Does Cranberry Juice Help UTIs? What the Research Shows

Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). About half of women will develop a bladder infection in their lifetime, and about 1 in 4 of those women will experience repeat infections. Most bladder infections are caused by bacteria, with Escherichia coli (E. coli) being the leading cause.

Cranberry juice, pills, and supplements have long been promoted as home remedies for UTIs. However, their possible role in preventing recurrent infections is different from treating a UTI that has already developed.

Is cranberry juice effective for treating urinary tract infections?

Not for an active infection. Cranberry juice has not been shown to clear or cure an existing UTI. Although cranberry products may help reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs in some women, but they should not replace medical evaluation or recommended treatment.

Cranberry products may help prevent UTIs

Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins (PACs). Researchers think PACs may make it harder for certain bacteria to stick to the bladder wall, which could help prevent an infection from developing.

Some research suggests that cranberry products may help reduce the number of UTIs people experience. A 2024 review combined 20 clinical trials involving 3,091 participants, most of whom were female. It found a 27% lower rate of UTIs with cranberry juice than with a placebo drink.

The same researchers also estimated a 54% lower rate compared with no treatment, although the evidence for this finding was much weaker. The studies involved different types of patients and used different ways of identifying UTIs, so it remains unclear whether a particular cranberry product or amount works best.

The FDA allows certain cranberry juice beverages and supplements to carry limited statements about reducing recurrent UTI risk in healthy women.

Choosing a cranberry product

There is no single cranberry product or dose that has been shown to work for everyone. Juice, capsules, and extracts may contain very different amounts of cranberry and PACs.

The FDA’s qualified claim refers to one 8-ounce serving per day of a beverage containing at least 27% cranberry juice. However, this amount may help reduce the risk of UTIs, but it won’t work for everyone or guarantee that you won’t get one.

Check the nutrition label if you are limiting added sugar or managing diabetes. Talk to a healthcare provider before regularly using cranberry supplements or juice for UTI prevention, especially if you take warfarin, other blood thinners, or another medication that could interact with herbal products.

What should you do if you think you have a UTI?

Contact a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a UTI. Starting the right treatment can help prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys.

While waiting for care, drink enough water to stay hydrated unless a provider has advised you to limit fluids. Water may support recovery and ease some symptoms, but it does not replace diagnosis or treatment. A heating pad may also help relieve lower abdominal or back discomfort.

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms that may indicate a kidney infection, including:

• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in your back, side, or groin

Kidney infections can cause serious complications without early treatment.

How Sesame can help

Dealing with a frequent urge to pee, burning or pain while urinating, or another possible UTI symptom?

You can book a same-day video UTI visit on Sesame.

During your appointment, a licensed healthcare provider can review your symptoms and recommend appropriate next steps. If prescription treatment is appropriate, your medication can be sent to a local pharmacy for pickup.