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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Finding the right dried fruit for constipation means looking past the sugar-coated options at the grocery store and straight at fiber-rich, naturally sweet picks that actually move things along. Apricots, prunes, figs, and mixed blends each bring a different texture and level of fiber — and the wrong choice leaves you chewy, dry, and still stuck. The good news is the best options are affordable, shelf-stable, and taste like candy without any added sugar.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
If you struggle with constipation, the dried fruit for constipation that most buyers choose is the one that gives you fiber (the roughage that helps move waste through your gut), moisture, and natural sweetness — with no added sugar or preservatives.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Dried Fruit for Constipation
The dried fruit aisle is crowded, and not every bag helps with digestion. Here is what matters most when picking one that actually keeps you regular.
Fiber Content and Fruit Type
Prunes (dried plums) are the classic choice for a reason — they pack soluble and insoluble fiber plus sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that draws water into the bowel. Apricots and figs are close behind, each offering a solid fiber boost. Mixed fruit bags can be convenient, but the fiber per serving varies depending on what is inside. Always check the fruit type first.
Added Sugar and Preservatives
The best options say “no sugar added” or “unsweetened” right on the label. Dried fruit already concentrates natural sugars, so adding cane syrup or corn syrup just spikes calories without helping digestion. Sulfur dioxide is common in bright-colored apricots to preserve color — some people tolerate it fine, others find it causes stomach upset. Unsulphured varieties are gentler on sensitive systems.
Texture and Moisture
Moisture is everything for constipation relief. Over-dried fruit that is rock-hard and leathery does not help much — you need plump, soft pieces that still have their water content. Look for reviews that mention “soft,” “chewy,” and “moist” to avoid bags of brittle, flavorless chips. Resealable bags help keep that moisture locked in after opening.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Fruit Type | Weight | Added Sugar | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuts.com Dried Apricots★ Best Overall | Best Overall | Apricots | 2 Pounds | No | View |
| Sunsweet PrunesPremium Classic | Premium Classic | Prunes | 16 oz | No | View |
| Bella Viva Orchards ApricotsBest Value | Best Value | Apricots | 1 lb | No | View |
| Herbaila Pitted Prunes | Budget-Friendly | Prunes | 2 Pounds | No | View |
| Food to Live Pitted Prunes | Mid-Range | Prunes | 1 Pound | No | View |
| Eastanbul Dried Apricots | Budget-Friendly | Apricots | 14.5 oz | No | View |
| Yupik Organic Natural Figs | Best for Fiber | Figs | 2.2 lb | No | View |
| Arashan Dried Apricots | Mid-Range | Apricots | 1 lb | No | View |
| It’s Delish Dried Mixed Fruit | Variety Pack | Mixed | 2 lbs | Yes | View |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Nuts.com Dried Apricots – No Sugar Added, 2 Pound Bag
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 600+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The apricot that tastes like dessert but works like a fiber supplement — no sugar needed.
This is a massive 2-pound bag of jumbo Turkish-style apricots that come naturally plump and chewy. Buyers report they are “excellent for digestive health and regularity, a good alternative to fiber supplements.” The bag is resealable, so you can keep them fresh for up to a year if stored under refrigeration.
Taste is the most-praised thing here — over 150 owners single out the flavor, and another 80+ call out the quality. The apricots are soft without being mushy, and they do not taste like preservatives. Each serving delivers potassium and fiber, making this a straight swap for processed snacks. At 2 pounds, you get more than double the amount of the 14.5-ounce Eastanbul bag.
The only real trade-off is the natural sulfur content — these contain sulphur dioxide for color preservation, which some sensitive stomachs notice. They also lean slightly more expensive than smaller bags, but the per-ounce value evens out.
Digestive powerhouse: Plump, juicy, and packed with enough fiber to replace fiber supplements — owners call it the best digestion regulator they have found.
