For many, these iconic cherries hold nostalgic memories and tastes from childhood sundaes to post-work Martinis. Maraschino cherries, also known as “cocktail cherries”, are sweetened preserved cherries originating from Croatia. These bright red beauties are typically used in cocktails, topped on sundaes, or as a garnish for a variety of foods. Since the 1800s, these cherries have changed drastically in both manufacturing and in their ingredients. Typically, store bought Maraschino cherries are bright red, which come from artificial food dyes like Red 40. A true natural Maraschino cherry is dark in color and a bit sour, making it an even better cocktail accompaniment.
Maraschino cherries are considered gluten free. However, be cautious of what additives are used as these may contain gluten. Maraschino cherries also contain artificial dyes, corn syrup, and preservatives, making them far from healthy. The best alternatives to Maraschino cherries contain no preservatives, like Luxardo Maraschino Cherries, Traverse Farms Whiskey Co. Maraschino Cherries, or Tillen Farms Bourbon Maraschino Cherries.
Maraschino cherries should always be consumed in moderation or on special occasions. These cherries are far from health food however some brands are better than others. In this article, we will discuss the ingredients and nutritional information of Maraschino cherries and offer various healthier alternatives to our favorite sundae or cocktail topper.
Contents
Questionable Ingredients in Maraschino Cherries
Many store-bought Maraschino Cherries contain Red 40, high fructose corn syrup, and corn syrup. These ingredients can be detrimental to our long term health. In addition many brands use preservatives like Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate which also should be avoided when striving for a healthier diet.
Red 40 and Potassium Sorbate are actually banned from use in foods in the EU, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil. Potassium Sorbate has been studied to have adverse effects on immunity. Red 40 has been banned for various links to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
High fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, two of the main ingredients of most store bought Maraschino cherries have been studied for health impacts. Most studies reveal high fructose corn syrup can lead to insulin resistance and can create inflammation as the fructose is not easily metabolized. When going for Maraschino cherries, it is important to look for brands that do not use high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, or Red 40. Their unnatural coloring, while beautiful, should be an indicator of how much it has been processed from its natural state. Look for darker colored Maraschino cherries and avoid Red 40 at all costs!
How are Maraschino cherries made?
Originally in Croatia and Italia, sour marasca cherries were soaked in maraschino liqeur, a liquer made from the same cherry then . However, in the United States most Maraschino cherry brands are first cured in a brine solution(which typically contains calcium chloride and sulfur dioxide) for 4-6 weeks. This process removes the cherries natural coloring and pigment. Then the cherries are preserved in another solution of red food dye (Red 40) and a sugar syrup and added preservatives. As you may be able to tell, all the nutrients from the cherries are lost in this process and replaced with sugar and additives.
Maraschino Cherry Nutritional Information
Member’s Mark Maraschino Cherries with Stems
Member’s Mark is honestly filled with processed sugar, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and Red 40. These ingredients should definitely be avoided, however there shouldn’t be any issues if you just consume one or two on a special occasion.
The list of ingredients for Member’s Mark Maraschino Cherries are:
- Cherries
- Water, Corn Syrup
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Citric Acid
- Natural And Artificial Flavor
- Potassium Sorbate (preservative)
- Sodium Benzoate (preservative)
- Red 40
- Sulfur Dioxide (preservative)
Nutrition Facts (per 5 g):
- Calories 10
- Fat 0
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Carbs 2g
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 0g
Great Value Maraschino Cherries
Great Value Maraschino Cherries are also packed with corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup and preservatives like Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate.
The list of ingredients for Great Value Maraschino Cherries are:
- Cherries
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Citric Acid
- Natural And Artificial Flavor
- Potassium Sorbate (preservative)
- Sodium Benzoate (preservative)
- Fd&c Red 40
- Sulfur Dioxide (preservative)
Nutrition Facts (per 7g):
- Calories 10
- Fat 0
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Carbs 3g
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 0g
Favorite Day Maraschino Cherries with Stems
Favorite Day also uses problematic ingredients like corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and Red 40. As we can see, most name brands contain these questionable ingredients.
The list of ingredients for Favorite Day Maraschino Cherries are:
- Cherries
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Malic Acid, Citric Acid
- Natural And Artificial Flavor
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Sodium Benzoate (Preservative)
- Red 40
- Sulfur Dioxide (Preservative)
Nutrition Facts (per 5g):
- Calories 5
- Fat 0
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Carbs 2g
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 0g
Regal Maraschino Cherries
As we can see again, Regal Maraschino Cherries also contain high fructose corn syrup, Potassium Sorbate, Sodum Benzoate, Sulfur Dioxide and Red 40. Avoid avoid avoid!
