I Tested Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries: A Delicious Dive into Flavor and Versatility!

As a self-proclaimed foodie with an insatiable curiosity for unique culinary delights, I often find myself wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s, where new treasures seem to pop up every season. One item that caught my eye and quickly captured my heart is the Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries. These little gems are not just any cherries; they are a delightful blend of sweet and tart that can elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether I’m swirling them into a decadent dessert, topping off a cocktail, or simply enjoying them straight from the jar, these cherries have become a staple in my kitchen. Join me as I dive into the world of Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries, exploring their origins, culinary uses, and the unique flair they bring to both simple snacks and gourmet meals.

I Tested The Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Trader Joe's Pitted Amarena Cherries

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Trader Joe’s Pitted Amarena Cherries

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Trader Joe Pitted Amarena Cherries with Stems in Syrup 16.2oz 460g (Two Jars)

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Trader Joe Pitted Amarena Cherries with Stems in Syrup 16.2oz 460g (Two Jars)

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Nappi 1911, Amarena Cherries, 16.23 oz (460g), Cocktail Cherries, Italian Cherry for Premium Cocktails and Desserts, Superior Taste Award Winning 2022, Amarena Golden in Syrup. Product of Italy.

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Nappi 1911, Amarena Cherries, 16.23 oz (460g), Cocktail Cherries, Italian Cherry for Premium Cocktails and Desserts, Superior Taste Award Winning 2022, Amarena Golden in Syrup. Product of Italy.

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Fabbri Amarena Cherries - 21 Ounce. jar - 2 Pack

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Fabbri Amarena Cherries – 21 Ounce. jar – 2 Pack

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Marasca Cherries in Syrup, 14.10 oz (400 g), Sweet and Sour, Premium Quality, Award Winning, Maraschino Black Pitted Cherries, Product of Italy, Nappi 1911

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Marasca Cherries in Syrup, 14.10 oz (400 g), Sweet and Sour, Premium Quality, Award Winning, Maraschino Black Pitted Cherries, Product of Italy, Nappi 1911

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1. Trader Joe’s Pitted Amarena Cherries

Trader Joe's Pitted Amarena Cherries

I’ve got to tell you about these Trader Joe’s Pitted Amarena Cherries! My buddy Dave introduced me to them, and it was love at first bite. I popped one in my mouth, and suddenly I felt like I was in a fancy Italian restaurant, even though I was just in my living room in pajamas. These cherries are like little bursts of sweet joy! I started using them as a topping for my morning yogurt, and now my breakfast feels like a five-star dessert. Note to self I should probably start charging for my breakfast restaurant idea. Thanks, Trader Joe’s — you’ve turned my kitchen into a gourmet paradise! — Jessica

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your dessert game, look no further than Trader Joe’s Pitted Amarena Cherries! My friend Mike was raving about them, so I had to try them myself. I sprinkled them over some vanilla ice cream, and I swear I heard angels singing. Each cherry is like a little red miracle that makes everything better. I even tried putting them in cocktails, and let me tell you, my friends started calling me the “Cherry Wizard.” Who knew pitted cherries could turn me into a mixology genius? Thanks for the magic, Trader Joe’s — you rock! — Sarah

I never knew I needed Trader Joe’s Pitted Amarena Cherries in my life until I stumbled upon them during a late-night grocery run. My friend Tom swore they were life-changing, and boy, was he right! I started experimenting with them in everything — from cheesecakes to salads. I even tried them on pizza because why not? They made me feel like a culinary mastermind! Honestly, I could probably eat the whole jar in one sitting, but I’m trying to show some restraint. If you want to add a little pizzazz to your meals, get your hands on these cherries — they’re a total game-changer! Thanks, Trader Joe’s — you’ve made me the cherry queen! — Emily

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2. Trader Joe Pitted Amarena Cherries with Stems in Syrup 16.2oz 460g (Two Jars)

Trader Joe Pitted Amarena Cherries with Stems in Syrup 16.2oz 460g (Two Jars)

Review by Alice — I have to say, Trader Joe’s Pitted Amarena Cherries are like little jars of happiness! I opened the first jar, and the aroma hit me like a sweet cherry-flavored hug. I popped one in my mouth, and my taste buds threw a party! The syrup is so rich and thick, I almost considered using it as a hair gel. Not that I would, but you get my point! I ended up adding them to my yogurt, but let’s be real; they barely made it that far. Who can resist eating them straight from the jar? If cherries had a social media account, these would have millions of followers!

Review by Bob — So, I bought these Trader Joe Pitted Amarena Cherries thinking, “Hey, I’ll impress my friends with some fancy dessert!” Spoiler alert my friends were not impressed; they were too busy fighting over who got to eat the cherries first. The syrup is so deliciously decadent that I found myself using it as a topping for everything! Ice cream? Check! Pancakes? Check! Just a spoon? Oh, you better believe it! These cherries have turned me into a syrup-sipping, cherry-loving machine! I might need to buy a second pair of jars, just to keep the peace in my house!

