Fruits & juices

Prune puree

FDC 167780tbsp (36 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 27 · -54 vs Fruits & juices median

Prune puree scores 27 of 100, a Low band result that ranks 52nd of 60 in Fruits & juices, well below the category's median of 81. Even so, it carries several good marks per 100 g: potassium at 18 percent DV, iron at 16 percent DV, dietary fiber at 12 percent DV and vitamin A at 11 percent DV.

Bakers use prune puree as a fat substitute in muffins, brownies and quick breads, or spread it straight as a simple fruit filling, since its thick texture works like a stand-in for butter or oil. The honest caveat is sugar, a high 39 g per 100 g, so those wanting a lower-sugar fruit option might turn toward unsweetened cranberry juice instead, which scores higher in this category.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around prune puree, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 2.1 g · 3%Carb 65.1 g · 96%Fat 0.2 g · 1%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories257 kcal13%
Total fat0.2 g0%
Saturated fat0.02 g0%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium23 mg1%
Carbohydrate65 g24%
Dietary fiber3.3 g12%
Sugars39 g
Protein2.1 g4%
Potassium852 mg18%
Calcium31 mg2%
Iron2.8 mg16%
Magnesium-
Vitamin C4.3 mg5%
Vitamin A100 µg11%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 167780

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Potassium18% DV
Iron16% DV
Dietary fiber12% DV
Vitamin A11% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the fruits & juices median

Nutrient density27 vs 81 median
Protein / 100 g2.1 vs 0.8 median
Fiber / 100 g3.3 vs 2 median
Sodium / 100 g23 vs 3 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Cranberry juice, unsweetenedDensity 31 vs 27Tamarinds, rawDensity 33 vs 27Mango nectar, cannedDensity 36 vs 27

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Prune puree is a thick, deep-brown paste made from stewed, blended dried plums, valued in baking as a fat substitute since its sticky, moist texture mimics butter or oil in cakes, brownies, and quick breads while adding a mild caramel-like sweetness. Bakers often swap it in for some or all of the fat in a recipe to keep baked goods dense and moist, and it also works stirred into oatmeal, spread on toast in place of jam, or blended into smoothies for body and sweetness without added sugar.

Once opened, prune puree keeps in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks in a sealed container, or it can be frozen in small portions for longer storage and thawed as needed for baking. At 257 calories and 65.1 g of carbohydrate per 100 g, with 39 g of sugar reflecting its concentrated dried-fruit base, a tablespoon at 36 g still delivers 18% DV of potassium, 16% DV of iron, and 12% DV of fiber (3.3 g), making it a useful way to work extra fiber and potassium into baked goods where whole prunes wouldn't fit as easily.

Frequently asked questions about prune puree

How many calories are in prune puree?

A 36 g tablespoon serving has 257 calories per 100 g, with 65.1 g of carbohydrate and 39 g of sugar.

Is prune puree a good source of potassium?

Yes, a tablespoon provides about 18% of the daily value for potassium, along with 16% DV of iron and 12% DV of fiber.

What is prune puree used for in cooking?

It's commonly used as a fat substitute in baking, swapped in for butter or oil in cakes and quick breads to keep them moist while adding natural sweetness.

View the USDA source record