Shoppers avoiding a specific allergen
When you’re making a quick top-up shop, your choice needs to suit the allergen you avoid. Check the ingredients and allergen information, and look out for relevant cross-contamination warnings.
Who is this relevant for?
Shoppers avoiding sulphites
You’re specifically looking out for sulphites and preservatives E220–E228. This is a different consideration from avoiding nuts, milk or gluten, for example.
Shoppers topping up a small snack stash
Choose a pack size that suits what you need. If you also want to avoid added sugar, check this separately in the ingredients list.
What should you look for when choosing?
When you’re making a small top-up shop, it helps to start by identifying the ingredient you want to avoid. Then consider the quantity you need and any added ingredients.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| A specific allergen | Check the ingredients, allergen information and any relevant cross-contamination warnings on the packaging of the exact product. | If I avoid a particular allergen, I want to be able to check that information on the product I’m buying. Around 42% of consumers say avoiding a specific allergen is their top priority. |
| Sulphites | Check the product information separately for sulphites and preservatives E220–E228. | When sulphites are what I avoid, I don’t want to rely on a general description of the fruit. Around 25% of consumers put avoiding sulphites first. |
| Added sugar | Check the ingredients list for added sugar; look at the nutrition information separately if it matters to your choice. | If I want to avoid added sugar, I check the ingredients rather than looking only at the total sugar content. Around 17% of consumers make this their top priority when choosing. |
| Pack size | Compare the net weight with what you need for your top-up shop; Jumbo lists sultanas in 250, 500 and 750 gram packs. | For a small top-up shop, I don’t want to buy more than I need. Around 16% of consumers put the quantity they need first. |
Pitfalls to avoid when buying
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Assuming a general statement means free from all allergens
Allergen information relates to individual allergens. A warning about possible cross-contamination may also matter if it concerns an allergen you avoid.
Identify the allergen that’s relevant to you, then check the ingredients, allergen information and warnings on the current packaging.
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Treating sulphites as if they were other allergens
Sulphites may be used as preservatives in dried fruit. The Dutch Food Allergy Foundation lists E220–E228 as sulphites; this is a separate point to check.
Check for sulphites and E220–E228 separately. Information about another ingredient doesn’t replace this check.
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Confusing no added sugar with sugar-free
A product with no added sugar isn’t automatically sugar-free or suitable for avoiding a specific allergen.
Check added ingredients and allergen information as separate points on the packaging.
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Choosing a large pack for a small top-up shop
A larger pack may leave you with more stock than you need for your planned top-up.
Compare the net weight with how much you expect to use, and check the product information again if you choose a different pack or variety.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
According to Albert Heijn’s category information, the range includes unsweetened pineapple and fruit and nut mixes.
- The different combinations give you a range of options to compare ingredients.
- A product name or category description doesn’t confirm that a variety meets your free-from needs. Albert Heijn advises checking the current packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists raisins, apricots, dates, prunes and cranberries, among other products. Its sultanas are listed in 250, 500 and 750 gram packs.
- The pack sizes listed can help you choose an amount to suit a small top-up shop or a larger stock-up.
- The category and pack size don’t confirm that a variety is suitable if you avoid a specific allergen or sulphites.
Lidl
Lidl Netherlands lists dried fruit as available in selected stores.
- This gives you a possible option if you shop at a store that stocks the product.
- The listing applies to selected stores and isn’t a product-specific guarantee about ingredients or allergens.
ALDI
The Dutch ALDI website lists Trader Joe’s raisins in a 500 gram pack.
- The net weight helps you decide whether the pack suits the amount you want to buy.
- The product listing alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for avoiding allergens or sulphites.
PLUS
PLUS lists dried apricots in a 375 gram stand-up pouch.
- The product format and net weight give you a starting point for comparing pack sizes.
- PLUS advises checking the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, as these may change.
Dirk
Dirk’s product listings include sultanas and apricots, both in 375 gram packs.
- The listings let you compare different types of dried fruit and pack sizes.
- Products in the same search results don’t automatically have the same ingredients or dietary suitability.
Dried fruit at Joybuy
These products are dried fruit for a snack or topping. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety before choosing; the product listing doesn’t confirm that it’s suitable for avoiding a specific allergen or sulphites.
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MUSHAN BASE Freeze-Dried Jackfruit 150g (25g x 6)
The six individual bags may suit a small top-up shop or portions to take with you. Check the current packaging to see whether the product meets your specific requirements.
Joybuy lists 100% jackfruit as the ingredient. The pack contains 6 x 25 g bags.
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MUSHAN BASE Freeze-Dried Jackfruit 25g
The 25 g pack may suit you if you only need a small amount. Check the current packaging for the allergen you avoid and any relevant warnings.
Joybuy lists jackfruit as the only ingredient; the pack contains 25 g.
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OHLA Dried Guava 180g
This dried guava is listed as a snack or an ingredient for dishes. Check the packaging for your specific allergen and any cross-contamination warnings.
Joybuy lists guava (95%), sugar and a preservative as ingredients. Sugar appears in the ingredients list, so this isn’t a suitable choice if you want to avoid added sugar.
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MUSHAN BASE Dried Strawberry Slices 50g
The product listing suggests enjoying these as a snack or as a topping for yoghurt and desserts. Check the packaging for information relevant to your needs.
Joybuy lists dried strawberries and sugar as ingredients. As sugar appears in the ingredients list, this product isn’t suitable if you want to avoid added sugar.
Frequently asked questions
What allergen information must be shown on prepacked dried fruit?
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) says that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products. Check the information for the specific allergen you avoid, and read any relevant warnings about possible cross-contamination.
What has applied to cross-contamination warnings since 1 January 2026?
Since 1 January 2026, new rules have applied in the Netherlands on how and when food businesses must warn about allergens that may be unintentionally present. The NVWA has been monitoring labelling rules since 2026; a label isn’t an individual guarantee of safety.
Is the gluten-free claim regulated by law?
Yes. EU Regulation 828/2014 sets out the conditions for the claims ‘gluten-free’ and ‘very low gluten’. The European Commission states that these rules have applied since 20 July 2016; check the information on the exact packaging.
How much dried fruit can you have as a snack?
The Dutch Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 grams of dried fruit a day. This is general dietary advice on portion sizes, not a legal limit on purchases or an indication that a product meets your allergen requirements.
Should you check the packaging again when buying a product you’ve bought before?
Yes. Albert Heijn and PLUS advise checking the packaging, as ingredients and allergen information may change. So even if you’ve bought a product before, check the current packaging of the variety you’re buying.