Nutrition Diet: How many calories and carbs are in 5 cherries?

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

A small serving of just 5 sweet cherries contains approximately 26 calories, demonstrating their low-calorie density. Understanding precisely how many calories and carbs are in 5 cherries can help you make informed decisions when managing your nutrition diet for weight control or overall health.

Quick Summary

Five cherries typically contain around 22 to 26 calories and 6 to 7 grams of total carbohydrates, with the exact amount varying slightly between different types, such as sweet versus tart. These small fruits also offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Key Points

Low-Calorie Snack: A serving of 5 cherries contains only 22-26 calories, making it a light and healthy option.
Moderate Carbs: Five cherries offer 6-7 grams of total carbohydrates, which includes natural sugars and dietary fiber.
Rich in Antioxidants: Cherries, especially tart varieties, are high in anthocyanins and other antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
Heart Health Boost: They contain potassium and other nutrients that support cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Natural Sleep Aid: Tart cherries are a source of melatonin, a hormone that aids in regulating sleep cycles.
Low Glycemic Index: Cherries have a low GI score, making them a suitable fruit for managing blood sugar levels.
Aids Muscle Recovery: The anti-inflammatory properties of cherries can help minimize muscle pain and speed up recovery after exercise.

Understanding the Nutritional Value of a Handful of Cherries

Cherries are not only a delicious summer treat but also a low-calorie, nutrient-dense fruit. For those tracking their intake, knowing the specifics for a small serving is key. The exact number of calories and carbs can differ slightly depending on the variety, with sweet cherries typically having slightly more sugar and calories than their tart counterparts. However, the difference is minimal and cherries remain a healthy addition to most diets in moderation.

How Many Calories and Carbs Are in 5 Cherries?

For a typical serving of five cherries, here is a general nutritional breakdown based on available data:

For 5 sweet cherries: Approximately 26 calories and 7g of total carbohydrates. This includes about 1g of dietary fiber and 5g of total sugars.
For 5 general cherries (as a guideline): Around 22 calories and 6g of total carbohydrates, with 1g of fiber and 4g of sugar.

This makes a small handful an excellent choice for a snack, providing natural sweetness with a minimal caloric and carb impact. The fiber content also helps to promote satiety, which can be beneficial for appetite control.

The Health Benefits Beyond the Numbers

Beyond their basic macronutrient profile, cherries offer a range of health benefits thanks to their rich content of vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds known as antioxidants. Both sweet and tart cherries are packed with these beneficial components, though some benefits are more pronounced in the tart variety due to higher antioxidant levels.

Some of the key health benefits include:

Rich in Antioxidants: Cherries contain potent antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.
Heart-Healthy: The potassium, vitamin C, and fiber in cherries support cardiovascular health. Consuming cherries can also help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
May Aid Sleep: Tart cherries, in particular, contain a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles. Studies suggest that tart cherry juice can help improve both the quality and duration of sleep.
Supports Exercise Recovery: Research has shown that tart cherry juice can help minimize post-run muscle pain and aid in muscle recovery after strenuous exercise.
Helps Manage Blood Sugar: With a low glycemic index (GI), cherries cause a slower and more modest rise in blood sugar compared to many other fruits. This makes them a useful addition for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes.

Comparing Cherries with Other Fruits

While all fruits offer nutritional benefits, their macronutrient profiles vary. The following table provides a comparison of the typical calorie and carbohydrate content of cherries versus other popular fruits, based on serving sizes.


Fruit (per 100g serving)	Calories (kcal)	Carbohydrates (g)	Fiber (g)	Sugar (g)
Sweet Cherries	63	16	2	13
Blueberries	57	14.5	2.4	9.9
Grapes	67	17	0.9	16

This comparison highlights that while cherries contain some sugar, their caloric density and fiber content are comparable or favorable when compared to other popular choices like grapes. The presence of fiber and unique antioxidants provides added health value.

Incorporating Cherries into Your Diet

Cherries can be a versatile addition to your meal plan. To maximize their benefits, consider these options:

Fresh: When in season, enjoy fresh cherries as a simple, satisfying snack. As a reminder for portion control, measuring out a cup beforehand can help prevent overconsumption.
Frozen: Frozen cherries are perfect for smoothies or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, offering nutrients year-round. This is also a convenient way to enjoy the fruit and its benefits, like melatonin for sleep.
Dried: Dried cherries are a great addition to trail mix or salads but be mindful of portion sizes, as the sugar and calories are more concentrated.
Juice: Tart cherry juice is often used for its anti-inflammatory benefits and potential sleep-aiding properties, but opt for 100% unsweetened varieties and limit intake to a small glass daily due to the concentrated sugar.

For a balanced nutrition diet, it is recommended to include a variety of fruits. Cherries, with their rich antioxidant profile and heart-healthy nutrients, make a great choice.

Conclusion

In summary, 5 cherries represent a low-calorie, low-to-moderate carbohydrate snack that packs a punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. While the exact count varies by type, the nutritional density and associated health benefits, including heart support, anti-inflammatory properties, and sleep aid, make cherries a smart choice for a healthy diet. By being mindful of portion sizes and incorporating them in fresh or frozen form, you can enjoy this fruit guilt-free.

For more in-depth nutritional information, you can explore resources from credible health organizations like WebMD.(https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cherries)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, cherries are good for weight loss when consumed in moderation. They are low in calories and fat while providing dietary fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied with fewer calories.

Sweet cherries, like Bing, are slightly higher in sugar and calories than tart cherries, like Montmorency. However, tart cherries generally contain higher concentrations of antioxidants and beneficial compounds like melatonin, making them particularly effective for inflammation and sleep.

Yes, cherries can be a healthy fruit option for people with diabetes. They have a low glycemic index, meaning they won't cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. It is best to stick to fresh, measured portions.

Five cherries contain approximately 4 to 5 grams of natural sugar, depending on whether they are sweet or tart. This is a moderate amount and part of a healthy diet when balanced with overall intake.

Dried cherries are a healthy option, but they have a much more concentrated amount of sugar and calories per serving compared to fresh cherries. For example, 100g of fresh cherries has 63 calories, while 100g of dried cherries has 333 calories. It's important to be mindful of portions.

No, it is not recommended to swallow cherry pits. They contain trace amounts of a compound that can convert to cyanide when crushed, though a single pit is unlikely to cause harm. The pit itself is also a choking hazard.

You can add cherries to yogurt, oatmeal, and salads, blend them into smoothies, or use them in recipes for sauces or desserts. Frozen cherries are a great way to enjoy them year-round.