What Exactly Is Artificial Cherry Flavor, And Why Is It So Good? - Mashed (2024)

BySara Murphy

There are two types of people in this world; those who choose a cherry-flavored slushie and those who pick a blue-raspberry slushie. That's the only real distinguishable difference between people in this world. Kidding!Cherry-flavored sweet treats are undeniably bright red and sweet. The coloring can be mildly concerning, but it's all part of the fun. You know when you have a cherry-flavored treat, whether it's a lollipop, slushie, soda, licorice, or gummy bear, you can't mistake it. Of course, the flavor of a cherry-picked fresh from a tree is incredibly different from an artificial cherry-flavored candy. But that's the case for nearly all artificial fruit flavors, with some being better than others.

Cherry is a classic flavor. Flavorman, a beverage development company, predicts in their 2022 Beverage Trends report that cherry-flavored beverage demand will rise as consumers desire more familiar, comforting flavors. Lately, there has been an influx of flavors like lavender mint or jalapeño pineapple in the beverage industry. While these new flavors are fun and exciting, there is still a need for good old-fashioned cherry and cola flavors, too.

What makes artificially flavored cherry such a long-lasting fan favorite? Well, a flavor chemist is responsible for creating flavors that mimic the real deal. The chemist utilizes analytical data on the chemical makeup of the respective fruit to make the flavor, but they can choose to amplify whatever flavor notes they see fit.

It's simple and sweet

What Exactly Is Artificial Cherry Flavor, And Why Is It So Good? - Mashed (2)

Fotoatelie/Getty Images

The main aroma chemical in cherries is benzaldehyde (via Flavorman). Benzaldehyde is what creates the traditional cherry flavor that comes to mind. But the levels of benzaldehyde are actually low in natural cherry fruit while high in artificial flavors. This chemical aroma is used not only to make candy vibrantly sweet but also to balance bitter medicine, creating cherry-flavored cough syrup.

A flavor chemist can have fun creating a cherry flavor for whatever brand they're working with. Besides benzaldehyde, other popular compounds in cherry flavors are eugenol, which tastes like cloves, or linalool, which has a woodsy, floral profile. A flavor chemist can play around with these compound levels until they create the perfect cherry flavor. It's not natural; it's science. Think about a drink like Dr. Pepper. The elusive soda proudly proclaims it's a mixture of 23 flavors, leaving it up to the consumer to decide what it really tastes like. But people tend to agree that the flavors that stand out the most are cherry, cola, and licorice.

With crazy food trends that come and go, artificial cherry brings us back to a simpler time. The nostalgic flavor reminds us that some of the best things in life are the simplest.

Recommended

What Exactly Is Artificial Cherry Flavor, And Why Is It So Good? - Mashed (2024)

FAQs

What Exactly Is Artificial Cherry Flavor, And Why Is It So Good? - Mashed? ›

Besides benzaldehyde, other popular compounds in cherry flavors are eugenol, which tastes like cloves, or linalool, which has a woodsy, floral profile. A flavor chemist can play around with these compound levels until they create the perfect cherry flavor. It's not natural; it's science.

What makes artificial cherry flavor? ›

Though sometimes very small amounts of a chemical have a huge impact on the overall flavor profile, in the case of cherry, benzaldehyde dominates and provides its unique character.

Why does cherry flavor taste so good? ›

The dominant aroma chemical in cherries is benzaldehyde, which people often associate with cherry flavor. Benzaldehyde can also sometimes make the cherry flavor in beverages taste different from the actual fruit.

What is artificial flavoring made of? ›

Artificial flavors are synthesized in a laboratory environment and contain specific formulas that include food-grade solvents, emulsifiers, flavor modifiers, and preservatives.

Why do Americans like cherry flavour? ›

Because: Cherries are a relatively common American staple, especially in the Midwest, and. Artificial cherry flavor is one of the easiest to produce and most accurate artificial flavors, meaning it's easy to make cherry-flavored whatever.