The list of ingredients for Regal Maraschino Cherries are:
- Cherries
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Water
- Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
- Sodium Benzoate (Preservative)
- Citric Acid
- Natural & Artificial Flavor
- Red 40
- Sulfur Dioxide (Preservative)
Nutrition Facts (per 5 g):
- Calories 5
- Fat 0
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Carbs 1g
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 0g
Healthier Maraschino Alternatives
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries are all natural, pitted Marasca cherries from Italy. Compared to their American counterpart maraschino cherries, these Italian delicacies are a deep maroon color with a very different amaretto flavor. This alternative uses no preservatives, thickening agents, or artificial coloring.
Here is the list of ingredients for Luxardo Maraschino Cherries :
- Marasca cherries
- Sugar
- Marasca cherry juice
- Glucose
- Citric acid
- Natural color
- Maraschino flavor
Nutrition Facts (per 5 g):
- Calories 5
- Fat 0
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Carbs 1g
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 0g
Traverse City Whiskey Co. Premium Cocktail Cherries
Traverse City Whiskey Co. produces excellent top quality cocktail cherries without the additives, preservatives, and fake dyes. They are 100% natural and gluten-free, a perfect addition for your next cocktail party.
Here is the list of ingredients for Traverse City Premium Cocktail Cherries:
- Cherries
- Water
- Sugar
- Black carrot extract
- Cherry concentrate
- Natural cherry flavoring
Nutrition Facts (per 1 cherry):
- Calories 10
- Fat 0
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Carbs 3g
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 0g
Tillen Farms Bourbon Bada Bing Cherries
Tillen Farms uses ingredients free from artificial preservatives, dyes and corn syrup. It also contains a splash of real bourbon to bring a nice smokey sweet flavor to your next Manhattan.
Here is the list of ingredients for Tillen Farms Bourbon Bada Bing Cherries:
- Cherries
- Water
- Sugar
- Natural Flavors
- Fruit and Vegetable Concentrate (color)
- Citric Acid
- Bourbon
Nutrition Facts (per 1 cherry):
- Calories 10
- Fat 0
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Carbs 2g
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 0g
CherryMans Farm to Market Maraschinos
CherryMans has non-GMO Maraschinos with no added preservatives and very minimal ingredients. Each jar also contains a QR code that connects you to the Growers page so you know exactly where and who your cherries come from!
Here is the list of ingredients for CherryMans Farm to Market Maraschinos:
- Cherries
- Water
- Sugar
- Vegetable Juice (color)
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavor
Nutrition Facts (per 1 cherry):
- Calories 10
- Fat 0
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Carbs 2g
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 0g
Chukar Maraschino Cherries
Chukar presents wholesome real Maraschino cherries with Washington cherries without the artificial colors and flavoring.
Here is the list of ingredients for CherryMans Farm to Market Maraschinos:
- Cherries
- Water
- Sugar
- Lemon Juice Concentrate
- Fruit and Vegetable Concentrate
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavor
Nutrition Facts (per 1 cherry):
- Calories 10
- Fat 0
- Cholesterol 0mg
- Carbs 2g
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 0g
Homemade Maraschino Cherry Recipe
Lets skip the additives and preservatives and make our favorite Maraschino cherries at home. Who needs store-bought when we can make our own? This recipe is from Simply Scratch and original version can be found here.
Here is the list of ingredients for Simple Scratch to Homemade Maraschinos:
- Pitted Cherries
- Water
- Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 Lemon
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions:
- Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to sauce pan. Heat sugar and water on medium low until sugar dissolves.
- Add lemon juice and vanilla extract. Allow simple syrup to cool.
- Add cherry syrup to thawed cherries in mason jar. Make sure cherries are covered in syrup with about one inch headspace at the top.
- Store for up to 6 weeks.
Final Thoughts
While Maraschino cherries may be a great sundae or martini topper, it should be known they are basically sugar bombs with very little nutritional value. They are best enjoyed in moderation and when buying remember to keep in mind to avoid artificial dyes and preservatives like Red 40 and Sodium Benzoate.
Real healthy alternatives to Maraschino cherries would simply be real cherries or try replacing Maraschino cherry syrup with real cherry juice. Real cherries are a superfood packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. They are also a great source of antioxidants like beta-carotene and choline.
Related Questions
Are Maraschino cherries vegan?
Yes, Maraschino cherries are vegan as they basically only contain cherries and sugar. However, watch out for some Maraschino cherries that are dyed with Carmine color, which is a red dye from cochineal insects.
Are Maraschino cherries keto?
No, Maraschino cherries are not keto. Those on a keto diet aim to avoid sugar which can keep one out of ketosis.
Are Maraschino cherries kosher?
Maraschino cherries are kosher. Always check the label for kosher certification.