Can you get dried cranberries without sugar? A guide to finding and enjoying unsweetened options

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Most commercial dried cranberries contain a significant amount of added sugar to counteract their natural tartness, a fact that surprises many health-conscious consumers. Fortunately, it is possible to get dried cranberries without sugar, offering a purer, more tart flavor profile and a much lower sugar content for those monitoring their diet.

Quick Summary

Unsweetened dried cranberries are available but are less common than sweetened varieties due to their naturally tart flavor. They offer a lower-sugar, lower-calorie alternative ideal for low-carb or whole-food diets, and are packed with the same antioxidants.

Key Points

Availability: Yes, unsweetened dried cranberries are available, though less common than sweetened versions and require checking specialty stores or online retailers.
Flavor Profile: Unsweetened dried cranberries are very tart and have a pure cranberry flavor, unlike the sweet, jam-like taste of sweetened varieties.
Healthier Choice: Opting for unsweetened versions drastically reduces your intake of added sugars and calories while retaining the cranberry's beneficial antioxidants and fiber.
Distinct Texture: Due to the lack of added sugar, unsweetened dried cranberries are often chewier and less plump than their processed counterparts.
Versatile Ingredient: Unsweetened dried cranberries can be used in a wide range of recipes, from salads and trail mixes to baked goods and savory sauces, adding a powerful flavor punch.
DIY Option: It is simple to make your own unsweetened dried cranberries at home using an oven or dehydrator, giving you full control over ingredients.
Ingredient Awareness: Always read the nutrition label carefully, as some products may use juice concentrate or other sneaky forms of sugar.

The Tart Truth: Why Commercial Dried Cranberries Have Added Sugar

Cranberries are naturally very tart, and without the infusion of sugar or juice concentrate during the drying process, they retain a potent, sour flavor. Most mainstream brands add sugar to make them more palatable to the average consumer, resulting in a product that often has a similar sugar content per serving to candy. However, a growing number of health-focused companies now offer dried cranberries with no added sweeteners, preserving the fruit's natural character and potent tang. When dried without sugar, the fruit often has a chewier, flatter, or more shriveled texture, as nothing has been added to plump it up. This is a key visual difference between the two types.

Unsweetened vs. Sweetened Dried Cranberries: A Nutritional Comparison

To highlight the significant difference in nutritional value, consider this comparison based on typical serving sizes:


Feature	Unsweetened Dried Cranberries (approx. 1 oz / 28g)	Sweetened Dried Cranberries (approx. 1 oz / 28g)
Calories	~15 calories (per 6g serving)	~96-123 calories
Total Sugar	1-2g (naturally occurring)	~25-29g
Added Sugar	0g	~25g+
Dietary Fiber	1g (per 6g serving)	~2g
Health Benefits	Retains full antioxidant power without sugar concerns	Nutrients are present, but excess sugar can negate benefits
Flavor	Very tart, zesty, and pure cranberry flavor	Sweet, masking the natural tartness

Health Benefits Beyond the Sweetness

By choosing unsweetened dried cranberries, you get all the nutritional benefits of the fruit without the drawbacks of excess sugar. Cranberries are considered a superfood for good reason, boasting a range of health-boosting properties.

Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly phenols and proanthocyanidins. These powerful compounds help fight free radicals that contribute to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Urinary Tract Health: The proanthocyanidins in cranberries possess a unique structure that makes it difficult for certain bacteria, like E. coli, to stick to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract. This can be particularly beneficial for people who experience frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Dental Health: The compounds in cranberries can also inhibit the adhesion of bacteria to teeth, potentially helping to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Source of Fiber: Unsweetened dried cranberries provide a healthy dose of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and helps control blood sugar.

Finding Unsweetened Dried Cranberries

While unsweetened varieties are becoming more common, they require a bit more effort to find. Here’s where to look:

Specialty Food Stores: Health food stores and natural grocers are most likely to carry brands that specialize in unsweetened dried fruits.
Online Retailers: E-commerce sites like Amazon offer multiple brands, often in bulk sizes, including Honestly Cranberry and Patience Fruit Co.
Manufacturer Websites: Many producers, like Honestly Cranberry, sell directly from their own websites.
Read the Label: Always check the ingredient list. Look for brands that list only one ingredient: cranberries. Be wary of hidden sugars like 'juice concentrate'.

