Dried fruit used to be an afterthought in American pantries, the stuff that sat next to the trail mix and got ignored. That's changed. People bake with it, snack on it straight, build it into charcuterie boards, and give it as a healthier alternative to candy assortments. At Nut Cravings, dried fruit is half the reason the store exists. Our dried fruit collection covers the pantry staples (apricots, prunes, cranberries), the specialty varieties (figs, kiwi, blueberries, mango, peaches, pears), and an organic sub-line for buyers who want certified clean sourcing. Everything ships in resealable bags, packed fresh in Monroe, NY, and kosher certified across the core catalog.
Our Dried Fruit Varieties
The collection splits into three tiers based on sourcing and processing.
The pantry staples.These are the everyday-use varieties that move fastest. Turkish apricots (softer, brighter flavor than California), pitted prunes (moist and naturally sweet, no preservatives needed), dried cranberries, dried blueberries, and dried apple rings. Each comes in a resealable stand-up bag sized for regular kitchen use.
The specialty line.Dried kiwi, dried peaches, dried pears, and dried figs. These get less shelf space at big grocery chains, which is why specialty buyers come to dedicated nut-and-fruit retailers for them. Ourdried Turkish apricotsare sourced from the Malatya regiondried blueberriesare cultivated-variety from North America, anddried kiwicomes from New Zealand.
The organic line (Crop by Pop).USDA Organic, non-GMO verified, no sugar added, unsulphured. Covers organic sun-dried Turkish apricots, organic sun-dried mango slices, and organic sun-dried Turkish Smyrna white figs. Each is packed in a 1-pound resealable bag. For health-focused buyers, this is the line to start with.
For variety packs that include dried fruit across multiple varieties, see ourvariety pack gift boxes. For dried fruit paired with nuts, browse thefruit-filled giftscollection.
Dried Fruit Without Added Sugar
This is the question most dried fruit buyers ask first and most retailers answer poorly. Mainstream dried fruit at grocery stores is often sweetened with added sugar or sulfured with sulfur dioxide to preserve color. Nut Cravings' organic line is specifically no-sugar-added and unsulphured, which means the sweetness is the fruit's natural sugar and the color is whatever the fruit looks like after drying (usually darker than conventional sweetened-and-sulfured equivalents).
A few common additives to check for when buying dried fruit:
- Added sugar or sugar syrups.Frequently added to cranberries and blueberries because these fruits are naturally tart. Look for "no sugar added" on the label.
- Sulfur dioxide (sulphites).Used to preserve bright color in apricots, mango, and pineapple. Some people are sensitive and get sulfite reactions. Look for "unsulphured" or "sulfite-free."
- Vegetable oils.Sometimes added to cranberries and raisins to prevent clumping. Most nut-focused retailers skip this.
- Artificial preservatives.Uncommon in quality dried fruit but still found in budget-brand mixed fruit products.
Our conventional line uses minimal processing. Our organic line goes further and uses no added sugar, no sulphites, and no preservatives. Product pages list specific ingredients for each variety.
Dried Fruit Nutrition
Dried fruit is essentially fresh fruit with the water removed, which concentrates the sugars and the nutrients together. That makes it a more calorie-dense food than fresh fruit (about 3 to 4 times more calories per gram) but also more nutrient-dense per bite.
Common nutritional strengths across the dried fruit range:
- Fiber.Most dried fruits provide 2 to 5 grams of fiber per ounce. Prunes, apricots, and figs are particularly strong.
- Potassium.Dried apricots and prunes lead here, useful for heart and muscle function.
- Iron.Prunes, apricots, and raisins are modest iron sources.
- Antioxidants.Dried blueberries and cranberries retain most of the polyphenols from the fresh fruit.
- Magnesium and calcium.Figs are standout sources of both among dried fruits.
On sugar content:dried fruit's sugars are naturally occurring, but they're still concentrated. A one-ounce serving typically contains 15 to 25 grams of sugar. For people managing blood sugar or following low-sugar diets, portion control matters more with dried fruit than with fresh. A quarter-cup serving is the typical guideline.
This is general nutritional information. For specific dietary guidance, consult a registered dietitian.
Who Is Dried Fruit Good For
Bakersuse dried fruit in breads, granola, oatmeal, scones, and holiday cookies.
Keto and low-carb eatersshould approach with caution. Most dried fruits are too high in carbs for strict keto, though a small portion of dried blueberries or cranberries can fit in a higher-carb keto today.
Pregnant and breastfeeding womenoften benefit from the iron, potassium, and folate content, particularly in prunes, dates, and apricots.
Endurance athletesuse dried fruit as a natural, portable carb source during long training sessions. Dried mango, raisins, and dried cranberries are common picks.
Charcuterie board builders.Figs, apricots, and cranberries pair well with aged cheeses and cured meats.
Dried Fruit Gifting and Gift Trays
Dried fruit gets used heavily in our gift collection as a counterpoint to nuts and chocolate. Sectional gift trays frequently include apricots, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, and figs in dedicated compartments. For gift recipients who don't eat chocolate, who avoid heavy sugar, or who prefer lighter presentations, dried fruit gift baskets are often the smarter pick.
Browse dedicated dried fruit gift options in thefruit-filled gifts collection. For mixed sectional trays that feature dried fruit alongside nuts, seegift traysandwooden gift trays. For corporate dried fruit gifting with bulk pricing, reach the team through thecorporate inquiries page.
How to Store Dried Fruit
Proper storage keeps dried fruit soft, flavorful, and free of crystallization for months.
- Pantry, sealed in resealable bag:6 to 12 months for most varieties. Keep cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerator, sealed:up to 18 months for most varieties. Slightly firmer texture, longer shelf life.
- Freezer:up to 2 years. Thaws without quality loss.
Signs of dried fruit have passed its prime: white sugar crystals forming on the surface (this is sugar crystallization, not mold, and the fruit is still safe but quality has declined), unusual hard texture, or a fermented smell. Actual mold means discard immediately.
Dried Fruit FAQs
Is dried fruit healthy?
Yes, in moderate portions. Dried fruit provides concentrated fiber, potassium, iron, and antioxidants. Sugar content is concentrated too, so a quarter-cup serving is the common portion guideline.
Is Nut Cravings dried fruit kosher?
Yes. Core dried fruit products are kosher certified. Individual product pages list specific certifications.
What's the difference between sulphured and unsulphured dried fruit?
Sulphured dried fruit is treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve bright color (especially in apricots and mango). Unsulphured dried fruit has no added sulfites, looks darker, and is safer for sulfite-sensitive people.
How long does dried fruit last?
Sealed in the pantry: 6 to 12 months. In the refrigerator: up to 18 months. In the freezer: up to 2 years.
Does dried fruit need to be refrigerated?
No. Properly sealed dried fruit is shelf-stable for months at room temperature. Refrigeration extends shelf life further and softens some varieties.
Is dried fruit good for weight loss?
Moderately. Dried fruit is nutrient-dense but calorie-dense (3 to 4 times more calories per gram than fresh fruit). Small portions work in a weight-loss plan; large portions can push daily calorie intake up fast.
Browse the full dried fruit collection above, or visit theNut Cravings homepagefor nuts, seeds, and gift options.
