3 Top Tart Cherry Supplements 2024 (Our Top Picks)

Updated on March 22, 2024
 by — reviewed by Jason Williams, PhD (Contributor: George Collins / Editor: Yoko Hill)
An article about the health benefits and natural properties of tart cherry supplements.

We’ve discovered that tart cherry concentrated supplements can do many things for your health and that cherry tart is great for enhance your recovery, sleep, or managing inflammation. Supplements can be a game-changer for those looking to harness the potent benefits of this superfruit.

This article, crafted by the nootropics expert and neuroscientist Jacob Kovacs, alongside our editorial team of scientists with over 9 years of experience, dives deep into the top tart cherry-based supplements, what they do for you, and finally ranked based on effectiveness and value for money.

We’ve meticulously curated our list based on clinical research and each product has been rigorously tested by our independent researchers at WholisticResearch, ensuring that you receive trustworthy recommendations that are directly relevant to your health and wellness goals.

Most Effective Tart Cherry-Containing Supplements

1. Performance Lab Sleep

Performance Lab Sleep combines tart cherry with other sleep-enhancing ingredients, such as magnesium and Montmorency cherry. It is designed to improve sleep duration and quality, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and energized. The unique formula of Performance Lab Sleep allows for optimal absorption and effectiveness.

Performance Lab Sleep contains Montmorency tart cherry extract. That is known for its high content of sleep-enhancing phytochemicals. It helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycles. The inclusion of magnesium in this supplement promotes relaxation and helps calm the nervous system, thereby aiding in achieving a restful night’s sleep.

Performance Lab Sleep’s patented NutriGenesis process ensures maximum potency and bioavailability of its ingredients.

Pros:

  • Promotes restful sleep(1)
  • Reduces anxiety and stress
  • Enhances mental performance
  • Promotes muscle recovery
  • Enhances immune system function

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other sleep aids
  • Requires taking multiple capsules
  • May take time to see full effects
  • Not suitable for those with allergies to certain ingredients

By taking 2-4 capsules 30 minutes before bedtime, you can enjoy the benefits of natural melatonin, serotonin, and magnesium for deeper, more restorative sleep.

2. CherryPURE Tart Cherry Extract

CherryPURE Tart Cherry Extract is an excellent choice for those looking for a pure and concentrated form of tart cherry. This supplement is made from high-quality Montmorency tart cherries, which are renowned for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.(2)

Each serving of CherryPURE contains a concentrated dose of tart cherry extract, equivalent to the benefits of consuming a significant amount of fresh cherries. This supplement protects against oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.

Pros:

  • Has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Supports joint health
  • Helps reduce muscle soreness
  • Promotes healthy blood pressure
  • Helps reduce symptoms of gout

Cons:

  • May cause stomach discomfort in some individuals
  • Limited research on long-term effects
  • Potential interactions with certain medications

CherryPURE is produced using a patented extraction process that preserves the integrity and bioavailability of key phytonutrients.

3. NOW Tart Cherry

NOW Tart Cherry is a great option if you prefer a budget-friendly supplement without compromising on quality. It contains only pure tart cherry extract without any artificial additives or fillers.

Its anti-inflammatory properties allow promoting joint health and reducing muscle soreness. Now Tart Cherry enhances your sleep quality and duration by providing natural melatonin, which is a hormone that regulates your circadian rhythm.(3) It also boosts your exercise performance and recovery by increasing blood flow, reducing muscle damage, and alleviating soreness.

Pros:

  • Supports joint health
  • Helps reduce muscle soreness
  • Improves sleep quality
  • Enhances recovery after exercise
  • Promotes healthy blood pressure
  • Supports heart health

Cons:

  • May cause stomach discomfort in some individuals
  • Limited research on long-term effects
  • Some users may experience no noticeable effects

Now Tart Cherry is made with a 50:1 concentrate of tart cherry fruit, which means you get the equivalent of 25,000 mg of fresh cherries in each capsule.

How We Picked the Top Supplements With This Ingredient

Our selection of the top tart cherry-containing supplements involved a thorough review process. Key factors included effectiveness, ingredients, brand reputation, transparency, manufacturing process, user feedback, pricing, and value for money. We evaluated each of these factors to provide readers with a trustworthy and comprehensive list of the supplements currently on the market.

Effectiveness

We studied scientific research and user experiences to determine the effectiveness of tart cherry, focusing on their ability to reduce muscle soreness, improve sleep, and decrease inflammation.

Ingredients

We scrutinized each product’s formula, emphasizing natural, evidence-supported, and high-quality ingredients that amplify the benefits of tart cherry.

Scientific Evidence

We consulted peer-reviewed research and systematic reviews to validate the efficacy of tart cherry as a key ingredient in these supplements.

Dosage

We evaluated recommended dosages and ingredient proportions, ensuring they are consistent with established research for maximum effectiveness.

Safety

We verified the safety of each supplement, considering potential side effects and interactions, and checking compliance with regulatory standards. FDA-compliant supplements were given priority.

Brand Reputation

We assessed the credibility and reliability of each brand through customer reviews, expert recommendations, and the company’s history.

