Finding the best snack for the office is challenging. It needs to be a mix of tasty and healthy. Well, that's where eating dried fruit comes into play! Dried fruit is like nature's candy - only it's full of sweet flavour and health benefits! So, here is the best dried fruit for a healthy snack in the office.
Oh and don't forget, if you’re in London you can get all of your fresh fruit and dried fruit from Ripe.London, but more on that later, firstly, let's see why you should be eating dried fruit.
Why Dried Fruit?
Dried fruits are a fantastic and nutritious snack choice for the office. Here are just some of the benefits of dried fruit as an office snack:
- Convenience - They are easy to store, non-perishable, and don't require refrigeration. This makes them perfect for stashing in your desk drawer.
- Nutrient-Dense - Despite losing some water content, dried fruits retain most of their vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
- Energy Boost - They provide a quick energy boost thanks to their natural sugars, making them ideal for those mid-afternoon slumps.
The nutritional benefits of dried fruits along with how tasty they are, mean that they are the ideal office snack, particularly if you are enjoying a balanced diet. So, here are the most tasty and healthiest dried fruits you can enjoy at the office!
The Best Dried Fruits for the Office
Dried Apricots
Dried apricots are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are rich in vitamins C and A, potassium and fibre just like fresh apricots only without the mess. This dry fruit is packed full of good stuff! They can help improve your eye health, boost your immune system and keep your digestive system running smoothly. Plus, their natural sweetness can satisfy your sugar cravings without the need for processed snacks.
Dried Mango
Did you know that just 165 grams of mango provides 10% of your daily vitamin A and 67% of your daily vitamin C? And that’s only the tip of the iceberg for how healthy mango is! So, it's not only incredibly tasty but also great for your eye and digestive health. It can also help improve blood sugar control and boost the immune system. The drying process barely removes any of the vitamins and minerals either. So you can enjoy all the goodness without the juicy mess!
Banana Chips
These banana chips are one of the best snacks for the office! They are so moreish, thanks to their sweet flavour, support healthy digestion and are ideal if you're enjoying a healthy diet. These aren't the healthiest of all the snacks here but are definitely one of the most delicious. The sweet taste of dried banana is hard to beat, and you'll love these as a snack, or as part of your breakfast!
Wasabi Peas
This low-carb snack has a spicy kick to perk you up when you're feeling a bit sluggish after lunch. They contain fibre, protein and many other nutrients, making them a great choice for those who love savoury snacks over sweet ones. You may be wondering why we're including wasabi peas on this list. Well, a. they are dried, and b. peas are a fruit. So technically, it is dried fruit!
Raisins
Raisins are tiny but mighty. These dried grapes are packed with iron, potassium, and antioxidants, they are excellent for heart health and maintaining good blood pressure levels. They’re also great for bone health due to their high calcium content. So eating raisins as an office snack is a great idea! Keep a small pack in your desk for a quick, energy-boosting snack and enjoy all of the health benefits of dried fruit in one convenient and tasty snack!
Dried Cranberries
These tart little berries are incredibly good for you. unsweetened dried cranberries are known for their high antioxidant content, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases. They're also beneficial for urinary tract health. They also contribute to a healthy immune system as they have such a high vitamin C content. Mix them with some nuts for a delightful trail mix or add as a topping on salads or porridge.
Dates
While dates may look like dried plums, they actually come from the date palm tree and aren't related to plums at all. Dates have a beautiful, caramel flavour. They are rich and sweet and can make you forget about snacking on sweets altogether. They are a great source of fibre, potassium, and magnesium. Dates are also fantastic for sustained energy due to their low glycemic index. Just a couple of dates can keep you full and satisfied until your next meal.
Dried Figs
Dried figs are chewy, sweet, and packed with nutrients. They are high in fibre, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer. Figs also contain calcium and iron, making them good for your bones and blood health. Add them to your snack rotation for a delicious and nutritious treat.
Tips for Choosing the Best Dried Fruit
When selecting dried fruit for your office snacks, keep these tips in mind:
Read the Labels: Choose dried fruits without added sugars or artificial preservatives as these can undo the healthy part of this snack very quickly. The ingredient list should be short and simple.
Watch the Portions: Dried fruits are calorie-dense, so it's important to enjoy them in moderation. A small handful is usually enough to satisfy your snack cravings.
Mix It Up: Combine dried fruits with nuts or seeds for a balanced snack that includes healthy fats and proteins. This can help stabilise your blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full for longer. Plus, eating the same things over and over again does get a bit repetitive, so this ensures you have variety.
Fun Ways to Enjoy Dried Fruits at Work
The dried version of fruit is an amazing addition to your diet. With no added sugar and so many health benefits, they are a great way of taking care of your health without boring old snacks like rice cakes. Here's how to seamlessly add dried fruit into your diet:
Trail Mix: Create your own trail mix by combining your favourite dried fruits with nuts and seeds. This makes for a crunchy, chewy, and highly satisfying snack.
Yoghurt Topping: Sprinkle some dried fruits over your yoghurt for a sweet and nutritious addition.
Smoothie Booster: Add a handful of dried fruits to your smoothie for an extra burst of flavour and nutrients.
On Their Own: Sometimes the simplest way is the best. Enjoy a small handful of dried fruits straight from the pack.
Don’t Forget The Nuts!
We’re huge fans of nuts at Ripe! Nuts are a great healthy snack that you can enjoy throughout the day. We have an entire post all about the best time to eat nuts for weight loss that shows off our love for this humble and tasty snack perfectly. Still, we had to mention them here too because they are perfect for pairing with dried fruit. Here are our favourites:
Almonds - Whether you like them raw or salted, almonds always hit the spot thanks to their mild flavour and versatility. They're light on calories but pack a punch with protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Add them to trail mix, salad or enjoy them on their own.
Walnuts - Walnuts are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, making them our top pick for heart health. Plus, they're high in antioxidants and fibre, perfect for weight management.
Cashews - Cashews are lower in fat compared to some other nuts, yet still deliver healthy fats and protein. And let's be honest, cashews are simply delicious!
Brazil nuts - We adore the creamy taste of Brazil nuts. But they're not just tasty, they're also packed with iron, protein, and dietary fibre.
Macadamia nuts - Macadamia nuts are fabulous for their high magnesium content and anti-inflammatory benefits. Their creamy texture and flavour are irresistible. We hand-select ours from the finest fruit markets in London to ensure top-notch quality.
We also salted and unsalted mixed nut selections which are ideal for making trail mix, for toppings on porridge or yoghurt or for enjoying as a snack whenever the mood takes you.
Or The Fresh Fruit!
Dried fruits are an excellent choice for a healthy office snack. They are convenient, nutrient-dense, and versatile enough to suit any taste. Whether you prefer the tangy bite of dried cranberries or the rich sweetness of dates, there’s a dried fruit out there for everyone. So, the next time you feel the mid-afternoon slump starting, reach for a handful of dried fruits and enjoy a delicious, healthy snack that will keep you going strong.
We have a range of dried fruits that's as affordable as it is healthy and delicious. So, when purchasing dried fruit in London, always remember Ripe. We also have a huge selection of fresh fruit hand-picked from the best fruit markets in Europe. We can provide your office with fruit boxes perfect for the entire team to enjoy a snack. We stock a large selection of other office snacks and pantry supplies like tea and coffee. So, the next time your office needs healthy snacks, choose Ripe.
