Like pretty much every food, it’s healthiest in moderation.
Of course, you could always sneak a packet of prunes into your bag.
But is dried fruit healthy enough to make up one of your daily servings of fruit?
Jen Causey
We tapped nutrition expert Amy Shapiro, RD, to give us the lowdown on dried fruit.
Is Dried Fruit Healthy?
Dried fruit is healthy because eating fruit in any form is better than consuming zero fruit.
Dried Fruit vs. Fresh Fruit
So does dried fruit offer the same health benefits as fresh fruit?
GI Distress
Too much dried fruit can cause an upset stomach in some people.
Dried apricots often have sulfites.
Dried cranberries, cherries, and pineapple often include added sugar.
Check labels before you buy.
The Healthiest Way to Consume Dried Fruit
Eat dried fruit in moderation to maximize its health benefits.
If you’re snacking on dried fruit, venture to add afood rich in proteinorhealthy fatsto balance things out.
“Enjoy fresh fruit instead some days,” adds Shapiro.
Here are a few of our favorite recipes that include dried fruit.
2019;12(1):54. doi:10.3390/nu12010054
