How to Compare Cherry Juice: A Complete Guide
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Updated: June, 2026
Author: Andy LaPointe - Co-Founder of Traverse Bay Farms
Quick Summary
With so many cherry juice brands and labels, choosing the right one can feel confusing. This guide explains the seven key factors to compare when buying cherry juice, and why Traverse Bay Farms sets the standard with Montmorency tart cherry juice, glass bottling, 68 Brix concentration, and the industry's only sediment-free guarantee.
At-a-Glance: What to Compare
- Type of cherry: Tart (Montmorency) vs. sweet
- Concentrate vs. not from concentrate
- Sediment-free clarity
- Packaging: Glass vs. plastic
- Brix level: Concentration strength
- Country of origin: USA-grown vs. imported
- Added ingredients: 100% pure vs. sweeteners and preservatives
At Traverse Bay Farms, we have been creating tart cherry products for over 20 years. With 38+ national food awards and customers nationwide, we know what separates a high-quality cherry juice from a so-so option.
1. Type of Cherry Used
Tart vs. Sweet Cherries
- Tart Cherries (Montmorency): Backed by most scientific studies on sleep, joint health, and recovery. Lower in sugar and higher in anthocyanins.
- Sweet Cherries: Great for snacking, but less research supports their use in juice for health benefits.
Best Choice: Always look for tart cherry juice on the label. At Traverse Bay Farms, we use only Montmorency tart cherries. Learn the difference between tart and sweet cherries.
2. From Concentrate vs. Not From Concentrate
What the Label Means
- From Concentrate: Water is removed for shipping and added back later. Cost-effective, eco-friendly, and long shelf life.
- Not From Concentrate: Fresh-squeezed, pasteurized juice. Tastes great but requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life.
Best Choice: High-quality concentrate offers the same nutrition and better value. Learn what from concentrate really means.
3. Sediment-Free Guarantee
The Industry Standard Only We Meet
Ever opened a bottle of juice and found cloudy residue or thick sludge at the bottom? That is sediment, and it is a sign of poor processing. Traverse Bay Farms is the only cherry juice brand in the industry with a sediment-free guarantee.
- No cloudy floaties
- No thick sludge at the bottom
- A clean, smooth pour every time
4. Packaging: Glass vs. Plastic
Why Packaging Matters
- Glass Bottles: Prevent plastic leaching, preserve flavor, recyclable, and longer shelf life. Traverse Bay Farms has only bottled in glass since 2001.
- Plastic Bottles: May leach chemicals, can alter flavor, and have a shorter shelf life.
Best Choice: Always choose glass-bottled juice. Learn why we only use glass bottles.
5. Brix Level (Concentration Strength)
Understanding Brix
Brix measures how dense and rich a juice concentrate is, essentially how many cherries are packed into each ounce.
- Lower Brix (<60): More diluted, less fruit per ounce.
- Higher Brix (68): More cherries, richer flavor, better value.
Best Choice: Traverse Bay Farms concentrate is 68 Brix, the gold standard, and guaranteed sediment-free.
6. Country of Origin
USA-Grown vs. Imported
Not all cherries come from the USA. Many brands import fruit, which can impact freshness and authenticity. Traverse Bay Farms uses as much locally grown and Michigan-grown fruit as possible in all products and never imports cherries. Best Choice: Choose brands that support local growers and provide USA-only cherries.
7. Added Ingredients
What to Look for on the Label
- Pure Juice: 100% cherries, no sugar or additives.
- Added Sugar or Preservatives: Unnecessary fillers that lower health value.
Best Choice: Traverse Bay Farms is 100% pure tart cherry juice, no sugar, no preservatives, nothing added.
How to Use Cherry Juice Concentrate
Easy Ways to Enjoy It
- Mix 1 oz concentrate with 7 oz water for a refreshing daily drink.
- Blend into smoothies for an antioxidant boost.
- Add to sparkling water for a healthy soda swap.
- Take before bed to support natural sleep.
- Use in sauces, marinades, or desserts.
- Download your free copy of the Michigan Cherry Recipe Cookbook.
Key Takeaway
When comparing cherry juices, look at all seven factors. At Traverse Bay Farms, you get the best of every category:
- Tart Montmorency cherries only
- 68 Brix, the gold standard concentration
- Industry-only sediment-free guarantee
- Glass bottles since 2001
- USA-grown fruit, 100% pure, nothing added
Frequently Asked Questions
Why People Trust Traverse Bay Farms
- Recognized with 38+ National Awards for Flavor Excellence
- Family-Owned, Community-Focused Company in Northern Michigan
- Only Brand with a Sediment-Free Cherry Juice Guarantee
- Glass Bottles Since 2001, 100% Pure, No Added Sugar
Additional Resources
Ready to Try the Gold Standard in Cherry Juice?
68 Brix, sediment-free, glass-bottled, Michigan-grown, and shipped nationwide.
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