Nutrient, fibre, sorbitol and chlorogenic acid content of prunes (Prunus domestica): an updated analysis and comparison of different countries of origin and database values

Current prune composition data is outdated and requires a comprehensive and comparative re-analysis. This novel study aimed to: (i) analyse and compare prune composition from major countries of origin; and (ii) provide a comprehensive compositional analysis of prunes of USA origin and compare this with UK and USA database data. Prune samples were analysed for major nutrients and bioactive compounds and compared between countries of origin. Total fibre was higher in prunes from the USA (12.0 g/100g) and Chile (11.5 g/100g) compared with France (8.4 g/100g) and Argentina (8.9 g/100g), while prunes from all countries contained high levels of sorbitol (11.2-15.5 g/100g). Differences of energy and starch values compared with national databases reflected different approaches to sampling and analysis. In conclusion, prunes contain high levels of fibre and other bioactive compounds. Variations between country of origin and database values highlight the importance of transparency in documenting sampling and analysis methods.