Cherries vs Cranberries – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing cherries to cranberries, we picked the cherries.

Why?

In terms of macros, cherries have a little more protein (but it’s not much) while cranberries have a little more fiber, and they’re about equal on carbs. Despite this, cherries have the lower glycemic index—about half that of cranberries. So on balance, a subjective win for cherries, or we could call it a tie.

In the category of vitamins, cherries have a lot more of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B7, and B9, while cranberries have more of vitamins B5, B6, C, E, and K. Thus, a modest win for cherries here.

When it comes to minerals, things are more divided: cherries have more calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, while cranberries have more manganese. An easy win for cherries.

In other considerations, both have special beneficial properties of their own (see the “learn more” links below for details of these), but cherries’ properties are solely beneficial, while cranberries have some drawbacks too (despite being famously good vs UTIs, they also increase the risk of kidney stones, so there are pros and cons on the urinary health front). So, we’re calling this round a win for cherries, too.

Adding up the sections makes for a clear overall win for cherries, but by all means enjoy both, unless you have kidney problems, in which case, maybe stick to just the cherries!

Want to learn more?

You might like to read:

• Cherries’ Very Healthy Wealth Of Benefits!
• Health Benefits Of Cranberries (But: You’d Better Watch Out)

Take care!