The 12 Best Tart Cherry Supplements (2024) for Inflammation, Sleep, and Exercise Recovery

Bright red tart cherries are anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, sleep-promoting, exercise-enhancing, and heart-healthy superfoods. In recent years, tart cherry extract has become popular as a natural sleep aid, immune system booster, and muscle recovery supplement.

Here, you’ll find a list of the 13 best tart cherry supplements on the market. And for the cherry on top, we’ll answer your juicy FAQs about tart cherry extract.

What is Tart Cherry Extract?

Tart cherry extract is a dietary supplement derived from the fruit of the tart cherry tree (Prunus cerasus), sometimes known as sour, dwarf, or Montmorency cherries. They are rich in antioxidants like quercetin and anthocyanins, natural melatonin, vitamins A and C, copper, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

Tart cherries are really sour, but it’s in the sourness that we find the benefits. According to research (and lots of anecdotal evidence) tart cherry supplements may improve performance and recovery, sleep, pain-relief, heart health, and overall wellness.

Luckily, you don’t have to kill your taste buds. Tart cherry is available as capsules, gummies, powder, and juice concentrate. Unfortunately, lots of supplements are untested and sub-par. That’s where our list of the best tart cherry supplements we can help. 

What is the Best Tart Cherry Supplement in 2024?

Here is our list of the 13 best tart cherry supplements. We only select supplements made according to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards. If you invest in any of these, you’re getting the best.

*Note: We have affiliate links throughout this article, which means we receive a commission if you buy from any of our links. This supports our mission to bring complicated health and fitness info in an entertaining package. And it keeps us from putting up annoying things like banner ads. Those suck.

Best Overall Tart Cherry Supplement: Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate

Best Tart Cherry Supplement for Sleep: Performance Lab Sleep

Best Tart Cherry Capsules for Gout: Zhou Nutrition Tart Cherry Extract

Best Tart Cherry Gummies: Nature’s Way Tart Cherry Gummies

Best Bulk Option: BulkSupplements Tart Cherry Extract

Best Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate: Country Spoon Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate 

1) Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate (Best Overall)

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Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate takes the top spot on our list for its quality, purity, and potency. It’s third-party tested and made from highly concentrated CherryPURE® – a patented tart cherry extract from organic Montmorency tart cherries grown in Michigan. It takes 50 kg of fresh cherries to make just 1 kg of extract.

Each soft gel provides a healthy 800 mg of CherryPURE®, standardized for 225 mcg of active anthocyanins.

The brand also prioritizes bioavailability, using organic extra virgin olive oil and organic yellow beeswax to enhance absorption. It’s certified non-GMO, gluten-free, and contains zero fillers, preservatives, or additives, making it suitable for different dietary needs.

Plus, it’s a hit with consumers, scoring 4.6 stars according to the reviews.

Sports Research is a trusted cGMP-compliant brand, and all products undergo third-party testing. You can see why Sports Research Tart Cherry Extract takes the #1 spot.

2) Performance Lab Sleep (Best Option for Sleep)

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Performance Lab Sleep is a top-tier sleep supplement thanks to a bioavailable blend of tart cherry extract, l-tryptophan, and magnesium.

Each serving delivers 500 mg of CherryPURE® Montmorency tart cherry powder, equivalent to 25 grams of fresh tart cherries.

Additionally, you get 250 mg of TryptoPure^® tryptophan and 100 mg of advanced magnesium delivered in three highly bioavailable forms. This includes their patented NutriGenesis® Magnesium. The formula also includes 100 mg of organic sea buckthorn fruit extract, a good source of omega-3s.

The product is gluten-free and plant-based. It uses NutriCaps® capsules made from fermented tapioca and infused with prebiotics to enhance absorption.

Performance Lab products are made in an FDA-registered US-based lab.

This product is one of the best. It didn’t take the #1 spot because it has a higher price tag. However, if you have insomnia, this product is probably the best option. They suggest taking 2-4 capsules 30 minutes before bed.

You can read more about this all-in-one formula in our comprehensive Performance Lab Sleep review.

3) Toniiq Tart Cherry 52:1

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Toniiq Tart Cherry boasts a 52:1 concentration ratio, making it one of the most potent tart cherry supplements available. Each 2-capsule serving provides 1,000 mg of tart cherry extract, equivalent to 52,000 mg of fresh tart cherries. 

It comes at a great price, and Toniiq offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Another thing I dig about Toniiq is that the products undergo third-party testing for active ingredients, contaminants, purity, and overall quality. I feel confident I’m getting exactly what’s on the label.

