Kirkland's dried blueberries contain organic sunflower oil, a pro-inflammatory seed oil that disrupts omega-3/omega-6 ratios. This heavily sweetened product is 70% added sugar by weight, essentially blueberry candy. DIY version eliminates seed oils entirely and allows control over sugar content while using superior organic ingredients.
Based on: Whole dried blueberries
· Makes approximately 24 servings (equivalent to 1.5 lbs commercial product)
· Serving: 1/3 cup (40g)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Whole dried blueberries from Kirkland signature often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
The original Whole dried blueberries may also contain artificial dyes. Check it on DyeFreeCheck to find out.
Ingredients
Organic fresh blueberries
1200g (about 8 cups fresh) · Whole Foods or local organic farm (frozen organic acceptable)
Primary fruit base that will concentrate during dehydration to provide antioxidants and natural fruit flavor
Organic cane sugar
480g (2.25 cups) · Wholesome Organic Cane Sugar or C&H Pure Organic
Creates the signature sweet coating that matches commercial product's 70% sugar content ratio
5ml (1 teaspoon) · Simply Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
Enhances natural fruit flavor and masks any coconut taste from the oil
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) or oven to lowest setting (170-200°F) with door slightly cracked. Line dehydrator trays or baking sheets with parchment paper. Wash 1200g fresh organic blueberries thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels — any excess moisture will extend drying time significantly.
Step 2. Create sugar coating syrup: In a large bowl, combine 480g organic cane sugar with 240ml (1 cup) warm water. Stir vigorously for 3-4 minutes until sugar completely dissolves. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix well. The syrup should be thin enough to coat berries evenly but thick enough to provide substantial sweetness.
Step 3. Warm 15g coconut oil until just melted (microwave 20-30 seconds or place jar in warm water). The oil should be liquid but not hot. Add melted coconut oil to sugar syrup and whisk for 2-3 minutes until fully emulsified — this prevents separation during coating.
Step 4. Add clean, dry blueberries to sugar syrup mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly for 3-4 minutes ensuring every berry is evenly coated. Use a large spoon to lift and fold berries, allowing excess syrup to drain back into bowl. The berries should glisten with coating but not be swimming in syrup.
Step 5. Arrange coated blueberries in single layer on dehydrator trays or parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring berries don't touch (they'll stick together). For dehydrator: dry at 135°F for 12-18 hours, rotating trays every 6 hours. For oven: dry at lowest setting with door cracked, checking every 2-3 hours, total time 8-12 hours. Properly dried berries should be chewy with slight give, not crispy or mushy.
Step 6. Test doneness by cutting a berry in half — interior should be concentrated and chewy, not wet or squishy. Cool completely before handling (about 30 minutes). During cooling, any surface stickiness will resolve as sugars set. If berries seem to stick together, toss gently with a tiny pinch of organic tapioca starch.
Step 7. Store in airtight glass containers with tight-fitting lids in cool, dry place. For best quality, use within 6 months. For portion control matching commercial serving size, measure exactly 40g (about 1/3 cup) per serving. The final product should have similar sweetness intensity to Kirkland version but with superior ingredient quality and no inflammatory oils.
Storage
Store in airtight glass jars in cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months. Avoid plastic containers which can transfer flavors. If berries stick together over time, toss with tiny amount of organic tapioca starch. Refrigeration not necessary but extends shelf life to 12 months.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.80
Cost per serving (store-bought)$1.10
Savings27%
Higher upfront cost due to premium organic ingredients, but bulk purchasing of coconut oil and vanilla creates long-term savings. Superior ingredient quality eliminates inflammatory seed oils worth the modest premium.