Ever wonder what makes those sweet, chewy dried plums so delicious? They’re not just a tasty snack; they’re a powerhouse of good stuff for your body! But let’s be honest, staring at the dried fruit aisle can be a little overwhelming. So many brands, so many different names – are they all the same? It can be tough to figure out which ones are the best quality and will give you that perfect sweet-tart flavor.
Choosing the right dried plums shouldn’t be a chore. That’s why we’re diving deep into the wonderful world of these dried fruits. We’ll explore what makes a dried plum truly great, from how they’re made to what to look for when you’re shopping. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect ones for your snacking, baking, or even cooking needs.
By the end of this post, you’ll be a dried plum pro! Get ready to discover the secrets to finding the most flavorful and satisfying dried plums out there. Let’s get started on this delicious journey!
Our Top 5 Dried Plums Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Dried Plums Detailed Reviews
1. Sunny Fruit Soft Organic Pitted Prunes
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready to enjoy a delightful and healthy snack with Sunny Fruit Soft Organic Pitted Prunes! This generous 2.5-pound bulk bag is packed with nature’s goodness. These prunes are pure, with no added sugar or preservatives, making them a naturally sweet and wholesome choice. They are perfect for anyone looking for a tasty and nutritious treat that’s good for you.
What We Like:
- Premium Gourmet Prunes: Grown in Argentina’s special climate, these prunes are truly top-notch. They are carefully sun-dried for the best natural sweetness.
- Superfood Nutrition: These prunes are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium. They help your body fight off sickness, keep your tummy happy, and support your nerves. They are also free from gluten, dairy, eggs, added sugars, and soy.
- Bulk Bag for Snacking and Baking: This big bag is perfect for grabbing a handful anytime. You can also use these sweet prunes in many recipes, like cookies and cakes.
- Creative Uses: Enjoy these flavorful prunes on a cheese board, in gift baskets, mixed with yogurt, blended into smoothies, or just eat them right out of the bag!
- Quality You Can Trust: Sunny Fruit is committed to quality. They pack their prunes at the source in Turkey to ensure freshness and purity.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the bulk bag is great for value, some might prefer smaller, resealable packaging for easier portability.
Sunny Fruit Soft Organic Pitted Prunes offer a fantastic way to add natural sweetness and health benefits to your diet. They are a versatile and delicious snack that everyone can enjoy.
2. Signature’s Dried Plums Pitted Prunes
Rating: 8.7/10
Signature’s Dried Plums Pitted Prunes, 3.5 Pounds (Pack of 2) offers a generous supply of delicious and healthy California-grown prunes. These pitted prunes are a convenient snack and a fantastic addition to many recipes. They are a good source of fiber, which can help you feel full and support a healthy digestive system.
What We Like:
- California grown, ensuring quality and freshness.
- Pitted for easy snacking and cooking.
- Good source of fiber, promoting digestive health.
- Comes in a pack of two 3.5-pound bags, offering great value.
- Versatile for snacking, baking, and adding to oatmeal or yogurt.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a resealable bag for easier storage.
- The sweetness level might be a bit high for those who prefer less sugary snacks.
For anyone looking for a healthy and convenient snack, these prunes are an excellent choice. Their natural sweetness and fiber content make them a satisfying option for any time of day.
3. Amazon Grocery
Rating: 8.6/10
Amazon Grocery’s Pitted Prunes, a familiar favorite formerly known as Happy Belly, are now available to make your grocery trips even easier. This 8-ounce bag brings you the same sweet, chewy goodness you expect, just with a new look. Amazon Grocery aims to provide all your everyday essentials, making it simple to stock up on tasty ingredients for any meal.
What We Like:
- The prunes are soft and sweet, perfect for snacking or adding to recipes.
- It’s great that your favorite Happy Belly products are still around under the Amazon Grocery brand.
- The convenience of finding these familiar favorites in one place is a big plus.
- You get a good amount of prunes in the 8-ounce bag for everyday use.
What Could Be Improved:
- The packaging may vary, which can be a little confusing when you’re looking for a specific brand.
- There’s a caution that the prunes might contain pit fragments, so you need to be careful when eating them.
- You have to remember to refrigerate them after opening to keep them fresh.
These Amazon Grocery Pitted Prunes offer a convenient and tasty option for your pantry. They are a simple way to enjoy a healthy snack or add flavor to your cooking.
4. Sun-Maid California Sun-Dried Whole Pitted Prunes – (4 Pack) 7 oz Resealable Bag – Dried Plums – Dried Fruit Snack for Lunches
Rating: 9.2/10
Sun-Maid California Sun-Dried Whole Pitted Prunes are a fantastic snack option. This 4-pack of 7 oz resealable bags brings you the goodness of dried plums. They are perfect for lunches, snacking, and even as a natural sweetener in your baking.
What We Like:
- These are whole, pitted prunes, meaning no messy pits to deal with.
- They are a healthy dried fruit snack that kids and adults will enjoy.
- The resealable bags keep them fresh and are great for on-the-go.
