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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Raisin

A raisin is a dried grape, typically made by drying fresh grapes in the sun or with artificial heat.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

A raisin is a dried grape, typically made by removing water from fresh grapes through sun-drying or artificial heat. They are a common snack and baking ingredient in Canada, used in trail mixes, cereals, breads, and holiday foods.

What it is

Raisins are dried fruit made from grapes. The term usually refers to dried dark grapes, though sultanas and currants are related types. They are sweet and chewy, with colours ranging from golden to dark brown.

How it's made

Raisins are produced by drying grapes in the sun or with controlled heat, which removes most of the water. This process concentrates the natural sugars, making raisins calorie-dense and altering their texture and flavour.

Key details

Raisins provide fibre and minerals but are high in sugar and calories, so moderation is advised. They are used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Note: raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

In short

  • Raisins are dried grapes, made by sun-drying or artificial drying.
  • They are calorie-dense due to concentrated natural sugars.
  • Common in Canadian baking, trail mixes, and holiday foods.
  • Keep raisins away from dogs — they can cause serious illness.
Canadian angle

Raisins are a common grocery and baking ingredient in Canada, used in trail mixes, cereals, breads, cookies, and traditional holiday foods.

Quick questions

What are raisins?
Raisins are dried grapes, usually eaten as a snack or used in cooking and baking.
Are raisins healthy?
Raisins can be part of a healthy diet because they provide fibre and nutrients, but they are also high in sugar and calories, so moderation matters.
What is the difference between raisins and sultanas?
Both are dried grapes, but sultanas are usually made from seedless green grapes and are typically lighter in colour, while raisins are often darker.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raisin
    Supports: Raisins are dried grapes; common uses; distinction from sultanas and currants; dogs can be harmed by raisins.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/raisin
    Supports: Definition of raisin as dried fruit of certain grape varieties.
  3. WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/diet/raisins-good-for-you
    Supports: Raisins are dried grapes; drying concentrates nutrients and sugars; calorie-dense; sultanas and currants are different kinds of dried grapes.
  4. Healthline — https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/raisins-sultanas-currants
    Supports: How raisins and sultanas differ; dried-grape varieties; raisins are high in sugar and calories.
  5. National Institutes of Health — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019280/
    Supports: Raisins contain fibre and phytochemicals; described as a healthy snack despite high sugar.
  6. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/raisin
    Supports: Definition of raisin as a dehydrated or sun-dried grape.