Cherry Jam

Cherry jam is a sweet fruit spread made by cooking cherries with sugar, often with added pectin and lemon juice. The cooking process thickens the mixture, preserving the fruit and concentrating its flavor. It is a traditional preserve enjoyed for its fruity taste.

Manufacturers add cherry jam to products for its distinct cherry flavor, sweetness, and thick, spreadable texture. It is commonly found in desserts like ice cream, cakes, pastries, and yogurts, as well as a filling for baked goods and a topping for breakfast foods.

Cherry jam is considered a food product rather than a food additive. Its main components, such as cherries and sugar, are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. As with all foods containing added sugars, excessive consumption can contribute to a high sugar intake, which the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting. Neither JECFA nor EFSA typically evaluate composite food products like jam in the same way they assess individual food additives.