4) Nature’s Way Tart Cherry Gummies (Best Gummies)

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Cherry gummies. Sounds good, right? Nature’s Way Tart Cherry Gummies are irresistibly delicious and made from premium-quality, non-GMO Montmorency tart cherries grown in the USA.

Each 3-gummy serving offers a potent 1200 mg of tart cherry extract that gets to work quickly.

They’re free from dairy, gluten, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors. Plus, the gummies contain pectin, making them vegan-friendly. However, they contain tapioca syrup and cane sugar, making them less suitable for keto dieters or diabetics.

5) Zhou Nutrition Tart Cherry Extract (Best for Gout)

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Zhou Nutrition has a great formula that claims to support joint health and comfort in athletes and those with joint pain from gout.

Each 2-capsule serving contains 1000 mg of potent tart cherry extract (standardized for 0.8% anthocyanins). Plus, 240 mg of celery seed extract aids tart cherry extract in clearing uric acid crystals from the body for joint support.

The capsules are vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and free from soy, milk, gluten, shellfish, and preservatives. That said, they contain maltodextrin from non-GMO corn, which may not be suitable for people on a sugar-free diet.

Zhou Nutrition is a cGMP-compliant company prioritizing transparency, quality, and customer satisfaction. All products are lab-verified for purity and potency.

6) Nature’s Truth Ultra Tart Cherry Extract

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Nature’s Truth has a potent tart cherry extract supplement. Each capsule contains 1200 mg of non-GMO tart cherry extract in a 10:1 concentration ratio. Plus, quick-release capsules ensure the tart cherry extract is absorbed quickly.

It’s vegan and contains no gluten, yeast, milk, lactose, soy, artificial colors, sweeteners, or preservatives.

Nature’s Truth uses TRU-ID, an independent DNA testing technology that certifies the authenticity and potency of each ingredient.

7) BulkSupplements Tart Cherry Extract (Best Bulk Option)

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BulkSupplements Tart Cherry Extract is ideal if you’re looking for options. It comes in powder and capsules.

If you prefer powder, it’s available in different sizes, ranging from 100 grams to 25 kgs (if you’re stocking up for the apocalypse). Each serving (⅕ teaspoon) offers 500 mg of tart cherry extract in a 10:1 ratio.

This product is vegan-friendly and free from added sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten, and additives.

BulkSupplements manufacture products in cGMP facilities that are NSF and FDA-certified. In addition, all products are tested by US-based independent labs before they go to market.

8) NOW Tart Cherry Extract

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NOW Tart Cherry is a GMP-quality assured product that delivers 500 mg of non-GMO tart cherry concentrate per easy-to-swallow veggie capsule.

This is a potent product with a 50:1 concentration ratio. However, they don’t state whether the formula contains a certain concentration of anthocyanins.

You can grab a bottle of 90 vegetable capsules for a great price on iHerb. Overall, this product gives you great bang for your buck, and you can double up on the capsules if you want a higher dose.

9) Life Extension Tart Cherry Extract

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Life Extension is a trusted brand with 35 years of experience producing high-quality supplements backed by clinical data. Their Tart Cherry Extract offers 480 mg of patented CherryPURE® tart cherry powder per capsule.

One bottle contains 60 vegetarian capsules, which should last 1-2 months, depending on the dose.

10) NutraChamps Tart Cherry Gummies

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NutraChamps Tart Cherry Gummies are another excellent option, particularly for individuals with gout or arthritis.

A serving of two gummies provides 200 mg of tart cherry extract and 40 mg of celery seed extract, both at a 10:1 concentration ratio. This is the equivalent of 2,000 mg of fresh tart cherries and 400 mg of celery seeds. The natural cherry flavor enhances the appeal, making you more likely to stick with your supplement routine.

While it is non-GMO and vegan, it’s worth noting it contains glucose syrup and sugar as sweeteners.

Nutrachamps comply with FDA regulations for manufacturing, and the gummies undergo third-party testing to ensure purity and safety.

11) Force Factor Fundamentals Tart Cherry Chews

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I LOVE fruity soft chews, like the tart cherry chews from Force Factor® Fundamentals.

One fruity chew provides 500 mg of tart cherry extract. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, vegan, and free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. These tart cherry gummies taste pretty good, however, they do contain raw cane sugar.

12) Country Spoon Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice (Best Juice Concentrate)

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This list isn’t complete without a juice concentrate.

Country Spoon has premium-quality tart cherry juice made from Montmorency cherries grown and harvested in Utah at high altitudes. An ounce of Country Spoon tart cherry juice concentrate contains 60-70 tart cherries.

The ideal dosage is 2-4 tablespoons of concentrate added to water, fruit juice, tea, smoothies, or protein shakes. Some people also swear by pouring it over waffles and pancakes!

