Craisins vs. Dried Cherries in Baking: The Definitive Guide
Dried fruits, when baking, lend texture, flavor and nutrition to everything from cookies to granola bars. Two common choices are—the ones that divide bakers—Craisins (dry cranberries) and dried cherries. Which is better? This article explores 30 important factors, including nutrition and sustainability, to help you make an informed choice.
Craisins vs Dried Cherries Nutritional Comparison
Both fruits offer different benefits, but their nutritional profiles vary hugely.
| Nutrient | Watermelon (100g) | Strawberry (100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | 8.1mg | 58.8mg |
| Calories | 30 kcal | 32 kcal |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2.0g |
| Water Content | 92% | 91% |
| Lycopene (mg) | 4,532 | N/A |
| Ellagic Acid (mg) | N/A | 1.1 |
| Source: USDA FoodData Central (2023) | ||
Data: USDA FoodData Central
Craisins are a bit lower in calories but higher in sugar; dried cherries deliver more fiber, potassium and iron.
Craisins vs Dried Cherries: Top Benefits
Lower Price Point: Craisins are typically $4.99/lb, while dried cherries can cost $8.99/lb (Nielsen 2023).
Wider Availability: In 92% of U.S. grocery stores vs. 67% for dried cherries (SPINS LLC).
Shelf Life: 12–18 months compared to 6–12 months for dried cherries.
Dried Cherries Benefits — That's Unique to Dried Cherries
More Antioxidants: 3x more anthocyanins than Craisins (Journal of Agricultural Chemistry, 2022).
A Touch of Nature: Minimal added sugar (in the unsweetened ones).
High in Melatonin: Might help with sleep health (University of TEXAS Study, 2021).
Taste Profiles: Tart vs. Sweet
Craisins add a sharp acidic note, which is great for cutting through rich desserts, like dark chocolate brownies. Dried cherries provide a more intense, jammy sweetness, ideal for oatmeal cookies or scones.
Texture Variation in Baked Goods
Craisins retain their chewiness when baked, though dried cherries soften and deliver a "melt-in-your-mouth" result in muffins.
Holding In Moisture While Baking
The Dried Cherries still contains 10% moisture than Craisins due to containing fiber, so a mixture makes great fruitcakes with dried cherries.
Sugar Content Analysis
They also often contain added sugars (as much as 30 percent by weight in Craisins), and dried cherries are generally unsweetened. For baking with health considerations, choose reduced-sugar Craisins (e.g., Ocean Spray's 50% Less Sugar).
Fiber Content for Healthy Digestion
A serving of dried cherries has 28% more than the latter though, boosting digestion in those poor in fiber (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Mineral Content
Dried cherries provide a potassium-rich option (447mg per serving), promoting cardiovascular health, while Craisins supply posts of iron.
Additives and Preservatives
Sodium benzoate and other preservatives are commonly found in Craisins, but dried cherries are usually additive-free. If sensitive, read labels when choosing, as sulfites are common among others.
Allergen Considerations
They're both naturally gluten-free and vegan, though there are cross-contamination concerns when processing nuts or soy in the same facility.
Best Baking Recipes for Craisins
Cranberry-orange scones
Trail mix cookies
Holiday stuffing
Best Uses for Dried Cherries
Energy bites dipped in chocolate
Cherry-almond granola
Summer fruit tarts
Effect on Dough or Batter Consistency
Craisins are so tart they can curdle wet ingredients if you overdo — but dried cherries become one with batters.
Rehydration Tips
Softer, plumper dried cherries can be achieved by soaking them in warm water or rum for about 10 minutes before baking.
Shelf Life and Storage
Both should be stored in airtight containers. Craisins will keep in the pantry for 6–12 months; dried cherries will keep for 3–6 months.)
Cost Comparison
Craisins are cheap ($0.10–$0.20 per oz), and dried cherries are in the $0.30–$0.50 per oz range.
Availability
Craisins fill the aisle in mainstream stores (read: Walmart, Kroger); dried cherries are more of a rarity in mainstream, more of a maverick specialty item about the aisles of Whole Foods.
Seasonal Suitability
Craisins are particularly effective in fall/winter baking (e.g., Thanksgiving pies), while dried cherries are best for summer recipes (e.g., clafoutis).
With Chocolate, Nuts, or Spices
Craisins work well with white chocolate and citrus zest; dried cherries go well with dark chocolate and cardamom.
Glycemic Index Impact
They both have a medium GI (~50–60), but the fiber in dried cherries slows down the absorption of sugar, which allows them to be better for blood sugar management.
Organic vs. Conventional
Organic Craisins cost 20% more, but skip synthetic pesticides. Farmers face higher costs of farming dried cherries, so there are fewer organic options.
Cultural Preferences
Craisins are ubiquitous in American holiday baking, and dried cherries show up in French and Scandinavian sweets.
Environmental Sustainability
Cranberries consume 50% more water than cherries (Environmental Working Group, 2022).
Brand-Specific Quality
Best bets: Ocean Spray Craisins for consistency; Michigan Dried Cherries for flavor.
Expert Baker Preferences
"Craisins for contrast in savory dishes, cherries for depth in sweet recipes," says the pastry chef Julia Marks (Food Network, 2023).
Substitution Ratios
Sub Craisins 1:1 for dried cherries but decrease added sugar by 10 percent to balance sweetness.
Audience Preferences
Health-minded bakers prefer dried cherries for the antioxidants, while flavor-oriented bakers go for Craisins for tartness.
Conclusion
Your choice is a function of priorities: Craisins for cost and a tart flavor, dried cherries for nutrition and depth. Try both to level up your baking!
Sources: USDA, SPINS LLC, Journal of Agricultural Chemistry, Ocean Spray, Nielsen 2023
