Sweetened Dried Cranberries - Cranberries

Cranberries are small, tart, red berries that grow on perennial vines in bogs. They are typically harvested in the fall. For sweetened dried cranberries, the fresh berries are often processed with sugar and sometimes other sweeteners to reduce their tartness and extend shelf life.

Sweetened dried cranberries are used to add a chewy texture, tart-sweet flavor, and color to a variety of foods. They are commonly found in snack mixes, baked goods like muffins and cookies, and as a topping for salads and yogurt.

Cranberries and their juice are widely consumed. Some research suggests compounds in cranberries may support urinary tract health, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive. The FDA has not made specific health claims for cranberries. International bodies like EFSA have evaluated cranberry-derived ingredients. Typical intake of sweetened dried cranberries contributes sugars to the diet.