What should you look out for when choosing?
Start with the ingredient you most need to avoid, then check the sugar information, portion size and storage instructions for taking your snack out with you.
| What to consider |
What should you check? |
Who is this important for? |
| Specific allergens |
Read the ingredients and warnings about possible traces for the exact product variant. |
If you need to avoid peanuts, nuts, milk or another specific allergen, compare the warnings with the ingredients list. Around 31% of consumers put avoiding a specific allergen first. |
| Gluten and lactose |
Check that the gluten or lactose claim applies to the product variant you’ve chosen; assess milk allergy separately. |
If you’re mainly looking for information about gluten or lactose, you’ll want to know what the product claim does and doesn’t mean. Around 25% of consumers give these attributes top priority. |
| Sulphites |
Look for sulphites, sulphur dioxide and relevant preservatives in the ingredients and allergen information. |
If you need to avoid sulphites, it’s best to check the exact packaging rather than relying on the type of fruit alone. Around 19% of consumers name sulphites as their top buying priority. |
| Sugars and additives |
Check both added sugars and total sugars, and look out for other ingredients. |
If you’re mainly keeping an eye on added sugar or want a simple ingredients list, the total sugar content may still be relevant. Around 13% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Taking it with you and storage |
Check the pack size and storage instructions, especially after opening. |
For a day out, you’ll want to know how much to take and whether an opened pack needs to be kept chilled. Around 12% of consumers give portion planning and storage top priority. |
Dried fruit at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are dried fruit snacks that can help with portion planning and taking snacks out with you. Before choosing a product for someone who needs to avoid a particular ingredient, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant.
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MUSHAN BASE freeze-dried jackfruit 150 g (6 × 25 g)
The individual packs are handy if you want to take snacks with you in separate portions.
The product information lists jackfruit as the only ingredient and states that the pack contains six 25 g bags.
Joybuy
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MUSHAN BASE freeze-dried jackfruit 25 g
The 25 g pack is a handy single portion to take with you.
The product information lists jackfruit as the only ingredient.
Joybuy
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OHLA dried guava 180 g
This variant may suit you if you’re looking for dried guava and its ingredients match your preferences.
The product information lists guava, sugar and a preservative. Check the full ingredients and allergen information on the pack.
Joybuy
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MUSHAN BASE dried strawberry slices 50 g
The resealable pack can be useful if you don’t use it all at once.
The product information lists strawberries and sugar as ingredients.
Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
Does gluten-free mean a snack is also suitable for someone with a nut allergy?
No. A gluten-free claim doesn’t automatically mean a product is free from nuts. For its gluten-free and lactose-free AH Organic Unsweetened Dried Pineapple, Albert Heijn warns that it may contain peanuts and various nuts. Check each ingredient you need to avoid separately.
Are sulphites the same as a food allergen?
The Food Allergy Foundation describes a reaction to sulphites as an intolerance reaction, not an allergic reaction. Sulphites may be present in dried fruit, so check the ingredients information for the exact variant.
Can you take an opened pack of rehydrated apricots with you for the whole day?
Follow the instructions for the specific variant. Once opened, AH Rehydrated Dried Apricots must be kept chilled at a maximum of 7 °C and have a limited shelf life. Plan ahead so you can follow these instructions while you’re out.
Is dried fruit with no added sugar also sugar-free?
No. No added sugar doesn’t mean that the product contains no sugars. Albert Heijn’s product page lists 67 g of total sugars and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g for its unsweetened dried pineapple.
Should you check the label again the next time you buy it?
Yes. Check the packaging of the variant you’re buying at the time. Albert Heijn and PLUS note that ingredients and allergen information can change, so don’t rely solely on a label you read previously when buying the product again.