small fruit.
big potential.

bold flavor, backed by growing research.

the science behind the fruit.

That bright ruby-red color you see in Montmorency tart cherries? It comes from naturally occurring compounds called anthocyanins, which are part of a broader group of plant compounds known as polyphenols. These compounds are a key focus of nutrition research on Montmorency tart cherries, including studies exploring exercise recovery and the body’s response to physical activity. Pretty impressive for such a small fruit.1,2,3

HEALTH BENEFITS

muscle recovery

Research in healthy adults suggests Montmorency tart cherry juice or concentrate may help support muscle strength recovery after intense exercise. Findings vary across study populations and exercise types.⁴

Read the Research
Tart Cherries
Tart Cherries

HEALTH BENEFITS

sleep support

When it comes to sleep, tart cherries are one of the few foods that naturally contain melatonin, a compound involved in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin levels in tart cherries can vary depending on the variety, growing conditions and product format. Montmorency tart cherries, in particular, have been studied for their potential relationship with sleep.⁵⁻⁹

Overall, research findings are inconclusive. While some early studies show promising potential, larger and longer-term studies are needed to better understand the relationship between tart cherries and sleep.

references

  1. Seeram NP, Momin RA, Nair MG, Bourquin LD. Cyclooxygenase inhibitory and antioxidant cyanidin glycosides in cherries and berries. J Agric Food Chem. 2001;49(12):5652–5657. 
  2. Ou B, Bosak KN, Brickner PR, Iezzoni DG, Seymour EM. Processed tart cherry products—comparative phytochemical content, in vitro antioxidant capacity, and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. J Food Sci. 2012;77(5):H105–H112. 
  3. Wang H, Nair MG, Strasburg GM, et al. Antioxidant polyphenols from tart cherries (Prunus cerasus). J Agric Food Chem. 1999;47(3):840–844. 
  4. Zhu Y, Smith J and Cohn A (2026) The effect of Montmorency tart cherry consumption on athletic performance and post-exercise recovery in healthy adults: a scoping review. Front. Nutr. 2026;13:1794292.
  5. Pigeon WR, Carr M, Gorman C, Perlis ML. Effects of a tart cherry juice beverage on the sleep of older adults with insomnia: a pilot study. J Med Food. 2010;13(3):579–583.  
  6. Howatson G, Bell PG, Tallent J, Middleton B, McHugh MP, Ellis J. Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality. Eur J Nutr. 2012;51(8):909–916.  
  7. Losso JN, Finley JW, Karki N, et al. Pilot study of tart cherry juice for the treatment of insomnia and investigation of mechanisms. Am J Ther. 2018;25(2):e194–e201.  
  8. Barforoush F, Ebrahimi S, Abdar MK, et al. The effect of tart cherry on sleep quality and sleep disorders: a systematic review. Food Sci Nutr. 2025;13(9):e70923. 
  9. Burkhardt S, Tan DX, Manchester LC, Hardeland R, Reiter RJ. Detection and quantification of the antioxidant melatonin in Montmorency and Balaton tart cherries (Prunus cerasus). J Agric Food Chem. 2001;49(10):4898–4902.