NUTS U.S. - California Sun Dried Fancy Apricots

The Verdict

The Short Version: If you’re looking for a dried apricot that tastes like an actual apricot — not a sugar-coated fruit leather imposter — NUTS U.S. delivers. These are whole, pitted California Blenheim apricots, sun-dried the old-fashioned way. They’re soft, chewy, and intensely fruity. But at 4.2 stars from 210 ratings, there are a few consistency issues worth knowing before you click buy.

What You Actually Get

A 2.5-pound bag of whole dried apricots. That’s roughly 80-100 pieces depending on size. As shown in the product image, these are full fruits — not halves, not diced pieces. Each apricot is pitted, which is a genuine convenience if you’ve ever bitten into a “pitless” dried apricot and found a crunchy surprise.

The ingredient list is refreshingly short: apricots. That’s it. No sulfur dioxide, no added sugar, no preservatives. The color is a deep amber-brown rather than the bright orange you see with sulfured apricots — that’s normal and actually a good sign.

Real-World Performance

The texture is where these shine. Properly dried Blenheim apricots should be soft and yielding, almost jammy inside. When NUTS U.S. gets it right, these are exactly that — tender, chewy, with a honey-like sweetness that doesn’t need any help from added sugar.

One buyer put it well: “Finally, apricots that taste like apricots, not candy. Soft, not rock hard like some brands.” Another noted: “The flavor is incredible — you can tell they’re fresh California fruit, not imported and shipped halfway around the world.”

The 2.5-pound size is practical. It lasts a while for snacking, and if you’re into baking — these chop beautifully into scones, granola, or tagines — you won’t run out mid-recipe.

Where It Falls Short

Here’s the honest part. Multiple reviewers mention texture inconsistency between batches. “First bag was perfect — soft and moist. Second bag was noticeably drier, more leathery,” one customer reported. That’s the nature of sun-dried fruit — moisture content varies by harvest and drying conditions. It’s not a defect, but it is a gamble.

Also, while the bag is labeled resealable, some buyers report the zip closure is flimsy or missing entirely. “The bag didn’t have a working zipper on mine,” one reviewer noted. Plan to transfer to a glass jar or use a clip.

And the color can be off-putting if you’re used to supermarket apricots. The natural brown hue is correct, but shoppers expecting bright orange may think the fruit is old. It’s not — that’s what unsulfured apricots look like.

Who Should Buy These

Buy them if: You want a clean-ingredient snack without added sugar or preservatives. You’re baking and want quality dried fruit. You prefer whole fruit over chopped pieces. You like supporting U.S.-grown produce — these are California Blenheim apricots, which are considered the gold standard for drying.

Skip them if: You need perfectly uniform moisture every single bag. You’re looking for bright orange, sulfured apricots — these aren’t those. You want a smaller trial size before committing to 2.5 pounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these sweetened? No. The sweetness comes entirely from the fruit itself. Blenheim apricots are naturally high in sugar when dried, so they taste sweet — but there’s no added cane sugar, corn syrup, or artificial sweetener.

How should I store them? Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They’ll last 6-12 months. If they get too dry, a slice of bread in the container for 24 hours will rehydrate them slightly.

Are these good for baking? Excellent. Because they’re whole and soft, they chop easily. They hold their shape better than cheaper diced apricots and don’t turn to mush in muffins or quick breads.

The Verdict

NUTS U.S. California Sun Dried Fancy Apricots are a solid 4.2-star product. The flavor is genuinely excellent — clean, fruity, naturally sweet. The inconsistency in moisture between batches keeps it from a perfect score, and the bag closure could be better. But for the price per pound, you’re getting quality California fruit that beats almost anything in the supermarket dried fruit aisle.

Buy it if you value clean ingredients and real apricot flavor. Skip it if you need guaranteed uniform texture every time.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.