Best Tart Cherry Juice for Sleep: Benefits, Dosage & Top Brands Reviewed
Finding the best tart cherry juice for sleep became my mission after discovering this natural remedy in a health forum. After trying it myself and experiencing better sleep quality within a week, I wanted to know which brands actually worked best.
This guide shares my findings on the top-rated tart cherry juices that actually deliver results. I’ll share what I’ve learned about each brand, how they perform, and include a simple cherry mocktail recipe I’ve found particularly effective before bed.
Whether you’re an occasional restless sleeper or dealing with regular sleep difficulties, this buyer’s guide will help you choose the right tart cherry juice for you.
This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this small blog.
Why Tart Cherry Juice Works: The Melatonin and Sleep Connection
Before diving into our top recommendations, it’s important to understand why tart cherry juice is effective for improving sleep.
Scientific Research: Melatonin, Tryptophan, and Deep Sleep Benefits
Tart cherries, particularly the Montmorency variety, naturally contain melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. They also provide tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin and melatonin in the body.
Research published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that tart cherry juice significantly increased melatonin levels, improving both sleep duration and quality. Another study showed that when older adults with insomnia consumed tart cherry juice for two weeks, there were significant reductions in insomnia severity (minutes awake after sleep onset) compared to a placebo group.
Additionally, tart cherries contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce muscle soreness and promote overall relaxation—creating the perfect conditions for quality sleep.
Top Tart Cherry Juice Picks for Better Sleep
1. Cherry Bay Orchards Tart Montmorency Cherry Concentrate
Why It Stands Out:
- 100% Montmorency tart cherry concentrate
- Contains over 2,000 cherries per 32 oz bottle
- All natural – no preservatives or added sugar
- Supports joints, inflammation, healthy sleep
I’m a big fan of Cherry Bay Orchards’ concentrate, which is made by actual cherry farmers in Michigan. The quality is evident in every bottle, and I’m clearly not alone in my assessment – it’s earned an impressive 4.6/5 stars from over 3,700 customers at Amazon.
What Customers Say: I’ve read through the reviews, and there’s a consistent theme: people experience noticeable sleep improvements with regular use. Many reviewers mention the same dual benefits I found – better sleep at night plus reduced joint discomfort. I particularly love the concentrate form, which lets me adjust the strength based on how my body is responding.
How I Use It: My preferred method is mixing 1 ounce of concentrate with sparkling water about an hour before bedtime. The slight fizz makes it feel like a special evening drink rather than a supplement. On particularly tough days, I’ll occasionally use 1.5 ounces for a stronger effect.
2. Dynamic Health Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
Why It Stands Out:
- USDA Organic certified
- No preservatives or added sugar
- BPA-free packaging
- Kosher and Halal certified
I was initially drawn to Dynamic Health’s concentrate because of its organic certification, but I stayed for the results. It’s become one of my favorites, which seems to align with its impressive 4.6/5-star rating from over 4,600 reviews. I love that it’s free from pesticides and other chemicals I don’t want in my sleep aid.
What Customers Say: While researching, I was struck by how loyal customers are to this product – many report using it for years without switching brands. I’ve read numerous success stories from people who found relief from sleep difficulties, especially those dealing with medication side effects. This matches my experience of noticing improved sleep quality within the first week.
How I Use It: I’ve found that 2 tablespoons in 12 ounces of water about 30 minutes before bed works best for me. On mornings when I’m planning a workout, I’ll sometimes add a tablespoon to my smoothie for the anti-inflammatory benefits.
3. Cheribundi 100% Tart Cherry Juice
Why It Stands Out:
- 100% pure tart cherry juice (not from concentrate)
- Each bottle contains the juice of about 45 cherries
- Smoother, less tart flavor profile
- Available in various formulations, including sleep-focused options
Cheribundi’s 100% Tart Cherry Juice has become one of my favorite options for better sleep. Unlike some other products, this isn’t made from concentrate – it’s pure tart cherry juice, which I feel makes a difference in both taste and effectiveness.
