Is Natural Red Tart Cherry Fruit Spread Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a product like Natural Red Tart Cherry Fruit Spread, we look at the four core ingredients: Red tart cherries, sugar, fruit pectin, and citric acid. On the surface, this looks like a clean, plant-based recipe. However, as a food scientist, I look deeper into the sourcing.

The first ingredient, Red tart cherries, is unequivocally vegan. They are whole fruits, providing the tart flavor profile and the bulk of the product. Next is fruit pectin, which is a structural polysaccharide found in cell walls. It is extracted from citrus fruits and is the standard vegan thickener used in jams and jellies.

The issue arises with sugar. This is the standard flag for vegan products. In the United States, a significant portion of refined sugar is processed using bone char—ground animal bones—to filter and bleach the sugar crystals. While the bone char is removed, strict vegans often avoid sugar processed this way. Unless the label specifies 'Organic,' 'Unrefined,' or 'Cane Sugar' (which is typically not bone-char filtered), the sugar in this spread is likely not vegan.

Finally, citric acid is used for preservation and acidity. It is commercially produced through the fermentation of molasses or corn syrup by specific strains of mold. It is entirely vegan and is a common, safe additive in fruit preserves.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Natural Red Tart Cherry Fruit Spread is a concentrated source of energy. The primary macronutrient is carbohydrates, derived almost entirely from the fruit's natural fructose and the added sugar. A typical serving contains roughly 50 calories, with the majority coming from sugar (around 10-12 grams per tablespoon).

While it is high in sugar, it does offer some benefits. Tart cherries are rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidants linked to reducing inflammation. However, because the sugar content is high, this product should be consumed in moderation, especially by those monitoring blood sugar levels or caloric intake. It fits into a balanced diet as a condiment, but it is not a 'health food' in the traditional sense due to the added sweeteners.