There's nothing quite like a

Sunsweet® Prune

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

We have included answers to frequently asked questions under Prunes and Prune Juice categories. Simply click on the question to "expand" the answer and click on it again to collapse.  We'd really appreciate if you could let us know if your question was answered.

Alternatively, just type in a single keyword (e.g. "vegetarian") in the search box below.

Prunes

Where can I purchase Sunsweet prunes?

Please visit our prune product page and scroll down to the "On Sale" section for the latest information on stockists.

What is the shelf life of prunes?

Sunsweet prunes will last for 18 months from the date of production. Please check the package for the Best Before End date (BBE). Once opened store them in a cool, dark place.

How many prunes should I eat a day?

Four to five prunes is considered one serving of prunes.

It is perfectly safe to consume two to three servings of prunes a day, however everyone is different so we'd suggest you start with one serving a day and see how you feel.

As with any increase in the fibre content of the diet, it is important to consider also increasing fluid intake as well.

Research has shown prunes are beneficial for normal bowel function when 100g of prunes (approximately 10 prunes) are eaten as part of a varied and balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

Additionally the latest data from new research demonstrates eating 140-170g prunes daily as part of a weight control diet can help with weight management, with no negative side effects.

Are Sunsweet prunes gluten free? Are they suitable for coeliacs?

Prunes are a naturally gluten free food. A serving of prunes may be enjoyed as part of a restricted or gluten free diet such as one which may be used to help control coeliac disease. Please seek medical advice before making dietary changes.

Are Sunsweet prunes GMO-free (Genetically Modified Organisim -free)

Yes, the prune variety used in Sunsweet products is not a genetically modified variety.

Are Sunsweet prunes suitable for diabetics?

Prunes contain only naturally occurring sugars (with no sugar added), are fat free and are high in fibre. Prunes have a low Glycaemic Index (GI) of 29, which means that sugar is released relatively slowly on digestion. Prunes can be consumed as part of a balanced diet and are suitable for people with diabetes. However each person will differ so we recommend that you seek advice from a registered nutritionist/dietitian or doctor.

Are Sunsweet prunes suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Sunsweet prunes are suitable for vegetarians. Take a look at our recipe site for some great vegetarian recipe options.

Are there any allergens or traces of allergens in Sunsweet prunes?

Sunsweet prunes are free of allergens and free of cross contamination of allergens.

How do prunes work on the digestive system?

Research is currently underway to find out which components in prunes benefit digestive health. For sure their high fibre content helps but there is likely a combination of components creating the benefits. Prunes contain soluble and insoluble fibre. Both types of fibre work to increase stool bulk and normal bowel function is dependent on a higher stool weight. Additionally, prunes contain a polyol called sorbitol. Like a sponge, sorbitol attracts and holds water, not all the sorbitol is digested, and this further facilitates normal bowel function.

Are prunes helpful for my bones?

Prunes may be helpful for your bones as they provide a number of nutrients that all contribute one way or another to bone health. Prunes are high in vitamin K which supports the maintenance of normal bones and helps with blood clotting. They are a source of manganese which also supports the maintenance of normal bones and helps form normal connective tissue (a structural part of bones). In addition, prunes are a source of vitamin B6, which helps make healthy blood cells and maintain normal hormone levels; a source of copper, which helps support normal iron transport in the body and helps maintain normal connective tissues (a structural part of bones). Interesting research is currently underway that is exploring this potential role for prunes in bone health.

What nutrients do prunes contain?

Please visit our nutrition facts page to learn about the nutrients in Sunsweet prunes.

Can prunes help me lose weight?

While the research is in the early stages, there is growing evidence to suggest prunes can contribute usefully to weight management and appetite regulation when consumed regularly. New research from Liverpool University demonstrates for the first time that eating 140-170g prunes daily as part of a weight control diet may contribute to weight loss. Prunes are a fruit and lower in energy density than many snack options so a convenient, healthy choice when consumed as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Where can I get prune recipes?

We have some delicious recipes with prunes in our recipe section - Everything from gourmet meals, to quick snacks on the run. Enjoy!

Can I buy Lighterbake in the UK?

Unfortunately Lighterbake is no longer available for sale in the UK

How do the nutrients in prunes benefit me?

Please visit our nutrition facts page to learn about the functions of the nutrients in Sunsweet prunes.

What is the California Prune Board

The California Prune Board represents the 900 prune growers and 21 packers of California, one of the most quality-focused agriculture industries in the world. Ours is the product of generations of growing expertise, dedication to innovation and care for our environment.

The California Prune Board is under the authority of the Secretary of Food and Agriculture and the Board’s work is carried out under a federal marketing order since 1952. The Board has been supporting the UK and Europe with marketing activities since 1986 and promotes California Prunes to both the trade and consumer via four areas of effort:

  • Advertising, public relations and sales promotion
  • Market research
  • Production, processing and nutritional research
  • Education

Please visit our nutrition facts page to learn about the functions of the nutrients in Sunsweet prunes.

Prune Juice

Are the Sunsweet Elopak prune juice cartons fully recyclable and environmentally friendly?

Yes. They are fully recyclable and environmentally friendly. The majority of the packaging material of our Elopak cartons are made from renewable resources and therefore have lower CO₂ emissions than PET bottles, which are made from fossil-based raw materials. The whole life-carbon footprint of our juice cartons is lower than that of the PET bottle.

