Ocean Spray Craisins are a popular dried fruit snack made from real cranberries. These sweet and tangy treats offer a convenient way to enjoy the flavor and benefits of cranberries year-round. Craisins provide 25% of daily recommended fruit intake in just one serving, making them a nutritious addition to any diet.
Craisins are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or used as an ingredient in various recipes. They’re gluten-free, peanut-free, and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. Ocean Spray, a cooperative of North American cranberry growers, produces these dried cranberries in several varieties, including original and reduced sugar options.
Consumers can find Ocean Spray Craisins in various sizes, from small snack packs to large resealable bags. They’re sold in many grocery stores and are available for online purchase. The product’s popularity stems from its convenience, taste, and perceived health benefits, including antioxidants and fiber content.
Ocean Spray Brand and Craisins Overview
Ocean Spray is a well-known agricultural cooperative renowned for its cranberry products. The company’s flagship offering is Craisins, a brand of dried cranberries.
Craisins are made from real cranberries and offer a versatile addition to various dishes and snacks. They can be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into recipes.
Ocean Spray offers several varieties of Craisins:
- Original Dried Cranberries
- Whole & Juicy Dried Cranberries
These products are gluten-free and fat-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs. A serving of Craisins provides 25% of the daily recommended fruit intake.
Craisins are marketed as a convenient way to add fruit to one’s diet. They are often used in:
- Salads
- Baked goods
- Trail mixes
Ocean Spray emphasizes the natural qualities of Craisins. The Whole & Juicy variety contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
The company promotes Craisins as a good source of fiber. This aligns with their focus on providing nutritious, fruit-based products to consumers.
Health and Nutrition
Ocean Spray Craisins dried cranberries offer several nutritional benefits while also containing added sugars. They provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals in a convenient, shelf-stable form.
Nutritional Content
A 1/4 cup (40g) serving of Original Craisins contains:
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
- Total Sugars: 29g
- Added Sugars: 26g (52% DV)
- Protein: 0g
Craisins also provide small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium. They are free from cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat.
Dietary Benefits
Craisins offer some nutritional advantages. They are a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and may help with feelings of fullness. The cranberries used in Craisins contain antioxidants that may have protective effects against certain health issues.
Dried cranberries can contribute to daily fruit intake. One serving of Craisins provides 1/2 cup of fruit, meeting 25% of the daily recommended fruit needs based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Comparison With Other Dried Fruits
Compared to raisins, Craisins typically have more added sugar. While raisins contain naturally occurring sugars, Craisins have sugar added during processing to balance the tart flavor of cranberries.
Craisins have a similar calorie content to other dried fruits but may have less naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. They provide more fiber than some alternatives like dried cherries or blueberries.
Ocean Spray offers a 50% Less Sugar variety of Craisins, which contains 14g of sugar per serving compared to 29g in the original version, making it a lower-sugar option among dried fruits.
Product Specifications
Ocean Spray Craisins dried cranberries offer a versatile and flavorful product with specific ingredients, packaging options, and dietary considerations. These sweet-tart treats are made from whole cranberries and undergo a carefully controlled drying process.
Ingredients and Additives
Craisins contain whole dried cranberries as the primary ingredient. Cane sugar is added to balance the natural tartness of cranberries. A small amount of refined sunflower oil is used to prevent clumping and improve texture.
No artificial flavors or preservatives are used in the production of Craisins. This commitment to natural ingredients aligns with consumer preferences for cleaner labels and simpler food products.
The drying process concentrates the natural nutrients found in cranberries, including fiber and certain vitamins. This results in a product that retains much of the nutritional value of fresh cranberries in a convenient dried form.
Packaging Options
Ocean Spray offers Craisins in various packaging sizes to suit different needs. The most common retail sizes include:
- 5 oz (142g) pouches
- 12 oz (340g) resealable bags
- 24 oz (680g) family-size bags
- 64 oz (1.81 kg) bulk packages
The resealable bags help maintain freshness and allow for easy storage. For foodservice and commercial use, larger bulk packaging options are available.
Packaging materials are designed to protect the product from moisture and light, which can affect quality and shelf life. The clear packaging allows consumers to see the product before purchase.
Dietary Considerations
Craisins are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. They are also peanut-free, reducing allergy concerns for many consumers.
These dried cranberries are fat-free and a good source of fiber. One serving (1/4 cup) of Craisins provides 25% of the daily recommended fruit intake, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
While Craisins contain added sugar, they can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The product is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Craisins can be used in various dietary patterns, from low-fat to Mediterranean-style diets. They offer a convenient way to incorporate fruit into meals and snacks throughout the day.
Consumption and Usage
Ocean Spray Craisins dried cranberries offer versatile options for consumption and practical storage solutions. These sweet-tart dried fruits can be enjoyed in various ways and maintain their quality when stored properly.
Serving Suggestions
Craisins make an excellent snack on their own. A typical serving size is 1/4 cup, which provides about 130 calories. They can be added to trail mixes, cereals, or yogurt for a nutritious boost. Craisins work well in baked goods like muffins, cookies, and bread. When substituting for fresh cranberries in recipes, use 3/4 cup of Craisins for every 1 cup of fresh cranberries called for.
These dried cranberries can enhance salads with their tangy flavor and chewy texture. They pair nicely with nuts and cheese on charcuterie boards. Craisins can also be used as a topping for oatmeal or incorporated into homemade granola bars.
Storage Advice
To maintain freshness, store unopened packages of Craisins in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer them to an airtight container or reseal the original packaging tightly. Proper storage helps prevent moisture absorption and maintains their texture.
For extended shelf life, keep Craisins in the refrigerator. This can help preserve their flavor and prevent clumping. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before using in recipes for best results.
Freezing is another option for long-term storage. Place Craisins in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Craisins can be used directly in baking without thawing.
Purchasing and Availability
Ocean Spray Craisins are widely available through various retailers and online platforms. Consumers can find different package sizes and varieties to suit their needs and preferences.
Where to Buy Craisins
Ocean Spray Craisins can be purchased at most major grocery stores, supermarkets, and warehouse clubs. Costco Business Centers offer bulk sizes, such as the 64 oz package, ideal for businesses or large households.
Many online retailers, including Amazon and the Ocean Spray website, sell Craisins with home delivery options. Some stores provide same-day delivery services for added convenience.
Specialty food shops and health food stores often stock Craisins as well. These locations may carry unique flavors or organic varieties not found in larger chain stores.
Cost Considerations
Craisins are available in various package sizes, affecting the overall cost. Bulk purchases, like the 64 oz package from Costco, often offer better value per ounce compared to smaller retail packages.
Prices may vary by retailer and location. Online prices sometimes differ from in-store prices, and special promotions or discounts can impact the final cost.
Membership-based stores like Costco may offer lower prices but require an annual fee. Some retailers provide loyalty programs or coupons that can reduce the cost of Craisins purchases.
Shipping fees may apply for online orders, potentially increasing the total cost. Free shipping options are sometimes available with minimum purchase amounts or for members of certain retail programs.