Tag: Unsweetened dried fruit

By weight, dried fruit can contain up to 3.5 times more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than its fresh counterpart. However, as the water is removed, the fruit's natural sugars and calories become highly concentrated, raising a crucial question: are unsweetened dried fruits healthy, or just a compact source of sugar?

Studies have shown that individuals who regularly consume dried fruit tend to have better overall diet quality and higher intakes of important nutrients like potassium and fiber. This concentrated nutrition often leads to a common query: Is unsweetened dried fruit healthy for you to enjoy as part of a balanced diet?

A 40-gram serving of unsweetened dried mango contains approximately 120-140 calories, making it significantly more calorie-dense than its fresh counterpart due to the removal of water. This concentration is key to understanding its health benefits and potential drawbacks as a snack.

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.