explores what maraschino cherries are, how they’re made, their nutritional profile, and the potential health risks associated with regular consumption.

What Are Maraschino Cherries?

Maraschino cherries are sweet cherries that have been heavily processed, preserved, and artificially colored to achieve their distinctive bright red appearance. The modern maraschino cherry bears little resemblance to its historical predecessor.

Originally, maraschino cherries were made in Croatia during the 1800s using Marasca cherries—a dark, sour variety. These cherries were preserved in maraschino liqueur, a process that created a delicacy served in fine dining establishments and upscale hotels.

Today’s commercial maraschino cherries undergo a completely different manufacturing process. They typically start as light-colored cherry varieties such as Gold, Rainier, or Royal Ann cherries, which are then transformed through an extensive chemical treatment process.

How Are Maraschino Cherries Made?

Understanding the manufacturing process helps explain why maraschino cherries offer so little nutritional value. The production involves several intensive steps:

Step 1: Brining and Bleaching
Fresh cherries are soaked in a brine solution containing calcium chloride and sulfur dioxide for four to six weeks. This process bleaches the cherries, removing their natural red pigment, flavor compounds, and many nutrients. The cherries turn a pale yellow color during this stage.

Step 2: Artificial Coloring and Sweetening
After bleaching, the cherries are transferred to another solution for approximately one month. This mixture contains red food dye (typically Red 40), sugar, and almond oil or similar flavoring agents. This is what gives maraschino cherries their characteristic bright red color and intensely sweet taste.

Step 3: Pitting and Preservation
The cherries are then pitted, have their stems removed, and are covered in a sugar-sweetened liquid with added preservatives. Many commercial varieties are sold in high-fructose corn syrup.

This extensive processing strips away most of the beneficial compounds found in fresh cherries while adding artificial ingredients and excessive amounts of sugar.

Nutritional Comparison: Maraschino Cherries vs. Fresh Cherries

The nutritional difference between maraschino cherries and fresh sweet cherries is striking. Here’s how they compare per cup (approximately 155-160 grams):

Calories:

• Maraschino cherries: 266 calories
• Fresh sweet cherries: 97 calories

Carbohydrates and Sugar:

• Maraschino cherries: 67 grams total carbs, 42 grams added sugar
• Fresh sweet cherries: 25 grams total carbs, 0 grams added sugar

Protein:

• Maraschino cherries: 0.4 grams
• Fresh sweet cherries: 1.6 grams

Vitamins and Minerals:

• Vitamin C: Maraschino cherries contain 0%, while fresh cherries provide 13% of the Daily Value
• Vitamin B6: Less than 1% vs. 6% of the Daily Value
• Potassium: Less than 1% vs. 7% of the Daily Value
• Magnesium: Less than 1% vs. 5% of the Daily Value

The only nutrient that increases in maraschino cherries is calcium (6% higher), due to calcium chloride added during brining. However, this small benefit doesn’t outweigh the loss of other important nutrients.

Health Risks of Eating Maraschino Cherries

1. Loss of Beneficial Antioxidants

Fresh cherries are rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that give cherries their natural red, blue, or purple pigmentation. These compounds have been extensively studied for their health benefits, including:

• Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
• Supporting cardiovascular health
• Helping prevent certain cancers
• Reducing risk of type 2 diabetes
• Improving arthritis symptoms
• Supporting better sleep quality
• Enhancing brain function

The bleaching process used in making maraschino cherries completely removes these beneficial anthocyanins. The cherries are stripped of their natural color (and health benefits) before being artificially dyed red. This means maraschino cherries offer virtually none of the antioxidant benefits of fresh cherries.

2. Excessive Added Sugar Content

One of the most significant health concerns with maraschino cherries is their extremely high sugar content. A single maraschino cherry contains approximately 2 grams of sugar—double that of a fresh cherry—and almost all of it is added sugar.

