The Paleo List Answers:ARE DRIED CRANBERRIES (OR CRAISINS) PALEO?

Craisins are a specific brand of dried cranberry, made by Ocean Spray, but any peek at the dried fruits and nuts section of Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or most other grocery stores will tell you that there are lots of different brands of dried cranberries. We’ll take a quick look at them as a whole and give our verdict on whether or not they’re Paleo.

What Are Dried Cranberries?

Dried cranberries are exactly what they sound like: cranberries that have been partially dried, probably in an industrial dehydrator. They’re only partially dried, so they’re still soft and supple, and a popular ingredient in oatmeal, trail mix, muffins, and cookies. You can also add them to fresh green salads or chicken salad sandwiches for a light sweetness. The brand known as Craisins coined this creative term, but contains two ingredients: cranberries and sugar. Weighing in at 29 grams of sugar per ¼ cup serving size, this amount of sugar actually makes these dried fruits more like candy than fruit. Trader Joe’s brand of Dried Cranberries is barely better, with 26 grams of sugar per serving.  If you know where to look, you might be able to find dried cranberries infused with apple juice or orange juice to get that sweetness without the added sugar.

Are Dried Cranberries Paleo?

Technically, yes, dried cranberries are Paleo, but both the Craisins brand and most of Trader Joe’s brands have added sugar, and are definitely not Paleo. Check online for brands that don’t add sugar, such asSteve’s Paleo Goods, or find a little motivation and patience to make your own dried cranberries. Even then, they’re still pretty high in natural sugars, so consume in moderation.
Are you struggling with which foods are Paleo?  Do you need help planning some Paleo meals?  Check out this great Paleo cookbook: