National Raisin Day – Apr. 30, 2027

National Raisin Day
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FoodHealthy Food
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United States
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Every April 30
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National Raisin Day celebrates the humble dried grape every April 30. Whether you love them in oatmeal cookies or as a stand-alone snack, these sweet treats have a rich history. Try baking with them, adding them to your breakfast, or simply enjoying a handful straight from the box.

Want to sponsor National Raisin Day? Learn how

Expected National Raisin Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that National Raisin Day often brings sweet deals from grocery stores and snack brands. Look for discounts on dried fruit from major retailers like Kroger, Walmart, and Target. Specialty food stores such as Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market may feature organic or gourmet raisin varieties. Baking ingredient brands like King Arthur Baking Company might offer recipe ideas or promotions on ingredients that pair well with raisins. Keep an eye out for snack brands like Sun-Maid and Dole to announce special offers on their dried fruit products. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 30 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Raisin Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalRaisinDay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite raisin recipes, from oatmeal cookies to savory tagines.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalRaisinDay. Create a fun video demonstrating a unique raisin hack or a quick, healthy raisin snack.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalRaisinDay. Share a fun fact about raisins or ask followers for their most controversial raisin opinion (e.g., in potato salad?).

Social Media Tips for National Raisin Day

Individuals

Incorporate raisins into your daily meals. Sprinkle them over your morning yogurt, add them to a salad for a touch of sweetness, or enjoy them as a quick energy boost during your afternoon slump.

Creators

Develop a series of short-form videos showcasing the versatility of raisins. Feature them in sweet and savory dishes, or create content around their nutritional benefits and historical significance.

Brands

Launch a 'Raisin Recipe Challenge' encouraging users to submit their most creative dishes featuring raisins. Partner with a food blogger for a sponsored post or run a giveaway of raisin-themed products.

Top Brands for National Raisin Day

  1. Sun-Maid

    Founded in 1912 by raisin growers in California's San Joaquin Valley, Sun-Maid is the world's largest producer of raisins. Their iconic red box and sun-bonneted girl logo are recognized globally, symbolizing quality and tradition in dried fruit.

  2. Dole Food Company

    A global leader in the production and marketing of fresh fruit and vegetables, Dole also offers a wide range of packaged dried fruits, including raisins. Founded in Hawaii in 1851, Dole is committed to providing healthy and convenient snack options worldwide.

  3. Ocean Spray

    Best known for cranberries, Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative of cranberry and grapefruit growers, founded in 1930. They also produce various dried fruit products, offering a similar healthy snack alternative to raisins and often found alongside them in stores.

  4. Trader Joe's

    Founded in 1967 in Pasadena, California, Trader Joe's is a popular grocery chain known for its unique and affordable private-label products. They offer a wide selection of dried fruits, including several varieties of raisins, often at competitive prices.

  5. Nestlé

    A Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate, Nestlé was founded in 1866. While primarily known for chocolate, coffee, and dairy, Nestlé also produces popular confectionery items like chocolate-covered raisins, blending the sweet fruit with their renowned chocolate.

  6. General Mills

    An American multinational manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods, General Mills was founded in 1866. Many of its popular breakfast cereals, such as Raisin Nut Bran and Raisin Chex, prominently feature raisins as a key ingredient, making them a significant consumer.

  7. California Raisin Marketing Board

    Established in 1983, this board represents the raisin growers of California, promoting the nutritional benefits and versatility of California raisins. They are responsible for marketing and research efforts to support the industry, including the famous 'California Raisins' animated characters.

National Raisin Day Hero

William Thompson

William Thompson was a Scottish immigrant who, in 1872, cultivated the 'Thompson Seedless' grape variety in California. This grape, originally intended for table use, proved ideal for drying into raisins due to its thin skin and lack of seeds, revolutionizing the California raisin industry and becoming the dominant variety globally. His innovation laid the groundwork for the state's massive raisin production.

