Kismis in English means raisins, which are dried grapes. In India the word is also written kishmish and usually means small, sweet, seedless raisins. Larger dark raisins are called munakka. Raisins give about 300 calories per 100 g and are used in kheer.
Kismis is one of those words every Indian kitchen uses and shops list under several names. Recipes call for it, children pick it out of mithai, and online shops list it as raisins, sultanas or currants. This page sorts out the names, the types sold in India, the nutrition, and how to choose and store them.
Kismis meaning in English
Kismis (also spelled kishmish) is the Hindi and Urdu word for raisins, which are grapes that have been dried. The word comes from Persian. In English-speaking countries you may see three terms: raisins (any dried grape), sultanas (lighter, seedless raisins from a particular grape) and currants (tiny dried Zante grapes). In India, kismis normally refers to small, sweet, seedless raisins.
Kismis, kishmish, munakka and black raisins
Indian shops use several words that overlap, and they are not always used consistently. This is the common usage:
| Name | What it usually means | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Kismis or kishmish | Small, golden to green, seedless raisins | Kheer, pulao, halwa, mithai, snacking |
| Munakka | Large, dark, plump raisins, often with seeds | Soaking, eating plain, winter sweets |
| Kali kishmish (black raisins) | Small to medium dark raisins, seedless | Snacking, baking, kheer |
We sell Indian raisins (munakka and kishmish) and black raisins (kali kishmish). See the whole raisins collection to compare. Pack sizes and the current price are on each product page.
Raisin nutrition facts
Food composition tables, such as the USDA database, list seedless raisins at about the values below. Treat them as approximate, because type and moisture change them a little.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g (about) |
|---|---|
| Energy | about 299 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | about 79 g |
| Natural sugars | about 59 g |
| Dietary fibre | about 3.7 g |
| Protein | about 3.1 g |
| Fat | about 0.5 g |
| Potassium | about 749 mg |
| Calcium | about 50 mg |
| Iron | about 1.9 mg |
A small handful of 30 g gives roughly 90 calories. Raisins are concentrated fruit: the drying removes water but leaves the sugar, so they are sweet and calorie dense for their size. They also provide potassium, some iron and a little fibre.
Raisins and blood sugar
Raisins are often called a "low GI" food, but published glycemic index values for raisins range from low to medium depending on the study and the portion. They are still mostly sugar. People with diabetes or prediabetes should ask their doctor or dietitian whether and how many raisins fit their plan, rather than relying on a general label.
Eating raisins with nuts, such as California almonds or cashews from our cashew nuts, adds protein and fat, which generally slow digestion of a snack.
How to use kismis
- Kheer, payasam and halwa: fry a few raisins in ghee and add at the end.
- Pulao and biryani: fried raisins and cashews are a classic garnish.
- Sheera, laddoo and mithai: raisins add chew and sweetness.
- Soaked raisins: many families soak a few raisins overnight and eat them or drink the water in the morning. This is a household custom, and we do not make health claims for it.
- Baking and trail mix: cakes, cookies, oats and nut mixes. Try our mix dry fruits for a ready blend.
For frying, pat the raisins dry and heat only a few seconds in ghee, until they puff. Longer, and they turn bitter.
How raisins are made
Raisins start as grapes, usually seedless varieties such as Thompson Seedless for the golden and green types. The grapes are picked ripe, washed, and dried in the sun or in controlled dryers until most of the water is gone. Golden raisins are often dried with a treatment that keeps them light in colour, while dark raisins are left to darken naturally. Munakka comes from larger grapes and is typically dried with the seeds inside.
India grows grapes and makes raisins in Maharashtra, Karnataka and nearby states, and a good share of the kismis sold here is also imported. Because origin varies from pack to pack, check the label or the product page for the details of the raisin you are buying.
Raisins, sultanas and currants
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Raisin | Any dried grape; the general English word for kismis |
| Sultana | A light, seedless raisin, usually golden, softer and slightly tart |
| Currant | A tiny dried Zante grape, dark and tangy, not related to the garden berry |
| Munakka | A large dark raisin, often with seeds, common in Indian homes |
In a recipe from outside India, kismis is usually fine as a swap for raisins or sultanas. Currants are smaller and more tart, so use less.
How many raisins to eat
For most healthy adults, a small handful of 20 to 30 g is a common serving, as a snack or in cooking. Because raisins are rich in sugar and stick to the teeth, rinse your mouth or brush after eating. If you have diabetes, kidney problems or follow a diet plan, ask your doctor or dietitian how much suits you.
Choosing and storing kismis
- Look: plump, evenly coloured, with some natural shine. Very hard, dry or shrivelled raisins may be old.
- Feel: slightly sticky but separate, not stuck together in a block.
- Smell: sweet and fruity. A sour or fermented smell is a sign to skip.
- Stems and seeds: small stems are common. Seeds are normal in munakka but not in seedless types.
- Ingredients: raisins only. Avoid packs with added sugar or oil if you want plain fruit.
Store raisins in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. In a hot, humid kitchen, keep them in the fridge. Stored well, they keep for several months. If sugar crystals form, that is harmless, but mould or a sour smell means throw them away.
Buying kismis online
We sell raisins on AlphonsoMango.in, run by Powle Home Foods in Mumbai, with 47,000+ customers across online, offline and marketplace sales. Choose Indian raisins (munakka and kishmish) for classic kismis and munakka, or black raisins (kali kishmish) for kali kishmish. Browse the dry fruits collection for almonds, cashews and other dried fruit to go with them.
People also ask
What is kismis called in English?
Kismis, also written kishmish, is called raisins in English. Raisins are dried grapes. In India, kismis usually means small, sweet, seedless raisins, while munakka refers to larger, dark raisins that often contain seeds. Black raisins are called kali kishmish, and sultanas and currants are close relatives.
What is the difference between kismis and munakka?
Kismis is a small, golden or green seedless raisin, mostly used in cooking and mithai. Munakka is larger, darker and plumper, usually dried from big grapes and often with seeds. Munakka is eaten plain or soaked, while kismis suits kheer, pulao and sweets.
How many calories are in raisins?
Raisins have about 299 calories per 100 g, so a 30 g handful is roughly 90 calories. They are mostly natural sugar, about 59 g per 100 g, with very little fat and some fibre. Because they are so dense in energy and sugar, a small portion is usually enough as a snack.
Can diabetics eat kismis?
Raisins are fruit sugar in concentrated form, and published glycemic index values range from low to medium. Some people with diabetes include a small portion with meals, but responses differ. Please ask your doctor or dietitian whether raisins suit you and in what amount for your own health.
Related searches
- Kismis in English
- Kishmish in English
- Kismis in English meaning
- Black raisins (kali kishmish)
- Munakka
- Dry fruits online
- Mix dry fruits
- Cashew nuts
Written by Prashant Powle, founder of AlphonsoMango.in. Last reviewed October 2026.
