What's the difference between golden raisins and regular raisins?
Mia Russell
Published May 05, 2026
Golden raisins are dried in a dehydrator and contain sulfur dioxide, which is used as a preservative and to prevent their skins from darkening, making them gold in color. They tend to be a little moister and plumper than regular raisins, which tend to be chewier.
Are golden raisins healthier than dark raisins?
Golden raisins are moderately healthier, tooGolden raisins have more flavonoids—phytonutrients found in plants that give them their color and have antioxidant properties—than regular raisins.
Can you use regular raisins instead of golden raisins?
Golden vs regular raisinsDespite the use of sulphur dioxide (or a sulphite) to keep the golden raisins golden there does not have to be any difference between golden and regular raisins! If they are both dried using the same drying process, they will be very similar.