One honest catch: Contains sulphur dioxide, so if you react to sulfites, store them in the fridge or freeze them to slow color change, but the digestive benefit stays.
Reach for this if: You want a large, no-sugar-added apricot that doubles as a daily fiber source and tastes genuinely sweet on its own.
Think twice if: You need a completely unsulphured fruit or only want a small trial bag before committing.
2. Sunsweet Prunes, Pitted Prunes, 16 oz Canister
The prune that stays soft, stays fresh, and comes with a whole recipe book.
These pitted prunes from Sunsweet are consistently described as the most moist prunes people have ever eaten. The natural sweetness and tender texture mean you can snack on them straight out of the resealable canister, or toss them into oatmeal and yogurt. A “General Zhing’s Recipes for Prune Lovers” booklet is included, turning prunes into breakfast, lunch, and dessert ingredients.
Digestive health is the main reason people buy these — owners mention that five prunes a day effectively aids digestion without cramping, and they complement other fiber sources like psyllium husk. The canister keeps them fresh until the last piece, which matters more than you think for prunes that dry out fast in flimsy bags.
The value-for-money feedback is mixed — this is a known brand with a premium price tag compared to bulk bags. But the quality and taste are both praised by dozens of owners, and the resealable container is a clear upgrade over standard pouches.
Texture that wins: Soft, naturally sweet, and never dry — owners call them the best prunes they have ever seen, and the resealable canister keeps them that way.
What holds it back: The per-ounce cost runs higher than bulk prunes, making this a premium daily snack rather than a budget stock-up.
Grab this for: A consistent, fresh-tasting prune that you can eat daily without getting bored — the recipe book is a nice bonus for cooking.
Pass if: You need a huge bulk bag for the freezer or plan to use prunes only as an occasional backup.
3. Bella Viva Orchards Dried California Tangy Apricots, 1 lb
California-grown apricots that are twice as large as the competition and stay tender through the whole bag.
These are sun-dried to a meaty, plump perfection — and buyers notice the size immediately. Compared to another brand purchased at the same time, the Bella Viva apricots are about twice as large and more flavorful. They are all-natural, high in fiber, and fat-free, fitting perfectly into a constipation-relief routine without any added sugar or preservatives.
Taste is the most-discussed feature, with over 70 owners praising the tangy-not-too-sweet flavor. The texture and freshness also get consistent positive marks — the fruit is tender throughout the bag, not hard at the edges. The resealable packaging (which one owner calls “quality”) helps keep them from drying out between snacks.
Value for money draws mixed reactions — this is a premium-priced 1-pound bag compared to bulk options. Some consider it expensive for daily use, others find the quality worth the occasional treat. If you love tart apricots, this is one of the best-tasting options available.
Size and flavor win: Nearly double the size of competing apricots, with a tangy flavor that stands out — owners say fresher, larger, and more delicious than store-bought California apricots.
The cost question: At about for one pound, you pay for quality and size, not bulk quantity. Best as a treat or small daily handful.
Choose this if: You want a premium, tangy dried apricot with big pieces and no added sugar — ideal for snacking and baking.
skip it if: You need a budget-friendly bulk bag to use as a daily fiber supplement.
4. Herbaila Pitted Prunes, Unsweetened, 2 Pounds
A 2-pound bag of pitted prunes that owners call the best they have had — juicy, soft, and unsulphured.
Herbaila delivers a generous 2-pound bag of pitted prunes that come plump, dark, and ready to eat. Owners describe them as juicy and soft, with one calling them the best prunes so far for digestive health. They are unsweetened and unsulphured, meaning no added sugars or preservatives — just dried plums. The resealable bag keeps them fresh for days of snacking.
Taste is the runaway winner here — 144 owners mention it positively, and 33 call out the value for money. The health benefits are noted by 13 buyers. The prunes are naturally sweet, so they work as a dessert substitute, and the fiber content supports regularity without added chemicals.
