Cherries have escaped the pudding bowl and landed firmly in our gym bags and bedside draws. From active individuals chasing faster recovery to office-workers craving deeper sleep, the ruby-red Montmorency (or “tart”) cherries are suddenly everywhere.
While Tart Cherry Juice has dominated headlines, our Montmorency Cherry Capsules deliver the same key components with none of the faff or nasty taste of juice.
Here’s why Tart Cherry Capsules could be your new favourite alternative to a sugary juice shot.
Quick comparison – capsules vs juice
| Feature | 1 Supp Capsule (10:1 extract) | Typical 30ml Cherry Juice shot |
| Added sugars | 0g | ~12g |
| Calories | < 2 kcal | ~60 kcal |
| Portability | Slim, easy-to-store bottle. No fridge needed | Needs refrigerating after opening |
| Tooth staining | None | Deep-red pigments can mark teeth & fabrics |
| Total polyphenols * | ~760mg per capsule | ~100mg per shot |
| Anthocyanins * | ~330mg per capsule | ~250mg per shot |
| Naturally occurring melatonin * | ~6-7µg per capsule | ~0.13µg per 100g cherry equivalent |
*Typical values based on independent lab analyses of Montmorency fruit and concentrate; natural variation applies.
Polyphenols – Natural plant compounds with antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage and support overall health.
Anthocyanins – A type of polyphenol that gives cherries their deep red colour and is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Melatonin – A hormone found in cherries that helps regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
The power inside the cherry
Montmorency (also called “tart” or “sour”) cherries are naturally high in polyphenols — especially anthocyanins that give the fruit its deep crimson colour.
Research suggests these compounds may support exercise recovery by helping protect cells from oxidative stress, with regular intake linked to reduced muscle damage and soreness. Small amounts of melatonin complement healthy sleep habits, making the fruit popular for evening recovery routines.
What’s inside our capsule?
Ingredient breakdown
| Ingredient name | What it actually is | Why it’s there | How much |
| Montmorency Cherry (Prunus cerasus) fruit extract | Pure tart-cherry concentrate | Delivers the recovery and sleep-support compounds | The majority |
| Maltodextrin | A tiny amount of neutral-tasting starch (from corn) | Stops the cherry powder clumping so each capsule flows and fills evenly | <5% |
| Magnesium stearate | A plant-derived “flow agent” | Ensures the powder moves smoothly through the encapsulation machine – nothing to do with magnesium supplements | <1% |
| Capsule shell: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) | Plant-based cellulose | Forms the easy-to-swallow, vegan capsule | Just the shell |
No added sugars, artificial colours, preservatives, lactose, or gluten. Our capsule contain just four carefully chosen ingredients that work together to keep the cherry actives potent, stable, and easy to take.
Concentrated tart cherry, zero sugar
We use a 10:1 fruit extract, so 150mg of extract delivers the active compounds found in 1,500mg of whole cherries – without the 12g of sugar you’d swallow in a typical shot of concentrate.
High potency
Independent testing shows each capsule supplies roughly 330mg anthocyanins and 760mg total polyphenols, making it one of the most concentrated tart-cherry formats available on the UK market.
Vegan & vegetarian friendly
Because the capsule shell is made entirely from plant cellulose (HPMC), our Montmorency Cherry Capsules are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, fitting seamlessly into any lifestyle or dietary plan.
Key benefits
Gentle sleep support
Each capsule delivers around 6µg of naturally occurring melatonin – the hormone your body uses to signal that it’s time to rest.
This gentle, food-based dose works in harmony with a calming evening routine (think dimmed lights, a cool bedroom, and a regular bedtime) to help you drift off more easily and stay asleep for longer. The result? Deeper, more restorative sleep without the grogginess.
Anti-inflammatory
Montmorency cherries are naturally rich in anthocyanins – powerful plant compounds celebrated for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. By helping to calm inflammation, these cherries have the potential to ease joint and muscle discomfort and support faster recovery after exercise.
Their antioxidant action also helps to protect brain cells from oxidative stress, which may in turn sharpen concentration, focus, and memory. In short, this small but mighty fruit can help your body feel better and your mind stay switched on.
Backed by research: What the evidence shows
Exercise recovery
In this study (from the European Journal of Sport Science) involving physically active women, Montmorency Cherry Concentrate reduced muscle soreness in the days following intense exercise and improved the recovery of muscle function faster than those given a placebo.
Researchers believe the high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in tart cherries help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, allowing endurance athletes to bounce back more quickly.
Sleep quality
In this trial (from the American Journal of Therapeutics), adults with chronic insomnia drank Montmorency tart-cherry juice twice daily for two weeks. Data showed total sleep time rose by 84 minutes and sleep efficiency improved vs placebo.
Researchers also saw favourable shifts in inflammatory markers, suggesting cherries’ polyphenols help reduce inflammation. The study positions tart-cherry juice as a natural, food-based aid for longer, more restorative sleep in adults.
Our high-potency capsules deliver polyphenols and melatonin in a more concentrated, sugar-free form, so comparable – or even superior – sleep benefits can be achieved with fewer calories and greater convenience.
Joint discomfort
A 2023 study followed 282 men with gout for 12 weeks. Those taking a tart-cherry capsule blend twice daily had fewer painful joint flare-ups and a larger drop in C-reactive protein (a blood marker of inflammation) than the control group.
Researchers concluded that tart-cherry capsules offer a safe, anti-inflammatory aid, helping keep sore joints calmer and more comfortable.
5 reasons to pick a capsule over juice
- Zero sugar, <2 kcal – slots neatly into low-carb, keto, or weight-management plans.
- Precision-dosed – standardised 10:1 extract in every single capsule.
- Grab-and-go – pocket-size bottle, hand-luggage friendly, no refrigeration required.
- No staining – enjoy the benefits without red pigments marking your teeth. Keep your smile – and your protein shaker – looking fresh.
- Gentle on the gut – free from sorbitol and sudden fructose spikes.
How to take Tart Cherry Capsules
When to take
For everyday wellness
Swallow two capsules daily, ideally one with breakfast and one with your evening meal, for a steady 1,500 mg fruit-equivalent intake.
Race-day recovery
For marathons, sports events, or heavy training blocks, begin two capsules three days before your event, take the same dose on race day, and continue for two further days to support muscle repair and sleep quality.
How to take
Wash down with water, with or just after food. Timing with carbohydrates isn’t necessary here as the capsules are naturally sugar-free. Our capsules are tasteless and dissolve quickly, so you can also pop them alongside a post-workout protein shake without altering flavour or macros.
Safety first
- Consult a healthcare professional if you take anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antihypertensive medicines, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18.
- Avoid if you have a known allergy to stone fruits (cherries, peaches, plums).
Key takeaways
- Made with four clean, plant-based ingredients. 100% vegan, no nasty additives
- Sugar-free, <2 kcal capsule condenses the goodness of 1,500mg cherries into a guilt-free daily dose.
- Clinical studies link Montmorency cherries to quicker muscle repair and reduced post-exercise soreness.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet and healthy lifestyle. This article is for information only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of a qualified health professional for individual concerns.
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