By the Nutriveda editorial team · Updated 10 November 2026
Sweet cherries are firm, glossy stone fruit with a short season in late spring and early summer. They are sweeter than most berries: 63 kcal and 12.8 g of sugar per 100 g. A small bowl of pitted cherries (120 g) has about 76 kcal.
Nutrition per 100 g
| Nutrient | 100 g | Share of EU reference intake* |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 63 kcal | |
| Protein | 1.1 g | |
| Fat | 0.2 g | |
| of which saturated | 0.0 g | |
| Carbohydrate (total, fibre included) | 16.0 g | |
| of which sugars | 12.8 g | |
| Fibre | 2.1 g | |
| Potassium | 222 mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 13 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 11 mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 7.0 mg | 9% |
Values are for: raw sweet cherries without stones or stalks. Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy, FDC ID 171719 (“Cherries, sweet, raw”), checked against the USDA archive on 10 November 2026. *Adult reference intakes from Regulation (EU) 1169/2011. USDA lists total carbohydrate, fibre included.
Health benefits
Cherries give you natural sugar, some fibre (2.1 g per 100 g) and potassium (222 mg). The dark red colour comes from anthocyanins, a group of plant pigments. Enjoy cherries for what they clearly are: a seasonal treat that needs no added sugar.
How to choose and eat it
Cherries do not ripen after picking, so buy them ready to eat: plump, shiny, with green, flexible stalks. Keep them unwashed in the fridge and rinse them just before eating. They last about a week.
Eat them as they are, pit them into yogurt or porridge, or freeze pitted cherries for smoothies. A paper clip or a straw pushes the stone out if you have no pitter.
Who should be careful
Cherry stones are a choking risk for small children, so pit the fruit for them. A large bowl in one sitting can cause bloating or loose stools in some people.
FAQ
How many calories are in cherries?
Sweet cherries have 63 kcal per 100 g. A small bowl of pitted cherries, about 120 g, has roughly 76 kcal.
Do cherries have a lot of sugar?
They have 12.8 g of natural sugar per 100 g, more than strawberries or raspberries. In a normal portion this is still a modest amount.
How should I store cherries?
Keep them cold, dry and unwashed, with the stalks on. Wash them right before you eat them.
Related entries
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central. Cherries, sweet, raw, FDC ID 171719. fdc.nal.usda.gov
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011: reference intakes and the allergen list. eur-lex.europa.eu
This page is for information only and is not medical or dietary advice.