The Confirmed Use of Maraschino Cherries at Chick-fil-A
For many, a milkshake is incomplete without a signature whipped cream swirl and a bright red cherry on top. Chick-fil-A, known for its focus on detail, does indeed include this classic garnish on its hand-spun milkshakes, such as the vanilla and seasonal variations like the Banana Pudding Milkshake. However, it is important to note that this specific topping is typically excluded from delivery orders, a logistical detail worth remembering.
The Difference Between Maraschino and Natural Cherry Flavoring
Chick-fil-A's menu has featured other cherry-based items, specifically the seasonal Cherry Berry beverages and frosted lemonade. It is crucial for consumers to understand the difference between the solid maraschino cherry on a milkshake and the flavoring used in these drinks. The limited-time Cherry Berry line is made with a blend of "natural cherry and berry flavors," which is a different ingredient profile from the highly processed maraschino cherry garnish. This distinction highlights the various forms in which cherry flavoring appears on the menu.
The Processing and Nutritional Impact of Maraschino Cherries
Maraschino cherries start as real, light-colored sweet cherries but undergo significant processing to achieve their signature look and taste. This process has a dramatic effect on their nutritional value and ingredients:
- Bleaching and Brining: The cherries are first soaked in a brine solution containing sulfur dioxide and calcium chloride. This process bleaches the cherries of their natural color and most of their original flavor.
- Dyeing and Sweetening: After bleaching, the cherries are immersed in a sugar syrup with artificial food coloring, typically Red 40, to give them their distinctive vibrant red appearance.
- Added Ingredients: The syrup often contains high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener linked to various health concerns, including metabolic disorders and weight gain.
This extensive processing means the nutritional profile of a maraschino cherry is vastly different from that of a fresh cherry. While fresh cherries are a source of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, the maraschino version is essentially a sugary candy with minimal nutritional benefit.
Comparison: Maraschino vs. Fresh Cherries
| Nutrient | Fresh Cherries (approx. 1 cup) | Maraschino Cherries (approx. 1 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~97 kcal | ~266 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~25 grams | ~67 grams |
| Added Sugar | 0 grams | ~42 grams |
| Antioxidants | High (Anthocyanins) | Minimal (Removed during processing) |
| Vitamins | Good source (C, B6) | Trace amounts (Reduced during processing) |
| Artificial Ingredients | None | Red 40, HFCS |
Potential Health and Safety Concerns
Beyond the obvious high sugar content, maraschino cherries have been associated with other issues. The artificial food dye Red 40 has been linked to allergic reactions and hyperactivity in sensitive individuals, particularly children. For those with sensitivities, this garnish can be a point of concern.
In 2014, the fast-food chain faced a lawsuit related to a maraschino cherry mishap. A customer filed a complaint against Chick-fil-A and its cherry supplier after reportedly biting down on an unpitted maraschino cherry in a milkshake, leading to a cracked tooth. While a broken tooth from an unpitted cherry is a known (though rare) risk, the lawsuit highlighted the potential for a small pit to get past industrial pitting machines. A subsequent investigation into the supplier at the time, Dell's Maraschino Cherries, uncovered a larger scandal.
What This Means for Your Diet
When managing your nutrition, understanding the ingredients in your fast-food choices is key. For those watching their sugar intake, the occasional maraschino cherry on a milkshake is a small portion, but the added sugar contributes to the overall dessert's calorie and sugar load. Making conscious choices, such as requesting a milkshake without whipped cream or the cherry, can help reduce the amount of added sugars and artificial ingredients consumed.
For a more wholesome approach, opt for items with fresh fruit, such as a fruit cup, when available. When seeking a cherry flavor, it is worth noting that Chick-fil-A sometimes uses natural fruit flavors for its seasonal beverage offerings. However, this still doesn't negate the highly processed nature of the traditional maraschino cherry garnish.
Conclusion
To answer the question, "Does Chick-fil-A use maraschino cherries?" yes, they do—on top of their milkshakes, though not for delivery orders. The garnish itself is a highly processed confection, fundamentally different in nutritional composition from a fresh cherry. For those with dietary concerns regarding added sugar, artificial dyes, or potential allergens, being aware of this ingredient is important. While it's a small element of a larger dessert, understanding its nature allows for more informed dietary choices, even at a fast-food restaurant.
