Do Maraschino Cherries Stay in Your System for 7 Years?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

An enduring urban legend claims that maraschino cherries linger undigested in the stomach for years, a tale often repeated alongside similar fables about bubblegum. However, this is a myth, as these processed fruits are digested just like any other food, albeit with a different speed depending on their composition.

Quick Summary

The idea that maraschino cherries remain undigested for seven years is a baseless myth. The human digestive system processes this candied fruit through normal transit, typically within a few days, not years.

Key Points

Myth Debunked: The idea that maraschino cherries stay in your system for seven years is an urban myth with no scientific basis.
Normal Digestive Process: Your body digests maraschino cherries like any other food, breaking them down and eliminating them within the normal timeframe of 24 to 72 hours.
Processed, Not Indestructible: Despite being heavily processed with brine, sugar, and dyes, the cherry's components are not foreign to the digestive system and are handled effectively.
Associated with Other Myths: This story is often told alongside similar myths, such as the one about bubblegum taking years to digest.
Moderation is Key: While not medically dangerous in this way, modern maraschino cherries are high in sugar and artificial ingredients, and should be consumed sparingly.

Debunking the Myth: The Truth About Cherry Digestion

The tale of maraschino cherries and their alleged seven-year stay in the human stomach is a classic urban myth that continues to circulate. While the brightly colored, preserved fruit may seem unnatural, the human digestive system is remarkably efficient at processing a wide variety of foods. Maraschino cherries, despite their artificial appearance, are no exception and are processed like any other fruit or candy.

The digestive process begins in the mouth, with saliva starting to break down starches, and continues as food travels through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The average transit time for food through the entire gastrointestinal tract is between 24 and 72 hours, though this can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as diet, hydration, exercise, and overall health all play a role in digestion speed. Even relatively indigestible items like a swallowed coin will typically pass through the system within a couple of days, making the seven-year cherry myth entirely nonsensical.

The Journey of a Maraschino Cherry Through the Digestive System

Once a maraschino cherry is consumed, its journey through the digestive tract follows a similar path to other foods. Here's a look at what happens:

Mouth and Esophagus: Chewing and saliva begin the initial breakdown. The cherry is then swallowed and travels down the esophagus to the stomach.
Stomach: In the stomach, strong stomach acids and enzymes break down the food further. Since the cherry is mainly sugar syrup and fruit pulp, this process is relatively quick.
Small Intestine: The majority of nutrient absorption occurs here. The body extracts sugars and any remaining soluble nutrients from the cherry.
Large Intestine: The remaining indigestible material, including the cherry's insoluble fiber and any food dye, is passed to the large intestine. Water is absorbed here, and the waste is formed into stool.
Elimination: Within one to three days for most people, the waste is eliminated from the body.

What are maraschino cherries made of?

Understanding the components of a maraschino cherry helps explain why the myth is so unfounded. Modern commercial maraschino cherries are typically made using light-colored, sweet cherries like Royal Ann, which undergo a multi-step preservation process.

Brining: The cherries are first soaked in a brine solution containing calcium chloride and sulfur dioxide for four to six weeks. This process bleaches the cherries, removing their natural color and flavor.
Soaking: Next, they are soaked in a solution of high-fructose corn syrup, red food coloring (like Red 40), and almond flavoring.
Preservation: Finally, they are jarred in a sugar-sweetened liquid with added preservatives to extend their shelf life.

Despite this intensive process, the basic components—sugar, fruit material, and artificial additives—are all processed by the digestive system within the normal timeline. The body is equipped to handle these substances and does not sequester them for prolonged periods.

Maraschino Cherries vs. Natural Cherries: A Comparison


Feature	Maraschino Cherry	Natural Cherry
Appearance	Bright, uniform red due to artificial dyes.	Varies by type, from deep red to yellow.
Processing	Preserved using brine, bleached, dyed, and sweetened with sugar syrup.	Typically unprocessed, except for washing and possibly pitting.
Nutrient Content	Heavily processed, with minimal nutrients; primarily sugar and water.	Contains vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
Fiber Content	Mostly contains insoluble fiber, which passes through the digestive tract.	Both soluble and insoluble fiber are present.
Flavor	Artificially flavored with almond extract and heavily sweetened.	Natural sweetness with a distinct cherry flavor.
Digestion	Follows the normal digestive process within 24-72 hours.	Digested in a similar timeframe, potentially faster due to fewer additives.

The Origins of the Myth

So where did this peculiar myth come from? It's likely a combination of factors, including its association with other common childhood lore. The bubblegum myth, which claims it stays in your stomach for seven years, is a well-known example that has likely been conflated with the maraschino cherry tale. The heavily processed nature of the cherry, with its vivid artificial color, may also lead people to believe it's an indestructible, non-natural substance that the body can't handle. The truth is far more mundane, involving simple biology and the body's natural efficiency. For more information on food and digestion, see the National Institutes of Health (.gov) website.

Conclusion: A Digestible Reality

In summary, the notion that maraschino cherries remain in your system for seven years is a complete fabrication. Your body’s digestive system is more than capable of breaking down and eliminating these candied fruits, just as it does with all other foods. The process of digestion is a natural and relatively swift one, meaning any maraschino cherries you eat will be long gone within a few days. While modern maraschino cherries are heavily processed with sugar and artificial dyes, and should be consumed in moderation, they pose no threat of long-term residence in your gastrointestinal tract.

Frequently Asked Questions

It takes the human digestive system, on average, 24 to 72 hours to process and eliminate a maraschino cherry, similar to other foods.

This is a widespread urban legend, likely originating from similar myths about bubblegum and fueled by the cherry's unnatural bright color and intensive processing, making it seem less digestible.

No, maraschino cherries are not indigestible. While they contain some insoluble fiber that passes through the body, the majority of the cherry, including the sugar syrup, is broken down and absorbed.

Yes, a child's digestive system can process maraschino cherries just as an adult's can. The myth about slow digestion applies equally to both children and adults.

The red dyes used, like Red 40, are regulated. While some studies have explored links to hyperactivity and other issues, the dyes themselves do not make the cherries indigestible or cause them to remain in the body for years.

The rumor is not based on any specific ingredient but rather the cherry's unnatural, heavily processed state, which makes it seem more artificial and potentially indigestible than it actually is.

No, there is no food that stays in your digestive system for years. The body's natural elimination processes ensure that all food and waste are removed relatively quickly, with transit time typically measured in days, not years.