Dried fruits can be a delicious snack, and if prepared and consumed mindfully, they offer many of the same health benefits as fresh fruit.

Dried fruit has the power to bring a plain-Jane bowl of oatmeal to life, or to jazz up an otherwise lackluster scone or batch of granola. And strips of dried mango or a handful of dried cherries are a time-tested way to make the miles fly by on a hike or a road trip. But is dried fruit healthy — even though it's made from, well, fruit?

The healthiest dried fruits contain no added sugars or sweeteners. If you're buying a very tart variety, such as cranberries or sour cherries, look for those that are sweetened with 100 percent fruit juice rather than sugar, wrote Sass.The American Heart Association noted that including too much added sugar in your daily diet can raise your ...

Dried fruits are very popular for a multitude of reasons! Eating fruit is associated with improved health and provides many of the essential minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients and fiber that you need every day. Dried fruit doesn't spoil as quickly and is an easy snack to pack, especially for activities like hiking!