Produce
Dried Cranberries Conversion
Dried Cranberries weighs 120g per US cup.
| Amount | Grams | Ounces |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 120.0 g | 4.23 oz |
| 1/2 cup | 60.0 g | 2.12 oz |
| 1/4 cup | 30.0 g | 1.06 oz |
| 1 tbsp | 7.5 g | 0.26 oz |
| 1 tsp | 2.5 g | 0.09 oz |
| 100 g | 100.0 g | 3.53 oz |
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Dried cranberries weigh 120 grams per cup, and nearly all commercially sold dried cranberries are sweetened during processing — raw cranberries are genuinely too tart and low in natural sugar to dry into a palatable snack on their own, unlike raisins, which come from a naturally sweet grape to begin with.
The widely recognized brand name "Craisins" has become something of a generic descriptor for dried cranberries the way "Kleenex" has for facial tissue, but it's technically a specific brand's trademarked product name — this site's conversion and storage guidance applies to sweetened dried cranberries generally, regardless of which brand happens to be in the pantry.
Because the sweetening process adds real sugar content beyond what raisins carry naturally, dried cranberries are noticeably sweeter and chewier-to-sticky in texture compared to a plain dried fruit, which is worth factoring in if substituting them for raisins or another dried fruit in a recipe where the added sugar wasn't accounted for.
Dried cranberries' cup weight (120g) reflects how much moisture the drying process removes — most commercial dried cranberries are also sweetened during processing (cranberries are naturally quite tart), which adds back some of the weight the drying removed and is why they weigh more per cup than a food this dehydrated might otherwise suggest.
Unsweetened dried cranberries do exist on some shelves, but they're considerably more tart and chewy than the sweetened version most recipes are actually written around, so it's worth checking the label before assuming they're interchangeable.
They're a fairly reliable stand-in for raisins in oatmeal cookies or trail mix, adding tartness rather than raisins' straightforward sweetness.
Look for a resealable bag or airtight container for storage, since dried fruit left open can harden noticeably within a few weeks.
Dried cranberries are sometimes sold labeled 'craisins,' a branded name for the same sweetened, dried product that's become common enough as a generic term that many shoppers use it interchangeably with 'dried cranberries' at the store.
Frequently asked questions
Why are dried cranberries almost always sweetened, unlike raisins?
Raw cranberries are naturally quite tart and low in sugar, so drying them without added sweetener produces an unpalatably sour result — grapes, by contrast, are naturally sweet enough that raisins don't need added sugar during drying.
Is "Craisins" just another name for dried cranberries?
It's a specific brand's trademarked product name that's become a common generic term for sweetened dried cranberries, similar to how "Kleenex" is often used generically for facial tissue — this site's guidance covers sweetened dried cranberries broadly, not one specific brand.
Can I substitute dried cranberries for raisins in a recipe?
Generally yes by volume, but expect a tangier flavor and slightly different sweetness level, since dried cranberries' added sugar and cranberries' natural tartness combine differently than a raisin's straightforward grape sweetness.
Do unsweetened dried cranberries exist, and do they weigh the same?
They do exist, usually marketed for a lower-sugar diet, and they're noticeably more tart and often a bit drier/firmer than sweetened versions — the added sugar coating on sweetened cranberries does contribute some real weight, so an unsweetened version may weigh slightly less per cup.
How long do dried cranberries last in the pantry?
They're a shelf-stable dried fruit, similar to raisins, keeping well for an extended period sealed in a cool, dry spot — watching for a hardened, overly dry texture or any off smell is more useful than relying strictly on a printed date.