- They are a perfect natural sweetener for brownies, scones, and muffins.
- Each serving (1/4 cup) has only 100 calories and zero fat.
- No added sugar means you get pure fruit goodness.
- Sun-Maid is a trusted brand for dried fruit snacks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the resealable bags are convenient, some people might prefer larger bulk options.
- The 7 oz size might go quickly for families who love prunes!
These Sun-Maid prunes offer a delicious and healthy way to enjoy dried fruit. They are a versatile snack and baking ingredient.
5. Made In Nature Organic Dried Plums
Rating: 9.1/10
Snack time just got a whole lot better with Made In Nature Organic Dried Plums! This 13-ounce resealable bag is packed with nature’s goodness. These aren’t just any dried plums; they’re a sweet, soft, and delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for a quick bite, these plums are a fantastic way to fuel your day naturally.
What We Like:
- Made with only one ingredient: organic dried plums!
- Naturally sweet and wonderfully soft, making them a tasty snack.
- A healthy choice with 6g of fiber per serving and just 110 calories.
- No added preservatives or additives, just pure, sun-dried goodness.
- Certified Organic, Non-GMO, and Gluten Free.
- Perfect for vegans and those looking for guilt-free snacking.
- Grown and dried in sunny California.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pack only contains one bag, so you might want to buy more!
Made In Nature Organic Dried Plums are a simple, wholesome snack that tastes amazing. They are a fantastic option for anyone seeking a nutritious and delicious treat.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Dried Plums
Dried plums, also known as prunes, are a delicious and healthy snack. They are sweet and chewy. People have enjoyed them for a long time. This guide will help you pick the best dried plums.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Shape
Look for plums that are medium to large. They should be plump and not too wrinkled. A consistent size makes them easy to eat. Good quality dried plums have a smooth, slightly wrinkled skin. Avoid those that are very dry and shriveled. These might be old.
2. Color
Dried plums are usually dark brown or black. Some might have a slight purplish tint. The color should be even. Avoid any with white or grayish spots. These could be mold. Good dried plums look rich and deep in color.
3. Texture
The best dried plums are soft and chewy. They should not be hard or sticky. When you bite into one, it should be tender. If they feel too dry, they won’t be as enjoyable. If they are too soft and mushy, they might be overripe or have too much moisture.
4. Sweetness
Dried plums are naturally sweet. The sweetness comes from the sugars in the fruit. Good ones have a balanced sweetness. They shouldn’t taste overly sugary or artificial. Some brands might add sugar, so check the ingredients if you prefer no added sugar.
Important Materials
Dried plums are made from plums! The only ingredient should be plums. Sometimes, a small amount of potassium sorbate is added as a preservative to prevent mold. This is generally considered safe. Always check the ingredient list. You want to see “plums” as the main, or only, ingredient.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Factors That Improve Quality
- Proper Drying: Plums are dried slowly. This keeps their natural sugars and nutrients.
- Fresh Fruit: The plums used should be ripe and good quality to start with.
- Storage: Keeping them in an airtight container helps. This stops them from drying out too much.
- No Additives: Plums with no added sugar or preservatives are often preferred.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Over-Drying: This makes them hard and less tasty.
- Under-Drying: Too much moisture can lead to mold.
- Poor Storage: Exposure to air makes them stale and can attract pests.
- Added Sugars: These can make them too sweet and less healthy.
- Improper Handling: This can lead to contamination.
User Experience and Use Cases
Dried plums are a versatile snack. Many people eat them straight from the bag. They are a great portable snack for work or school. Kids often enjoy their sweet taste. They are also used in baking. You can add them to muffins, cakes, or cookies. They add moisture and sweetness. Some people use them in savory dishes too. They pair well with pork or chicken. Dried plums are known for their digestive benefits. Many people eat them to help with constipation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main benefits of eating dried plums?
A: Dried plums are a good source of fiber. They also contain vitamins and minerals. They can help with digestion.
Q: How should I store dried plums?
A: Store them in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place. This will keep them fresh.
Q: Can I freeze dried plums?
A: Yes, you can freeze dried plums. This will keep them fresh for a long time. Put them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Q: Are all dried plums called prunes?
A: Yes, dried plums are commonly called prunes. The term “prune” specifically refers to a dried plum.
Q: Do dried plums have added sugar?
A: Some brands do add sugar. Always check the ingredient list. You can find unsweetened varieties.
Q: How many dried plums should I eat a day?
A: A serving size is usually about 3-5 dried plums. Eating too many might cause digestive upset due to the fiber content.
Q: Can children eat dried plums?
A: Yes, dried plums are a healthy snack for children. They can help with their fiber intake.
Q: What is the difference between dried plums and regular plums?
A: Dried plums have had most of their water removed. This makes them sweeter and chewier. Regular plums are fresh fruit.
Q: Can I rehydrate dried plums?
A: Yes, you can soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them softer and juicier.
Q: Are dried plums good for weight loss?
A: Dried plums can be part of a healthy diet for weight loss. They are filling due to their fiber content. However, they are also calorie-dense, so portion control is important.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.