Tart cherries are experiencing a world-wide phenomenon. From the viral “sleepy-girl mocktail” taking over the internet to wide range of nutritious foods and beverages, tart cherries are an ingredient everyone wants to add to their carts.  

Why tart cherries hit that consumer sweet spot

Tart cherries provide the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavor — making them a versatile ingredient for a wide variety of sweet, spicy and savory products. This versatility is key, especially in a market where more and more consumers are less interested in sweet and more interested in exploring savory and spicy options.

More than 60% of consumers are drawn to their naturally occurring “pop of red” that tart cherries bring to food and beverage products.¹ The phrase “we eat with our eyes” has never been more accurate. That bold red hue isn’t just eye-catching — it comes from anthocyanins, naturally occurring plant compounds in the flavonoid family that are found in colorful fruits like tart cherries. In product development, the color red often signals intensity: bold flavor, rich nutrition and a dynamic sensory experience.

Tart cherries are a true American specialty crop, primarily grown on small, multigenerational family farms in the United States. The Montmorency varietal, the most widely grown in the U.S., carries powerful appeal for today’s conscious consumers who care about where their food comes from. Locally grown produce is often associated with higher quality and a smaller carbon footprint, especially when compared to imported options. In fact, 92% of consumers prefer U.S.-grown tart cherries over imported varieties, underscoring the value of origin stories in driving purchase decisions.²

Inspiration for tapping into the tart cherry trend

There’s more than one way to explore the growing popularity of tart cherries. Whether blended into functional snacks, elevated in savory dishes or reimagined in global condiments, tart cherries offer versatility and consumer appeal across categories.

Here are a few trend-forward ideas for incorporating this bold, flavorful fruit:

• Functional Beverages & Ready-to-Drink Smoothies
  Ideal for juice blends, sparkling waters, hydration drinks and post-workout recovery options.
• Bars (Snack & Protein)
  A natural fit for whole-food bars, nut and seed bars and high-protein performance options.
• Yogurts & Dairy Alternatives
  Perfect as a mix-in, topping or fruit-on-the-bottom addition.
• Frozen Treats
  Adds bold, fruity contrast to frozen yogurts, pops and sorbets.
• Cereals & Granolas
  Dried tart cherries are a clean-label favorite in clusters, mueslis and oat-based blends.
• Baked Goods
  Bring brightness to muffins, pastries, scones and cookies.
• Trail Mixes & Snack Clusters
  A tangy, chewy complement to nuts, seeds and dark chocolate pieces.
• Sauces, Glazes & Condiments
  Think tart cherry BBQ sauce, hot sauce, marinades or tangy vinaigrettes.

With U.S.-grown tart cherries available year-round in a variety of forms, the opportunities for innovation are endless. From snacks and sauces to premium pairings, tart cherries are ripe for exploration in today’s trend-driven food and beverage landscape.

¹ Datassential. Custom Research fielded November 2022, an online survey of 1,500 consumers representing the general population.

² Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), 2022.