I’m the Grocery Editor at Kitchn and This Fruity Snack Is the Best New Thing I Tried All Week

Dried fruit checks many boxes in my snack world. It’s easily portable, texturally pleasant, and naturally sweet. It’s also shelf-stable and available year-round, while fresh counterparts might not be in their peak form. Of course, not all dried fruits are created equal: Some have added sugar, some are tough to chew, and some are just plain better than others. And this week, one bag of dried fruit slices stood out for its freshness, taste, and fresh take on packaging. Let’s take a look!

I first heard about Sun & Swell from an email I received after someone from the company filled out the comments section on Kitchn’s Contact Us page. (Please contact us!) The rep shared information about Sun & Swell’s business model and mission, which had me intrigued. So I went to the company’s website to learn more. I discovered that all of the foods it makes are organic, vegan, and gluten-free and they are made without any added sugars, preservatives, or flavors. The company also sources a majority of ingredients directly from United States farms and works with partners that support ethical farming practices abroad. (Beyond mango slices, Sun & Swell sells other dried fruits, grains, spices, coffee, and other pantry staples.)

Buy: Sun & Swell Organic Mango Slices, $13 for 8 ounces at Sun & Swell

In 2018, the company switched from plastic, non-recyclable pouches to plastic-free, compostable packaging. According to the site, these “packages turn back into soil that can be reused on farms within months of entering the waste system.” You can also send back the bags if you don’t have access to composting and the company will compost the bags for you. That all sounded (very) well and (very) good. And, it turns out, the contents inside tasted even better. 

The dried mangoes, which are sourced from Mexico, are peeled and cut by hand, then dried. The slices are chewy, but not tough — no tug of war between your teeth and fingers here — and surprisingly fresh. So much so, it’s as if someone handed me one straight from the production facility (in reality, they came to me in the mail). I even brought them to my parents’ home this past weekend for my partner and them to try, and all were in agreement when I asked, “Would you buy these?” (It’s the first thing I ask everyone after I offer them samples!) In short, they all said, “Yes.” They are, indeed, the best mango slices I’ve ever had and the only ones I’ll be buying from now on. 

What’s your favorite store-bought snack? Tell us about it in the comments.