Snack shoppers checking allergens
You’re looking for dried fruit that’s low in fat, but first check that the ingredients and any warnings meet your needs.
Who is this guide for?
Shoppers avoiding sulphites
You want to know whether a variety lists sulphites, and distinguish unsulphured fruit from a product that has also been assessed for other allergens.
Portion-conscious snackers
You look beyond the fat per 100 g to consider how much you eat and the energy per portion.
What should you look for when buying?
First check that the exact variety meets your needs; then compare fat, energy and portion size.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergen information | Read the ingredients and warnings on the exact packaging. The NVWA states that allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label. | If you need to avoid a particular ingredient, this check matters more than a low fat figure. Around 34% of consumers put suitable allergen information first. |
| Sulphites | Look for sulphites, sulphur dioxide and E220–E228. AH Soaked Dried Apricots, PLUS Dried Apricots and Jumbo Golden Raisins all list sulphites. | If you need to avoid sulphites, check the product information before looking at the nutritional values. Around 26% of consumers give avoiding sulphites the highest priority. |
| Fat content | Compare the value per 100 g and distinguish between an absolute fat content and a reduced-content claim. | If you want to compare the fat content of products that already meet your needs, it’s important to use the same basis of measurement. Around 20% of consumers focus primarily on the absolute fat content. |
| Portion and energy | Compare energy on the same basis, and consider how much you eat separately from the pack weight. For example, Jumbo lists 97 kcal per 30 g portion. | If you want to manage how much you snack on, the size of a bag doesn’t tell you how much you eat at a time. Around 20% of consumers focus primarily on portion size and energy. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming low fat means suitable for every food sensitivity
The AH and PLUS apricots reviewed here, and Jumbo’s golden raisins, all list sulphites. Jumbo also states that the product may contain nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds and soya.
Check the ingredients and warnings for the exact variety before comparing fat content.
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Assuming a low-fat product is automatically low in energy
Jumbo Golden Raisins contain 0.7 g of fat and 324 kcal per 100 g; the stated 30 g portion contains 97 kcal.
Check the energy for the amount you actually plan to eat.
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Assuming unsulphured means completely allergen-free
Unsulphured only tells you about sulphites in that specific variety. It says nothing general about other ingredients or possible cross-contamination.
Check all the information on the exact packaging.
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Following the same storage instructions for all dried fruit
According to the product instructions, AH Soaked Dried Apricots should be refrigerated at no more than 7 °C after opening. This instruction doesn’t necessarily apply to other varieties.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you bought.
Supermarket brands to consider
Albert Heijn
An example from the range: AH Soaked Dried Apricots.
- This product lists 0.6 g of fat per 100 g and sulphites.
- Once opened, these soaked apricots should be refrigerated at no more than 7 °C. This product information doesn’t necessarily apply to other apricots.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells various types of raisins; the information below is for the 250 g pack of golden raisins.
- The product information gives nutritional values per 100 g and per 30 g portion.
- The product lists sulphites and may contain nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds and soya. This doesn’t automatically make it suitable for your needs.
Lidl
Lidl offers dried mango strips under the Alesto brand, as well as nuts and other snacks.
- Dried mango is a separate fruit option in the range.
- Check the ingredients and warnings for the exact variety; the brand’s wider range doesn’t mean every product has the same ingredients.
ALDI
ALDI sells a product described as sun-dried apricots under the TRADER JOE'S name, among other items.
- The product description calls these apricots soft.
- Individual fruit and nut mixes differ from the apricots, so check the exact variety.
PLUS
The PLUS Dried Apricots discussed here come in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
- This variety lists 0.5 g of fat per 100 g and no added sugars.
- The product contains sulphites. No added sugars doesn’t mean the fruit contains no sugars; with a stand-up pouch, you choose the portion size.
Dirk
Dirk lists raisins and several 1 de Beste varieties, including sultanas, golden raisins and apricots.
- Various types of fruit and pack sizes are available.
- Compare the product information for the specific variety you’re considering.
Dried fruit at Joybuy
This selection includes dates, soursop, dried plums and raisins. If you have a food sensitivity, always check the information for the exact variety; the products described differ in their ingredients and stated nutritional values.
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Haoxiangni Dr.Jujube Premium Gold-Grade Pitted 390 g
For anyone looking for pitted dates to eat straight from the pack; the product description says they’re ready to eat.
Ingredients: 100% red dates. Fat: 0.5 g per 100 g.
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Medjool dates 908 g
For anyone looking for dates that, according to the product description, are suitable as a snack and for cooking or baking.
The ingredients are listed as dates, and the description says they’re pitted. The stated fat value doesn’t specify a weight basis.
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OHLA dried soursop 180 g
Only consider this if the ingredients meet your needs: the product information lists sodium metabisulphite (INS 223).
Fat: 2.21 g per 100 g. Energy: 348 kcal per 100 g. The product information says to store in a cool, dry place and, once opened, seal tightly or refrigerate.
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Be&Cheery Various Dried Plum 90 g
For anyone looking for dried plums in a 90 g pack; the description says the pack is easy to take with you.
Fat: 0.2 g per 100 g. The product information also lists 3.0 g of salt per 100 g and sweeteners. Seal tightly after opening.
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Anatolia Sari Uzum (raisins) 500 g
For anyone looking for raisins to snack on or add to breakfast cereal, baked goods, salads and other dishes.
The product description lists 100% dried grapes as the ingredients; it doesn’t give a fat value.
Frequently asked questions
Does low fat mean dried fruit is suitable for my food allergy?
No. Fat content and allergen information are different things. Jumbo Golden Raisins, for example, list sulphites and may contain nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds and soya; check the information on the exact packaging.
Is sulphite sensitivity the same as a food allergy?
Stichting Voedselallergie describes a reaction to sulphites as an intolerance reaction. Sulphites are still important to check on the label, including when listed as sulphur dioxide or E220–E228.
When is a product low in fat, and does that prove it is reduced fat?
The European Commission defines the ‘low fat’ claim for solid foods as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. An absolute fat content alone doesn’t prove that a product contains less fat than a comparable product.
What do warnings such as ‘may contain’ mean?
The NVWA explains that warnings about possible unintentional presence are used under certain conditions. From 1 January 2026, new Dutch rules apply to such warnings on prepacked foods; check the warning on the exact packaging in relation to what you need to avoid.
Should dried fruit be refrigerated after opening?
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the variety you have. AH Soaked Dried Apricots should be refrigerated at no more than 7 °C after opening; don’t automatically apply that instruction to other dried fruit.