Is Dried Fruit Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
It depends on the specific product. Unsweetened dried fruit (just dehydrated fruit) is Level 1 — minimally processed. Sweetened dried fruit with added sugar is Level 2. Sulfured dried fruit (treated with sulfur dioxide for color preservation) is Level 2.
Key Findings
- •Unsweetened, unsulfured dried fruit is Level 1 — just dehydrated fruit with nothing added
- •Sulfur dioxide preserves color by preventing enzymatic browning, the same chemical reaction that makes cut apples turn brown
- •Dried cranberries (Craisins) contain added sugar because raw cranberries are too tart for most palates — making them Level 2
Why Is Dried Fruit Level 1?
At its simplest, dried fruit is fruit with water removed. Traditional sun-drying (dates, figs, raisins) is one of the oldest preservation methods, dating back to 4000 BC in Mesopotamia. Modern dehydration uses heated air tunnels at 130-160F for controlled, consistent drying. Neither method adds any ingredients. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) treatment is the most common addition: it preserves bright color in light-colored fruits (apricots, golden raisins, mangoes) by preventing enzymatic browning (the same reaction that turns cut apples brown). Unsulfured dried apricots are dark brown; sulfured ones are vibrant orange. The SO2 is a single, well-understood preservative, not a complex industrial additive. Some dried fruits get a coating of sunflower oil to prevent clumping. Sweetened (candied) dried fruit — like cranberries, which are naturally too tart to eat dried — adds sugar or apple juice concentrate.
Dried Fruit Processing Level Distribution
How 987 dried fruit products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 15.6 · Average nutrition score: 5.5/10
Dried Fruit Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed dried fruit products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Dried Mango Cheeks | Bergin Fruit and Nut Company | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Sun Dried California Raisins | Giant Eagle | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Seedless Raisins | Signature Farms | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Seedless Raisins | Nature's Eats | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Freeze Dried Fruit Crisps | Wholesome Pantry | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Sun-dried Raisins | Food Club | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| 100% Natural Seedless Raisins | Weis | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Raisins | Raley's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Raisin 2 Lb - Lay-down Bag Containing 2 Pounds (32 Oz) of California Sun-dried Raisins. | Sun-maid | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Sun Dried Raisins | Best Yet | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
How to Read Dried Fruit Labels
- 1
The simplest dried fruit lists one ingredient: the fruit (e.g., "raisins" or "dried mangoes")
- 2
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) preserves bright color — unsulfured alternatives are darker but have no preservatives
- 3
Dried cranberries almost always contain added sugar because raw cranberries are extremely tart
- 4
Sunflower oil or coconut oil in the ingredients prevents pieces from sticking together
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dried fruit as healthy as fresh fruit?
Drying concentrates both nutrients and sugars. A cup of grapes has ~15g sugar; a cup of raisins has ~100g sugar. The processing itself (dehydration) is minimal, but the concentration effect means portion size matters significantly more with dried fruit.
What is sulfur dioxide in dried fruit?
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a preservative that prevents enzymatic browning, keeping dried fruit brightly colored. It has been used in food preservation since Roman times. Some people are sensitive to sulfites and should look for "unsulfured" products.
Are dried fruit snacks the same as dried fruit?
No. Plain dried fruit (Level 1-2) is just dehydrated fruit. "Dried fruit snacks" or "fruit chips" often add sugar, oil, and sometimes artificial flavors, pushing them to Level 2-3. Check the ingredient list — it should be just fruit.