Does Dried Cherries & Glazed Walnuts contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy in the form of butter (cream). It does not contain gluten ingredients, but always check for cross-contamination warnings if you have Celiac disease.

Is Dried Cherries & Glazed Walnuts good for weight loss?

Due to high calorie density from nuts and added sugars in the glaze, it is not ideal for strict weight loss unless eaten in very small portions (e.g., one tablespoon).

Where can I buy Dried Cherries & Glazed Walnuts?

This product is widely available at major grocery chains, bulk food stores, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Dried Cherries & Glazed Walnuts safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids. However, due to the sticky texture of dried fruit and sugar glaze, it is important to ensure young children chew properly to avoid choking.

Is Dried Cherries & Glazed Walnuts Halal?

Yes, Dried Cherries & Glazed Walnuts are generally considered Halal. Based on the standard ingredient profile of this popular snack mix, there are no animal-derived ingredients that would violate Islamic dietary laws, nor are there any alcohol-based flavorings. This snack is a safe and delicious option for those adhering to a Halal diet.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Halal, we must look beyond the marketing and inspect the chemistry of the ingredients. For this snack, we are looking at two distinct components: the dried fruit and the glazed nuts. Let's analyze the specific ingredients listed to understand why this product passes the Halal test.

First, consider the DRIED CHERRIES. The ingredients list shows cherries, sugar, and sunflower oil. The cherries themselves are fruit and are inherently Halal. The sugar used here is typically white granulated sugar. While some sugar is processed with bone char, the vast majority of sugar produced today, especially for snacks, is not. Even if bone char were used, the Hanafi school of thought generally considers the resulting sugar to be permissible (Halal) due to the total transformation (Istihalah). The sunflower oil is plant-based and poses no issue.

Next, we analyze the HONEY GLAZED WALNUTS. This section contains walnuts, sugar, honey, butter (cream), soy lecithin, and salt. Honey is a superfood that is explicitly Halal in the Quran. The controversial ingredient here is often Butter. However, the label specifies 'Butter (Cream)'. This indicates the source is dairy, not animal fat. Dairy butter is Halal, provided the animal (cow) was not slaughtered in a ritualistically incorrect manner. Since the butter is a dairy derivative and not lard (pork fat) or suet (beef fat), it is permissible. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier derived from soybeans and is universally accepted as Halal.

Nutritional Value

While Halal certification addresses religious compliance, the nutritional profile addresses health compliance. This snack is energy-dense, meaning it packs a significant caloric punch in a small serving size. The combination of dried fruit and sugar-glazed nuts creates a mix of natural sugars and added sugars, alongside healthy fats.

The Walnuts are the nutritional powerhouse here, providing Omega-3 fatty acids which are excellent for heart and brain health. However, the glaze adds a layer of simple carbohydrates. For those monitoring their glycemic index, this snack should be eaten in moderation. It is an excellent source of quick energy, making it a great pre-workout snack, but it may not be suitable for a strict weight-loss diet if portion sizes are not controlled.