Did you know that just one small piece of dried apricot can have the same number of calories as a whole fresh apricot?
Dried fruits are delicious, colorful, and super easy to carry around… but they’re also a “concentrated bomb” of energy and calories!
Why are dried fruits higher in calories?
The secret is in the drying process!
When fruit is dried, it loses most of its water, making it shrink in size. But the natural sugars and calories remain the same.
The result?
One slice of dried apple = one whole fresh apple in terms of calories.
Calories in Popular Dried Fruits
- Dried apple: 60 calories per 15g (about a handful).
- Dried prunes: 70 calories for 2–3 small pieces.
- Dried tangerine: 45 calories for 5 small pieces.
- Dried apricot: 35 calories for 2 medium pieces.
So… Does That Mean Dried Fruits Are Off-Limits?
Of course not!
Dried fruits are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The key is portion control. Instead of finishing the whole bag while watching a movie, grab a small handful (about ¼ cup) as a healthy snack.
Dried fruits are a smart, healthy option if you know how to measure them right.
A small cup of raisins or dried apricots can give you a natural energy boost, but too much can easily add up to extra calories that may slow down your diet progress.
