Cracking the Label: How to Read and Choose Good Quality Dry Fruits in India

When it comes to dry fruits, appearances can be deceiving. What looks clean and shiny on the outside may not always be the healthiest or most genuine pick. In a market full of bulk bins, repackaged stock, and vague labels, learning how to read a dry fruit label properly can save your money and your health.

At 20-20 Dry Fruits, we believe in empowering consumers to make informed choices. This guide will help you decode what really matters when buying packaged dry fruits in India.

1. Check the Ingredient List

This is step one.

• For raw, unflavored dry fruits: There should be only one ingredient listed.
• For flavored or roasted options: Look out for added sugar, salt, preservatives (like INS 220) or edible oil.

Tip: Fewer ingredients = fewer surprises.

2. Look for Grade or Type

Dry fruits are graded based on:

• Size (e.g., W320 cashews, California almonds)
• Quality (A-grade, Supreme, etc.)
• Cleanliness (machine-sorted, hand-picked)

While not always printed in bold, a reputable brand will mention the grade somewhere on the pack.

Why it matters: Higher grade = better texture, more uniformity, fewer damaged nuts

3. Check for Country of Origin

• Almonds: California (USA) vs. Indian
• Pistachios: USA vs. Iran
• Walnuts: Chile, USA, Kashmir

Imported nuts usually have longer shelf lives and are processed with higher standards. But local can be fresher if handled right.

Look for: Country of origin declaration on the back label or near FSSAI info.

4. Understand Packaging Type

• Vacuum-sealed packs: Retain freshness longest
• Nitrogen-flushed packs: Prevent oxidation
• Zip-lock resealable bags: Better for storage

Avoid thin plastic wraps or pouches with poor seals—they often lead to moisture build-up or early rancidity.

5. Shelf Life and Date of Packaging

• Look at both Manufacture Date (MFD) and Best Before dates
• For nuts: 6–9 months is ideal depending on the type and storage
• For dried fruits: 4–6 months is safe if unpreserved

Tip: Always check the MFD. A "long best before" doesn’t help if it’s already been 5 months in a warehouse.

6. FSSAI License & Batch Number

These show that:

• The product is registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
• It’s traceable to a specific batch (in case of issues)

Avoid: Brands without this info or with blurry/unclear labeling

7. Transparency Around Processing

Good packaging will mention:

• Roasting method (dry roasted vs. oil roasted)
• Flavors and additives (if any)
• Natural vs. sulfur-treated (especially for raisins, apricots, etc.)

20-20 Example: We call out whether pistachios are roasted or raw, salted or plain—because you deserve to know.

8. Go Beyond Packaging: Use Your Senses

Even if everything checks out on the label, use your:

• Eyes: Look for discoloration, mold, broken pieces
• Nose: Rancid nuts smell oily and off
• Hands: Good nuts are firm, not soft or wrinkled

Final Word

Choosing dry fruits shouldn’t be a gamble. With the right label knowledge, you can shop smarter, avoid poor quality, and get real value for your money.

Whether you’re buying almonds for your child’s tiffin or stocking up on cashews for a wedding, a well-read label is your best tool.

At 20-20, we say it simply: What’s inside the pack should be as honest as what’s outside.