Dried Sweetened Cranberries

Dried sweetened cranberries are fresh cranberries that have been dehydrated, a process that removes most of their water content. To balance the fruit's natural tartness, sugar or a sugar-based syrup is added during or after drying. This results in a chewy, sweet-tart fruit product.

Manufacturers add dried sweetened cranberries to foods primarily for their sweet-tart flavor, chewy texture, and vibrant color. They are commonly found in snack mixes, cereals, baked goods like muffins and cookies, and as toppings for salads and yogurts. They also provide a source of fiber and other nutrients.

Dried sweetened cranberries are considered a food ingredient and are not regulated as an additive by the FDA. The primary health consideration for this ingredient is its added sugar content. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise consuming no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams of added sugars per meal. There are no specific regulatory evaluations by JECFA or EFSA for dried sweetened cranberries as a whole food ingredient.