What Are the Benefits of Cherry Juice? Everything You Need to Know

Published: May 2017 | Updated: November 2025

Introduction

Curious about the real benefits of cherry juice and why so many people drink it every day? Tart cherries are more than a delicious Michigan fruit—they’re naturally rich in anthocyanins, melatonin, potassium, and a wide spectrum of antioxidants. These compounds work together to support joint comfort, sleep quality, muscle recovery, and everyday wellness.

Traverse Bay Farms has been sharing the science behind tart cherries for years, and this page serves as your full educational overview. You can also explore deeper insights in our internal guide, the Official Tart Cherry Health Report.

At-a-Glance

• Cherry juice delivers concentrated antioxidants that neutralize free radicals
• Tart cherries hold some of the highest ORAC scores among all fruits studied
• Natural compounds help support joints, sleep, and post-activity recovery
• Cherry juice offers benefits difficult to match with dried or fresh cherries alone
• Backed by more than 12 years of U.S. university research

Trusted Since 2001

Traverse Bay Farms has earned more than 38 national food awards and uses as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible in every superfruit gourmet and wellness product.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Tart cherries are naturally rich in anthocyanins—linked to joint comfort
• Montmorency cherries contain melatonin to support natural sleep cycles
• One ounce of concentrate delivers antioxidants equal to several servings of fruit
• USDA studies rank tart cherries among top ORAC foods
• Over a decade of university-backed research validates their benefits

What Makes Cherry Juice So Beneficial?

Tart cherry juice offers a more concentrated source of antioxidants and nutrients than dried or fresh cherries alone. While dried cherries are delicious and versatile, you would need to eat a large amount to equal the anthocyanins and melatonin found in **just one ounce** of tart cherry juice concentrate.

Tart cherries contain over 17 known antioxidant compounds supporting healthy inflammation response, joint mobility, and muscle recovery after activity.

For more on joint health, visit our guide: Joint Health Benefits of Tart Cherries.

Understanding Antioxidants and Free Radicals

Antioxidants counter oxidative stress—an imbalance caused by free radicals. These unstable molecules naturally form during digestion and metabolism, but they also come from pollution, pesticides, and environmental exposure. When the body faces too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants, oxidative stress can occur.

Cherry juice’s powerful antioxidant content helps the body maintain balance.

 

Learn More About our 100% Pure Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

Research on Tart Cherry Juice

For more than a decade, researchers from Michigan State University, University of Texas Health Science Center, and others have examined tart cherries. Consistent findings show:

• High antioxidant capacity
• Support for joint flexibility
• Healthy inflammatory response
• Natural melatonin content
• Benefits for muscle recovery

More research summaries appear in our Tart Cherry Health Report.

Understanding ORAC Values

ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) measures how well a food neutralizes free radicals. Higher ORAC values indicate stronger antioxidant potential. Tart cherry juice concentrate ranks among the **highest ORAC foods ever tested** at Brunswick Laboratories.

Top ORAC Scores (USDA & Brunswick Labs)

• Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate: 12,800 ORAC units
• Dried Tart Cherries: 6,800
• Prunes: 5,770
• Blueberries: 2,400
• Blackberries: 2,036

Support for Joints, Sleep & Recovery

Cherry juice contains naturally synergistic compounds including:

• Anthocyanins – support joint comfort
• Melatonin – supports restful sleep
• Potassium – supports muscle function
• Flavonoids – support cardiovascular wellness

Athletes often enjoy tart cherry juice post-exercise, while many people drink it in the evening to support natural sleep patterns.

Internal link: Explore our Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate.

Ready to Try it Yourself?

Cherry juice is a powerful source of antioxidants that support joint comfort, healthy inflammation response, sleep quality, and muscle recovery. Its exceptionally high ORAC score places it among the top antioxidant-rich foods available today.

Taste the Difference Today

Ready to explore these benefits firsthand? Our Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate is made using as much Michigan-grown fruit as possible and delivers the anthocyanins and melatonin naturally found in Montmorency cherries.

FAQs

Q: What makes cherry juice unique?
A: Tart cherry juice contains anthocyanins, melatonin, and high ORAC values, offering benefits other fruit juices do not.

Q: How much cherry juice should I drink daily?
A: Many enjoy 1 oz of concentrate mixed with 8 oz of water.

Q: Does cherry juice support sleep?
A: Yes—tart cherries naturally contain melatonin.

Q: Does cherry juice support joints?
A: Research suggests cherry compounds support joint flexibility and healthy inflammation response.

Q: Where can I learn more?
A: Visit our Most Common Questions about Cherry Juice for deeper insights.

People Also Ask

• Why tart cherry juice contains more antioxidants than fresh cherries
• What science says about cherry juice and joint comfort
• Why tart cherry juice is often recommended before bedtime

Make Healthy Living Easy

Cherry juice delivers a blend of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and natural compounds that support everyday wellness. Whether your goal is better sleep, joint comfort, or athletic recovery, tart cherries offer research-backed benefits you can enjoy year-round. Explore more of our educational resources to deepen your wellness journey.

Discover More

Discover how cherry juice fits into your day by exploring our Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate or downloading the free Tart Cherry Health Report.