Dried cranberries are growing popular as a healthier alternative to traditional snacks and processed foods. They add a tangy-sweet pop to everything from salads and granola to baked goods and festive stuffings. But what happens when you’re halfway through a recipe and realise you are out? Don’t worry – your local grocery store is full of suitable stand-ins that can step in without missing a beat.
Whether you are looking for a similar taste, texture or nutritional value, here’s a list of dried cranberry substitutes you can find easily on your next grocery store run.
Dried Cranberry Substitutes To Pick From Your Grocery Store Run
Raisins: The Classic Go-To
Probably the most popular dried fruit in any grocery store, raisins are a solid substitute for dried cranberries. They are sweet and chewy and work well in baked goods like cookies and muffins.
Golden raisins are slightly tangier than their darker cousins, making them a closer flavour match to cranberries. They lack the tartness of dried cranberries, but you can add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of citric acid to your dish to balance the sweetness.
Dried Cherries: A Tangy Twist
If it’s that sweet tart you are after, dried cherries come very close to dried cranberries. They’re juicy, tangy and have a similar chew. While they may be slightly more expensive and harder to find in smaller grocery stores, they are a perfect match in texture and taste for salads, trail mixes, and even savoury dishes like glazed meat.
Dried Blueberries: A Berry Good Option
Dried blueberries offer a milder flavour, but they still bring the same chewy texture and a hint of tang. You will often find them in the baking or snack aisle of a grocery store.
They pair well with oatmeal, scones or even as a topping for yoghurt bowls. If you are recreating a dish where cranberries are the main ingredient, you may need to increase the quantity of blueberries or add lemon zest for added brightness.
Chopped Dates or Figs: Sweet with Substance
For recipes that require more sweetness and less tartness, chopped dates or dried figs can serve as a softer, richer substitute. While they are not quite the same in flavour, they add a warm caramel-like note that works beautifully in baked goods and energy bars.
They are usually available in the dried fruit section of any well-stocked grocery store.
Goji Berries: A Superfood Swap
For healthy eaters, goji berries are a great modern alternative to dried cranberries. The flavour is a bit more bitter and more earthy, but they are still chewy and packed with antioxidants.
It may take some getting used to the flavour of goji berries, but they can be soaked in warm water to rehydrate and mellow out their taste, making them a viable option for smoothies and salads.
Fresh Fruit with Adjustments
If you can’t find any dried alternatives at your grocery store, consider using fresh fruit, such as pomegranate seeds or chopped apples. Just keep in mind that they will add more moisture to your recipes. Reduce liquids accordingly, or add them as fresh toppings instead of baking them in.
Conclusion
Running out of dried cranberries doesn’t have to ruin your recipe. With so many options readily available at your neighbourhood grocery store, you can easily swap in another dried fruit that keeps the flavour and texture just right. So next time your cranberry jar runs empty, don’t stress—just scan the aisles and get creative!