A 34-ounce bottle should last one month if you take two tablespoons daily.

How We Selected the Best Supplements

We ranked these products, but we want you to decide on the best product for your needs. To do that, you should understand what factors we considered when researching the best tart cherry supplement.

Strict Testing Standards

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements as it does pharmaceuticals.

For this reason, we list reputable companies known for producing high-quality supplements. They adhere to cGMP regulations, and the majority use independent testing to confirm purity and levels of active compounds.

Ingredients

These products contain the best quality tart cherry extract without artificial colors, flavors, additives, sweeteners, and gluten.

Dose

We chose supplements offering 500-2000 mg of tart cherry extract per serving — a therapeutic and safe dose.

However, some products have higher concentration ratios, meaning you can take a lower dose and still consume the same (if not higher) levels of active compounds.

Value

While price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider, improving your wellness shouldn’t put you out of pocket.

We weighed the cost of each product against the number of servings, dose per serving, potency, and overall quality to decide which supplements are the best value.

So, which tart cherry supplement is the best?

The “best” tart cherry supplement depends on your needs and whether you want a capsule, powder, gummy, or juice concentrate. Or whether you want a pure tart cherry supplement or a formula with other ingredients.

All the products on our list contain high-quality and concentrated tart cherry extract. That said, Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate and Performance Lab Sleep are the top supplements on our list.

The Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Supplements

If you’re wondering if tart cherry supplements are your next wellness game-changer, let’s explore the potential health benefits of tart cherry extract.

May Improve Sleep Quality

The most universal benefit of tart cherry extract seems to be better quality sleep – it’s becoming one of the most popular natural supplements for insomnia.

Tart cherry extract contains bioidentical melatonin – the “sleep hormone” secreted by your pineal gland to make you feel sleepy.

This study found that consuming tart cherry concentrate improved sleep duration in older adults with insomnia. Plus, research shows it may increase melatonin levels, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency (the amount of time spent sleeping versus the time spent in bed).

Unlike other sleep aids that promote dependency, tart cherry offers a natural alternative that helps regulate your circadian rhythm without causing grogginess.

May Protect Against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Tart cherry extract is rich in antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals. This is crucial because unchecked free radicals can accelerate aging and trigger inflammation.

Resisting oxidative damage becomes more challenging with age. Luckily, this study found drinking tart cherry juice twice daily improved the antioxidant defenses of older adults. 

May Promote Recovery and Reduce Muscle Soreness

Tart cherry extract may be a secret weapon for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to improve performance and recovery and reduce muscle soreness.

Research on athletes found taking 480 mg of CherryPURE® (a patented tart cherry extract) for the days before and after a marathon improved physical performance and recovery. Another study on marathon runners found tart cherry juice significantly reduced post-run muscle pain compared to a placebo.

Tart cherry may also help athletes recover by improving sleep quality and duration — as this study found.

However, we don’t suggest taking tart cherry directly pre-workout or post-workout as it may blunt some of the adaptive changes needed for muscle growth. Plus, it might relax you and affect your performance!

May Relieve Gout

Tart cherry extract is not a treatment or cure for any health condition. That said, anti-inflammatory tart cherry may support joint health and reduce stiffness and gout pain.

A 2018 systematic review of a bunch of studies found tart cherry resulted in fewer gout flare-ups. It may work by lowering uric acid levels and preventing crystals from building up in the joints. However, the research is shaky, and we need long-term follow-up studies to confirm these findings.

Zhou Nutrition Tart Cherry Extract may be the best product for people with gout as it contains celery seed extract.

May Support Heart Health

A diet rich in anthocyanins (like those found in tart cherries) is associated with better vascular function and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

A 2018 study found that tart cherry juice reduced LDL and total cholesterol levels, while another study found it could lower blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension.

While we need more research on this topic, the evidence suggests tart cherry may be a tonic for your blood vessels, blood pressure, and general cardiovascular health.

Who Should Take Tart Cherry Supplements?

On the whole, tart cherry supplements are ideal for people with sleep issues, athletes, gout sufferers, overworked and stressed-out individuals, and anyone dealing with chronic inflammation.

FAQs

Does Tart Cherry Help with Inflammation?

While inflammation is a natural process necessary for immunity and tissue repair, chronic inflammation may lead to degenerative diseases like arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. Research shows tart cherry juice can reduce inflammatory markers in people with inflammatory osteoarthritis.

Can I Take Tart Cherry Extract and Magnesium Together?

Yes, you can take magnesium and tart cherry extract together, particularly if you want to promote sleep quality and relaxation. Tart cherry extract is rich in natural melatonin, while magnesium is a calming mineral. Combining the two may have synergistic benefits for better sleep.

