Raw, fresh sweet cherries have natural sugar and dietary fiber and are a good source of potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper, and iron.
However, Maraschino cherries are not as healthy (because they are heavily processed and sweetened) as their raw counterparts because they lose a significant amount of their nutritional value.
Maraschino cherries have almost three times as much sugar as raw cher ries, which is added sugar. If you want to use them as a dessert or beverage topping, consider using raw sweet cherries to limit sugar intake.
Low in nutrients Maraschino cherries lose many vitamins and minerals during the bleaching and brining process. Maraschino cherries pack nearly three times as many calories and grams of sugar than regular cherries — a result of being soaked in the sugar solution. They also contain far less protein than regular cherries.
6 downsides of maraschino cherries
- High in added sugar
- A 3.5-ounce (about a 1/2 cup) serving of maraschino cherries contains 38.77 grams of sugar. Even a single piece contains 2 grams of sugar, compared to 1 gram of natural sugars in a regular cherry.
- The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) of added sugar per day for men or 6 teaspoons (24 grams) per day for women.
- High in calories
- Maraschino cherries contain nearly three times as many calories and grams of sugar as regular cherries (a result of being soaked in the sugar solution).
- They are typically sold suspended in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) solution, which is a sweetener made from corn syrup composed of fructose and glucose.
- Several studies have linked HFCS to metabolic disorders, obesity, and related chronic conditions, including type II diabetes and heart diseases.
- Artificial coloring
- Fresh cherries are deep red due to their antioxidants that help prevent cell damage.
- Maraschino cherries are a bright red color that comes from artificial coloring rather than from nature and can cause allergy-like symptoms in some people.
- Low in nutrients
- Maraschino cherries supply only a small amount of certain nutrients. A 3.5-ounce serving of the cherries supplies 54 mg of calcium and 21 mg of potassium, 45 international units of vitamin A, and 1.5 µg of vitamin K.
- When regular cherries are turned into maraschino cherries, nearly every macronutrient and micronutrient are notably reduced.
- Low in antioxidants
- Regular cherries are rich in anthocyanins (powerful antioxidants) that help prevent conditions, such as heart disease, certain cancers, and type II diabetes .
- Maraschino cherries lose their natural, antioxidant-rich pigments through the bleaching and brining process, which means many of their natural health benefits are lost.
- Can cause allergic reactions
- The most common food dye used in making maraschino cherries is Red 40, which is derived from petroleum distillates or coal tars.
- Red 40 has been shown to cause hyperactivity and allergic reactions in some food dye-sensitive individuals.
- Moreover, Red 40 contains trace amounts of the known carcinogen benzidine which has been associated with a higher risk of bladder cancer.
The nutritional content of maraschino cherries
| Nutrient | Fresh cherries | Maraschino cherries |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 97 | 266 |
| Fat | 0.3 grams | 0.3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 25 grams | 67 grams |
| Added sugar | 0 grams | 42 grams |
| Fiber | 3.2 grams | 5 grams |
| Protein | 1.6 grams | 0.4 grams |
| Vitamin C | 13 percent of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) | 0 percent of the RDI |
| Vitamin B6 | 6 percent of the RDI | Less than 1 percent of the RDI |
| Magnesium | 5 percent of the RDI | Less than 1 percent of the RDI |
| Phosphorus | 5 percent of the RDI | Less than 1 percent of the RDI |
| Potassium | 7 percent of the RDI | Less than 1 percent of the RDI |
5 Reasons Why Eating Maraschino Cherries Is Very Bad For You
FAQ
Are maraschino cherries soaked in formaldehyde?
How is maraschino cherries bad for you?
Why are maraschino cherries banned in other countries?
Do maraschino cherries stay in your stomach for 7 years?
Are maraschino cherries bad for You?
Maraschino cherries are harmful treats which should be avoided whenever possible. They have almost zero nutritional value and have many added preservatives and flavorings. Maraschino cherries are an extremely controversial food.
Are cherries bad for cholesterol levels?
No, on the contrary, cherries may help lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduce inflammation, all factors specifically linked to heart disease risk. Although, you must remember that all fruits contains sugar, which can lead to weight gain. The recommended amount of cherries daily is 80 grams (approximately 14 cherries).
Can you eat maraschino cherries?
If you’re going to soak fruit in something for a while, it should be alcohol. Plus, the original marasca cherries (the origin of maraschino cherries) were preserved in maraschino liqueurs in Croatia and Italy. Today, in America, you’re just eating a cheap rip-off. 7. Even chocolate can’t save them. Chocolate, the holiest of sweets, can do no wrong.
Do maraschino cherries have sugar?
If you want to use them as a dessert or beverage topping, consider using raw sweet cherries to limit sugar intake. A 3.5-ounce (about a 1/2 cup) serving of maraschino cherries contains 38.77 grams of sugar. Even a single piece contains 2 grams of sugar, compared to 1 gram of natural sugars in a regular cherry.