Dehydrated fruit is a type of snack based on natural fruit, from which most of the water has been removed. This dehydration can be done by sun drying, in ovens, dehydrators or even by freeze-drying.

The result is a non-perishable version of fruit with a longer shelf life, requiring no refrigeration or other specific storage conditions, easy to transport and very tasty. (1)

Main advantages of Dehydrated Fruit

1. Rich in nutrients and fibre

o Removing water concentrates fibre, vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Dehydrated fruit can have up to 3.5 times more fibre than fresh fruit. These nutrients are important for intestinal transit, muscle density, bone health and electrolyte balance.

2. Antioxidants and bioactive compounds

o Like fresh fruit, dehydrated fruit contains polyphenols and other antioxidants that reduce cellular oxidative stress and help prevent chronic diseases.

3. Practical and long-lasting

o With a long shelf life and no need for refrigeration, it is ideal for taking on trips, to the office, on walks or anytime you need a quick energy boost.

4. Positive impact on daily food quality

o Studies show that people who consume dehydrated fruit tend to have a healthier diet and lower BMI values, as it is a low-energy-density snack and tends to replace other less balanced snacks. (2)

 

How to choose good dehydrated fruit and include it in your daily diet?

When choosing your dehydrated fruit snack and knowing how to include it in your day, keep the following questions in mind:

• No added sugar, colourings or preservatives.

o Many of these snacks are sweetened or have added sulphites to maintain colour. Choose natural versions without extras.

• It is important to pay attention to portions

o Dehydrated fruit is denser in natural sugar (fructose) and, as a rule, also in energy value, as most natural fruits contain between 80-90% water in their composition. In this sense, it is important to moderate the portion size.

In your daily life, it is best to combine dehydrated fruit with a source of protein or healthy fats (such as nuts or yoghurt) to increase the satiety of your meal.

o The drying method matters

Freeze-drying better preserves the nutrients and crunchy texture of the snack, although the traditional method is more common because it offers more competitive prices. (3)

 

Within our portfolio, you can find several options, namely:

 

• Dried Fruit with Apple

• Dried Fruit with Apple and Cinnamon

• Dried Fruit with Apple and Mango Juice

• Dried Fruit with Pear

 

Conclusion and Key Messages:

Dehydrated fruit is a good healthy snack option: practical, nutritious, tasty and long-lasting. Choosing a natural version, with no added sugars and consumed in moderation, is much healthier than other processed snacks.

It can be incorporated into a variety of eating plans – from post-workout snacks to main meal supplements.

At Oh! My Snacks, we believe that eating well should be simple and delicious. That's why our dried fruits are made with the best ingredients, ensuring flavour and nutrition at every moment.

Have you chosen your favourite yet?

 

Bibliography:

 

1- Donno D, Mellano MG, Riondato I, De Biaggi M, Andriamaniraka H, Gamba G, Beccaro GL. Traditional and Unconventional Dried Fruit Snacks as a Source of Health-Promoting Compounds. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Sep 13;8(9):396. doi: 10.3390/antiox8090396. PMID: 31540213; PMCID: PMC6770932.

2- Alasalvar C, Chang SK, Kris-Etherton PM, Sullivan VK, Petersen KS, Guasch-Ferré M, Jenkins DJA. Dried Fruits: Bioactives, Effects on Gut Microbiota, and Possible Health Benefits-An Update. Nutrients. 2023 Mar 26;15(7):1611. doi: 10.3390/nu15071611. PMID: 37049451; PMCID: PMC10097306.

3- https://www.health.harvard.edu/digital_first_content/dried-fruit-healthy-snack-sugary-treat-or-somewhere-in-between?utm_source=chatgpt.com

 

Author:

Rita Lima (CP3003N)