You can find tart cherry and magnesium together in Performance Lab Sleep.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of magnesium, check out this article on the best magnesium supplements.

What Is the Best Way to Consume Tart Cherry Extract?

Tart cherry extract is available in various forms, including capsules, powder, and juice. However, the best way to consume tart cherry extract depends on your preferences and health goals.  On the whole, most brands recommend taking tart cherry supplements with a meal.

You may also see tart cherry extract as an ingredient in some of the best greens powders.

How Much Tart Cherry Extract Should I Take?

The ideal dosage of tart cherry extract ranges from 500-2500 mg.

That said, this may vary depending on the product’s strength. Always read the product label or ask your healthcare provider to determine the right dose for you.

What is the Best Form of Tart Cherry Extract?

The “best” form of tart cherry extract is the one that suits your individual preferences and needs.

Our list includes capsules, powder, and juice concentrate to give you options. Capsules are particularly popular because they offer a standardized, easy-to-take dose.

If you take high-quality products, they all produce similar results.

Do Tart Cherry Supplements Work as Well as Juice?

Both tart cherry extract supplements and juice provide similar health benefits, like reducing inflammation and improving sleep quality. However, supplements may provide a more concentrated, standardized dose of tart cherry extract. Juice may contain additional sugars and calories.

Supplements might be the way to go for a potent, calorie-free option. That said, both tart cherry juice and supplements are effective in studies.

When is the Best Time to Take Tart Cherry Extract?

The best time to take tart cherry extract is in the evening, with or without food. If you want to support healthy sleep, take it 30 minutes before bed.

However, athletes who want to recover quickly after a race or match may benefit from taking tart cherry extract immediately after the last event.

Should I Take Tart Cherry Extract In the Morning or Evening?

If you’re using it to improve sleep, taking it 30 minutes before bed is ideal. The time of day isn’t as important for muscle recovery or anti-inflammatory benefits.

How Long Does it Take for Tart Cherry Supplements to Work?

For sleep, anecdotal reports suggest benefits can occur within a few days. For muscle recovery and anti-inflammatory effects, it may take a couple of weeks of consistent use.

How Many mg of Tart Cherry Extract Should I Take for Sleep?

The recommended dose for sleep ranges from 400-1000 mg of tart cherry extract, taken 30 minutes before bedtime.

Can I Take Tart Cherry Juice for Constipation?

While it’s not a remedy for constipation, tart cherry juice may have natural laxative properties that get things “moving” in some people. It is likely due to the vitamin C and fructose content.

That said, tart cherry extract supplements are unlikely to relieve constipation.

Is Tart Cherry Extract Safe?

In general, tart cherry extract is safe when taken at the recommended dose. But everyone is different, so consult with a healthcare provider before taking tart cherry extract if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

In addition, tart cherry may interact with certain medications like blood thinners and diabetes medication. If you’re on chronic medication, get your doctor’s approval before taking any new supplement.

Are Tart Cherry Supplements Safe for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women?

This is a bit of a gray area. While tart cherries are generally safe, the concentrated form found in supplements hasn’t been extensively studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women. As always, chat with your doctor before adding this supplement to your regime.

Can Children Take Tart Cherry Supplements?

If your child struggles with sleep, it’s tempting to pop them a tart cherry gummy. Lol. Sadly, research on tart cherry’s safety for children is limited. Consult a healthcare professional before giving any supplements to your kids.

What are the Side Effects of Tart Cherry Extract?

Side effects from tart cherry extract (when taken at the suggested dose) are rare. That said, some people may experience an upset stomach. If you notice any side effects when taking tart cherry extract, stop taking the supplement and contact your healthcare professional.

Please consult your healthcare provider before taking new supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate. This is especially important if you’re on chronic medication.

Do Tart Cherry Supplements Make you Sleepy?

Tart cherry supplements do contain natural melatonin, which can improve sleep quality. While it might make you feel more relaxed, it’s unlikely to make you feel sleepy to the point of grogginess.

Who Should Not Take Tart Cherry Extract?

People on blood-thinning medications like warfarin should avoid tart cherry extract as it could increase bleeding. Those with kidney issues should also consult their healthcare provider, as tart cherry may affect uric acid levels.

Should I Take a Tart Cherry Supplement?

Whether tart cherry extract is worth taking depends on your health goals. As a rich source of antioxidants, it may protect your cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Existing research also links tart cherry to better sleep quality, physical recovery, and cardiovascular health.

However, supplements should come second to a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep hygiene.

If you want to add tart cherry to your regimen, our list of the 13 best tart cherry extract supplements is the ideal place to start.