Are artificial cherries good for you? ›

Maraschino cherries have many downsides and offer little to no nutritional benefit. Added sugar and artificial ingredients far outweigh any nutrients that remain after processing. Instead of using maraschino cherries, try regular cherries in your co*cktail or as a garnish.

What is brand new cherry flavor based on? ›

Created by "Channel Zero" writers Lenore Zion and Nick Antosca and based on the novel by Todd Grimson.

Why is cherry so good? ›

Fresh cherries are full of minerals and other nutrients. Key among them is vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, produce collagen, and defend against cell damage. Eating tart cherries daily could help your muscles recover faster after you exercise.

What is the best cherry for eating? ›

Sweet cherry varieties, such as Bing, Rainier, and Lapins, are best for eating fresh due to their sweet and juicy flesh. On the other hand, bakers prefer tart cherry varieties, including Montmorency and Morello, for making pies and preserves because of their tangy flavor and firm texture.

Why is cherry flavor used in medicine? ›

Before the invention of synthetic drugs, medical professionals turned to bold flavors like cherry to mask the taste of bitter herbal medicine. Products like Dr. Swayne's Compound Syrup of Wild Cherry (circa 1838) used the stone fruit to help make the concoction more palatable.

What are the disadvantages of artificial flavoring? ›

What Problems do They Cause? When you introduce artificial ingredients into the body, it reacts in different ways. For example, with the flavour MSG (monosodium glutamate), animal studies have shown reactions such as inflammation (think: joint pain), weight gain, diabetes and liver problems.

What are the side effects of artificial flavouring substances? ›

Note. Artificial Flavouring Substances may cause side effects that include allergic reactions, chest pain, fatigue, headache, depression of the nervous system, brain damage and DNA damage. Other symptoms may also include dizziness, nausea, and seizures.

Are artificial flavors made with petroleum? ›

Both natural and artificial flavors are synthesized in laboratories, but artificial flavors come from petroleum and other inedible substances, while “natural flavor” can refer to anything that comes from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf—yes, we're ...

What is the chemical in artificial cherry flavor? ›

Besides benzaldehyde, other popular compounds in cherry flavors are eugenol, which tastes like cloves, or linalool, which has a woodsy, floral profile. A flavor chemist can play around with these compound levels until they create the perfect cherry flavor. It's not natural; it's science.

What is the most loved flavor in the world? ›

The World's Favorite Flavor

According to Datassential, 81% of consumers love or like vanilla and 94% have tried it.

What country eats the most cherries? ›

Turkey is the largest producer and consumer of cherries in the world. In this country, cherry is widely used for direct consumption as a food, and for the preparation of jams and confectionery. Volume of cherries consumption in Turkey is growing steadily, based mainly on their own production.

Why is medicine always cherry flavored? ›

One reason so many medicines are cherry-flavored is simply because of the power of association. Before the invention of synthetic drugs, medical professionals turned to bold flavors like cherry to mask the taste of bitter herbal medicine.

Why do artificial fruit flavors not taste like fruit? ›

In some cases all you need is one molecule to give you the flavor's essence and for you to make that instant connection. Isoamyl acetate, the primary component of that artificial banana scent, is immediately recognizable as banana. It's just not enough to be a convincing facsimile of the real fruit.

What is a substitute for cherry flavor? ›

Plums, apricots and nectarines all make great replacements for cherries in both sweet and savory dishes.

Why does cherry flavor taste like almond? ›

The key here, is that the oil has been processed (heated) to remove the HCN, leaving only the benzaldehyde – which is why these cherries smell of almonds. Maraschino cherries decorating the top of an ice cream sundae. They are also used on cakes, and, of course, in co*cktails, like the Tequila Sunrise.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Moshe Kshlerin

Last Updated:

Views: 6126

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Moshe Kshlerin

Birthday: 1994-01-25

Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

Phone: +2424755286529

Job: District Education Designer

Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.