Del Monte Canned Apricot Halves in Extra Light Syrup, 15-Oun
✅ PROS
- Consistent apricot halves that hold their shape — no mushy broken pieces in the can
- Extra light syrup keeps added sugar at 50% less than regular syrup varieties
- 15-ounce can is the right size for two servings or one generous topping portion
❌ CONS
- Flavor leans tart — if you expect candy-sweet apricots, this isn't it
- Some cans arrive with bruised or unevenly ripened fruit at the bottom
- No resealable lid; you'll need a container for leftovers
The Verdict
The Honest Take on Del Monte’s Canned Apricot Halves
Here’s the thing about canned fruit: most of it tastes like sugar water with something vaguely fruit-shaped floating in it. Del Monte’s Apricot Halves in Extra Light Syrup isn’t that. It’s the rare canned fruit that actually tastes like apricots — and that’s both its strength and its limitation.
What you’re actually getting
Each 15-ounce can delivers roughly 8-10 apricot halves packed in a syrup that’s 50% lighter on sugar than Del Monte’s standard offering. The fruit is California-grown, and the canning process locks in a texture that’s firm but yielding — think al dente fruit rather than the mushy mess you get from cheaper brands. As one buyer put it, “These are the only canned apricots my grandmother will eat, and she’s pickier than a cat at a fish market.”
The extra light syrup matters more than you’d think. At 60 calories per half-cup serving with 14 grams of sugar (versus 25+ in heavy syrup versions), these work for people watching their intake without sacrificing the convenience of canned fruit.
Where it shines
The consistency is the headline. Across dozens of cans, the halves arrive uniform in size and color — a deep golden orange that photographs well and plates better. They hold their structure through gentle reheating, which makes them genuinely useful for baking. Fold them into a cake batter, and they won’t disintegrate into jam. Top a pork roast with them, and they’ll keep their shape through the braise.
The tartness is the surprise. These apricots taste like apricots — bright, slightly acidic, with a floral note that the heavy syrup versions completely destroy. If you’re using them in a recipe that calls for added sugar anyway, the extra light syrup means you control the sweetness, not the can.
The honest downsides
The flavor profile won’t work for everyone. If you grew up on heavy-syrup canned fruit, these will taste almost sour. Several reviewers noted the same thing: “Not as sweet as I expected, but that’s actually why I repurchased.” That’s a feature for some, a dealbreaker for others.
Quality control isn’t perfect. A handful of reviews mention the bottom layer of the can containing bruised or less-attractive halves. It’s not common, but it happens — and with a 15-ounce can, you’re not paying enough to be outraged, just mildly annoyed.
The no-resealable-lid thing is basic, but worth mentioning. You’ll need Tupperware or a glass container for the second half of the can, and apricots don’t age gracefully in the fridge. Eat them within three days.
Who should buy this
Buy it if you bake with canned fruit, meal-prep breakfasts, or want a pantry staple that doesn’t taste like a dessert. It’s also a solid pick for anyone cutting back on added sugar who still wants fruit beyond the fresh produce aisle.
Skip it if you’re looking for a sweet snack straight from the can — you’ll be disappointed by the tartness. And skip it if you’re making a fruit salad where you want everything to be aggressively sweet.
The three questions everyone asks
Are these actually extra light or is that marketing? The label is accurate. Per half-cup serving, you’re looking at roughly half the sugar of Del Monte’s regular syrup version. The nutrition panel confirms it.
Can I use the syrup for anything? Yes — it’s a great base for a simple syrup in cocktails or soaking sponge cake. The apricot flavor is subtle but present.
How many cans should I buy? If you’re baking, grab three or four. If you’re just testing, start with one. They don’t expire quickly, so stocking up isn’t risky.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want canned apricots that taste like fruit, not candy, and you value texture that survives cooking. Skip it if you need dessert-level sweetness or you’re sensitive to occasional bruised fruit in the can.
At 4.5 stars across 225 ratings, the consensus is real: this is one of the better canned fruit options on Amazon. It’s not gourmet, but it’s honest — and for the price, that’s a winning combination.
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.