Don’t choose dried fruit based on a general ‘free from’ claim. Instead, compare the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack with what you need to avoid. The NVWA sets out the current warnings for possible cross-contamination; then choose a pack size that suits your grocery budget and how you’ll use it. An unsweetened variety, on its own, says nothing about whether it’s suitable for someone with an allergy.
You’re looking for dried fruit that suits a specific allergy or intolerance. Check the ingredients and cross-contamination information on the exact pack; if you need to avoid sulphites, information about preservatives is also relevant. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) explains allergen labelling and warnings about possible cross-contamination.
You eat dried fruit regularly and want to choose a pack size that suits your grocery budget and how much you use. Jumbo stocks sultanas in different pack sizes; compare the exact variety and check separately whether it’s suitable for your dietary needs.
You’re looking for an unsweetened variety, but don’t want to confuse that preference with an allergen claim. Albert Heijn, for example, lists dried mango and pineapple with ‘unsweetened’ in the product name; check the ingredients and allergen information too.
First, check whether the exact variety meets your avoidance needs. Then consider the pack size and whether you want to avoid added sugar.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Specific allergen | Compare the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack with the allergen you need to avoid. | If I need to compare labels carefully because of a specific allergen, I want to see the product information for this exact variety. Around 36% of consumers prioritise suitability for a specific allergen. |
| Sulphites | Check the ingredients for sulphites and preservatives E220–E228. Stichting Voedselallergie describes a reaction to sulphites as an intolerance, not an allergy. | If I need to avoid sulphites, I check the ingredients rather than relying on the type of fruit or a general product description. Around 29% of consumers prioritise avoiding sulphites. |
| Pack size | Check the net weight and choose a pack size that suits how much you use and your grocery budget. | If I buy dried fruit regularly, I want to choose an amount that fits my grocery budget and that I’ll use. Around 21% of consumers prioritise affordability. |
| Added sugar | Check the ingredients for sugar and syrup; assess allergen information separately. | If I want to avoid added sugar, I look for a suitable variety without assuming that it’s also suitable for someone with an allergy. Around 14% of consumers prioritise avoiding added sugar. |
Joybuy’s product page for Be&Cheery dried red apricots says they contain no added preservatives, but also lists E223 and sulphites among the ingredients. This conflicting information doesn’t support the conclusion that the product is sulphite-free.
Base your choice on the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety. If the information doesn’t match up, ask for clarification before choosing the product for an avoidance diet.
‘Unsweetened’ tells you about added sugar, not whether a product is suitable for a specific avoidance diet. So even dried fruit with no added sugar needs a separate check of the ingredients and allergen information.
Check your preference about added sugar separately from your allergen or intolerance requirements.
The range page shows several types of dried fruit, including unsweetened mango and pineapple. This makes it a useful shop if you want to compare different fruits and varieties.
Jumbo’s sultanas come in several pack sizes, including 250 g, 500 g and 750 g. This makes it easy to compare different quantities within the same product range.
Lidl presents Alesto as a range that includes nuts and dried fruit, and lists dried mango strips.
ALDI’s product information lists Trader Joe’s raisins in a 500 g pack, giving you a specific option to compare by quantity.
PLUS lists own-brand dried apricots in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
The range overview includes raisins in 750 g packs, sultanas in 375 g packs and other types of dried fruit.
This Joybuy selection includes freeze-dried jackfruit and other dried fruit, including dates, guava and jujubes. Check the ingredients and allergen information for each exact variety.
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If you’re looking for an unsweetened jackfruit snack, the product description says that no sugar is added.
The description lists jackfruit as the only ingredient and says there are no allergens. It also states that the pack contains six 25 g bags; check the current packaging to make sure it meets your specific avoidance needs.
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If you’re looking for a small portion of jackfruit, the product information describes a 25 g pack that’s ready to eat.
The product description lists jackfruit as the only ingredient and says there’s no added sugar or allergens. Check the current pack and full product information to make sure it meets your specific avoidance needs.
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If you’re looking for a larger pack of dates for regular use, the product information states that it contains 908 g.
The description lists black dates as the only ingredient, with no added ingredients or preservatives, and says the product contains none of the 14 major EU allergens. The dates are described as pitted; check the current pack to make sure it meets your specific dietary needs.
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If you’re looking for dried guava to snack on or use in cooking, the product description mentions both uses.
The ingredients description lists 95% guava, sugar and a preservative. Check the full ingredients and allergen information if you need to avoid anything.
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If you’re looking for red dates to eat as they are or use in cooking, the product description mentions both uses.
The description lists red dates as the only ingredient, says they’re pitted and states that the product contains none of the 14 major EU allergens. Check the current pack to make sure it meets your specific avoidance needs.
No. A general description is no substitute for specific allergen information. Compare the ingredients and relevant warnings on the exact pack with what you need to avoid.
The NVWA states that the new rules for precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) for cross-contamination apply from 1 January 2026. The wording includes ‘May contain X’ and ‘Not suitable for people with an X allergy’. This is information about labelling, not a statement that a particular product is suitable for your diet.
No. Stichting Voedselallergie describes a reaction to sulphites as an intolerance reaction, not an allergic reaction. Sulphites can be added as preservatives E220–E228 and are relevant when choosing dried fruit, so check the ingredients if you need to avoid them.
Check the current pack even when you’re buying the product again. Albert Heijn and PLUS state that product information, including dietary and allergy information, can change.
Read the ingredients list and check whether sugar or syrup is included. An ‘unsweetened’ label doesn’t tell you whether the product is suitable for an allergy or intolerance; assess that information separately.
