Choose dried fruit based on the ingredient you need to avoid; terms such as vegan, gluten-free or organic don’t automatically answer other allergy-related questions. Check both the ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings on the current packaging. For example, the Albert Heijn product page describes its soaked dried apricots as gluten-free, but also lists sulphites.
You need to avoid a specific ingredient and want to distinguish ingredients from warnings about accidental presence. A claim about one particular quality is only relevant if it relates to what you need to avoid. The NVWA explains the allergen information required on prepacked products.
You want to check dried fruit for sulphite declarations, rather than relying on its colour, fruit type or vegan status. Stichting Voedselallergie describes reactions to sulphites as intolerance reactions.
You’re looking for dried fruit to enjoy regularly and, once you’ve established that it suits your diet, you also want to check serving sizes and storage instructions. Albert Heijn product pages, for example, provide storage advice for specific products.
First, identify the ingredient you need to avoid. Then check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging of the specific product; only after that should you consider portion sizes and storage.
| What to check | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Read the full ingredients list and check each ingredient against what you need to avoid. Assess a claim only in relation to the quality it refers to. | If I need to avoid a particular ingredient, I want to be able to check the full list against my needs. Around 31% of consumers say avoiding ingredients is their top purchasing priority. |
| Cross-contamination | As well as the ingredients, read warnings such as ‘May contain X’ or ‘Not suitable for people with an X allergy’. | Even if the ingredients are suitable, I want to know whether accidental presence is mentioned. Around 31% of consumers give checking for cross-contamination their highest priority. |
| Sulphites | Check for sulphite, sulphites, sulphur dioxide and relevant E numbers; don’t rely solely on the type of fruit or another dietary claim. | If I need to avoid sulphites, I want to be able to check for them explicitly rather than rely on a claim such as gluten-free. Around 25% of consumers say avoiding sulphites is their top purchasing priority. |
| Portions and storage | Follow the storage instructions for the specific product and choose an amount that suits them. | Once a product suits my diet, I want to be able to store and use it conveniently. Around 13% of consumers say everyday snacking, portions and storage are their top purchasing priority. |
A product may be labelled gluten-free or vegan and still contain another ingredient you need to avoid. The Albert Heijn product page for soaked dried apricots lists both gluten-free and sulphites.
Check which substance each claim relates to, and read the separate allergy information too.
The ingredients list describes what has been deliberately added to a product; warnings about possible cross-contamination are separate information.
Read both and consider the warning in relation to your specific allergy.
Ingredients and allergy information can change. Albert Heijn and PLUS advise checking the information on the packaging.
Read the current packaging every time you buy, even if you’ve had that product before.
Storage instructions vary by product. Albert Heijn gives different storage advice for regular raisins and soaked dried apricots.
Follow the instructions for the specific product, including after opening.
The range includes regular and organic raisins, soaked apricots and fruit and nut mixes.
The product range includes sultanas, apricots, prunes and dates.
Alesto includes dried fruit and nuts, such as apricots and almonds.
ALDI stocks products including Trader Joe’s Sun-dried Apricots 250 g.
PLUS Dried Apricots 375 g is an own-label example with ingredient information.
Dirk sells 1 de Beste Sultana Raisins 375 g as an own-label product.
These Joybuy products are examples of dried fruit whose ingredients and allergens should be checked individually; some product listings mention sulphites, milk or soya.
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The product information lists sulphites; don’t choose this product if you need to avoid sulphites.
Check the ingredients on the packaging against what you specifically need to avoid.
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The product information lists milk and soya; check these ingredients if you need to avoid either of them.
The product name specifies a 28g pack.
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The product information lists guava and includes a declaration about the 14 EU allergens. Check this information against what you need to avoid, and check the packaging too.
The product name specifies a 180g pack.
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The product information lists longan and separately states ‘Allergens: None’. Don’t use this declaration as a substitute for checking the current packaging.
The product name specifies a 500g pack.
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The product information lists sodium metabisulphite; don’t choose this product if you need to avoid sulphites.
The product name specifies a 180g pack.
Yes. A reaction to fruit is separate from whether sulphites or nuts have been added. Allergie Centra Nederland describes different patterns, including cross-reactivity in people with hay fever and food allergies to fruit. Don’t assume that drying or a claim on the packaging means the fruit will be safe for you. Voedingscentrum advises contacting your GP if you have severe reactions.
According to the NVWA, warnings may say ‘May contain X’ or ‘Not suitable for people with an X allergy’. This warning is separate from the ingredients list and is based on a risk assessment. Since 1 January 2026, the NVWA has been responsible for enforcing the new rules.
No. The Voedingscentrum’s guidance on this policy applies to the 14 allergens on the EU list. If you react to another substance, the absence of a warning about those 14 allergens doesn’t answer your specific question.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the specific product. Albert Heijn advises storing regular raisins in a cool, dark and dry place. Once opened, AH Soaked Dried Apricots should be kept refrigerated at a maximum of 7°C; this advice doesn’t automatically apply to other dried fruit.
The ingredients listed for regular and organic AH raisins don’t indicate such a benefit. Both varieties list raisins and sunflower oil; in the organic variety, these ingredients are organic. So even when choosing an organic product, check the specific ingredients and allergy information.