National Raisin Day timeline

2000 B.C.
Raisin’g Evidence

Raisins are produced by the Ancient Egyptians.

1800s
Spanish Specialties

Spanish missionaries bring grapes to the United States, setting up vineyards.

1873
Alternate Plan

When it is discovered that producing raisins will make higher profits, the raisin industry is born.

1968
Trail Mix Favorite

The popularity of trail mix skyrockets with the addition of chocolate-covered raisins.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Raisin Day

Local businesses can celebrate National Raisin Day by incorporating raisins into their offerings. Bakeries can feature raisin-studded scones, cinnamon rolls, or artisan breads. Cafes might offer special raisin-oatmeal cookies or a raisin-infused tea. Grocery stores can create eye-catching displays of various raisin types, from golden to dark, and offer recipe cards for sweet and savory dishes. Restaurants can add a unique touch to their menus with raisin chutneys, salads, or even a dessert featuring the dried fruit, encouraging customers to rediscover its versatility.

National Raisin Day FAQs

When is National Raisin Day?

In 2027, National Raisin Day will be observed on Friday, April 30. This end-of-week timing makes it an ideal day to unwind with raisin-infused treats or experiment with new recipes.

What are the health benefits of raisins?

As a natural source of energy, raisins offer a quick and healthy snack option. For 2027, health trends emphasize whole, unprocessed foods, and raisins fit perfectly into this focus, contributing to heart health and providing a natural sweetness without added sugars.

How popular are raisins in the U.S.?

The U.S. is one of the largest consumers of raisins globally, driven by their versatility and perceived health benefits. For 2027, market data suggests a steady demand for dried fruits, with raisins holding a significant share due to their widespread use in both home cooking and commercial food products.

What's the difference between raisins, sultanas, and currants?

These terms distinguish dried grape types by their origin and characteristics. For 2027, consumers are increasingly seeking specific dried fruit profiles; raisins are generally plump and sweet, sultanas are golden and slightly softer, and currants offer a more intense, tangy flavor in a petite size, each suitable for different culinary applications.

National Raisin Day Activities

  1. Eat sweets for every meal

    For breakfast, why not some cinnamon rolls topped with raisins? For lunch, make a nice Waldorf salad and swap out those grapes for a few of the sun-dried variety. Finally, why not top dinner off with a little bit of bread pudding?

  2. Make your own

    All you need are some grapes from the local grocer and sunny, dry weather. First, get red or green grapes and remove the large stems from the fruit. Next, place the grapes on a rack and leave them out in the sun for a few days. Finally, place the shriveled grapes in an airtight container and you have a namesake snack!

  3. Watch "Meet the Raisins" (1998)

    The half-hour special got a Primetime Emmy Award nod for Outstanding Animated Program. Afterward, why not make it a full on Rais-a-Thon following it up with the sequel — "Raisins: Sold Out!" Don’t forget the Raisinets!

Why We Love National Raisin Day

  1. Nature's jellybeans?

    Perhaps. Raisins can be up to 72% sugar by weight, making them a sweet and satisfying snack. But unlike jellybeans, raisins are have some nutritional value. They boast cancer-fighting antioxidants, provide an excellent source of fiber, and contain no cholesterol.

  2. Raisins complete things

    Raisins and oatmeal cookies are one of the culinary world’s great pairings, but it's just one of many. The most obvious? Cereal, of course — as long as it's not too sweetened already. Some other fan favorites: rugelach, cinnamon raisin bread, rum raisin ice cream and trail mix.

  3. Welcome to Selma

    Over half of the world’s raisins come from California. Although Napa is known worldwide for its wine-producing grapes, the Golden State’s raisin capital is actually the city of Selma— just southeast of Fresno. This area produces over 350,000 tons of raisins annually.

National Raisin Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 April 30 Friday
2028 April 30 Sunday
2029 April 30 Monday
2030 April 30 Tuesday
2031 April 30 Wednesday