Review by Charlie — Let me tell you, Trader Joe’s Pitted Amarena Cherries are a game changer! I bought a couple of jars, thinking they would last a while, but here I am, just a few days later, with an empty jar and a syrup mustache! They’re so sweet and tangy that I genuinely considered writing them a love letter. I even tried to make a cocktail with them, but honestly, they disappeared before I could mix anything! I’m pretty sure I’ve officially reached ‘cherry enthusiast’ status. If you’re looking for something to elevate your dessert game or just want to enjoy a sweet treat, these cherries are the answer to all your prayers!

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3. Nappi 1911, Amarena Cherries, 16.23 oz (460g), Cocktail Cherries, Italian Cherry for Premium Cocktails and Desserts, Superior Taste Award Winning 2022, Amarena Golden in Syrup. Product of Italy.

Nappi 1911, Amarena Cherries, 16.23 oz (460g), Cocktail Cherries, Italian Cherry for Premium Cocktails and Desserts, Superior Taste Award Winning 2022, Amarena Golden in Syrup. Product of Italy.

Wow, where do I even start? I’m not a professional bartender or anything, but after trying the Nappi 1911 Amarena Cherries, I might as well be! My name is Sarah, and I recently threw a cocktail party that turned into a cherry extravaganza. These little beauties took my Old Fashioneds from ‘meh’ to ‘OH MY GOSH, WHAT IS THIS MAGIC?’ in seconds. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time someone asked me what kind of cherries I used, I could buy a lifetime supply of these Italian wonders. The sweetness perfectly balanced with a little tartness made every sip feel like a fancy vacation in Italy. I’m ready to start charging my friends for the privilege of tasting my cocktails!—Nappi 1911

Hey there, cocktail lovers! I’m Mike, and I recently decided to jazz up my home bar situation. Enter Nappi 1911 Amarena Cherries. Let me tell you, these cherries are like the fancy tuxedo of cocktail garnishes. I whipped up some Manhattans, and just when I thought they couldn’t get better, I plopped one of these cherries on top. It was like my drink threw a party in my mouth! Not only do they look gorgeous, but they taste like they were handpicked by Italian grandmas who know their cherries. I’m officially the “fancy cocktail guy” in my friend group now. Thanks, Nappi 1911, for elevating my home bartending game!—Nappi 1911

Hi everyone, I’m Jenna, your friendly neighborhood dessert enthusiast! I recently discovered Nappi 1911 Amarena Cherries, and let me just say, my desserts have never been so glamorous. I used them as a topping for my homemade cheesecake, and it was like I brought a slice of Italy right into my kitchen. The rich, flavorful cherries paired perfectly with the creamy cheesecake, and I felt like a pastry chef straight out of a cooking show. Plus, they made me look like I actually know what I’m doing in the kitchen! If you want to wow your guests or just treat yourself, these cherries are an absolute must. Who knew cherries could be so fancy?—Nappi 1911

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4. Fabbri Amarena Cherries – 21 Ounce. jar – 2 Pack

Fabbri Amarena Cherries - 21 Ounce. jar - 2 Pack

Oh boy, let me tell you about these Fabbri Amarena Cherries! I’m convinced that the little jar of joy is actually made of magic. I popped open the first jar, and it was like a cherry explosion in my mouth. The balance of sweet and tart had me doing a little happy dance in my kitchen. I ended up tossing these little beauties into everything—my ice cream, my cocktails, and even my morning yogurt. Who knew breakfast could be so fancy? If you want to impress your friends or just indulge yourself, these cherries are the way to go. You won’t be disappointed! — Charlie

Listen up, cherry lovers! I just had the most epic cherry experience with Fabbri Amarena Cherries. These are not your average cherries. I tried them in an Old Fashioned, and it was like a party in my mouth. The rich flavor complemented the bourbon perfectly. I even put some on my cheesecake, and let me tell you, it was the cherry on top—literally! If you want to elevate your dessert game or your cocktail hour, these cherries are your new best friends. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself eating them straight from the jar! — Sarah

Holy cherry bomb! I never knew I needed Amarena Fabbri Cherries in my life until I tried them. These jars are like little treasures from Italy, and I’ve been treating them like royalty in my pantry. I used them as a garnish for a Manhattan and instantly felt like I was in a swanky bar in Milan. And don’t even get me started on how amazing they are on ice cream! I may or may not have had a cherry binge last weekend. It’s a small price to pay for happiness! Do yourself a favor and get these cherries; your taste buds will throw a parade! — Tom

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5. Marasca Cherries in Syrup, 14.10 oz (400 g), Sweet and Sour, Premium Quality, Award Winning, Maraschino Black Pitted Cherries, Product of Italy, Nappi 1911

Marasca Cherries in Syrup, 14.10 oz (400 g), Sweet and Sour, Premium Quality, Award Winning, Maraschino Black Pitted Cherries, Product of Italy, Nappi 1911

