Are Maraschino Cherries Vegetarian? A Detailed Look at What’s in the Jar

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 79 million Americans claim to follow a plant-based diet, making ingredient sourcing a priority for many consumers. When it comes to processed and preserved foods like maraschino cherries, understanding exactly what’s in the jar is crucial to determining if they are vegetarian or not.

Quick Summary

The vegetarian status of maraschino cherries depends on the brand and ingredients used, particularly the type of food coloring. While most modern versions are plant-based, some may contain animal-derived colorants or artificial flavors, so reading labels is essential for assurance.

Key Points

Modern maraschino cherries are typically vegetarian: Most American brands use synthetic, non-animal-derived Red 40 for coloring.
Check for Carmine (Cochineal): Some processed foods, including certain cherry varieties, may use insect-derived carmine (E120), which is not vegetarian or vegan.
Read the ingredient label carefully: The definitive way to know is to check the ingredient list for specific colorings like carmine or Red 40.
Gourmet brands often use natural colorings: Higher-end European-style maraschino cherries may use fruit or vegetable concentrates for color, making them clearly vegan.
Choose explicitly labeled vegan products: For complete certainty, select brands like CherryMan, Luxardo, or Tillen Farms that clearly state their vegan status.
Be aware of other potential additives: Beyond color, check for other non-vegetarian ingredients like gelatin, though it is not a standard ingredient in most maraschino cherry production.

Understanding Modern Maraschino Cherries

The iconic, bright red maraschino cherry that most people recognize today is a far cry from its European origins. The original maraschino cherries were made in Croatia using Marasca cherries and preserved in a potent maraschino liqueur. However, the modern American version was developed during the Prohibition era by an Oregon State University professor and is made from sweeter, lighter-colored cherries like Royal Ann.

The American process involves several key steps that give the cherries their distinct appearance and shelf life:

Brining: The cherries are first soaked in a brine solution containing sulfur dioxide and calcium chloride, which bleaches them of their natural color and firms the fruit.
Leaching and Preparation: After brining, they are washed to remove the solution.
Sweetening: The bleached cherries are then soaked in a sugar syrup, which often contains high-fructose corn syrup.
Flavoring: Almond or other flavors are added to mimic the traditional maraschino taste.
Coloring: Finally, they are infused with food coloring, most commonly the synthetic dye FD&C Red 40, to achieve their vibrant red hue.

The All-Important Ingredient: The Red Dye

The most significant factor in determining if maraschino cherries are vegetarian is the red dye. While FD&C Red 40, used in most standard American maraschino cherries, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum and not from animal sources, other red food colorings are not vegetarian-friendly. The most notable non-vegetarian red dye is carmine.

Carmine, also known as cochineal extract or Natural Red 4 (E120), is a pigment made from the dried, crushed bodies of female cochineal insects. This dye is widely used in foods, cosmetics, and other products to achieve a brilliant red color. For strict vegetarians and vegans, products containing carmine must be avoided.

Comparing Modern American vs. Gourmet European Maraschino Cherries

Making an informed choice requires a closer look at the ingredients of different types of maraschino cherries. The following table highlights the key differences between the mass-produced American version and higher-end European brands, which are often more transparent about their ingredients.


Feature	Modern American Maraschino Cherries	Gourmet European Maraschino Cherries
Cherries Used	Lighter-colored, sweeter varieties like Royal Ann.	Sour Marasca cherries, native to Croatia.
Coloring	Typically uses synthetic Red 40 (petroleum-derived).	Often naturally colored with fruit or vegetable concentrate.
Preservation Method	Preserved in a high-fructose corn syrup solution.	Candied in a natural syrup made from marasca cherry juice and sugar.
Flavoring	Added artificial or natural almond flavoring.	Natural cherry-pit almond notes from the marasca cherry syrup.
Dietary Status	Generally vegetarian (but always check for specific colorings); often vegan-friendly.	Typically labeled as vegan and vegetarian-friendly; brands like Luxardo and Tillen Farms are known for this.
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores.	Found in specialty food stores and online; generally more expensive.

How to Check if Your Maraschino Cherries Are Vegetarian

For those adhering to a vegetarian or vegan diet, a simple and critical step is to read the ingredient label on the jar. The ingredient list will reveal what type of coloring and flavoring agents are used. Be on the lookout for the following terms:

FD&C Red 40 / Allura Red AC: Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Carmine / Cochineal Extract / Natural Red 4 / E120: Not vegetarian or vegan, as it is insect-derived.
Fruit and Vegetable Concentrates: Natural and vegetarian/vegan-friendly colorants derived from sources like radishes or black carrots.

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Brands

Fortunately, many brands on the market explicitly state their vegetarian or vegan status. For instance, CherryMan Maraschino Cherries advertise themselves as vegan, while gourmet options like Luxardo and Tillen Farms also explicitly market their cherries as being vegan and gluten-free. Choosing these labeled products offers complete peace of mind.

A Broader Look at Food Additives

While maraschino cherries themselves are generally vegetarian, consumers should be aware of other potential non-vegetarian additives in processed foods. In addition to carmine, common non-vegetarian ingredients include gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen and used as a thickener, and certain types of 'natural flavors' that can sometimes come from animal sources. Being a vigilant label-reader is the best strategy for maintaining dietary preferences within a vegetarian lifestyle.

Conclusion: The Label Is Your Guide

In summary, the question of 'are maraschino cherries vegetarian' doesn't have a single, universal answer. Most conventional American brands use synthetic, plant-friendly colorings and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. However, without checking the specific ingredient list, there is a small possibility of encountering a brand that uses insect-derived carmine. For those seeking absolute certainty, opting for a product from a manufacturer that explicitly labels their product as 'vegan' or 'vegetarian' is the safest bet. Brands like CherryMan, Luxardo, and Tillen Farms are confirmed vegan-friendly options, ensuring a guilt-free garnish for your ice cream sundaes and cocktails. Always be mindful of the ingredients to align your food choices with your nutritional principles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most modern American maraschino cherries use FD&C Red 40, a synthetic red dye derived from petroleum, which is vegetarian.

Yes, it is possible for some varieties to contain carmine, an insect-derived coloring. This is why reading the label is crucial for vegetarians and vegans.

No, not all are guaranteed to be vegan. While many are, you should always check the ingredients list for non-vegan colorings like carmine or potential flavorings derived from animals.

American maraschino cherries are typically lighter, sweeter cherries preserved in high-fructose corn syrup and colored with Red 40. European ones, like Luxardo, are traditionally made with sour Marasca cherries preserved in their natural juice and sugar.

Some natural flavors can be animal-derived, though this is less common in modern maraschino cherries. For strict vegans, confirming with the manufacturer is the only way to be 100% certain about the source of these flavors.

Brands like CherryMan, Luxardo, and Tillen Farms are known to be vegan-friendly, using plant-based ingredients for their products.

The ingredient is carmine, also known as cochineal extract, which is a red dye made from crushed cochineal insects.