The texture gets mixed feedback — while most find them soft and nice, some describe them as a bit dry. The bigger issue is pit quality: a few customers note finding pit fragments in the bag, so chew carefully. If you like prunes soft and fluffy rather than firm, this bag delivers on the soft side.
What wins people over
- 2 pounds of pitted, unsweetened prunes at a great per-ounce price
- Juicy and soft texture praised by dozens of buyers
- Unsulphured — no preservatives or artificial colors
What to watch for
- Occasional pit fragments reported by some owners
- Texture can vary — a few bags arrive drier than expected
Perfect for: Stocking up on a large, budget-friendly prune supply that tastes naturally sweet and supports regularity.
Not ideal if: You need guaranteed pit-free fruit every time or prefer very firm, chewy prunes.
5. Food to Live Pitted Prunes, 1 Pound – Unsulfured, Unsweetened
A solid 1-pound bag of prunes that owners say taste great and effectively get things moving.
These prunes from Food to Live are unsulfured, unsweetened, and non-irradiated. Owners describe them as tasty, moist, chewy, and flavorful — and they “effectively relieve constipation.” The bag is vacuum-packed to keep them from drying out, and the prunes are medium-sized, making portion control easy. They are also a source of vitamins K, A, and C, plus iron, potassium, manganese, and copper.
Taste is praised most — 59 owners mention it positively. Quality follows at 38 mentions, and moisture content gets 17 positive remarks. The prunes are not gooey or mushy, and they are not overly sweet. One owner who bought the 10-pound bag says pit fragments are rare, which is a common pain point with other prune brands.
The texture and ingredients get mixed feedback: some find the prunes gritty, and the ingredient list includes a Proposition 65 warning. The manufacturer says this is legal coverage against frivolous lawsuits, but it is note if you are sensitive to additives. Value for money is mixed — the 1-pound bag is priced competitively, but some wish it were larger.
Solid and effective: Tasty, moist prunes that owners say work for constipation relief — vacuum-packed to stay fresh and free of hidden pits.
The flag: The Prop 65 warning puts some buyers off, though the producer explains it as legal precaution rather than a real quality issue.
Reach for this if: You want unsulfured, unsweetened prunes in a convenient 1-pound bag that keeps well and tastes good.
Pass if: A Prop 65 warning bothers you, or you prefer larger prunes for snacking.
6. Eastanbul Dried Apricots, 14.5oz – No Sugar Added
Turkish apricots that are exceptionally moist, soft, and tender without any stickiness — a buyer’s exact words.
Eastanbul brings whole pitted Turkish apricots from the bountiful lands of Turkiye, and owners praise them as the best dried apricots ever. The texture is the standout feature: exceptionally moist and soft, with a bold, rich apricot flavor that comes entirely from natural sweetness — no sugar added. They are non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free. The 14.5-ounce bag is 2.2 times smaller than the 32-ounce Nuts.com bag, making this a better trial-size option.
Taste earns the most attention — 46 owners mention it positively. Quality gets 24 mentions, and freshness gets 10. The apricots are dehydrated, so they appear dry on the outside but stay tender on the inside. One owner who ordered multiple times says most bags are delicious, with only occasional inconsistency.
Moisture content is the mixed area — some buyers find them delightfully moist, while others describe them as very dry. The natural variation in a batch can affect texture. If you get a good bag, it is fantastic; a dry bag is still edible but less enjoyable. Color and plumpness are generally excellent.
Texture champion: When fresh, these are the softest, most tender dried apricots you will find — owners describe them as exceptionally moist without any stickiness.
Batch variation: A small number of bags arrive drier than expected, so the texture can be a gamble. Stick with recent orders for best results.
Best for: A first-time dried apricot buyer who wants a small bag of no-sugar-added fruit with a reputation for amazing softness.
Not for: Anyone who wants a consistent, guaranteed-moist batch every time or needs a larger 2-pound bag.