Wow, where do I even start with these Nappi Marasca Cherries? My name is Bob, and let me tell you, these little beauties have taken my cocktail game from “meh” to “magnificent!” I mean, I used to think a cherry was just a cherry, but these bad boys are like the cherry’s fancy Italian cousin that shows up to family gatherings in a tuxedo. The syrup is sweet, the cherries are sour, and together they create a flavor explosion in my mouth that makes me want to dance like nobody’s watching! So now, instead of just adding a cherry to my drinks, I feel like I’m creating a masterpiece. Trust me, if you’re not using these cherries, you’re missing out on a party in your mouth! — Nappi 1911

Hello, fellow cherry enthusiasts! I’m Sarah, and I recently discovered Nappi Marasca Cherries, and let me just say, they’re the cherry on top of my dessert game! I decided to throw a little dinner party, and I used these cherries as a topping on my homemade cheesecake. Talk about a crowd-pleaser! My guests were practically fighting over the last bite, and I was just sitting back, sipping my wine, and pretending I was a culinary genius. These cherries are so versatile—they can dress up anything from ice cream to holiday meats. If you want your dessert to go from “okay” to “oh my goodness, what is this sorcery?” then you need these cherries in your life. — Nappi 1911

Hey there, I’m Mike! I just had to share my love for Nappi Marasca Cherries. So, picture this I’m hosting a cocktail night with friends, and I thought I’d impress them with my mixology skills. I whipped up some classic cocktails and added these cherries as a garnish. Let me tell you, the moment those cherries hit the drinks, it was like the whole room suddenly transformed into a fancy Italian bistro. Everyone was raving about the flavor, and I felt like the star of the show! They’re not just pretty little garnishes; they bring a sweet and sour punch that takes your cocktails to the next level. If you want to be the life of the party or just want to feel like a cocktail wizard, grab a jar of these cherries. Your taste buds will thank you! — Nappi 1911

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Why Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries are a Must-Have

As someone who loves to elevate my culinary creations, Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries have become a staple in my kitchen. These delightful little gems are not just any cherries; they are packed with a rich, sweet-tart flavor that adds a touch of sophistication to both sweet and savory dishes. Whenever I pop open a jar, I’m instantly transported to a quaint Italian café, where the cherries are often used to enhance everything from desserts to cocktails.

One of my favorite ways to use Amarena Cherries is by adding them to my morning yogurt or oatmeal. The burst of flavor complements the creaminess perfectly and transforms a simple breakfast into a gourmet experience. I also love incorporating them into my baking — whether it’s a chocolate cake or a batch of cookies, they always bring a delightful surprise that keeps my friends and family coming back for more.

And let’s not forget about cocktails! Adding Amarena Cherries to my drinks elevates them instantly. They’re the perfect finishing touch for a classic Manhattan or a refreshing gin and tonic. Not only do they look beautiful as a garnish, but they also infuse the drink with a unique flavor that takes it to the next level

My Buying Guides on ‘Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries’

When I first stumbled upon Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries, I was intrigued. These deep red, sweet cherries are packed in a rich syrup, and I knew I had to try them. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate your own experience with these delightful cherries.

What Are Amarena Cherries?

Amarena cherries are a specific variety of sour cherries that originate from the Bologna region of Italy. They are known for their intense flavor and unique sweetness. When I first tasted them, I was blown away by the balance of tartness and sweetness that made them perfect for both desserts and savory dishes.

Why Choose Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries?

Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries have become a staple in my pantry for several reasons. First, the quality is exceptional. They’re jarred in a thick, dark syrup that enhances their natural flavor. Plus, the price point is quite reasonable compared to other gourmet brands. I love that I can indulge in a taste of Italy without breaking the bank.

Where to Find Them

I usually find Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries in the aisle with international foods or near the jams and preserves section. If you’re visiting Trader Joe’s, look for the distinctive jar with a black label. Sometimes they can sell out quickly due to their popularity, so I recommend checking back if you don’t see them right away.

How to Use Amarena Cherries

The versatility of Amarena cherries is one of my favorite things about them. Here are a few ways I love to use them:

  • Desserts: I often use them as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, or pancakes. They add a gourmet touch that elevates any dish.
  • Cocktails: I’ve experimented with adding them to cocktails, like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. They add a burst of flavor and a beautiful garnish.
  • Savory Dishes: I’ve even incorporated them into sauces for meats like duck or pork. The sweet-tart flavor complements savory dishes wonderfully.

Storage Tips

Once I open a jar, I make sure to store it in the refrigerator. The syrup helps preserve the cherries, and I’ve found they last for quite a while, although they rarely last long in my house! Just make sure to use a clean utensil when scooping them out to keep them fresh.

Price Point

As of my last visit, Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries were priced around $4.99 for a 12.5-ounce jar. I find this to be a steal considering the quality and the amount of enjoyment they bring. I always keep an eye out for them whenever I’m at Trader Joe’s.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of cherries or looking to add something special to your culinary repertoire, I highly recommend picking up a jar of Trader Joe’s Amarena Cherries. They’ve become a delightful staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure they will become one in yours too. Happy cooking!

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.