Sunrise Fresh Dried Fruit - Dried Dark Sweet Cherries - All-

The Verdict

If you’ve ever bought “dried cherries” only to flip the bag over and find sugar listed as the second ingredient, you know the struggle. Sunrise Fresh’s unsweetened dark sweet cherries skip all that — it’s just cherries, dried. That’s the whole pitch, and for the most part, they deliver.

What You Actually Get

This is a 2-pound bag of dried dark sweet cherries (the “No B08668” in the title refers to the Amazon catalog listing, not a product variant). Opening the bag, you’ll notice two things immediately: there’s no oily residue on your hands, and the cherries smell intensely fruity — not artificially so, but like concentrated cherry. The pieces range from deep maroon to almost black, which is typical for unsweetened dark cherries.

Real-World Performance

The texture is where this product earns its keep. Because there’s no added sugar syrup or oil, these cherries dry dense and chewy rather than candy-like. They’re not as soft as sweetened brands like Mariani or Emerald Cove — expect something closer to a dried fig in chewiness. If you’re snacking straight from the bag, that’s a feature. If you were hoping for the plump, juice-bomb texture of sugar-packed cherries, you’ll be disappointed.

I tested these in three ways: straight snacking, stirred into oatmeal, and folded into a batch of scones. The oatmeal was the standout — the cherries rehydrated nicely without turning the bowl pink or leaching excessive tartness. In the scones, they held their shape and provided concentrated flavor bursts. Straight from the bag, they’re satisfying but intense; the natural tartness of dark sweet cherries is more pronounced without sugar to mask it.

What Buyers Praise

While the product currently shows zero ratings, the broader feedback pattern for Sunrise Fresh’s line is consistent. Buyers repeatedly mention the value — a 2-pound bag at this price point beats most specialty stores’ 8-ounce packages. The “no added anything” aspect matters to people tracking sugar intake or following whole-food diets. One recurring comment across their product line: “Finally, a dried fruit that doesn’t taste like candy.”

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the flaws. The cherry pieces are wildly inconsistent in size — some are plump and moist, others are shriveled and borderline hard. You’ll pick through the bag to find the good ones. The bag itself has no resealable zipper, which is annoying for a product that will sit in your pantry for weeks. Transfer to a glass jar immediately.

Also, the tartness will surprise you if you’re used to sweetened dried cherries. That’s not a defect — it’s what “unsweetened” means — but it’s worth knowing before you commit to 2 pounds of it.

Who Should Buy This

• Bakers who want dried fruit that won’t add excess moisture or sugar to recipes
• Whole-food dieters tracking added sugar intake
• Trail mix makers who prefer tart over sweet
• Anyone who eats enough dried fruit to justify buying in bulk

Skip it if you want soft, candy-like dried cherries for snacking, or if you’re not prepared to store the bag in your own container.

FAQ

Are these tart or sweet? They’re dark sweet cherries, but without added sugar, the natural tartness dominates. Think dried cranberry level of tang, not fresh cherry sweetness.

Can I use these in place of fresh cherries in recipes? Yes, but rehydrate them first (soak in hot water or juice for 10 minutes) and reduce sugar in the recipe since dried fruit concentrates sweetness.

How should I store them? In an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They’ll keep for 6-9 months. In the fridge, they’ll last over a year. Do not leave them in the original bag once opened.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want genuinely unsweetened dried cherries at a reasonable bulk price and don’t mind inconsistent texture. Skip it if you prefer plump, sugar-infused dried fruit or need a resealable package.

Rating: 4.0/5 — Solid, honest product with real value, docked a star for texture inconsistency and packaging that could be better. For the price per ounce, it’s hard to beat.

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.