Are there side effects of eating cherries?

January 7, 2026 •

5 min read

While packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, excessive cherry consumption can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as cramps, gas, and bloating. So, are there side effects of eating cherries? For most people, moderate consumption is safe, but sensitive individuals and overindulgence can present certain risks.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential adverse effects of consuming cherries, covering gastrointestinal discomfort from overconsumption, allergic reactions, and other considerations for specific health conditions.

Key Points

Gastrointestinal Issues: Overconsumption of cherries can cause bloating, gas, cramps, and diarrhea due to high fiber and sorbitol content.
Oral Allergy Syndrome: Individuals with birch pollen allergies may experience mild allergic reactions like mouth itching when eating raw cherries.
Pit Dangers: Cherry pits contain amygdalin, which can become toxic cyanide if chewed or crushed, and pose a serious choking hazard for children.
Kidney Stone Concern: Tart cherries are higher in oxalates, which may be a concern for individuals with a history of kidney stones, though moderate amounts are generally safe.
Medication Interactions: Those on blood-thinning medication should consult a doctor, as compounds in tart cherries may have a mild blood-thinning effect.
Weight Management: Cherries are low-calorie and high in fiber, but processed versions with added sugar can contribute to weight gain if overconsumed.

Understanding the Potential Side Effects of Cherries

Cherries are a nutritious and delicious fruit, celebrated for their health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving sleep quality due to their melatonin content. However, like any food, they can cause adverse effects, particularly when consumed in large quantities or by individuals with specific sensitivities. Understanding these potential downsides is key to enjoying them safely.

Gastrointestinal Discomfort from Overconsumption

One of the most common side effects of eating too many cherries is gastrointestinal distress. This is primarily due to their high fiber content and the presence of natural sugar alcohols like sorbitol.

Bloating and Gas: Sorbitol is a type of FODMAP (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine. For some, this leads to gas and bloating as gut bacteria ferment the undigested sugars. The high fiber also contributes to this effect, especially for those not accustomed to a high-fiber diet.
Diarrhea: In addition to sorbitol, cherries contain fructose. In sensitive individuals or when consumed in excess, the body's digestive tract attracts extra water and electrolytes to process these sugars, which can lead to softened stools or diarrhea.
Cramps: The combination of gas, bloating, and the effect of sugars and fiber on the intestinal wall can cause abdominal cramping, ranging from mild discomfort to more intense pain.

For most people, limiting intake to a reasonable portion size, such as around one cup (or about 21 cherries), can help prevent these symptoms. For those with conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or fructose malabsorption, even smaller amounts may be problematic.

Allergic Reactions and Oral Allergy Syndrome

While relatively rare, cherry allergies do exist and can cause a variety of symptoms. Some individuals have a primary allergy to the proteins in cherries, which can lead to severe reactions like anaphylaxis. More commonly, people experience a secondary allergy, known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS).

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS): This cross-reaction occurs in individuals who are allergic to certain tree pollens, such as birch pollen. The immune system mistakes the similar proteins in raw cherries for the pollen, causing localized symptoms in the mouth and throat, including itching, tingling, or swelling. In many cases of OAS, cooked cherries are tolerated because heat denatures the allergenic proteins.

Comparison of Sweet vs. Tart Cherry Effects

Different types of cherries can have slightly different nutritional profiles and, therefore, slightly different effects. Tart cherries, for instance, are a natural source of melatonin, which helps regulate sleep, and possess potent anti-inflammatory properties due to their higher anthocyanin content. However, they are also higher in oxalates.


Feature	Sweet Cherries (e.g., Bing)	Tart Cherries (e.g., Montmorency)
Potassium Content	Higher potassium levels (around 222mg per 100g)	Lower potassium levels (around 173mg per 100g)
Carbohydrate/Sugar	Moderate glycemic index	Low glycemic index
Oxalate Content	Lower in oxalates	Higher in oxalates
Best For...	Generally a sweeter snack, suitable for most people	Often used for anti-inflammatory benefits and sleep support	n	Considerations	Portion control due to natural sugars	Individuals with kidney stone risk may need to moderate intake	n

Risks for Specific Health Conditions

While a superfood for many, certain individuals should be mindful of their cherry intake.

