As a dedicated home baker who regularly shops at supermarkets, I've learned that dried fruits in the baking aids section come with a hefty premium. But you can cut costs by 2-3 times with one simple switch: head to the fruit and vegetable department instead. Here's how it works.
Looking for shelled dried fruits? Skip the baking aids aisle entirely. Products there are typically 25-75% more expensive per kilo than in the produce section.
Right next to the fresh fruits, you'll find a dedicated dried fruit area.
These come in larger formats, like 500g bags instead of 125g, offering far better value per kilo.
Real-world examples based on my supermarket hauls (prices per kilo):
| Product | Baking Aisle | Produce Section | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grated coconut | €8 | €4 | -50% |
| Golden raisins | €16 | €6 (organic: €10) | -62.5% |
| Shelled almonds | €30 | €15 | -50% |
| Walnut kernels | €38 | €23 | -40% |
| Popcorn corn | €9 | €4.5 | -50% |
| Shelled pine nuts | €72 | €56 | -22% |
| Shelled hazelnuts | €25 | €7 | -72% |
| Pruneaux d’Agen | €9 | €4.5 | -50% |
This trick even applies to snack mixes: exotic fruit blends (coconut, banana, papaya, etc.) go for €6 per kilo in produce versus €15 in the aperitif section.
Prices vary by store, but the savings are consistently significant.
Buy the larger packs and store leftovers in glass jars (like repurposed jam jars) for your next cake, snack bowl, or even popcorn salad.
How do you save on dried fruits? Share your tips in the comments below!
