How much caffeine is in a cherry: The surprising difference between fruits

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to reputable nutrition databases, the common sweet cherry (Prunus avium) contains absolutely no caffeine. The question of how much caffeine is in a cherry often arises from a common point of confusion: the distinction between the standard fruit and the fruit of the coffee plant, which is also known as a coffee cherry.

Quick Summary

Common sweet and tart cherries are completely caffeine-free, unlike the fruit of the coffee plant, known as a 'coffee cherry,' which contains a small but notable amount of the stimulant. This difference is crucial for anyone monitoring their caffeine intake or with sensitivities.

Key Points

Regular Cherries (Prunus): Standard sweet and tart cherries contain absolutely zero caffeine, making them a safe choice for a caffeine-free diet.
Coffee Cherries (Coffea): The fruit of the coffee plant, also called a 'coffee cherry,' contains small amounts of caffeine.
Cascara: This tea, made from the dried husk of the coffee cherry, has a mild, fruity taste and provides a low caffeine boost.
Caffeine Content Varies: The amount of caffeine in coffee cherry products depends on the preparation method and species of coffee plant used.
Nutritional Differences: While regular cherries offer melatonin and other vitamins, coffee cherries provide antioxidants alongside a mild stimulant.
No Jitters from Fruit Cherries: You cannot get a caffeine 'buzz' or jittery feeling from consuming regular, fresh cherries.

The Common Fruit: Prunus Cherries

When most people think of a cherry, they envision the familiar red, round stone fruit found in grocery stores and on fruit stands. These cherries, belonging to the Prunus genus, include popular varieties like sweet cherries and tart cherries. These fruits are known for their rich nutritional profile, containing antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, but they are completely free of caffeine. Their natural sweetness or tartness comes from a combination of fructose, glucose, and other sugars, not from any stimulant properties. A detailed nutritional analysis from databases like the Australian Food Composition Database and Nutritional Value confirms that caffeine is not a component of this fruit. This means you can enjoy fresh cherries, dried cherries, or cherry juice without worrying about any stimulating effects that might disrupt your sleep or affect your caffeine sensitivity.

Nutritional Composition of Regular Cherries

Beyond the absence of caffeine, sweet cherries offer a range of health benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which give them their deep red color. These compounds have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain melatonin, a hormone that can help regulate sleep cycles, which is the complete opposite effect of caffeine.

The Coffee Fruit: Coffea Cherries

The confusion about caffeine in cherries stems from the coffee plant (Coffea genus), which also produces a fruit known as a 'coffee cherry'. Each coffee cherry contains two seeds, which are the coffee beans we roast and brew. The pulp and skin of this fruit, known as cascara, contain trace amounts of caffeine. While significantly less caffeinated than a standard cup of brewed coffee, products made from the coffee cherry—such as cascara tea or juice—will contain some caffeine. The exact amount can vary depending on the coffee species, processing method, and how it is prepared. A cup of coffee cherry tea may have a similar caffeine content to a cup of black tea, providing a mild boost rather than the strong jolt from brewed coffee.

Products Derived from the Coffee Cherry

Cascara Tea: Made by steeping the dried husks of the coffee cherry in hot water. It has a mild, fruity flavor and a low to moderate amount of caffeine.
Coffee Cherry Juice: A beverage made from the pulp of the fruit, it also contains caffeine and is marketed for its antioxidant properties.
Coffee Cherry Extract: Concentrated forms of the fruit's pulp are used in some supplements and health products to provide antioxidants and a mild energy boost.
Coffee Flour: Some innovative producers create flour from the dried, pulverized coffee cherry. This flour contains caffeine and is high in fiber.

Comparison: Prunus Cherries vs. Coffea Cherries

To clarify the distinction, here is a breakdown of the key differences between the two types of cherries.


Feature	Common Cherry (Prunus spp.)	Coffee Cherry (Coffea spp.)
Plant	Fruit tree from the Prunus family	Berry from the Coffea plant
Caffeine Content	0 mg	15–25 mg per serving (e.g., in tea)
Edible Part	The entire fleshy fruit	The outer pulp (cascara) and the inner seeds (coffee beans)
Primary Use	Fresh eating, baking, and juice	Source of coffee beans, cascara tea, and health supplements
Flavor Profile	Sweet or tart, depending on variety	Mildly sweet, fruity, or tea-like (for cascara)
Nutritional Highlight	Rich in antioxidants and melatonin	Contains antioxidants and a natural, mild caffeine boost

Why the Confusion Exists

The widespread confusion is a classic case of nomenclature. Using the same common name, 'cherry,' for two biologically distinct plants is the primary cause. The average consumer is likely unaware that the coffee bean originates from a fruit, let alone one that shares its common name with a familiar dessert fruit. Educating people on this botanical difference is key to clearing up misconceptions about caffeine in fruit. The recent rise in popularity of coffee cherry byproducts like cascara tea has also amplified the need for clear communication on this topic.

The Takeaway on Caffeine

For those seeking a caffeine-free diet, regular sweet or tart cherries are an excellent choice. Their health benefits, including antioxidants and sleep-supporting melatonin, make them a great part of a healthy lifestyle. However, for those looking for a very mild and natural energy lift, beverages made from the coffee cherry's fruit or cascara offer a subtle stimulant effect. The critical factor is knowing your source—is it from a fruit tree or a coffee plant? This simple question holds the key to understanding how much caffeine is in a cherry.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. For dietary or health concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, common varieties of cherries, such as sweet cherries (Prunus avium), do not contain any naturally occurring caffeine. The fruit's energy comes from natural sugars, not from a stimulant.

A 'coffee cherry' is the fruit that grows on the coffee plant (Coffea species). The seeds inside the cherry are the coffee beans we use to make coffee, and the outer fruit or husk is sometimes used to make other beverages.

No, cascara tea, made from the dried skin of the coffee cherry, contains a much lower amount of caffeine than brewed coffee. Its caffeine levels are often comparable to a cup of black tea.

The confusion exists because the fruit of the coffee plant is commonly referred to as a 'coffee cherry.' This sharing of the word 'cherry' for two very different plants is the source of the misconception.

No, eating standard fruit cherries will not give you a caffeine boost. In fact, some evidence suggests that cherries may even contain melatonin, a compound that supports sleep.

Just like fresh cherries, canned and dried cherries do not contain caffeine. The processing does not introduce caffeine, so these products remain caffeine-free.

Yes, coffee cherries are rich in antioxidants, which are present in products like coffee cherry tea and juice. These antioxidants can offer health benefits separate from their mild caffeine content.