Calories in Cherry Juice: Nutritional facts for Cherry Juice Types

One hundred grams (3.5 oz) of tart cherry juice contains 50 calories. One hundred grams (3.5 oz) of sweet black cherry juice contains 70 calories.

One kilogram (1,000 g) of tart cherry juice contains 500 calories. One kilogram (1,000 g) of sweet black cherry juice contains 700 calories.

A 946 mL (32 fl oz) bottle of Lakewood Organic Pure Tart Cherry Juice contains 560 calories. A 237 mL (8 fl oz) bottle of Cheribundi Tart Cherry Juice contains 120 calories. A 473 mL (16 fl oz) bottle of Bolthouse Farms 100% Pomegranate Cherry Juice contains 320 calories. A 946 mL (32 fl oz) bottle of R.W. Knudsen Just Tart Cherry Juice contains 520 calories.

Cherry juice provides some health benefits like reducing muscle soreness and improving sleep quality due to its high concentration of anthocyanins and melatonin. This liquid, often referred to as "the recovery drink" or "liquid ruby," is a nutrient-dense extract from either tart (Prunus cerasus) or sweet (Prunus avium) cherries. A list of the health benefits of cherry juice are shown below.

• Reduces Muscle Damage and Pain: Tart cherry juice contains anti-inflammatory compounds that minimize muscle pain after intense physical activity. A study by Connolly DA, et al. (2006), "Efficacy of a tart cherry juice blend in preventing the symptoms of muscle damage," demonstrated that participants experienced significantly less strength loss and pain compared to a placebo group.
• Improves Sleep Quality and Duration: Cherries are one of the few natural food sources of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Research by Howatson G, et al. (2012), "Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality," found that consuming tart cherry juice concentrate increases urinary melatonin levels and improves sleep efficiency.
• Lowers Risk of Gout Attacks: Cherry juice helps lower the levels of uric acid in the blood, which is the primary cause of gout flares. A study by Zhang Y, et al. (2012), "Cherry consumption and decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks," showed that cherry intake is associated with a 35% lower risk of gout attacks over a two-day period.
• Combats Chronic Inflammation: The anthocyanins in cherry juice inhibit the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, acting similarly to certain anti-inflammatory medications. Research by Kelley DS, et al. (2006), "Consumption of Bing sweet cherries lowers circulating concentrations of inflammation markers in healthy men and women," confirmed that cherry consumption reduces plasma concentrations of various inflammatory markers.
• Supports Heart Health: The polyphenols and potassium in cherry juice help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. A study by Keane KM, et al. (2016), "Effects of Montmorency tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) consumption on vascular function in men with early hypertension," found that a single dose of tart cherry juice can lower systolic blood pressure for several hours.
• Enhances Cognitive Function: Antioxidants in cherry juice protect brain cells from oxidative stress and improve memory. Research by Chai SC, et al. (2019), "Effects of Tart Cherry Juice on Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial," noted improvements in visual memory and spatial learning after 12 weeks of consumption.
• Boosts Immune System: The juice provides significant amounts of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are essential for maintaining a strong immune response against pathogens.
• Provides Potent Antioxidants: Cherry juice is rich in quercetin and ellagic acid, which neutralize free radicals and may prevent cellular damage associated with chronic diseases.

Cherry juice has been known to cause some unwanted effects like gastrointestinal distress and rapid blood sugar spikes due to its sorbitol content and natural sugar concentration. A list of the downsides of cherry juice are shown below.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Tart cherry juice contains sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can act as a natural laxative. In high doses, this can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea, particularly in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• High Caloric and Sugar Density: While nutritious, cherry juice is more calorie-dense than whole fruit. A standard 253 g (8 fl oz) serving of sweet cherry juice contains 177 calories and 32.3 g of sugar, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.

Potential Medication Interference: Due to its Vitamin K content and potential effect on blood pressure, cherry juice may interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin. Research by Fugh-Berman A. (2000), "Herb-drug interactions," highlights that concentrated juices can sometimes alter the efficacy of cardiovascular drugs.

The calories in cherry juice change based on the specific variety of cherry used and the presence of additional sweeteners or secondary fruit juices. Tart cherry juice contains 50 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz), leading to 127 calories in an 8 fl oz serving. Sweet black cherry juice is more energy-dense, containing 70 calories per 100 g (3.5 oz) and providing 177 calories for the same serving size. Commercial cherry nectars often add cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup, which increases the caloric content to a range of 140 to 160 calories per serving. Blends that incorporate lower-calorie juices, such as tart apple juice, may bring the total down to 120 calories, whereas pomegranate-cherry blends often reach 160 calories per 8 fl oz.

Yes, cherry juice calories are higher than whole cherries when compared by volume. One cup of pitted, whole sweet cherries contains 97 calories, while a one-cup serving of sweet cherry juice contains 177 calories. This difference occurs because the juicing process removes the fiber and some water, concentrating the sugars and calories into a smaller volume. A cup of tart cherry juice contains 127 calories, which is also higher than the 77 calories found in one cup of whole tart cherries.

The origin of cherry juice is linked to the ancient cultivation of the Prunus cerasus (tart cherry) and Prunus avium (sweet cherry), which are native to the regions of Eastern Europe and Asia Minor. Historical records indicate that cherries were highly valued by the Greeks as early as 300 BC, and the Roman general Lucullus is credited with bringing various cherry species to Rome from Cerasus in 72 BC. In these ancient cultures, the juice was often extracted for both culinary enjoyment and medicinal purposes, particularly to treat inflammation and digestive ailments.

During the Middle Ages, cherry cultivation expanded across Europe, with the French and Germans developing specific varieties suited for juicing and fermentation. The process of modern, shelf-stable cherry juice production evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries as pasteurization techniques were perfected. In the United States, the state of Michigan became the center of the tart cherry industry in the late 1800s, leading to the commercialization of cherry juice as a standalone beverage. In recent decades, the popularity of cherry juice has surged globally due to scientific research validating its high antioxidant content and its effectiveness in aiding athletic recovery.