Buying dried fruit: how to choose the right fruit snack

If you want to buy dried fruit online, you will quickly come across dozens of bags containing mango, dates, prunes, raisins and international fruit snacks. The packaging often focuses mainly on how delicious or natural the product is supposed to be. For a well-informed choice, the ingredients, nutritional values, serving size and storage instructions are more important than eye-catching marketing claims.

The same applies to Asian snacks, Turkish snacks and candied fruit. A sweet snack can be suitable for eating on the go, with tea or in a recipe, but the ingredients vary considerably from one product to another.

Common pitfalls when buying dried fruit

1. “Fruit” does not automatically mean 100% fruit

Dried mango, candied pineapple and hawthorn snacks often contain sugar, syrup, acidity regulators or preservatives. So check the ingredients list rather than just the front of the packaging.

A product with a single ingredient, such as 100% red dates or dried grapes, has a more straightforward composition. A sweet-and-sour Chinese snack, on the other hand, may contain several added ingredients for flavour, texture and shelf life.

2. A small pack can be relatively expensive

Packs of 50, 70, 80 or 100 grams are convenient for eating on the go, but always compare the price per 100 grams. A 500-gram bag is often more practical for regular use in porridge, baking, tea or stews. Do check, however, whether you can reseal the pack properly after opening.

3. “Fat-free” or “free from colourings” does not tell you everything

Some dried fruits contain little or no fat, but may still be high in carbohydrates and sugars per 100 grams. Sugar is often an important part of the preparation process for candied fruit. Sulphites may also be present; these must be listed on the label when they are used as an ingredient.

Brands may make claims about quality, traditional preparation or nutritional benefits. Do not automatically treat these as established facts. According to a brand’s own research, such claims may be supported differently from the verifiable information on the label. Therefore, use the ingredients list and nutrition table as your starting point.

What should you look for when buying dried fruit?

1. Ingredients and allergens

First check:

• Does it state 100% fruit, or have sugar and syrups been added?
• Does the product contain sulphites, such as E223?
• Are there allergens or warnings about traces of nuts?
• Is the fruit pitted, or will you need to remove the stones yourself?

For example, the Hao Xiang Ni Pitted Jujubes are made from 100% red dates according to the product information and are pitted. The Sundrop Mini Raisin Handouts contain 99.5% raisins and sunflower oil. According to the listed ingredients, the X.O Dried Mango consists of 65% mango pulp, sugar, E330, colouring E110 and sulphite E223.

2. Nutritional values per 100 grams

Always compare products on the same basis. Pay particular attention to:

• Energy: relevant when comparing different snacks.
• Carbohydrates and sugars: dried fruit is concentrated because the water has been removed.
• Fibre: listed for some products but not for others.
• Salt: particularly important for salted plums and savoury fruit products.

A 20- to 30-gram serving provides a different amount from the standard table per 100 grams. So, if you do not want to eat more than intended, portion out a serving in advance when using large bags.

3. Use and texture

Not every product is intended to be used in the same way:

• Dried mango and raisins are usually ready to eat.
• Dried dates work well in a fruit mix, baking recipe or with tea.
• According to the product information, dried longan can be washed and used in porridge, soup or tea; this product requires preparation.
• Candied chestnut is soft, sweet and ready to eat straight from the pack.
• Hawthorn snacks and candied fruit often have a distinctive sweet-and-sour flavour.
• Dried plums can be salty, sour, sweet or spiced, depending on the ingredients.

Also check the best-before date and store the product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the packaging securely after opening. For allergen information, storage advice and the exact date, always check the label on the packaging.

Product choices for different snacking occasions

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Sundrop Mini Raisin Handouts - 252 g

Why it suits this profile: A large pack of mini raisins is practical for everyday snacking, lunchboxes or adding to breakfast cereals.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients are clearly stated: according to the product information, the product consists of 99.5% raisins and sunflower oil.

Key benefit & advantages

252 grams, 4.2 grams of fibre per 100 grams according to the listed table, and ready to eat.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Titiz Candied Chestnut - 125 g

Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for a traditional Turkish sweet snack to serve with coffee or tea.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients list mentions chestnuts and white sugar, so you know that this candied fruit is not an unsweetened chestnut.

Key benefit & advantages

125 grams, ready to eat and, according to the product information, free from the 14 main EU allergens.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users

Hao Xiang Ni Pitted Jujubes 500g

Why it suits this profile: A generous supply for anyone who enjoys dried dates on their own as well as in tea, soup, porridge or baking recipes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists red dates as the only ingredient and states that they are pitted.

Key benefit & advantages

500 grams, ready to eat and, according to the description, suitable for cooking, baking and tea.

Suitable for: Fans of distinctive Asian snacks

X.O Dried Mango 80g

Why it suits this profile: A small pack for anyone who wants to take dried mango to work, eat it on the go or enjoy it with an Asian tea.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it contains 65% mango pulp and also lists sugar, E110 and sulphite E223. This makes the composition clear in advance.

Key benefit & advantages

80 grams, ready to eat and containing 33 grams of sugar per 100 grams according to the listed nutritional information.

Frequently asked questions about buying dried fruit

What is a suitable serving of dried fruit?

That depends on when you are eating it and on the product. A small serving of around 20 to 30 grams is practical for eating on the go or as part of a fruit mix. Check the nutritional values per 100 grams and adjust the amount accordingly.

How long does dried fruit keep after opening?

Shelf life varies from one product to another. Store the packaging according to the label, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the bag securely and look out for changes in smell, colour, texture or packaging. You will find the exact date on the product itself.

What is the difference between dried and candied fruit?

With dried fruit, the main process involves removing moisture from the fruit. Candied fruit is often prepared using sugar or syrup. As a result, candied chestnut, candied pineapple and some Asian fruit snacks may be sweeter than unsweetened raisins or dates. Always check the ingredients list before ordering.