When is the Best Time to Drink Tart Cherry Juice?

Understanding Tart Cherry Juice

Tart cherry juice is made from Montmorency tart cherries, a variety grown primarily in the Great Lakes region, especially Northern Michigan. These cherries contain anthocyanins and flavonoids — naturally occurring compounds that help the body manage oxidative stress and support a healthy inflammation response after daily activity.

At a Glance: Tart cherry juice offers antioxidant support that may help maintain healthy joints, mobility, and post-exercise comfort.

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Where are Cherries Grown?

Watch the Michigan Cherry Harvest:


The Power of the Red Juice

The deep red hue of tart cherry juice comes from anthocyanins, naturally occurring pigments that act as antioxidants. These compounds help neutralize free radicals and may support normal muscle function and joint comfort after physical exertion.

Tart cherry juice is also one of the few foods that naturally contains melatonin, a compound that helps the body regulate healthy sleep-wake cycles. These compounds and published research have been linked to reduced inflammation and pain relief due to physical exercise

Morning: A Fresh Start

Kickstart Your Day
Enjoying a small glass of tart cherry juice in the morning can provide antioxidant support and help maintain comfortable movement as you begin your day.

Enhanced Absorption
Drinking it on an empty stomach may improve nutrient absorption for some individuals.

Pre- or Post-Workout: Supporting Recovery

Before Exercise
Consuming tart cherry juice about an hour before physical activity may help prepare muscles for exertion and support normal recovery afterward.

After Exercise
A glass within 30 minutes post-workout provides hydration and antioxidants to help the body manage oxidative stress and maintain muscle comfort.

At a Glance: Tart cherry juice can help support post-exercise recovery and overall joint mobility when included as part of a balanced fitness routine.

Evening: Promoting Restful Sleep

Natural Support for Sleep Quality
Tart cherry juice contains melatonin and tryptophan — compounds that work with the body’s natural rhythm to help promote restful sleep.

Relaxation Before Bed
Drinking it 1–2 hours before bedtime may help you unwind and maintain a calm state as your body transitions to sleep.

At a Glance: Naturally occurring melatonin in tart cherry juice helps support healthy sleep duration and nighttime recovery.

How Much and How Often?

Typical Use
Many studies used 8–12 ounces of juice once or twice daily, or 1 ounce of concentrate mixed with 7 ounces of water.
Consistency is key — regular intake helps maintain steady antioxidant levels in the body.

Always consult a healthcare professional before making dietary changes, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.

Tart Cherry Juice vs. Tart Cherry Capsules

Both forms provide similar phytonutrients but differ in convenience and sugar content:

Tart Cherry Juice

• Natural source of antioxidants and melatonin

• Contains about 15–18g of natural sugars per 8-oz serving

• Best enjoyed diluted and refrigerated after opening

Tart Cherry Capsules

• Provide a concentrated dose with little to no sugar

• Convenient for travel or sugar-restricted diets

• Easy to take daily with water

At a Glance: Choose juice for hydration and natural flavor, or capsules for sugar-free convenience and portability.

Watch customer testimonials about cherry juice:

Potential Considerations

Sugar Content
If you monitor carbohydrate intake, choose unsweetened tart cherry juice or diluted concentrate.

Digestive Sensitivity
Tart cherry juice contains natural sorbitol, which may cause mild digestive discomfort in some individuals.

Allergies and Medications
If you have food allergies or take medications (especially anticoagulants or diabetes treatments), consult your healthcare provider before regular use.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Choosing the Right Tart Cherry Juice

Organic vs. Conventional
Organic tart cherry juice is made from fruit grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and often supports sustainable farming. However, because organically grown USA cherries are rare, availability can be limited.

Conventional tart cherry juice remains an excellent option — just verify that it’s made from USA-grown Montmorency cherries and contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate uses as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible, offering a sediment-free guarantee and the assurance of 38+ national food awards for taste and purity.

The Bottom Line

The best time to drink tart cherry juice depends on your goals:

• Morning for antioxidant support and mobility

• Before or after exercise for recovery

• Evening for natural sleep support

Consistency and moderation are key. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary regimen.

At a Glance: Tart cherry juice supports joint comfort, post-exercise recovery, and restful sleep — naturally and deliciously.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

Try Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, made from USA-grown Montmorency cherries with the industry’s only sediment-free guarantee.

Shop Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate »

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