What Customers Say: A common theme is that the taste is smoother and less intensely tart than other brands (which I have to agree with), making it easier to drink straight. Many reviewers also note the dual benefits I discovered: it helps with muscle recovery after workouts while also improving sleep quality. This combination makes it especially popular among active people.
How I Use It: I typically drink about 6 ounces in the evening, usually after a workout or an hour before bed. What I particularly like is the natural sweetness that satisfies my evening sweet tooth without resorting to sugary snacks. While Cheribundi offers formulations with added melatonin, I prefer their pure juice for its simplicity and naturally-occurring sleep compounds. The smooth flavor makes it enjoyable to drink straight, though occasionally I’ll pour it over ice with a slice of lemon.
4. R.W Knudsen Family Just Tart Cherry Juice
Why It Stands Out:
- 100% organic tart cherry juice
- No added sugars or preservatives
- Great source of vitamin C and potassium
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- USDA Organic certified
For those who prefer an organic option, R.W. Knudsen’s Just Tart Cherry Juice is amazing. Made from 100% organic tart cherries, this juice is free from added sugars or preservatives. They also have an impressive 4.6/5-star rating from over 8,200 reviews.
What Customers Say: Customers have noted that this juice has a robust, authentically tart flavor. While some find it too intense to drink straight, most reviewers agree with my assessment that it mixes beautifully with sparkling water for a pre-bedtime mocktail.
How I Use It: I typically drink about 6 ounces before bedtime, usually mixed with sparkling water to mellow the intensity. I’ve noticed that consistent use has helped regulate my sleep patterns, especially when dealing with jet lag. The glass bottle packaging is an eco-friendly feature I liked, though it does make it a bit trickier to carry around.
5. Lakewood Organic Pure Tart Cherry Juice
Why It Stands Out:
- 100% pure organic tart cherry juice (not from concentrate)
- No additives or preservatives
- Cold-pressed to preserve nutrients
- Glass bottle packaging (environmentally friendly)
I’ve grown particularly fond of Lakewood’s approach to tart cherry juice. Their cold-pressing method seems to preserve more of the natural flavor, giving it a rich, full-bodied taste that I prefer over some other brands. With a 4.5/5-star rating from over 8,200 customers, I’m clearly not alone in my appreciation.
What Customers Say: I was interested to see many reviewers mention success with a twice-daily routine, which I later tried myself with good results. The consistency of positive feedback across thousands of reviews helped confirm my own positive experience wasn’t just a placebo effect.
How I Use It: After experimenting with different routines, I’ve settled on drinking it twice daily as many reviewers suggested – 4 ounces in the morning with breakfast and another 4 ounces about an hour before bed. Since it’s not concentrate, I love that it’s ready to drink without mixing. On warmer nights, I pour my evening serving over ice with a splash of sparkling water, which makes it feel more like a nightcap than a sleep supplement. The pure juice format makes this twice-daily routine incredibly convenient.
How to Use Tart Cherry Juice for Maximum Sleep Benefits and Deeper Rest
For maximum sleep benefits, consistency is key. Here are some effective ways to incorporate tart cherry juice into your nightly routine:
Best Timing and Dosage for Quality Sleep
Most research studies and customer experiences suggest consuming about 8 ounces of tart cherry juice (or 1-2 ounces of concentrate) approximately 1-2 hours before bedtime. This timing allows the melatonin and other compounds to take effect as you’re winding down for the night.
Sleep-Enhancing Recipes and Combinations
- Tart Cherry Sleep Tonic: Mix 4 ounces of tart cherry juice with 4 ounces of chamomile tea and a squeeze of lemon for a double dose of sleep-promoting compounds.
- Cherry-Banana Smoothie: Blend 4 ounces of tart cherry juice with half a banana, a handful of spinach, and a few ice cubes. The banana adds natural sweetness and provides magnesium, another mineral that supports sleep.
