People who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet do so for a variety of reasons. Many choose this type of diet to eliminate meat or meat-based products. Others choose it for the simple reason that they believe it to be a healthier option that doesn't contain any additives, preservatives, or chemicals.
Eating a plant-based diet will provide most of the nutrients a person will need to thrive. There are a few vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are found only in meat or animal-based foods. This is part of the reason many vegans may have to resort to using supplements. For many of the nutrients they need, however, dried fruits are a healthy option that is good for both vegans and vegetarians.
Can Dried Fruits Be Used in Vegan/Vegetarian Diets?
Dried fruits are not animal-based and can be used in both vegan and vegetarian diets. They provide the same vitamins, nutrients, and fiber content as fresh fruits but without the moisture. You eat smaller amounts and still gain many of the same benefits as if you eat fresh fruits.
At Sunrise Fresh, our dried fruits are all naturally sweet, with no added sugars and have no additives or preservatives. All of the dried fruits in our products are picked at the height of ripening and processed super efficiently so that fewer nutrients are lost.
When Are Dried Fruits Considered to Be Non-Vegan?
There are times when dried fruits may be considered non-vegan. While this doesn't happen often, there are times when dried fruits may be processed in the same facilities and assembly lines as animal-based products. Because the dried fruits come in contact with the same surfaces used to produce the animal-based products, they are no longer considered to be vegan.
If the products are processed in a multi-use facility, the label may read “Manufactured in the same facilities as honey, eggs, and dairy products”. At Sunrise Fresh, we offer Just Fruit and Nothing Else! You will never have to worry about our dried fruit products being exposed to animal-based products at our facility.
Dried Fruits Make Great Snacks
Vegans and vegetarians get their nutrients by eating the healthiest foods possible. They rarely include what we would term as “junk food” in their diet. So what type of foods do they choose for snacks? In most cases, they will either choose fresh, raw veggies or freshly dried, organic fruits.
Eaten in small amounts, dried fruits from Sunrise Fresh provide added nutrients and the calories you will need to get you through the rest of your day. Carry a few snacks with you everywhere you go for when you need that little pick-me-up and the extra nutrients for when you are feeling a little run down.
Why People Choose Vegan/Vegetarian Diets?
Vegan and vegetarian diets are plant-based and provide most of the nutrients a person needs for a healthy happy lifestyle. Neither of the diets includes meat of any kind. The primary difference between the two diets is that a vegan does not include animal-based products at all. A vegetarian, however, will allow eggs, butter, dairy, and cheese into their meal plans.
Plant-based diets provide all of the nutrients without all of the unhealthy fats and contaminants that are often found in meats. One of the biggest drawbacks of eating meat is that it slows down your digestive system and can make you feel sluggish and bloated. Sticking to a plant-based diet provides the body with fast-burning fuel that keeps the digestive system running smoothly. Plant-based foods provide nutrients that are easily assimilated and calories that burn quickly and efficiently.
The Benefits of Including Dried Fruit in Your Diet
Both vegans and vegetarians can readily list the benefits of including dried fruits in your diet. They can be stored for long periods of time and are convenient to store and carry. Grab one of our re-sealable bags and carry them with you. Snack on them throughout the day and include them in your favorite dishes for extra flavor and texture.
The key is choosing the right dried fruits in the right amounts. Dried cherries, apples, pears, peaches, and blueberries from Sunrise Fresh are always picked just as they become ripe. This preserves the majority of their nutrients before they are lost. At Sunrise Fresh, it's Just Fruit and Nothing Else!
If you are a vegan or vegetarian and want to find the best-dried fruits to add to your diet, then explore the options that Sunrise Fresh has to offer. Naturally sweet with no added sugar, additives, or preservatives, the dried fruits from Sunrise Fresh are just what you need to add both taste and nutrition to your meal plan! After all, it's Just Fruit and Nothing Else!
