Raisins. Villan or Super Hero?

[KiddieCahoots]

Super Hero!
My kids and I love raisins, over 3yrs. here too, with an alternate added.
The dried cherries are to die for! And funny thing, I'm allergic to cherries, but not when they're dried up.
Parents haven't said anything yet.....after all....it is natures candy

[nannyde]

Love both. I make oatmeal raisin craisin breads and hot cereals. I do shiver them before adding to the mix.

[CraftyMom]

I should add, that is for the food program reimbursement, not a state reg. So do I serve raisins and craisins? Yes, but I don't claim it on the fp The kids love them!

[e.j.]

Raisins are definitely "Villain" as far as I'm concerned. I can't stand the taste, looks, feel or smell of them so I rarely buy them! I do have Craisins, though, and don't mind them. I've shared them with the kids just to see if they liked them. Most of the kids tasted them but weren't overly excited by them. They haven't asked for them since so I just stick with fresh fruit instead.

[daycare]

Love both. I make oatmeal raisin craisin breads and hot cereals. I do shiver them before adding to the mix.

Nan- what does that mean you shiver them?

[nannyde]

Nan- what does that mean you shiver them?

Chop into little shreads

[Second Home]

I use both and have never had any complaints . I have seen the no sugar added craisins , I believe they are from ocean spray.

[Blackcat31]

I use both and have never had any complaints . I have seen the no sugar added craisins , I believe they are from ocean spray.

As an avid label reader, "No sugar added" isn't always a good thing.

Usually when no sugar is added, "other" things are to make up for the no sugar. When my DH got diabetes, we thought it would be easy since items are clearly marked "fat-free" or "sugar free" or "no sugar added" but then we actually started comparing and most times the items with those claims are worse than the original version.

[Blackcat31]

Apparently the craisin or raisin debate has been going on for a while now! :: ::

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/06/06/raisin-tensions/

"Keep it Real" (Sunmaid raisins) or "Make the Swap" (Oceanspray craisins)

[Cat Herder]

Apparently the craisin or raisin debate has been going on for a while now! :: ::

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/06/06/raisin-tensions/

"Keep it Real" (Sunmaid raisins) or "Make the Swap" (Oceanspray craisins)

:::::: That is funny. I had not heard that.

My food program still says no raisins, choking hazard. I am not on the food program so... meh . Others still believe they can dehydrate a kid (maybe if that is all they eat :confused. IMHO, If a handful of raisins a month can cause severe dehydration in a kid, I'd bet the kid has bigger issues to begin with.

I don't give them "as is" to the under twos or younger 3's. My general rule is once whole kernel corn is their friend at home (ykwim ) then I offer raisins/craisins here. It is offered as a plus, to sweeten/tart things, not a meal component.

[MrsSteinel'sHouse]

Love both. I make oatmeal raisin craisin breads and hot cereals. I do shiver them before adding to the mix.

Shiver them? Are they cold?::

For us raisins are no longer a credible food. I was told it was a portion problem. I like them and will serve them with other items.

[daycarediva]

I serve them, all but one of my daycare kids love them. My local grocery store has no sugar/organic/all natural varieties in bulk.

I also do prunes. I've received a few raised eyebrows over this one, but I tell them to google the benefits and they always say how surprised they were. (http://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/prunes.php)

[melilley]

I serve them every once in a while and they are credible for our fp. Only one of the kids will eat them. To me they are a villan. I cannot stand them, bleck! I will however eat them in breads sometimes and in oatmeal raisin cookies.

[SignMeUp]

Raisins or dried cranberries alone are not creditable on the FP according to my sponsor. But you can serve them with another fruit or vegetable, or just as an ingredient. (And we too are told it is a quantity problem, just like peanut butter - kids can't possibly eat enough to meet minimum requirements :: Have they met any kids?)
Honestly, the one thing I don't like about raisins and little kids is the squished ones on the floor Maybe that's why I mostly use them as ingredients.