Using Unsweetened Dried Cranberries in Recipes

Despite their tartness, unsweetened dried cranberries are a versatile ingredient. Here are some ideas for incorporating them into your diet:

In Baked Goods: Add a zesty, tart kick to muffins, breads, and cookies. For softer berries, consider rehydrating them by soaking in orange juice or hot water before adding to the batter.
Salads: Toss them into a spinach or mixed green salad with goat cheese and nuts for a balanced sweet and savory flavor profile.
Hot Cereal: Sprinkle on top of oatmeal or other hot cereals for a bright, tart contrast to the grain.
Trail Mix: Combine with unsalted nuts and other unsweetened dried fruits for a healthy, energy-boosting snack.
Savory Dishes: Use them in stuffings, marinades, or sauces to complement meat and vegetable dishes.

Making Your Own at Home

For those who enjoy a DIY approach, it is surprisingly easy to make your own dried cranberries at home. This allows you to have full control over the ingredients, ensuring no sugar is added. The general process involves three steps:

Prep: Wash fresh cranberries and either boil them briefly until they pop or slice them in half to break the skin. This is crucial for successful dehydration.
Dry: Spread the prepared cranberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a dehydrator tray. Dry in an oven at a very low temperature (around 150-170°F) or use a food dehydrator.
Cool and Store: Once dry, cool the cranberries completely and store them in an airtight container.

For a detailed recipe, consider consulting a cooking resource that specializes in low-sugar preparations, such as Shane & Simple.

Alternatives to Unsweetened Dried Cranberries

If the potent tartness is not to your liking, several other unsweetened dried fruits can provide similar benefits and textures for your recipes.

Dried Cherries: Provide a similar chewy texture and tartness, making them one of the best substitutes.
Goji Berries: Offer a slightly tart flavor and are loaded with nutrients.
Dried Apricots: Add a different flavor profile but are great for snacks and baking.
Golden Raisins: While sweeter than cranberries, they are still a natural and common dried fruit alternative for recipes.

Conclusion: Making a Mindful Choice

Yes, you absolutely can you get dried cranberries without sugar, and doing so is a key step towards healthier eating. While they may require a bit more searching than their sweetened counterparts, the benefits are well worth it. By opting for the unsweetened version, you reduce your intake of added sugars and embrace the true, vibrant flavor of the cranberry, all while maximizing the fruit's natural antioxidant and fiber content. Whether used in baking, salads, or as a standalone snack, unsweetened dried cranberries are a mindful choice for anyone prioritizing nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most commercially sold dried cranberries have added sugar because cranberries are naturally very tart and acidic. The added sugar makes them more palatable to the general public, but it also significantly increases their calorie and carbohydrate content.

Unsweetened dried cranberries are much tarter than sweetened varieties, delivering a potent, zesty flavor. Their texture is typically chewier and flatter, as they lack the plumpness that added sugar and oil often provide.

You can find unsweetened dried cranberries at most health food stores, specialty online retailers like Amazon, or directly from dedicated producers like Honestly Cranberry or Patience Fruit Co. Always check the ingredient list to confirm there is no added sugar.

Yes, unsweetened dried cranberries are the healthier option because they contain no added sugars, reducing your calorie and sugar intake. This allows you to enjoy the full antioxidant, fiber, and vitamin benefits of the fruit without the negative health effects of excess sugar.

Absolutely. They are a great addition to muffins, breads, and other baked goods, adding a wonderful tart contrast to sweeter ingredients. You can also rehydrate them by soaking them in juice or water before baking for a plumper texture.

If you are looking for alternatives, consider other unsweetened dried fruits like tart cherries, goji berries, or apricots, which provide similar benefits and different flavor profiles. Golden raisins are another option, though naturally sweeter.

Dried cranberries retain many of the vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants found in fresh cranberries. The main nutritional difference comes from the concentration of natural sugars and, in many cases, the addition of artificial sweeteners during processing.