Salt Dried Cranberries

Salt-dried cranberries are cranberries that have been preserved using salt. The salt draws out moisture from the cranberries, which helps to preserve them and also alters their flavor profile. This process is a traditional method of food preservation.

Manufacturers use salt-dried cranberries as a flavoring ingredient, particularly in savory applications where a tart and salty taste is desired. They are often found in snack mixes, trail mixes, and sometimes in baked goods or as a component in stuffing mixes.

Salt-dried cranberries are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. The primary health consideration with this ingredient is its sodium content, due to the salt used in preservation. Consuming high amounts of sodium can be a concern for blood pressure management. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated salt and its role in food, but not specifically salt-dried cranberries. Evidence on the health effects of moderate sodium intake is ongoing.