Consider that most people don’t eat just one cherry. A typical serving of five maraschino cherries (about one ounce or 28 grams) contains 5.5 grams of added sugar, equivalent to more than one teaspoon of sugar.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugar intake to:

• No more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) per day for men
• No more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) per day for women

Since maraschino cherries are typically used as garnishes on already-sweet foods like ice cream, milkshakes, cakes, and sugary cocktails, it’s easy to exceed these recommendations. Regular consumption of excessive added sugar is linked to numerous health problems including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease.

3. High-Fructose Corn Syrup Concerns

Most commercial maraschino cherries are packaged and sold in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), a sweetener made from corn that’s composed of fructose and glucose. HFCS is typically listed among the first few ingredients on maraschino cherry labels, indicating it’s present in significant quantities.

Research has linked excessive HFCS consumption to several health concerns:

• Increased risk of metabolic syndrome
• Higher likelihood of obesity
• Greater risk of type 2 diabetes
• Elevated risk of heart disease
• Development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Increased inflammation throughout the body

While HFCS in small amounts may not cause immediate harm, the combination of HFCS-laden maraschino cherries with other high-sugar foods can contribute significantly to overall sugar intake.

4. Artificial Food Dyes and Allergic Reactions

The bright red color of maraschino cherries comes from artificial food coloring, most commonly Red 40 (also known as Allura Red). This synthetic dye is derived from petroleum distillates or coal tars and is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

While the FDA considers Red 40 safe for consumption, some individuals may experience adverse reactions:

• Allergic reactions: Though rare, some people develop allergic reactions to Red 40, including hives, itching, or swelling
• Hyperactivity in sensitive children: Some research suggests that artificial food dyes may contribute to hyperactivity and behavioral changes in children who are sensitive to these additives
• ADHD symptom exacerbation: Studies have shown that removing artificial colorings from the diets of children prone to hyperactivity can reduce symptoms

Due to these concerns, Red 40 and several other artificial food dyes are banned or require warning labels in many European countries and other nations outside the United States.

5. Potential Carcinogenic Compounds

Red 40 contains trace amounts of benzidine, a chemical compound classified as a known carcinogen. Observational studies have found that people with occupational exposure to benzidine have an increased risk of bladder cancer.

While the amount of benzidine in Red 40 is small, it’s present in numerous processed foods throughout the American diet, including:

• Beverages and soft drinks
• Candies and confections
• Jams and jellies
• Cereals and breakfast foods
• Flavored yogurts
• Baked goods and desserts

This widespread use makes it difficult to determine the cumulative exposure individuals receive through their diet. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that benzidine is no longer manufactured in the United States, benzidine-containing dyes are still imported for use in various products, including foods.

6. Sodium Benzoate Preservative

Many maraschino cherry products contain sodium benzoate as a preservative to extend shelf life. While generally recognized as safe by the FDA, sodium benzoate has been associated with potential health concerns:

• When combined with artificial food dyes, it may increase hyperactivity in sensitive children
• In the presence of vitamin C, it can form benzene, a known carcinogen (though this is rare in properly formulated products)
• Some individuals report sensitivity reactions including headaches or allergic symptoms

Are There Any “Healthier” Maraschino Cherry Options?

Some specialty brands produce maraschino cherries using more natural methods. These products may be labeled as “natural” and use alternative ingredients:

• Natural colorings: Some use beet juice or other natural dyes instead of Red 40
• Real fruit juice: Instead of high-fructose corn syrup, some brands use fruit juices as sweeteners
• Traditional methods: A few artisanal producers still make maraschino cherries using the original liqueur-based method

However, even these “natural” varieties typically remain very high in sugar and offer minimal nutritional benefits compared to fresh cherries. They’re still processed foods that should be consumed only occasionally.

Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, for example, are made using traditional Italian methods with Marasca cherries and liqueur, without artificial colors, thickeners, or preservatives. While these are closer to the original product, they’re expensive, difficult to find, and still contain significant sugar.

