Is Cherry High in Carbs? A Nutritional Guide

December 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a single cup of fresh, sweet cherries contains around 25 grams of carbohydrates. While this is not excessively high compared to some fruits, it can be a significant amount for those on very strict low-carb or ketogenic diets.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the carb content of different cherry types, including fresh, canned, and dried varieties. It also explores their glycemic index and offers advice on incorporating them into various dietary plans through portion control and mindful eating.

Key Points

Fresh vs. Processed: The carb count in cherries varies significantly; fresh cherries are moderate in carbs, while dried or canned versions are much higher due to concentrated sugar and added sweeteners.
Glycemic Impact: Fresh cherries have a low to medium glycemic index, meaning they cause a gradual rise in blood sugar, with tart cherries having a lower GI than sweet ones.
Portion Control is Crucial: On a low-carb diet, it is important to limit fresh cherry intake to a small handful to avoid exceeding daily carb limits, especially on strict ketogenic diets.
Beneficial Nutrients: Cherries are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and vitamins, offering health benefits like improved sleep, heart health, and exercise recovery.
Mindful Consumption: For those managing carbs, choosing fresh or unsweetened frozen cherries over processed options is best, and pairing them with healthy fats or proteins can help mitigate blood sugar impact.
Better Keto Alternatives: For very strict low-carb diets, other berries like raspberries and strawberries provide lower net carbs and may be a safer choice than cherries.

Understanding the Carb Content in Cherries

Cherries are a beloved summer fruit known for their vibrant color and sweet taste. However, for those monitoring carbohydrate intake, such as individuals with diabetes or those following a ketogenic diet, understanding their nutritional profile is key. The carb content can vary significantly depending on the type of cherry (sweet versus tart) and how it is processed (fresh, canned, or dried).

Fresh Cherries: Sweet vs. Tart

Fresh cherry carb counts differ by variety. Sweet cherries, like Bing, have more carbs than tart varieties, such as Montmorency.

Sweet Cherries: A cup of fresh, pitted sweet cherries has about 25 grams of carbohydrates, including 18-22 grams net carbs.
Tart Cherries: A cup of fresh, pitted tart cherries contains around 19 grams of carbohydrates.

The Impact of Processing on Carb Levels

Processed cherries, like canned or dried, contain significantly more carbs due to added sugars and concentration.

Canned in Syrup: Can contain up to 60 grams of carbohydrates per cup.
Dried Cherries: A quarter-cup serving can have up to 32 grams of carbs due to concentrated sugars.
Tart Cherry Juice: A cup can have about 37 grams of carbs, especially if sweetened.

Glycemic Index and Blood Sugar

Fresh cherries have a low to medium glycemic index (GI), which is beneficial for blood sugar control as it leads to a slow rise in blood glucose. However, processing can increase the GI.

Fresh Cherries: Tart cherries have a low GI (around 20), while sweet cherries have a medium GI (62).
Processed Cherries: Canned and dried cherries have a higher glycemic impact; check labels for added sugar.

How Cherries Fit into a Low-Carb Diet

While challenging for strict keto, fresh cherries in moderation can fit into moderate low-carb plans or for blood sugar management. Berries like raspberries are lower-carb alternatives for very strict diets.

Portion Control: A small handful (about 12 cherries) or half a cup is advisable.
Choose Fresh: Opt for fresh or unsweetened frozen cherries to avoid added sugars.
Antioxidants: Cherries' antioxidants may help regulate blood sugar.

Comparison of Cherry Varieties


Feature	Sweet Cherries (Fresh)	Tart Cherries (Fresh)	Dried Cherries (Sweetened)	Canned Cherries (in Syrup)
Carbs (per cup)	~25g	~19g	~32g (per 1/4 cup)	~60g
Net Carbs (per cup)	~18-22g	~16g	High (due to processing)	High (due to processing)
Glycemic Index	Medium (GI 62)	Low (GI 20-22)	High (due to added sugar)	High (due to added sugar)
Best for Low-Carb	Small portions only	Better option, but still needs portion control	Not recommended	Not recommended

Health Benefits of Mindful Cherry Consumption

Fresh cherries offer antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and fiber, contributing to heart health, sleep quality, and potentially aiding exercise recovery. Their low GI can support diabetes management with proper portioning.

Tips for Enjoying Cherries on a Carb-Conscious Diet

Garnish: Use a few fresh cherries as a topping for low-carb dishes.
Homemade Sauce: Make sauce with low-carb sweeteners.
Frozen: Unsweetened frozen cherries work well in smoothies.
Pairing: Combine cherries with healthy fats or proteins to slow sugar absorption.
Track: For strict keto, carefully track individual cherries (about 1g net carb each).

Conclusion

Fresh cherries are moderate in carbs and have a low GI, making small portions manageable in some low-carb diets. Tart cherries are lower in carbs and GI than sweet ones. Processed cherries, especially dried and canned in syrup, are significantly higher in carbs due to concentrated and added sugars. To enjoy the health benefits of cherries while managing carb intake, prioritize fresh varieties and practice strict portion control. Avoid processed versions to best control your carb and sugar consumption.

Here is a useful guide on the nutritional value of cherries.

Frequently Asked Questions

A one-cup serving of fresh, pitted sweet cherries contains approximately 25 grams of carbs. Tart cherries are slightly lower, with about 19 grams per cup.

Due to their moderate carb content, fresh cherries can be difficult to fit into a strict ketogenic diet (under 20g net carbs/day). However, small, measured portions might be possible for those with a higher daily carb limit, but careful tracking is necessary.

Yes, dried and canned cherries are significantly higher in carbs than fresh ones. Dried cherries have concentrated sugars, while canned varieties often contain added syrups, increasing their total carb and sugar count.

Fresh cherries have a low to medium glycemic index (GI), with tart cherries having a very low GI. This means they cause a more gradual rise in blood sugar compared to high-GI foods, but portion size is still an important factor.

Cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support heart health and may improve sleep. They also contain fiber, which is important for digestive health.

To minimize the carb impact, practice portion control by eating a small handful of fresh cherries. Pairing them with protein or healthy fats, like nuts, can also help slow the absorption of sugar.

Tart cherries are a better choice for a low-carb diet. They have a lower carb count and a very low glycemic index compared to sweet cherries, making them less likely to impact blood sugar levels.