Is Dried Fruit Variety Pack Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is kosher, the primary concern is the source of the ingredients and the processing aids used. For this Dried Fruit Variety Pack, the verdict is straightforward because the ingredients are primarily fruit and standard preservation agents.

Let's look at the specific components. The fruits themselves—Dried Strawberries, Pitted Dried Cherries, Pitted Sun-Dried Apricots, and Pitted Dried Prunes—are inherently kosher. The issue often lies in how they are processed. In this pack, the fruits are treated with Cane Sugar and Sunflower Oil. Both of these are plant-derived and pose no kosher issues.

The preservatives used are also acceptable. Sulfur Dioxide (found in the apricots) is a synthetic inorganic compound used to maintain color and shelf life; it is universally accepted as kosher. Similarly, Potassium Sorbate (in the prunes) is a chemical preservative that is kosher. There is no mention of glycerin or gelatin, which are often used in fruit snacks and can be non-kosher if animal-derived.

Nutritional Value

While this variety pack is kosher, it is also important to understand its nutritional profile. Dried fruit is essentially concentrated fruit sugar. The addition of Cane Sugar in the strawberries and cherries significantly increases the total sugar content compared to their fresh counterparts.

Regarding calories and fat, the numbers are moderate but can add up quickly due to the density of dried fruit. The inclusion of Sunflower Oil adds a small amount of fat, which helps coat the fruit to prevent sticking but also contributes to the overall calorie count. If you are monitoring your sugar intake or following a low-carb diet, portion control is key here, as a small serving contains a high percentage of your daily sugar allowance.