Does Strawberry Contain Melatonin? A Look at the Science

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Sleep Foundation, certain foods, including strawberries, contain natural melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. This popular and delicious berry offers a source of this compound, along with a host of other nutrients, contributing to its reputation as a beneficial addition to a healthy diet.

Quick Summary

Strawberries contain a natural source of melatonin, supporting the body's sleep regulation alongside other important nutrients like antioxidants and vitamin C. However, the levels are significantly lower than supplements, so they should not be relied on as a sleep-inducing agent.

Key Points

Yes, Strawberries Contain Melatonin: Research has confirmed that strawberries contain natural melatonin, along with other beneficial compounds.
Natural vs. Supplement Melatonin: The amount of melatonin in strawberries is in trace amounts and works to support the body’s natural cycle, unlike the much higher, concentrated doses in supplements.
Antioxidant Benefits: In addition to melatonin, strawberries are rich in potent antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols, which protect cells and support overall health.
Full Nutritional Profile: Strawberries are also an excellent source of manganese, folate, and potassium, offering broad nutritional benefits beyond just sleep support.
Not a Primary Sleep Aid: While a healthy part of your diet, strawberries should not be relied upon as a treatment for insomnia or as a primary sleep-inducing agent.
Holistic Health Contribution: The benefits of strawberries for sleep health are best understood as part of a balanced, nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle, rather than a single solution.
Supportive Nutrients: The presence of other vitamins and antioxidants in strawberries helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can positively influence sleep quality.

Yes, Strawberries Do Contain Melatonin

Scientific research confirms that strawberries, like many other plant species, produce and contain melatonin. A study published in PubMed used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to unequivocally identify melatonin in several varieties of strawberries (Fragaria ananassa). The concentration of melatonin was shown to vary depending on the variety and harvest, though all tested varieties contained it. Other health and nutrition websites corroborate this, listing strawberries as a food that contains natural melatonin. It is worth noting, however, that the levels found in food are generally much lower than the dosages in dietary supplements.

How Strawberry's Natural Melatonin Works in the Body

While the amount of melatonin in a strawberry is not enough to induce immediate drowsiness, it plays a supportive role in your body's natural processes. Melatonin's primary function in the body is to signal that it is time to prepare for sleep by controlling your circadian rhythm. By consuming foods that contain melatonin, you contribute to your body's natural production, helping to maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle. This gentle support is different from taking a high-dose supplement, which delivers a much more concentrated amount of the hormone at once. Incorporating melatonin-rich foods into your diet as part of an overall healthy eating pattern can help maintain your body's natural rhythm and overall well-being. The powerful antioxidants in strawberries, particularly polyphenols, also play a beneficial role. They help counteract oxidative stress, which has been linked to various health conditions, including sleep disorders.

Nutritional Power of Strawberries Beyond Melatonin

Strawberries are more than just a source of melatonin; they are a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, minerals, and other plant compounds. This makes them a great addition to any diet focused on health and wellness. Some of their notable nutritional components include:

Vitamin C: A single serving of strawberries provides more vitamin C than an orange. This antioxidant is crucial for immune function, skin health, and protects your body's cells from damage.
Manganese: This essential trace mineral is important for many bodily processes, including metabolism and bone health.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Essential for cell growth and tissue function, folate is particularly important for pregnant women.
Potassium: This mineral helps regulate blood pressure and supports overall heart health.
Antioxidants: Beyond vitamin C, strawberries contain a variety of powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, which are responsible for their vibrant red color.

Comparison: Natural Food Melatonin vs. Synthetic Supplements

Understanding the difference between the melatonin found in foods like strawberries and the melatonin in supplements is crucial for managing expectations and making informed health decisions. The table below highlights some key distinctions.


Feature	Natural Food Melatonin (e.g., in Strawberries)	Synthetic Melatonin Supplements
Source	Produced naturally within the plant; part of a complex nutritional profile.	Created in a laboratory; standardized and isolated compound.
Amount	Trace amounts, varying by plant variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.	Concentrated, high doses (e.g., 1-10 mg), as listed on the label.
Regulation	Regulated as food; no dosage control.	Regulated as a dietary supplement in the U.S., meaning less strict oversight than pharmaceutical drugs.
Body's Response	Supports the body's natural circadian rhythm in a gentle way.	Directly impacts sleep cycle with a concentrated dose; may have a stronger sedative effect.
Additional Nutrients	Delivered with fiber, vitamins (C, K), manganese, folate, and other antioxidants.	Typically an isolated compound, although some products may include other ingredients.
Health Benefits	Contributes to overall health, including heart health and blood sugar control.	Primarily targets sleep issues like insomnia or jet lag; potential side effects include grogginess.

How to Incorporate Melatonin-Rich Foods into Your Diet

For a delicious and healthy way to support your sleep-wake cycle, consider adding a variety of melatonin-rich foods to your meals. These foods provide a gentle, natural approach and contribute to your overall nutrient intake. Here are a few ideas:

Add strawberries to your breakfast. Blend them into a morning smoothie with a handful of almonds or sprinkle them on your oatmeal.
Snack on nuts and seeds. A small handful of pistachios or walnuts makes a great evening snack and provides additional melatonin.
Enjoy tart cherry juice. Studies have shown that drinking tart cherry juice can significantly increase melatonin levels and improve sleep.
Include oats in your evening routine. A small bowl of oatmeal or oat milk can provide a source of both melatonin and tryptophan, a precursor to melatonin.
Opt for melatonin-rich dinner ingredients. Consider including mushrooms, tomatoes, or fish like salmon in your dinner for a flavorful way to boost melatonin.

Conclusion

In summary, strawberries do contain naturally occurring melatonin, along with a wealth of other beneficial nutrients. While they offer a natural way to support your body's circadian rhythm, the melatonin levels in strawberries are not comparable to the concentrated doses found in supplements. The value of strawberries lies in their holistic nutritional profile, providing antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that contribute to your overall health, including a healthy sleep cycle. For those looking to support better sleep through diet, incorporating a variety of melatonin-rich foods, including strawberries, can be a delicious and beneficial strategy, especially when combined with good sleep hygiene practices. For more information on sleep health, consult with a healthcare professional or reliable sources such as the National Institutes of Health.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Melatonin

Frequently Asked Questions

The amount of melatonin in a strawberry is very small and varies depending on the variety and ripeness of the fruit. It is present in trace amounts, far less than what is typically found in over-the-counter melatonin supplements.

Eating strawberries can contribute to a healthy diet that supports your natural sleep cycle, primarily through its antioxidant content. However, the amount of melatonin in strawberries is not high enough to act as a significant sleep aid on its own.

Other foods known to contain melatonin include tart cherries, pistachios, walnuts, oats, and eggs. Incorporating a variety of these into your diet can help support your body's natural melatonin levels.

Supplements provide a concentrated, often synthetic, dose of melatonin to directly impact your sleep cycle, whereas food sources offer a much smaller, natural amount alongside other nutrients. For most people, focusing on a healthy diet with melatonin-rich foods is a better long-term strategy for overall wellness.

Yes, strawberries are rich in vitamin C, manganese, folate, and powerful antioxidants like polyphenols and anthocyanins. These nutrients contribute to improved heart health, inflammation reduction, and a stronger immune system.

Research has shown that melatonin concentration can vary significantly among different varieties of strawberries. However, the amounts are all in the trace range, so focusing on overall diet is more effective than seeking a specific variety for melatonin content.

The most effective approach for supporting sleep is often a combination of good sleep hygiene and a healthy diet that includes natural sources of melatonin. If experiencing significant sleep problems, consult a healthcare provider before relying on supplements.