Product Transparency

We placed importance on full disclosure of ingredients, including their sources and amounts, to enable informed consumer decision-making.

Manufacturing Process

We took into account the manufacturing standards, giving preference to products made in certified facilities that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

User Reviews

We analyzed genuine customer feedback, giving importance to reviews that highlight the benefits of these supplements in muscle recovery, sleep improvement, and inflammation reduction.

Price

We compared the prices of different products, ensuring they are competitive and commensurate with the quality and efficiency of the supplement.

Value

We evaluated the overall value, taking into account the balance between price, quality, and effectiveness to ensure the best return on investment.

How Tart Cherry-Containing Supplements Work

Tart cherry-containing supplements work by harnessing the power of antioxidants, providing essential nutrients, aiding in sleep regulation, and supporting exercise performance and recovery.

  • Cell-protecting Antioxidants: Tart cherries are packed with powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins, that protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. By neutralizing free radicals, tart cherry reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
  • Health-essential Nutrient: Tart cherries are rich in nutrients that are important for overall health. They contain vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese. These nutrients play vital roles in various bodily processes, ranging from immune function to bone health.
  • Sleep-improving Melatonin: Tart cherries naturally contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.(4) By consuming tart cherries, individuals experience improved sleep quality and duration.
  • Anti-inflammatory Anthocyanins: Studies suggest that the anthocyanins and other compounds found in tart cherries reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation.(5) This leads to faster recovery and improved muscle function, allowing individuals to train harder and bounce back quicker from intense physical activity.

Potential Side Effects of the Tart Cherry Ingredient

While tart cherry is generally safe for most people when taken in moderation, there are a few potential side effects to consider:

  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal issues such as stomach cramps, bloating, or diarrhea when consuming tart cherry. These symptoms are usually temporary and subside once the body adjusts to the supplement.
  • Interaction with Medications: Tart cherry-based supplements may interact with certain medications, particularly those that are broken down by the liver.
  • Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to tart cherry ingredient supplements. Symptoms may include itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of tart cherry-based supplements, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.

How to Use These Supplements Safely

Here are some tips on how to use tart cherry and similar supplements safely.

  • Consult your doctor: Tart cherry supplements specifically may interact with some drugs, such as blood thinners, anticoagulants, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Follow the dosage: Do not exceed the recommended dose or take more than one tart cherry product at a time.
  • Choose a product without additives: Avoid products that have added sugars, artificial colors, or preservatives.
  • Drink plenty of water: These supplements may have a diuretic effect, which means they can increase urine output and fluid loss.
  • Monitor your response: Monitor the supplement’s effects and stop using them if you experience any adverse reactions or symptoms. Seek medical attention if you have any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Summary

Navigating the world of superfruit supplements can be daunting with so many products to spend your money on, but our guide narrows down the top three options for 2024.

Performance Lab Sleep combines tart cherry with other sleep-enhancing elements, offering a comprehensive approach to better sleep. CherryPURE Tart Cherry Extract provides a concentrated form of tart cherry with potent antioxidant benefits. NOW Tart Cherry offers an affordable yet quality option for overall health.

Our selection process emphasized effectiveness, scientific backing, safety, and value for money. Tart cherry capsule supplements, with their antioxidants, nutrients, and sleep-regulating properties, offer potential health benefits.

However, consulting a healthcare professional is advised. Make an informed choice and consider these top picks to reap the rewards of tart cherry supplementation.

FAQs

Are tart cherry concentrated supplements completely safe?

Tart cherry supplements are generally safe for most individuals when consumed as directed. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement to ensure it is suitable for you.

How long does it take to experience the benefits of tart cherry?

The time to experience the benefits of tart cherry supplements can vary depending on the individual and their specific health conditions. Consistent use over time is typically recommended for optimal results.

Can I take tart cherry while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There’s limited research on the use of tart cherry supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider before use.

Can I take tart cherry supplements with other medications?

While generally safe, tart cherry supplements may interact with certain medications. It’s essential to consult your healthcare professional before combining them with other treatments.

Can children take tart cherry gummies or supplements?

While tart cherry supplements are generally safe, their safety for children hasn’t been extensively studied. It’s best to consult a healthcare provider before giving any supplement to a child.


Sources, Studies, and Scientific Research
  1. Howatson, Glyn, et al. “Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality.” European journal of nutrition 51 (2012): 909-916. ↩
  2. Pigeon, Wilfred R., et al. “Effects of a tart cherry juice beverage on the sleep of older adults with insomnia: a pilot study.” Journal of medicinal food 13.3 (2010): 579-583. ↩
  3. Losso, Jack N., et al. “Pilot study of tart cherry juice for the treatment of insomnia and investigation of mechanisms.” American journal of therapeutics 25.2 (2018): e194. ↩
  4. Stretton, Brandon, et al. “Too Sour to be True? Tart Cherries (Prunus cerasus) and Sleep: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” Current Sleep Medicine Reports (2023): 1-9. ↩
  5. Yurcheshen, Michael, Martin Seehuus, and Wilfred Pigeon. “Updates on nutraceutical sleep therapeutics and investigational research.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2015 (2015). ↩
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