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Snack Smart: Dried Fruit as a Nutritious Sweet Alternative

It's tough to cut sweets out of our diets entirely—most of us don't succeed. Instead, make a smarter choice with dried fruit, a responsible indulgence packed with health benefits.

Deliciously Sweet and Healthy This nutrient-dense snack delivers vitamin B1, B6, folic acid, iron, copper, potassium, and magnesium. Sourced from fresh fruits—often tropical varieties—they're dried in tunnels or naturally in the open air, shrinking as water evaporates and colors deepen.

Nutrients
Airtight packaging locks in these essentials. Favorites like prunes, figs, apricots, and raisins lose vitamin C during drying but retain ample vitamins, minerals, and fiber to qualify as healthy. Enjoy them solo, in yogurt, or on salads.

Protect Your Teeth
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, dried fruit's sweetness and stickiness can still lead to cavities—brush well after snacking.

This article is contributed by Michou van Slijpe.