- Cherry Sparkler: Add 1-2 ounces of tart cherry concentrate to sparkling water for a refreshing evening drink that many customers recommend.
- Cherry Ice Pops: For hot summer nights, freeze tart cherry juice into popsicles for a cooling sleep aid.
Sleep-Inducing Tart Cherry Mocktail Recipe
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated way to enjoy your tart cherry juice before bed, try this specially crafted sleep-promoting mocktail:
Cherry Dreams Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 3 oz tart cherry juice (or 1 oz concentrate mixed with 2 oz water)
- 2 oz chamomile tea, brewed and cooled
- 1/2 oz honey (optional)
- 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3 drops vanilla extract
- Sprig of fresh lavender or mint for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, combine the tart cherry juice, cooled chamomile tea, honey (if using), lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Add ice and shake gently for about 10 seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of lavender or mint, which adds a pleasant aroma that further promotes relaxation.
Why It Works: This mocktail combines several natural sleep aids in one delicious drink. The tart cherry juice provides melatonin, while chamomile contains apigenin, a compound that binds to specific receptors in your brain that may decrease anxiety and initiate sleep. Lavender’s scent has well-documented calming effects, and honey supports melatonin production by slightly raising insulin and allowing tryptophan to enter the brain more easily.
Enjoy this mocktail about 30-45 minutes before bedtime for optimal sleep-enhancing effects.
Side Effects and Precautions: What to Know Before Using Tart Cherry for Sleep
While tart cherry juice is generally safe for most people, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Natural Sugar Content and Diabetes Considerations
Even unsweetened tart cherry juice contains natural sugars. If you’re watching your sugar intake, opt for concentrates that allow you to control the serving size. For those with diabetes or blood sugar concerns, consult with a healthcare provider before adding tart cherry juice to your routine.
Acid Reflux and Stomach Sensitivity
The tartness of the juice may not agree with everyone, especially those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. If you experience discomfort, try diluting the juice or consuming it with food.
Medication Interactions and Contraindications
If you’re on medications, particularly blood thinners, talk to your healthcare provider before adding tart cherry juice to your routine, as it may interact with certain medications.
Best Natural Sleep Supplements to Combine with Tart Cherry Juice
While tart cherry juice has been a lovely addition to my bedtime routine, it’s not the only natural sleep aid available. Here are some other options that can complement or alternate with tart cherry juice:
- Magnesium: This mineral plays a crucial role in regulating neurotransmitters directly related to sleep. I’ve tried several forms and found significant differences between them – you can learn more in my comparison of liposomal magnesium vs magnesium glycinate or explore the best magnesium supplements for sleep.
- Valerian Root: This herb has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. If you’re trying to decide between herbal options, check out my analysis of ashwagandha vs valerian root for sleep.
- Lavender: The scent of lavender has been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. I’ve reviewed the 6 best lavender sprays for restful sleep if you’re interested in an easy way to incorporate this into your routine.
- Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, chamomile tea can help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep. It’s a great addition to your evening routine alongside tart cherry juice.
- Passionflower: This herb has mild sedative properties and can help reduce anxiety. It’s often consumed as a tea or taken in supplement form.
- Glycine: An amino acid that may improve sleep quality. It’s available as a supplement or can be found in foods like bone broth.
- Lemon Balm: This herb from the mint family has calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
If you’re looking to explore more options, my guide to the best natural sleep aids without melatonin offers additional alternatives. For those focused on improving sleep quality, you might also be interested in my article on top supplements for deep REM sleep.
It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you’re taking medications or have underlying health conditions.
Conclusion: Choose the Best Tart Cherry Juice for Your Sleep Needs
Based on scientific research and extensive customer feedback, tart cherry juice appears to be an effective natural sleep aid for many people. The five products reviewed above represent the best options currently available, each with its own unique benefits.