Fresh Cherries: A Nutritious Alternative

If you’re looking for the health benefits associated with cherries, fresh or frozen cherries are vastly superior choices. Fresh cherries provide:

• Rich antioxidant content: High levels of anthocyanins and other beneficial plant compounds
• Anti-inflammatory properties: May help reduce inflammation throughout the body
• Heart health support: Can help lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular disease risk
• Better sleep: Natural melatonin in cherries may improve sleep quality
• Exercise recovery: May reduce muscle soreness and speed recovery after physical activity
• Blood sugar regulation: Lower glycemic index compared to processed cherries
• Essential nutrients: Good source of vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and other vitamins and minerals

Tart cherry juice has also gained popularity for its concentrated antioxidant content and potential health benefits, particularly for reducing inflammation and improving sleep.

Practical Tips for Reducing Maraschino Cherry Consumption

If you currently use maraschino cherries regularly, here are some strategies to reduce your intake:

• Use fresh cherries as garnishes: Fresh sweet or sour cherries work beautifully in cocktails and desserts
• Try frozen cherries: Frozen dark sweet cherries can be thawed and used as a garnish year-round
• Make your own: Create homemade preserved cherries using fresh fruit, natural sweeteners, and minimal processing
• Reduce portion sizes: If you do use maraschino cherries, limit yourself to just one or two
• Reserve for special occasions: Treat maraschino cherries as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular addition to foods
• Read labels carefully: If purchasing specialty maraschino cherries, choose varieties with simpler, more natural ingredient lists
• Explore other garnish options: Consider fresh berries, citrus slices, or fresh herbs as colorful alternatives

Teaching Children About Healthy Food Choices

Children are often attracted to the bright red color and sweet taste of maraschino cherries. This presents an opportunity to teach important lessons about nutrition and food processing:

• Explain how artificial colors make foods look appealing but don’t add nutrition
• Compare the taste of fresh cherries to maraschino cherries, helping them appreciate natural flavors
• Involve them in washing and preparing fresh fruit as dessert toppings
• Discuss how processing removes nutrients from foods
• Model healthy choices by regularly offering fresh fruit options

The Bottom Line: Should You Eat Maraschino Cherries?

So, are maraschino cherries good for you? The evidence clearly indicates that maraschino cherries offer minimal nutritional value and come with several health concerns when consumed regularly. They contain:

• Extremely high amounts of added sugar
• Artificial food dyes with potential health risks
• High-fructose corn syrup linked to metabolic disorders
• Chemical preservatives
• Virtually no beneficial antioxidants or nutrients
• Trace amounts of carcinogenic compounds

The extensive processing required to create maraschino cherries strips away nearly all the health benefits found in fresh cherries while adding ingredients associated with various health problems.

This doesn’t mean you must completely eliminate maraschino cherries from your diet forever. Enjoying one or two cherries occasionally as a garnish is unlikely to cause significant harm for most healthy individuals. However, they should not be considered a regular part of a nutritious diet.

For anyone concerned about their sugar intake, children with behavioral sensitivities, individuals with food dye allergies, or those following a clean eating approach, avoiding maraschino cherries altogether is advisable.

Instead, choose fresh or frozen cherries whenever possible. Not only are they far more nutritious, but they also provide authentic cherry flavor and the remarkable health benefits that have made cherries a celebrated superfood. Your body will thank you for making this simple but significant swap.

If you have specific health conditions or dietary concerns, consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian about whether maraschino cherries or other processed foods fit into your individual nutrition plan.

Sources:

• USDA FoodData Central – National Agricultural Library
• American Heart Association – Added Sugars
• FDA – Color Additives and Food Dyes
• National Institutes of Health – Anthocyanins and Health Benefits
• Environmental Protection Agency – Chemical Safety Research
• Mayo Clinic – Nutrition and Healthy Eating