Kidney Stones: People prone to kidney stones should be cautious. Tart cherries, in particular, contain higher levels of oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals. The National Kidney Foundation notes that cherries are low in oxalates overall and not a risk for stone formation, but individuals with a history of stones may want to monitor their intake and discuss it with a healthcare provider.
Diabetes: Cherries contain natural sugars, with sweet cherries having a higher glycemic index than tart ones. While the fiber and anthocyanins are beneficial for managing blood sugar, portion control is crucial for those with diabetes, especially when consuming processed cherry products with added sugars.
Blood Thinning Medication: Some compounds in tart cherries may have a mild blood-thinning effect. Individuals on anticoagulant medications should consult with their healthcare provider before significantly increasing their intake, especially with concentrated cherry products.

The Danger of Cherry Pits

This is perhaps the most serious, though easily preventable, risk associated with eating cherries. Cherry pits contain a compound called amygdalin, which the body can convert into the toxin cyanide. The risk of toxicity is very low and only occurs if the pit is crushed or chewed, releasing the amygdalin. As long as the pit remains intact and is not swallowed in large quantities, it is not a significant threat. However, the pits, along with stems, can pose a choking hazard, especially for children. Always remove pits before giving cherries to young children.

Conclusion

For the vast majority of people, cherries are a nutritious, low-calorie fruit that provides significant health benefits without any adverse effects. The potential downsides, such as digestive issues, are typically linked to overconsumption. Sensitive individuals or those with certain medical conditions, like IBS or a history of kidney stones, may need to exercise more caution. By consuming cherries in moderation and being mindful of your body's specific needs, you can enjoy this fruit without concern.

For more information on the impact of different foods on your diet, please consult a registered dietitian or a medical professional. More details on food sensitivities can be found at the National Institutes of Health website.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Who should be cautious with cherry intake?
- Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Those with known fructose malabsorption.
- People with a history of kidney stones, particularly with tart cherries.
- Anyone on blood-thinning medication, especially with concentrated cherry products.
- People with known cherry or related pollen allergies.
Tips for safe cherry consumption:
- Stick to a moderate serving, typically around one cup of fresh fruit.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially when consuming higher-fiber foods.
- Avoid heavily processed cherry products, which often contain high amounts of added sugars.
- Ensure all pits are removed to prevent choking and potential cyanide release.
- Listen to your body and adjust intake based on your digestive response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, eating too many cherries can cause diarrhea, especially for those with sensitive stomachs or IBS. This is due to the combination of high fiber and natural sugars like fructose and sorbitol, which can draw water into the intestines and cause loose stools.

Cherry pits contain amygdalin, which can be converted to cyanide in the body if the pit is crushed or chewed. Swallowing a whole, intact pit is not dangerous, but it can present a choking hazard, especially for children.

Individuals with known cherry allergies or Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) linked to pollen allergies should avoid them. People with IBS or fructose malabsorption should be cautious with portion sizes. Those with a history of kidney stones might need to moderate tart cherry intake, and those on blood thinners should consult a doctor.

Tart cherries and their concentrated products may have a mild blood-thinning effect. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider to ensure safe consumption levels.

Both sweet and tart cherries offer health benefits. Tart cherries often have more anti-inflammatory properties and melatonin, while sweet cherries have a higher potassium count. The best choice depends on your specific health goals and any sensitivities, like those to oxalates.

Yes, excessive consumption of cherries can cause bloating and gas. The high fiber content and natural sugar alcohols (FODMAPs) like sorbitol can be difficult for some people to digest, leading to fermentation in the gut.

Yes, it is possible to have an allergy to cherries. This can manifest as a primary cherry allergy or as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), a cross-reaction in people with pollen allergies, typically causing mild symptoms in the mouth.