Choosing a Chinese plum snack: how to compare flavour, ingredients and packaging

A Chinese plum snack can taste very different depending on the variety. One may be soft, sweet and fruity, while another is salty, sour and firm. Packaging also ranges from small bags for eating on the go to large tubs for sharing. So eye-catching packaging does not automatically mean it is the right match for your snacking occasion.

When buying, pay particular attention to these three common pitfalls:

• A sweet flavour says nothing about the sugar content. Some dried plums contain sugar, sweeteners or both. So check the ingredients list and the nutritional values per 100 grams.
• “Traditional” does not always mean a simple ingredient list. Preserved plums may contain acidity regulators, preservatives, sweeteners, flavourings and sulphites.
• A large pack is not always better value. A 430 or 500 gram pack is practical for sharing, but less convenient if you are the only one eating it or cannot reseal the bag properly after opening.

What should you look for in dried and preserved plums?

1. Flavour profile: sweet and sour, salty or fruity

Chinese plum snacks are often described as salted plums, sweet and sour plums or ume plums. These terms give you an initial indication, but you should also check the ingredients.

• Sweet and sour plums: often combined with sugar, salt and citric acid or malic acid.
• Salted plums: recognisable by their higher salt content and pronounced savoury, sour flavour.
• Ume plums: usually made from green plums and traditionally preserved. The texture may be firm, soft or chewy.
• Fruit mixes: may contain waxberry, peach or mango flavour in addition to plums.

If you are looking for a classic Chinese flavour, you could choose a combination of sweet, sour and salty notes, sometimes with liquorice. For a milder snack, a fruitier variety may be a better choice.

2. Ingredients, sweeteners and allergens

Read the ingredients list before buying a plum snack. Pay particular attention to:

• Sugar and sweeteners: products containing saccharin, sucralose, aspartame or steviol glycosides have a different flavour profile from varieties made with sugar only.
• Sulphites: sulphur dioxide and sulphites must be clearly declared when present. This is particularly relevant for various preserved fruits.
• Phenylalanine: products containing aspartame contain a source of phenylalanine. This is stated on the label and is important for people with phenylketonuria.
• Colourings and flavourings: a blended plum snack may contain additional colourings or flavourings.

Always check the product packaging for the most up-to-date information. Product details may change, and the packaging takes precedence.

3. Pack size, stones and when to eat them

A small 60 to 130 gram bag fits easily into a work bag, lunch bag or coat pocket. Individually wrapped plums are convenient at the office, during a film night or when you are out and about. A large pack is more practical for several people.

If you do not want to remove stones from the fruit, specifically look for stoneless plums or “pitted prunes”. Bear in mind that “prune” in product names does not always mean a completely natural, unsweetened dried plum. Check the ingredients and the product description.

Also pay attention to the storage instructions. Most varieties should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, proper resealing is important to help prevent drying out and loss of quality.

Our recommendations by user type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Liu Liu Prune Original Plum 60g

Why it suits this profile: The 60 gram pack is a manageable size if you are trying a classic Chinese plum snack for the first time. The product description mentions green plums and a soft, chewy texture.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The small pack helps limit waste if you do not immediately enjoy the flavour or texture. The ingredients list names green plum, sugar, salt and flavouring.

Key benefit & advantages

60 grams; 0 grams of fat and 0.86 grams of salt per 100 grams according to the product information; ready to eat.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality

UME HOUSE Soft Dried Plums 128g

Why it suits this profile: This variety is individually wrapped and, according to the product description, combines several flavour notes: sweet, sour, salty and savoury. That makes it suitable for anyone looking for more variety than a simple sweet and sour plum.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The individual portions mean you do not have to open the entire bag each time. The product information also clearly lists sweeteners and a preservative.

Key benefit & advantages

128 grams; individually wrapped; soft, chewy texture according to the product description; 9.4 grams of salt per 100 grams according to the label.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users

Sunlee Salted Plum 454g

Why it suits this profile: The large pack is designed for regular use. According to the product description, these Thai salted plums can be eaten as they are, rinsed, used in dishes or added to warm water.

How this product avoids the pitfall

It is not limited to snacking. If you find the flavour too salty, you can rinse the plums before use, according to the product information.

Key benefit & advantages

454 grams; suitable as a snack, ingredient or base for a drink; 10.38 grams of salt per 100 grams according to the nutritional information.

Which plum snack is right for your situation?

For the office or travelling, small, resealable or individually wrapped bags are practical. For sharing during a film night, you could choose a larger pack, such as a 500 gram tub containing several individual portions. If you are mainly looking for fruit without a strong salty flavour, compare the salt content and consider choosing ordinary dried plums instead.

An option such as 7FRESH Pitted Prunes 430g is specifically described as pitted. The ingredients list contains dried plums only. This makes this type of product interesting for use in yoghurt, porridge or baking, as well as for eating straight from the pack.

Frequently asked questions about Chinese plum snacks

Are Chinese plum snacks sweet or salty?

It varies from product to product. Many preserved plums combine sweet, sour and salty flavours. Check the ingredients and nutritional values. The salt content can vary considerably between a sweet and sour plum, an ume plum and a salted variety.

How should you store a plum snack after opening?

Store the packaging in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the bag or jar properly and follow the instructions on the label. Individual portions help keep the rest of the product sealed for longer.

Are Chinese plum snacks available without stones?

Yes. Look for terms such as “pitted” or stoneless plums. However, always check the product description and packaging, as not every dried or preserved plum is pitted.