According to the trade body and nonprofit, raisins are a natural health powerhouse and packed full of nutrients, including fibre, iron, calcium and antioxidants. The fact that most of the water is extracted from dried fruits means their nutrients are concentrated, and a further benefit comes from the fact that just a 30g portion counts as one-of-your-five-a-day, compared to 80g of fresh fruit.
Raisins South Africa has launch a campaign to spread spread the word about the punchy dried grape to UK consumers and product developers, proudly touting its benefits as well as correcting misconceptions around raisins and dental health. It comes as health studies recommend switching from confectionery and biscuits to consuming more dried and fresh fruit. Versatile raisins offer plentiful ways to be incorporated into snacks.
Recent research has found that, despite perception, dried fruit is not more detrimental to dental health than fresh fruits and veggies. In fact, a mounting body of evidence is finding that the sugar intake of raisin lovers is actually lower, as the dried fruit is the ideal better-for-you alternative to sugary snacks and added sugars.
“We hope to inspire UK consumers to see raisins as a delicious, healthy product that is easy to incorporate into their diets,” said Ferdie Botha, CEO of Raisins SA.
“Over the years there has been a lot of misunderstanding around the raisins and their sugar content, but we want to reassure consumers of the wide-ranging and positive health benefits of eating these delicious products.”
