7 Best Dried Cherries: Top Picks and Buying Guide
Dried cherries are a convenient way to enjoy the sweet and slightly tart flavor of cherries without worrying about refrigeration. They make an excellent snack and can also be added to oatmeal, cereal, salads, baked goods, trail mixes, and desserts.
With many brands and varieties available, choosing the right dried cherries can be difficult. Here are 7 of the best dried cherries to consider, followed by a practical buying guide.
1. Montmorency Tart Dried Cherries
Montmorency tart cherries are a popular choice for people who prefer a naturally tangy cherry flavor. They have a chewy texture and work particularly well in salads, granola, oatmeal, and baked recipes.
Best for: Tart cherry lovers and baking
What to look for: Unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties
2. Sweetened Dried Bing Cherries
Bing cherries are known for their naturally sweet flavor. When dried, they provide a rich, fruity taste that works well as a snack or dessert ingredient.
Best for: Snacking
Flavor: Sweet and fruity
3. Unsweetened Dried Cherries
Unsweetened dried cherries are a good option if you want to avoid added sugar. Their flavor is usually more tart and concentrated than sweetened versions.
They can be mixed with nuts and seeds for a simple homemade trail mix or added to oatmeal and yogurt.
Best for: People limiting added sugar
Tip: Check the ingredient label to make sure no sugar or sweetener has been added.
4. Organic Dried Cherries
Organic dried cherries can be an appealing choice for shoppers who specifically prefer organically grown fruit. They are available in both sweetened and unsweetened varieties.
Best for: Organic-food shoppers
Tip: Look for a recognized organic certification on the package.
5. Dried Cherries With No Artificial Colors
Some shoppers prefer dried fruit made without artificial colors or unnecessary additives. These cherries generally have a simpler ingredient list and can be a good everyday snack.
Best for: Simple-ingredient shopping
Tip: Look for products where cherries are the main ingredient.
6. Dark Chocolate-Covered Dried Cherries
For a more indulgent option, chocolate-covered dried cherries combine chewy fruit with a chocolate coating. They are better suited as a dessert or occasional treat than as a basic dried-fruit snack.
Best for: Desserts and gifts
Flavor: Sweet, fruity, and chocolatey
7. Premium Dried Cherries
Premium dried cherries typically focus on larger fruit pieces, a pleasant chewy texture, and a rich cherry flavor. They can be more expensive than standard dried cherries but may be worth considering for snacking or gifting.
Best for: Premium snacking and gifts
Tip: Compare the price per ounce rather than just the package price.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dried Cherries
Check the Ingredients
The ingredient list can tell you a lot about a dried-cherry product. If you want a simple product, look for cherries with minimal additional ingredients.
Compare Added Sugar
Many dried cherries are sweetened because the drying process concentrates their natural tartness. If you are watching your sugar intake, compare the added sugar amount between products.
Choose the Right Flavor
Tart cherries are ideal for salads and baking, while sweeter varieties may be better for eating straight from the package.
Look at the Texture
Some dried cherries are soft and chewy, while others are firmer. If texture is important to you, check product reviews and descriptions before buying.
Consider Organic Options
If buying organic is important to you, look for an appropriate organic certification rather than relying only on the word “organic” in the product title.
Check the Package Size
Dried fruit can vary significantly in price. Compare the cost per ounce or per 100 grams to determine which package offers the better value.
Watch for Allergens and Additives
If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, always read the complete ingredient and allergen information before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
The best dried cherries depend on what you want from the product. Tart Montmorency cherries are excellent for baking and recipes, sweet dried cherries are convenient for snacking, and unsweetened varieties are useful for shoppers trying to reduce added sugar. Chocolate-covered cherries are a better choice when you’re looking for an indulgent treat.
Before buying, compare the ingredients, added sugar, flavor, texture, package size, and price per serving to find the dried cherries that best fit your needs.