Are there any allergens in Sunsweet prune juice?

Sunsweet's 100% prune juice drink does not contain allergens however it is produced in a facility that manufactures vegetable juices which may contain the allergen celery juice.

Are there any preservatives or additives in Sunsweet prune juice?

No. There are no preservatives or additives in Sunsweet prune juice.

Can I freeze Sunsweet prune juice?

Yes prune juice can be kept frozen for up to 30 days. For babies, freezing prune juice into ice cubes, can be very useful as it allows you to simply thaw the amount of juice you need at any one time.

We would not recommend freezing juice in a glass bottle or jar. After freezing shake the bottle well before opening, as some settling of solids may occur (this is not necessary if freezing in ice-cubes).

Can I give Sunsweet prune juice to my baby? And how much can I give him/her?

Yes. Sunsweet prune juice has no preservatives or additives so it's perfect for baby. The recommended serving size is 30 - 60ml for babies and we would recommend that it is diluted.

How do the nutrients in prune juice benefit me?

Please visit our nutrition facts page to learn about the functions of the nutrients in Sunsweet prune juice.

How long will Sunsweet prune juice last once it is opened and kept in the refrigerator?

Sunsweet prune juice will keep in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Be sure to refrigerate your prune juice once you have opened it. Keep the lid closed tight when storing in the fridge.

How much Sunsweet prune juice should I drink a day?

A typical serving size for an adult is between 150ml and 200ml, for children 75ml and 30 - 60ml for babies. Each person will differ from the next, so we suggest starting with these serving sizes, see how you feel and then adjust the quantity to suit you. We would however recommend that if prune juice is to be given to a young child or baby that it is diluted.

Is Elopak the same as Tetra Pak?

No, but they are very similar. Elopak and Tetra Pak are two separate beverage carton companies, but the materials of each are essentially the same, so wherever Tetra Paks can be recycled, so can Elopaks.

Is Sunsweet prune juice gluten free? Is it suitable for coeliacs?

Yes. Prune juice is made from prunes which are a naturally gluten free food. A serving of prune juice may be enjoyed as part of a restricted or gluten free diet such as one which may be used to help control coeliac disease. Please consult your physician before making dietary changes.

Is Sunsweet prune juice suitable for diabetics?

Prune juice, in moderation and in conjunction with a balanced low-sugar diet, is generally suitable for diabetics. The soluble fiber in prune juice helps to slow down how quickly the sugars enter the bloodstream which prevents the insulin spike and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Depending on your personal health situation, your dietitian and/or physician can better determine for you the proper amount and frequency for consumption.

Is Sunsweet prune juice suitable for vegetarians?

Yes Sunsweet prune juice is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Take a look at our selection of recipes for some delicious drink recipes.

Is Sunsweet prunes juice GMO-free (Genetically Modified Organisim - free)

Yes, the prune variety used in Sunsweet products is not a genetically modified variety.

Should I be concerned about the sugar in prune juice?

Unlike many sweet tasting fruit juice drinks, Sunsweet prune juice does NOT contain any added sugar. Sunsweet prune juice is made only from carefully selected Sunsweet prunes so that just the right level of sweetness is achieved from the fruit itself. The naturally occurring sugars in Prune juice are mainly fructose and glucose, with minimal sucrose and nothing else, just water, no added preservatives, acidity regulators, colourings or flavourings.

What is the shelf life of Sunsweet prune juice?

The shelf life of Sunsweet prune juice is 18 months. Please check the package for the Best Before End (BBE) date. Stored in a cool, dark place.

What makes prune juice different to many other juices?

It is a source of dietary fibre. Very few pure fruit juices can boast providing dietary fibre in any useful amounts because it is generally removed in the juice making process. Prunes contain soluble and insoluble fibre, and although the majority of the insoluble fibre is removed when prune juice is made, the soluble fibre remains. In addition to fibre, Sunsweet prune juice also contains sorbitol, a polyol and carbohydrate. Sorbitol acts a little bit like a sponge, it attracts and holds water and not all of the sorbitol is digested which is why it is so useful! Additionally, unlike many sweet tasting fruit juice drinks, Sunsweet prune juice does NOT contain any added sugar whatsoever. Sunsweet prune juice is made only from carefully selected Sunsweet prunes so that just the right level of sweetness is achieved from the fruit itself. The naturally occurring sugars in prune juice are mainly fructose and glucose, with minimal sucrose and nothing else, just water, no added preservatives, acidity regulators, colourings or flavourings.

What nutrients does prune juice contain?

Please visit our nutrition facts page to learn about the functions of the nutrients in Sunsweet prune juice.

Where can I dispose of the Sunsweet prune juice Elopak carton?

Sunsweet prune juice Elopak cartons can be disposed of in your household recycling bin or anywhere that paper and cardboard are recycled.

Where can I get prune juice recipes?

We have some delicious recipes with prunes and prune juice in our recipe section - Everything from gourmet meals, to quick smoothies. Enjoy!

Where can I purchase Sunsweet prune juice?

Please visit our prune juice product page and scroll down to the "On Sale" section for the latest information on stockists

Prunes and prune juice can be enjoyed as part of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. For detailed information on the nutrition content of prunes and prune juice please visit our products page.