What Does "Made from Concentrate" Mean When Referring to Cherry Juice?

Published: April 2023 | Updated: Sept 2025

What Does "From Concentrate" Mean in Cherry Juice?

Ever wondered what the phrase “made from concentrate” on your juice bottle really means? Many shoppers pause at this label, unsure what "made from concentrate" really means. In truth, it’s simply a way of describing how juice is processed for freshness, storage, and shipping.

At Traverse Bay Farms, customers have asked us this question since we opened our doors in 2001. With 38+ national food awards and a commitment to bottling only in glass with a sediment-free guarantee, we’ve made it our mission to educate customers about what makes juice concentrate unique.

Let’s explore the history, process, benefits, and everyday uses of 100% pure Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate.

(For more background, see our guide on the best time of day to drink cherry juice).

The History of Juice Concentration

The practice of concentrating fruit juice began in the mid-20th century. Food scientists discovered that by removing water, juice could be stored longer, shipped more efficiently, and later reconstituted for everyday use. What started with orange juice quickly spread to other fruits like cherries, cranberries, and apples.

For cherry juice, concentration made it possible to enjoy Montmorency tart cherries far beyond Northern Michigan summer harvest season. This process preserved the fruit’s bold flavor, deep red anthocyanins, and valuable nutrients, giving families year-round access to cherry health benefits.

How Cherry Juice Concentrate Is Made

Step 1: Extraction
Fresh Montmorency cherries are pressed into juice.

Step 2: Filtration
Seeds, pulp, and skins are removed for a smooth consistency.

Step 3: Evaporation
Through gentle heating, excess water is evaporated. This ensures safety and leaves behind a nutrient-dense concentrate.

The end product is a 68 Brix cherry juice concentrate 7:1 Ratio—the industry’s highest standard for quality and potency. Learn how to compare cherry juice 

Reconstitution: From Bottle to Glass

When you buy cherry juice concentrate, you simply add water back before drinking. This is called reconstitution.

One 16-oz glass bottle of Traverse Bay Farms concentrate makes a full gallon of ready-to-drink cherry juice. That’s the equivalent of four store-bought quarts, making concentrate both practical and economical.

Why Traverse Bay Farms Is Different

• Glass Bottled Since 2001: We’ve never used plastic. Glass protects taste, prevents leaching, and preserves antioxidants.

• Sediment-Free Guarantee: We’re the only cherry juice brand in the industry to guarantee your juice will be smooth, clear, and free of cloudy residue.

• USA-Grown Cherries Only: We use as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and never import cherries.

• Long Shelf Life: Unopened bottles last 20+ months. Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy for 6–8 months.

These standards set Traverse Bay Farms apart and ensure you’re drinking cherry juice as it was meant to be enjoyed.

"From Concentrate" vs. "Not From Concentrate"

From Concentrate

• Water removed, then added back before drinking

• More eco-friendly and cost-effective

• Longer shelf life

• Easier to ship and store

Not From Concentrate

• Fresh-squeezed, pasteurized juice

• Requires refrigeration during transport

• Shorter shelf life

• Higher cost due to shipping weight

Both options can be nutritious, but cherry juice concentrate delivers the best combination of convenience, freshness, and value.

Nutritional Benefits of Concentrate

Research from the USDA and NIH shows that the nutrients in cherry juice—like anthocyanins, melatonin, and antioxidants—remain intact during the concentration process.

Tart cherry juice concentrate supports:

• Joint Health: Helps maintain healthy joints* by reducing inflammation and healthy uric acid levels

• Muscle Recovery: Soothing post-exercise soreness

• Sleep Quality: Natural melatonin maintains healthy sleep patterns* 

• Heart Health: Antioxidants protect against oxidative stress

Traverse Bay Farms concentrate is always 100% pure—no added sugars, fillers, or preservatives. Learn the most common questions about cherry juice

Everyday Uses for Cherry Juice Concentrate

Concentrate isn’t just for drinking—it’s versatile in the kitchen:

• Smoothies: Add a splash for flavor and antioxidants

• Sparkling Water: Mix 1 oz concentrate with 7 oz sparkling water for a refreshing soda alternative

• Teas: Blend into hot or iced tea for a tart twist

• Cooking & Baking: Use in sauces, marinades, or desserts

• Bedtime Routine: Dilute in water before bed to support sleep

This flexibility is part of why concentrate is a favorite for both families and athletes.

Cost Savings of Concentrate

Buying concentrate stretches your dollar further than ready-to-drink juice:

• One 16-oz bottle = 1 gallon of juice

• Replaces four quarts of bottled juice

• Saves money while reducing packaging waste

For households that drink cherry juice daily, concentrate is both economical and eco-friendly.

Environmental Benefits of Concentrate

By removing water before bottling, concentrate dramatically reduces shipping weight and packaging. That means:

• Lower Carbon Emissions: Fewer trucks, fewer trips

• Less Packaging Waste: One bottle makes a gallon, cutting plastic and glass usage

• Eco-Friendly Storage: Glass is infinitely recyclable and safer than plastic

Choosing concentrate supports both personal health and environmental sustainability.

Key Takeaway

“From concentrate” simply means—it means smarter, fresher, and more efficient. At Traverse Bay Farms, every bottle is:

• Glass-bottled since 2001

• Backed by a sediment-free guarantee

• Made with USA-grown Montmorency cherries only

With over 20 years of experience and 38+ national food awards, we’re proud to offer the purest, best-tasting cherry juice concentrate available.

FAQs

Q: Why does Traverse Bay Farms only use glass bottles?
A: To prevent plastic leaching, protect flavor, and preserve antioxidants—our standard since 2001.

Q: What is the sediment-free guarantee?
A: We promise every bottle is smooth, clean, and free of cloudy residue—the only such guarantee in the cherry industry.

Q: How much concentrate equals a glass of juice?
A: Mix 1 oz of concentrate with 7 oz of water for one serving.

Q: How long does cherry juice concentrate last?
A: Unopened bottles last 20+ months. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 6–8 months.

Q: Can I cook with cherry juice concentrate?
A: Yes—add it to marinades, sauces, and desserts for a natural tart-sweet flavor. We offer a free downloadable recipe cookbook.

People Also Ask

• Does cherry juice concentrate taste the same as bottled juice?

• What makes Traverse Bay Farms the only sediment-free guarantee in the industry?

• Why is glass packaging better than plastic for juice?

• How does tart cherry juice help with sleep and recovery?

• Is concentrate more sustainable than bottled juice?

Get Started Today

Now you know what “from concentrate” means—it means value, sustainability, and smart nutrition. By choosing Traverse Bay Farms, you’re choosing glass-only bottling, sediment-free purity, and USA-grown Montmorency cherries trusted by wellness-minded customers nationwide.

Explore more guides on cherry juice, antioxidants, and natural health at our Cherry Health Hub.

Order Yours Today

Ready to taste the Traverse Bay Farms difference? Order today and enjoy glass-bottled, sediment-free cherry juice concentrate trusted since 2001.

Check out these other posts:

• Cherry Juice - The Journey from Blossom to Bottle
• Do you have to Dilute Cherry Juice
• The Best Time of Day to Drink Cherry Juice
• How to Compare Cherry Juice