This blog post explains the nutrition benefits of no-added sugar dried cherries, including antioxidants, heart health, joint support, and immune function.
Quick Summary Bullets
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Learn why no-added sugar dried cherries are a nutrient-dense snack
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Discover how they support heart, joint, and immune health
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See the full nutrition facts and easy ways to enjoy them daily
What Are the Nutrition Benefits of No-Added Sugar Dried Cherries?
Published July 2024 | Updated October 2025
Enjoy Sweet Flavor Naturally: Why No-Added Sugar Dried Cherries Are a Smarter Snack Choice
Curious about whether no-added sugar dried cherries are actually healthy? Unlike traditional dried fruits packed with added sweeteners, these cherries keep their natural nutrients intact. They’re rich in antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and anthocyanins — compounds that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
In this post, you’ll learn why no-added sugar dried cherries have become one of the smartest snack choices for anyone focused on natural wellness, how they support your body from heart to joints, and how Traverse Bay Farms delivers theirs using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible.
Why Traverse Bay Farms
Traverse Bay Farms has earned 38+ national food awards for its fruit-based wellness products, including its line of USA-grown, no-added sugar dried cherries.
Key Facts at a Glance
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Made from Montmorency tart cherries with no added sugar or preservatives
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Naturally high in anthocyanins and quercetin (powerful antioxidants)
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Contain potassium, copper, and vitamin A for heart and immune health
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A natural source of melatonin to support better sleep
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Grown and packaged in the USA, Michigan— never imported
1. Rich in Antioxidants
No-added sugar dried cherries retain the same powerful antioxidants found in fresh cherries — especially anthocyanins, the compounds responsible for their deep red color. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and may lower the risk of chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress.
According to the USDA, tart cherries rank among the top antioxidant-rich fruits per serving, making them an ideal grab-and-go superfruit. Cherry juice is high is antioxidants, too
2. Promotes Heart Health
Anthocyanins and quercetin in dried cherries may support cardiovascular wellness by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and improving blood vessel function. Their potassium content (224 mg per 40g serving) helps balance sodium levels, assisting in healthy blood pressure regulation.
Recent studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that a diet rich in anthocyanins can reduce inflammation markers associated with heart disease.
3. Supports Joint Health and Mobility
Tart cherries are widely studied for their anti-inflammatory effects, especially in managing sore muscles and joints due to physical exercise. The anthocyanins in cherries can help maintain healthy uric acid levels, easing flare-ups and stiffness.
For many, regularly consuming no-added sugar dried cherries or tart cherry juice offers natural joint support without added sugar or artificial ingredients.
(Related: Top Joint Supplements for Pain Relief)
4. Enhances Sleep Quality Naturally
Cherries are one of the few fruits containing melatonin, a natural sleep-regulating hormone. Enjoying a handful of no-added sugar dried cherries after dinner may help your body ease into restful sleep, supporting better nighttime recovery and morning alertness.
5. Boosts Immune Function
Each serving of dried cherries provides vitamin C, copper, and vitamin A — key nutrients for immune defense. Vitamin C assists white blood cell production, while copper supports iron metabolism, helping your body form healthy red blood cells.
6. Helps with Weight and Blood Sugar Balance
Because no-added sugar dried cherries are rich in fiber (2.5g per 40g serving), they help promote fullness and stabilize energy levels. The natural fruit sugars in cherries are absorbed more slowly when fiber is present, avoiding sharp blood sugar spikes and crashes.
They’re also lower in calories compared to sugar-sweetened dried fruits, making them a better choice for those mindful of calories or managing diabetes naturally.
Nutrition Facts (per 40g serving)
Here is a detailed table of the nutritional content for a typical serving (40 grams - 1/4 cup) of no-added sugar dried cherries:
| Nutrient | Amount per 40g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 81 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugars | 17 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Vitamin A | 11IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 mg |
| Calcium | 14 mg |
| Iron | 1.59 mg |
| Potassium | 224 mg |
| Copper | 0.14 mg |
Incorporating No-Added Sugar Dried Cherries into Your Diet
How to Enjoy No-Added Sugar Dried Cherries
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Snack Smart: Eat a handful on their own for a midday energy boost.
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Breakfast Boost: Mix into oatmeal, yogurt, or granola for natural sweetness.
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Baking Upgrade: Add to muffins, cookies, or bread for a tart, fruity flavor.
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Salad Topper: Sprinkle on spinach or quinoa salads for a tangy-sweet contrast.
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Savory Twist: Use in rice pilaf, couscous, or glaze sauces for poultry or pork.
There are numerous ways to enjoy no-added sugar dried cherries in recipes
Get Started Today with Traverse Bay Farm
No-added sugar dried cherries deliver a naturally sweet taste with impressive nutrition — antioxidants for cellular health, potassium for your heart, anthocyanins for joint health, fiber for digestion, and melatonin for sleep. A simple handful can support your wellness goals without any added sugar.
FAQs
Q: Are no-added sugar dried cherries naturally sweet?
A: Yes. Their sweetness comes only from the natural sugars in the cherries themselves.
Q: Can dried cherries help with joint pain?
A: Research suggests tart cherries can reduce inflammation and uric acid, supporting joint comfort.
Q: Do they contain preservatives?
A: Traverse Bay Farms no-added sugar dried cherries contain no artificial preservatives or additives.
Q: Are they suitable for people watching their sugar intake?
A: Yes. They’re lower in total sugar compared to sweetened varieties and contain natural fiber for balance.
Q: What’s the best way to store them?
A: Keep them sealed in a cool, dry place. For freshness, enjoy within 60 days after opening.
People Also Ask
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Why choose no-added sugar dried cherries over regular dried cherries?
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How do no-added sugar dried cherries compare to fresh cherries nutritionally?
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Are no-added sugar dried cherries good for athletes?
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Can they replace candy or sweets as a healthy snack?
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What makes Michigan cherries especially nutritious?
Enjoy the Taste of Michigan
From antioxidants to melatonin, these naturally sweetened cherries prove that healthy can also be delicious. Incorporating no-added sugar dried cherries into your diet is a simple, science-backed way to boost your wellness — from your heart and joints to your sleep and immune system.
To explore more fruit-based superfoods and cherry recipes, visit the Traverse Bay Farms blog or browse our award-winning dried fruit collection.
Enjoy the Taste of Traverse Bay Farms
Want to taste the difference? Try Traverse Bay Farms No-Added Sugar Dried Cherries — grown in the USA, naturally delicious, and backed by 38+ national food awards.
Ready to enjoy the benefits? Traverse Bay Farms No-Added Sugar Dried Cherries are made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible — always USA cherries only — and never imported.
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