Who is this guide for?

Sportspeople prioritising recovery

You’re looking for something to eat after exercising during your visit to the Christmas market, and want to know how much protein a portion of dried fruit actually provides. If recovery is your main concern, consider the protein source in the rest of your snack too.

Visitors looking for something easy to take with them

You choose based on the packaging, portion size and storage requirements. The difference between dry raisins and soft dried apricots can affect how practical a product is for eating on the go.

Shoppers who want to check the ingredients

You’re keeping an eye on added sugar or need to take a specific allergy into account. If you’re buying an unpackaged snack, it’s important to ask about allergen information before you buy; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) stresses that this information must be available in advance.

What should you look for when buying?

Start with the protein provided by the portion you actually eat. Then decide whether you want to take the fruit on its own, alongside a separate protein source or as part of a mix, and check the packaging, ingredients and storage instructions.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Protein per portion Compare protein per 100 g with the portion you actually eat. Assess the whole snack if you’re adding a separate protein source. If recovery after training is your priority, you’ll want to know what your portion contributes rather than judging by the product name alone. Consumers who prioritise protein and recovery account for around 36% of this decision-making group.
Taking it with you and storage Read the storage advice for after opening, and check whether the packaging is resealable and suits the amount you’re taking with you. If you want to take a snack with you during a visit, resealing and storage matter. Consumers who prioritise convenience on the go and storage account for around 22% of this decision-making group.
Sugars and portion size Check total sugars and added sugars separately, and choose a portion that suits how you plan to use it. If you’re watching your sugar intake or portion size, the difference between total and added sugars is relevant. Consumers who prioritise this consideration account for around 14% of this decision-making group.
Allergens Read the information for the exact variety. For unpackaged or loose snacks, ask about allergen information before buying. If you have a specific allergy, you’ll want full information about the product or mix before choosing. Consumers who prioritise suitable allergen information account for around 14% of this decision-making group.
Pack size Choose a size that suits your needs and check how to store any leftovers once opened. If you plan to use a pack on several occasions, the amount matters as well as the cost. Consumers who prioritise pack size and value for their needs account for around 14% of this decision-making group.

Common pitfalls

  • Thinking of dried fruit as a complete protein snack for recovery

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a 20 g handful of raisins provides 0.6 g of protein. That means this portion alone does not provide much protein.

    Base your choice on the portion you eat and, if it suits your snack, add a separate protein source. The Dutch Sports Nutrition Experts Association explains that protein is relevant for recovery after exercise.

  • Confusing no added sugar with low total sugar

    AH Gewelde gedroogde abrikozen lists 0 g of added sugars, but also 37 g of total sugars per 100 g.

    Check the ingredients and compare total sugars and added sugars separately.

  • Storing all dried fruit in the same way after opening

    AH Gewelde gedroogde abrikozen must be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7°C. For raisins, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container.

    Follow the instructions on the packaging for the exact variety before taking it with you or storing any leftovers.

  • Using the product name to check for allergens

    AH Gewelde gedroogde abrikozen, Jumbo Blauwe Rozijnen 250 g and PLUS Gedroogde abrikozen list sulphites. A product name doesn’t always tell you which allergens a mix contains.

    Check the label or ask for full allergen information before buying an unpackaged snack. The NVWA explains that allergen information must be available in advance.

Relevant brands and product information

Albert Heijn

A Dutch supermarket option offering products including soft dried apricots and fruit and nut mixes.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product specifications, AH Gewelde gedroogde abrikozen contains 4 g of protein per 100 g and 0 g of added sugars.
  • The apricots contain sulphites and must be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7°C. These product details apply to this variety.

Jumbo

A supermarket option with different types of raisins and pack sizes.

  • Jumbo Blauwe Rozijnen 250 g lists 2.5 g of protein per 100 g; the range information also shows sultanas in 250, 500 and 750 g packs.
  • The product specifications list sulphites. Pack sizes alone don’t indicate whether a variety is suitable as a source of protein.

Lidl

A retailer with an official product listing for dried fruit.

  • The product listing says it’s available in selected stores. This doesn’t guarantee availability at every store or on a future visit.

Aldi

A retailer offering raisins and a fruit or cranberry mix.

  • The ALDI product listing names Trader Joe’s raisins in a 500 g pack; a cranberry and raisin mix described as weighing 200 g comes in resealable packaging.
  • Check the nutritional information and ingredients for the exact mix; the product description alone doesn’t prove it’s a suitable source of protein.

PLUS

A supermarket option offering PLUS Gedroogde abrikozen in a 375 g stand-up pouch.

  • The product specifications list 3.4 g of protein, 53.4 g of sugars and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
  • These apricots contain sulphur dioxide and sulphites; the nutritional information applies to the product as sold, before preparation.

Dirk

A retailer whose range includes raisins, apricots and other dried fruit.

  • Product listings include sultanas and apricots in 375 g packs.
  • Check the nutritional information for the exact variety before choosing it based on its protein content.

Products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How much protein does a small portion of dried fruit provide?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, 20 g of raisins provides 0.6 g of protein, while one 9 g dried apricot provides 0.4 g. For a specific supermarket product, use the nutritional information for the exact variety.

Are soft dried apricots as easy to take with you as dry raisins?

Not if you assume they can both be stored in the same way. AH Gewelde gedroogde abrikozen must be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7°C; for raisins, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. Follow the instructions on your pack.

Does ‘no added sugar’ mean dried fruit is low in sugar?

No. For example, AH Gewelde gedroogde abrikozen lists 0 g of added sugars and 37 g of total sugars per 100 g. Check both figures separately.

Does a Christmas market stall have to provide allergen information for loose snacks?

Allergen information must be available before purchase, including for unpackaged food. According to the NVWA, this information can be provided in writing or verbally. If it’s given verbally, there must be a visible notice telling customers they can ask for it.