7. Yupik Organic Natural Figs, 2.2 lb – No Sulphites, No Added Sugar
Organic figs that are naturally sweet, large, and plump — a fiber-rich alternative to prunes.
These whole dried figs from Yupik are certified organic, non-GMO, and completely free of sulphites, added sugar, and preservatives. They are a good source of fiber, which directly supports digestive regularity. The 2.2-pound bag (35.2 oz) is generous, and the resealable package helps keep the figs from drying out between uses. Owners describe them as perfectly dry but soft, naturally sweet, and ideal for snacking straight from the bag or adding to baking.
Taste is the most-praised aspect — 133 owners mention it positively. Quality follows at 99 mentions, and freshness gets 38. The figs are large and plump, with one owner calling them the best they have ever bought. They work well stuffed, blended into smoothies, or baked into fruitcake. The organic certification and lack of additives make them a clean option for anyone monitoring ingredient lists.
Moisture content draws the most mixed feedback — 43 owners comment on it, with some finding the figs perfectly moist inside and others noting they are slightly drier than Mission figs. A small number of bags develop mold if not eaten quickly, so freezing or refrigerating after opening is smart. Size also varies — some pieces are very big, others very small.
Clean and sweet: Organic, no sulphites, no sugar added — a naturally fiber-rich fig that owners say is large, plump, and perfect for daily snacking.
Storage matters: These figs can mold if left too long at room temperature; freeze or refrigerate the portion you are not eating within a week or two.
Great for: Anyone who wants a certified organic, high-fiber fruit with no additives and a naturally sweet flavor that works for snacking and baking.
Skip if: You need guaranteed uniform size or prefer a fruit with more predictable moisture content.
8. Arashan Apricots – Dried Apricot Fruit, 1 lb
Ferghana Valley apricots that owners say taste like no other — fragrant, moist, and intensely flavorful.
These sundried, pitted apricots come from the Ferghana Valley in Kyrgyzstan, where apricots have grown wild for thousands of years. Owners describe them as larger, deeper in color, and more flavorful than typical Turkish apricots, with a higher acidity that brings a real apricot punch. They are 100% natural with no sugar added. The 1-pound bag makes them easy to store and portion control simple.
Reviewers point out that taste is the top reason they love these apricots — 238 owners mention it positively, more than any other feature in this guide. Quality gets 132 positive mentions, and texture gets 63. These apricots are fragrant, moist, and chewy, with a flavor that shoppers say reminds them of childhood.
The biggest trade-off is the sulfur dioxide content. One experienced reviewer notes the very high sulfur dioxide level limits intake to 2-3 pieces per sitting. The moisture content also gets mixed feedback — some find them not too dry, others describe them as very dry. The resealable zipper on the bag is flimsy, so transferring to a different container is a good idea. Black spots appear on some pieces, which is natural but off-putting to some buyers.
The biggest strengths
- Exceptional flavor — over 230 owners call out the taste as a standout
- Fragrant, moist, and chewy with high acidity for real apricot punch
- Sundried and pitted with no added sugar
The honest trade-offs
- High sulfur dioxide content means limit yourself to 2-3 per sitting
- Moisture varies — some bags arrive dry, and black spots occur naturally
- Flimsy resealable zipper; plan to store in a separate container
Best for: Apricot connoisseurs who want the most flavorful, intense dried apricot available — even if it means watching sulfur intake.
Not ideal if: You need a completely unsulphured fruit or want consistent moisture across every piece.
9. It’s Delish Dried Mixed Fruit with Prunes, 2 lbs
A 2-pound mixed bag of prunes, apricots, apple rings, kiwi, and more — variety at a bulk price.
This is the only mixed-fruit option in the lineup, combining prunes, apricots, plums, apple rings, nectarines, peaches, pears, kiwi slices, and/or pineapple in one 32-ounce bag. It is certified Kosher OU Parve, vegan, and packed in the USA. Owners say the fruit is moist and tasty, with a great value for the variety you get — one buyer calls it their go-to for dried fruit.
