The short answer
Soft dried fruit (semi-dried) keeps part of its water, so it is tender and chewy. Classic dried fruit loses almost all of it, so it is firm or crunchy. The sugar in both comes mostly from the fruit itself, and what changes between brands is whether sugar is added. The label tells you.
Side by side
| Soft dried (semi-dried) | Classic dried | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Tender, flexible | Firm, sometimes crunchy |
| Water left | Part of it | Little |
| Eating | Straight from the bag | Straight, or soaked for cooking |
| Storage | Cool, dry place, no fridge | Cool, dry place |
| Added sugar | Check the ingredients | Check the ingredients |
Sugar and calories
Removing water concentrates what stays. A December 2015 report by the Spanish consumer body OCU on dried fruit measured 82 % sugar and 341 kcal per 100 g in dried pineapple, and 80 % and 351 kcal in dried papaya. Those were products on the market in 2015, not Born's, and several had added sugar.
For reference, the Born mango pack declares 54.2 g of sugars and 325 kcal per 100 g. All of it is the fruit's own sugar, because the product has one ingredient.
The practical rule is the same for both types: look at the ingredient list. If it says only the fruit, there is no added sugar. If it says syrup, glucose or sugar, it is a different product.
Shelf life
Born states "up to 12 months" with the pack sealed, kept in a cool, dry place and without a fridge. Once the 250 g resealable bag is open, close it well after each use.
Chocolate products should stay away from heat.
Which one to choose
- Soft dried if you want a snack you can eat right away, at the desk, on a hike or in a lunchbox.
- Classic dried if you want something firm for trail mixes or long storage in bulk.
- Freeze-dried if you want a light, crisp topping. It is another category: see the full guide.
Limits
- Neither type is fresh fruit: a portion has more calories and sugar than the same weight of fresh fruit.
- "Semi-dried" is not a legal term, so it means different things for different brands.
- This page gives no health or diet advice. For that, ask a registered dietitian.
Where to buy
Born Fruits ships from Spain. The shop has an English version and a country selector, and delivery options and cost for your country appear at checkout.
Retailers and distributors: marketing@fruit-friends.com.
Related questions
Is soft dried fruit healthier than classic dried fruit?
Neither is better by definition. Compare the ingredient list and the sugar per 100 g on the pack.
Does soft dried fruit last as long?
Born gives up to 12 months sealed. Check the date on any brand.
Does either type need a fridge?
No. Born recommends a cool, dry place for its products, without a fridge.