For those seeking an organic option, Dynamic Health and Lakewood offer excellent choices. For ready-to-drink convenience, R.W. Knudsen and Cheribundi stand out.
Remember that individual results may vary, and tart cherry juice works best as part of a comprehensive sleep strategy that includes good sleep hygiene and a balanced lifestyle. Give it at least 2-3 weeks of consistent use before determining its effectiveness for your specific sleep concerns.
Sweet dreams await with this natural, delicious sleep solution!
People Also Asked
What kind of cherry juice is best for sleep?
Tart cherry juice, specifically from Montmorency cherries, is best for sleep improvement. Unlike sweet cherry varieties, tart cherries contain significantly higher levels of melatonin and sleep-promoting compounds.
How much tart cherry juice should I drink for sleep?
Most studies suggest consuming about 8 ounces of tart cherry juice twice daily, or 1-2 ounces of concentrate, for optimal sleep benefits. It’s best to consume one serving about 1-2 hours before bedtime.
Do you need to dilute tart cherry juice?
Whether you need to dilute tart cherry juice depends on the type you purchase. Concentrates like Cherry Bay Orchards and Dynamic Health absolutely need dilution—typically 1 ounce of concentrate mixed with 7-8 ounces of water. Regular, ready-to-drink tart cherry juice doesn’t require dilution, though some people prefer to mix it with sparkling water to reduce the intensity of flavor and create a more refreshing beverage. If you find the taste too tart or the sugar content too high, diluting even non-concentrate juice with water is perfectly fine and won’t significantly reduce its sleep benefits.
Which is better, tart cherry juice or black cherry juice?
Tart cherry juice is better specifically for sleep improvement, while black cherry juice may offer different health benefits. Tart cherry juice contains substantially higher levels of melatonin and tryptophan, making it the superior choice for addressing sleep issues.
Black cherry juice, while nutritious and rich in antioxidants, simply doesn’t have the same concentration of sleep-promoting compounds.
Can tart cherry juice help with insomnia?
Research shows that tart cherry juice can improve sleep duration and quality in people with insomnia. However, it’s not a cure-all and works best as part of a comprehensive sleep strategy.
Does tart cherry juice have side effects?
While generally safe, some people may experience digestive discomfort due to the juice’s acidity. It can also interact with certain medications, so ask your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Is it okay to drink tart cherry juice every day?
For most people, daily consumption of tart cherry juice is safe. However, be mindful of its sugar content if you’re watching your calorie or carbohydrate intake.
How long does it take for tart cherry juice to work for sleep?
Some people report improvements in sleep after just a few days of regular consumption, while others may take a few weeks to notice significant effects. Consistency is key.
Can tart cherry juice replace sleep medication?
While tart cherry juice can be an effective natural sleep aid, it should not be used as a replacement for prescribed sleep medications without consulting a healthcare provider.
Is tart cherry juice or melatonin supplements better for sleep?
Both can be effective, but tart cherry juice provides a natural source of melatonin along with other useful compounds. The choice depends on person preferences and responses.
Does tart cherry juice help with jet lag?
The melatonin in tart cherry juice may help regulate sleep patterns disrupted by jet lag. Consuming it at your desired bedtime in the new time zone could be beneficial.
Can children drink tart cherry juice for sleep?
While tart cherry juice is generally safe, it’s best to ask with a pediatrician before giving it to children as a sleep aid, especially due to its sugar content.
Does tart cherry juice need to be organic for sleep benefits?
Organic isn’t necessary for sleep benefits, but some people prefer organic to avoid potential pesticide residues. Both organic and conventional tart cherry juices can be effective for sleep.
Key Takeaways:
- Tart cherry juice is rich in melatonin and other sleep-promoting compounds.
- Consistent use can improve sleep quality, duration, and onset.
- Choose from concentrates, pure juices, or organic options based on your preferences.
- Consume about 8 ounces 1-2 hours before bedtime for optimal effects.
- Combine tart cherry juice with good sleep hygiene for the best results.