Best dried apples

7 Best Dried Apples: Delicious and Healthy Snacks

Dried apples are a convenient way to enjoy the naturally sweet flavor of apples without the need for refrigeration. They are easy to pack for work, school, hiking, or travel and can also be used in oatmeal, cereal, trail mix, and baked recipes.

When choosing dried apples, consider ingredients, added sugar, texture, flavor, packaging, and whether you prefer organic or conventional apples. Here are seven options worth considering.

1. Best Overall Dried Apples — Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips

Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips are a great choice if you prefer a crisp, crunchy snack. They are made from apples that are baked until they develop a light, satisfying texture.

Why we like them:

  • Crunchy texture
  • Convenient snack-size packaging
  • Simple apple flavor
  • Easy to take on the go
  • Good for snacking without preparation

They are particularly appealing to people who enjoy the texture of potato chips but want an apple-based alternative.

2. Best Organic Dried Apples — Made in Nature Organic Apple Rings

Made in Nature Organic Apple Rings are a good option for shoppers who specifically prefer organic fruit snacks. The ring shape also makes them convenient for eating directly from the package or adding to recipes.

Why we like them:

  • Organic apple option
  • Naturally sweet fruit flavor
  • Soft and chewy texture
  • Convenient for trail mix and oatmeal
  • Suitable for snacking or cooking

If organic ingredients are one of your priorities, these apple rings are worth considering.

3. Best Crunchy Apple Snack — Martinelli’s Apple Chips

Martinelli’s Apple Chips offer a crunchy way to enjoy dried apples. Their crisp texture makes them especially suitable for people who prefer chips rather than soft, chewy dried fruit.

Why we like them:

  • Crisp texture
  • Strong apple flavor
  • Convenient snack
  • Easy to pair with nuts and other dried fruits
  • Good lunchbox option

They can also be crushed and used as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or desserts.

4. Best No-Sugar-Added Option — Brothers-All-Natural Apple Fruit Crisps

Brothers-All-Natural Apple Fruit Crisps are made using a process that removes moisture while maintaining the fruit’s natural flavor and crunch.

Why we like them:

  • Naturally sweet apple flavor
  • Light and crunchy
  • Convenient individual snack format
  • Good alternative to heavily processed snacks
  • Easy to carry

Check the current ingredient label before purchasing, especially if avoiding added sugars is important to you.

5. Best Soft Dried Apples — Gerbs Apple Slices

Gerbs Apple Slices are a good choice if you prefer dried apples with a softer, more traditional dried-fruit texture rather than crunchy apple chips.

Why we like them:

  • Soft and chewy
  • Convenient for baking
  • Good for trail mixes
  • Easy to portion
  • Works well in oatmeal and cereals

Soft dried apple slices are particularly useful for recipes where you want the fruit to remain tender.

6. Best for Trail Mix — Mariani Dried Apples

Mariani Dried Apples are a versatile option for adding fruit to homemade trail mix. Combine them with almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or other dried fruits for a portable snack.

Why we like them:

  • Convenient sliced format
  • Good for trail mix
  • Suitable for baking
  • Easy to store
  • Pleasant chewy texture

They are also useful as a topping for breakfast cereals and yogurt.

7. Best for Baking — Simple Truth Organic Dried Apple Rings

Simple Truth Organic Dried Apple Rings can be a useful pantry ingredient for baking and cooking. Their shape and texture make them easy to chop into smaller pieces when needed.

Why we like them:

  • Organic option
  • Useful for baking
  • Good for oatmeal and cereal
  • Naturally fruity flavor
  • Convenient pantry staple

Try chopping them into muffins, granola, homemade energy bars, or apple bread.

Dried Apples Buying Guide: What to Look For

Before buying dried apples, consider these important factors.

1. Check the Ingredients

Look for products with a simple ingredient list. Ideally, the primary ingredient should be apples. Some products may contain added sugar, oils, preservatives, or other ingredients.

2. Look for Added Sugar

Apples naturally contain sugar, so additional sweeteners may not be necessary if you prefer a less-sweet snack. Always check the nutrition and ingredient labels.

3. Choose the Right Texture

Dried apples generally come in two popular textures:

  • Crunchy: Similar to chips and ideal for snacking.
  • Chewy: Softer and better suited to trail mix, oatmeal, and baking.

4. Consider the Form

You can find dried apples as rings, slices, pieces, or thin chips. Rings and slices are convenient for snacking, while smaller pieces can be easier to mix into recipes.

5. Check the Package Size

If you eat dried apples frequently, a larger resealable package may offer better value. Individual packages are more convenient for lunches, travel, and portion control.

6. Compare Nutrition Information

Compare calories, carbohydrates, fiber, and added sugars between brands. Dried fruit is more concentrated than fresh fruit because much of the water has been removed.

7. Check Storage Requirements

Most packaged dried apples can be stored in a cool, dry place before opening. After opening, follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

The best dried apples depend on how you plan to use them. Bare Baked Crunchy Apple Chips are a strong choice for a crunchy snack, while Made in Nature Organic Apple Rings are worth considering if organic fruit is your priority. For baking and trail mix, softer dried apple slices may be more practical.

Before purchasing, compare the ingredient list, added sugar, texture, package size, and nutrition information to find the dried apples that best fit your needs.

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