What Are Acerola Cherries? + How To Add This Superfruit To Your Diet 

Red cherries are a popular summer fruit in the United States and Europe, and acerola cherries are more common in tropical climates. While similar in taste and appearance, acerola cherries are even more nutrient-rich. They're an incredibly antioxidant-rich berry with an impressive amount of vitamin C.

The antioxidant-packed fruit grows on shrubs in warmer, tropical climates, including Central American and Caribbean countries1. 

Acerola cherries are considered a superfruit due to their high levels of ascorbic acid (aka vitamin C), antioxidants, and other phytonutrients, says Mascha Davis, MPH, RDN, author of Eat Your Vitamins.

"They are actually higher than most other food sources of vitamin C," registered dietitian Jess Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN, tells mbg. "United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data2 notes that they contain about 13 times the amount found in an equivalent serving of oranges."  

There are generally no side effects of eating a reasonable amount of acerola cherries. However, Davis says very high amounts can cause digestive distress and may lead to kidney stones. 

"If you're already on a vitamin C supplement, go slow with the juice and touch base with your doctor if you want to take a powder, extract, or capsule form," Cording adds. "Additionally, if you're allergic to cherries, consult with your doctor as to whether this would be an appropriate choice for you, depending on the severity of your allergy."

"Acerola cherry is most commonly consumed in supplement form as a powder, capsule, or extract, though juice is also available," Cording says. Acerola cherries are often an ingredient in vitamin C supplements.

It can also be found in the antioxidant blend found in mbg organic veggies+ greens powder, along with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, black currant, acai, and cranberries. This veggies powder is easy to add to snacks, desserts, and smoothies to help manage inflammation and support immune function.*