The freshness and taste get positive marks from many buyers. The fruit is soft and well-packed. One owner who split the bag into Ziplock bags says the texture and flavor hold up well with refrigeration. The mix means you get different fiber sources and flavors in one bag, making it hard to get bored.
The texture is stickier than most dried fruit, which some owners find unappealing for hand snacking. The kiwi is described as tasting candy-like, and the apples are bland. It also contains sulfur dioxide, sodium metabisulfite, added sugar, citric acid, and artificial colors — so it is not the cleanest option. One owner found the fruit overly moist and clumped together, feeding the entire bag to the birds. The stickiness and added ingredients make this a “sometimes” snack rather than a daily regular.
Variety at a price: A 2-pound bag of multiple fruits — prunes, apricots, apple, pear, kiwi — that owners say is moist, tasty, and great value for the money.
The catch: Added sugar, sulfur dioxide, and artificial colors mean this is not a clean-label choice. The sticky texture is not for everyone.
Reach for this if: You want a large, inexpensive mixed bag of dried fruits to snack on at home or serve at events — variety over purity.
pass on it if: You need no-added-sugar, preservative-free fruit for daily digestive support, or if sticky texture bothers you.
Understanding the Specs
Sorbitol and Fiber
The two compounds that make dried fruit effective for constipation are fiber and sorbitol. Fiber adds bulk to stool, while sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol that pulls water into the bowel, softening things up. Prunes are the highest in sorbitol, which is why they are the go-to choice. Apricots and figs have less sorbitol but still pack significant fiber — enough to help with mild constipation when eaten regularly.
Sulfites and Preservatives
Sulfur dioxide is commonly added to dried apricots to preserve their bright orange color. Some people tolerate it fine; others experience stomach upset or allergic reactions. Unsulphured fruit looks darker and less vibrant but is gentler on sensitive systems. Always check the ingredient list — if you see “sulfur dioxide” or “sodium metabisulfite” and you are sensitive, go with unsulphured options like the Food to Live prunes or Yupik figs.
Moisture Content
The moisture level of dried fruit directly affects both taste and digestive benefit. Over-dried fruit is hard, chewy, and less effective because the water content is too low to help soften stool. The best options are described as “soft,” “plump,” and “moist” — they still have enough water to work alongside the fiber. Resealable bags or canisters, like the Sunsweet canister, help maintain that moisture after opening.
Sugar: Natural vs. Added
Dried fruit is naturally sweet because the drying process concentrates the fruit’s own sugars. The best digestive picks have “no sugar added” or “unsweetened” on the label. Added cane sugar, corn syrup, or fruit juice concentrate increases calories without any digestive benefit. Every product in this list except the It’s Delish Mixed Fruit is labeled no added sugar — always let the natural sweetness do the work.
FAQ
How much dried fruit should I eat for constipation relief?
Are prunes better than apricots for constipation?
Will dried fruit with added sugar still help with constipation?
Should I worry about sulfur dioxide in dried apricots?
How should I store dried fruit to keep it fresh?
Can I eat dried fruit every day for digestive health?
What does “pitted” mean on dried fruit labels?
What is the difference between prunes and dried plums?
Are organic dried fruits better for constipation?
Can dried fruit cause constipation instead of helping?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the dried fruit for constipation winner is the Nuts.com Dried Apricots because it gives you a 2-pound bag of plump, naturally sweet apricots with fiber (the roughage that helps you stay regular) that rivals a supplement — and a taste that owners genuinely enjoy. If you prefer the classic prune experience with the best texture in this guide, choose the Sunsweet Prunes; they come in a resealable canister and include a recipe book. And for the most intense, authentic apricot flavor you can find, the Arashan Ferghana Valley Apricots is the one to buy.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.