The apricot varieties reviewed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list 0.5–0.6 g of fat per 100 g, but this absolute amount does not prove that the fat content is lower than that of a comparison product. So compare energy and sugars for the same portion, and check the ingredients and storage advice too; ‘no added sugars’ does not mean sugar-free.
You’re looking for a fruity snack and mainly want to assess the absolute fat content, without relying on a comparative claim. The apricot varieties reviewed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list 0.5–0.6 g of fat per 100 g.
You want to have a small amount with your coffee, so you also check the nutritional values for your portion. The World Cancer Research Fund advises eating no more than 20 g of dried fruit per day; this is dietary advice, not a legal purchasing limit.
You check the ingredients and storage instructions, or want to avoid sulphites. The three apricot products reviewed list sulphites, so check the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you’re considering.
Start with the fat content per 100 g, then decide on your portion and check the ingredients and storage advice.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Compare the fat per 100 g. A low absolute amount does not, on its own, show a reduction compared with a comparison product. | When I take a coffee break, I mainly want to assess the fat content without treating a ‘light’ comparison as proof; around 36% of consumers make fat their top priority. |
| Energy and portion size | Compare the energy for the same weight and decide in advance how much you’ll have. | If I want to keep my snack small, I look at the energy in the amount I’ll actually eat; around 29% of consumers give energy and portion size top priority. |
| Sugars and ingredients | Check both ‘of which sugars’ and ‘of which added sugars’, and look at the ingredients and allergen information. | If I want to limit added sugar or need to avoid an ingredient, I read the label carefully; around 21% of consumers put ingredients or avoidance first. |
| Storage and packaging | Follow the instructions after opening and choose an amount that suits how you’ll use it. | I want packaging that’s easy to store and a quantity I can use up in time; around 14% of consumers name convenience and pack size as their first consideration. |
The apricot products reviewed list 0.5–0.6 g of fat and 182–254 kcal per 100 g. Fat and energy therefore tell you different things about a portion.
Read both values separately and always compare products using the same snack weight.
PLUS lists 0 g of added sugars and 53.4 g of total sugars per 100 g. So the total sugar content can still be high.
Check both the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line, and decide on your portion in advance.
Once opened, the Albert Heijn soaked apricots reviewed should be refrigerated at a maximum of 7°C; PLUS gives different storage advice for its apricots.
Follow the instructions on the packaging of the exact variety you buy, and think about where you can store it once opened.
The AH Soaked Dried Apricots reviewed are a ready-to-eat option to enjoy with your coffee.
The Jumbo Dried Apricots, Pitted 250 g reviewed are standard pitted dried apricots.
Lidl’s Alesto range includes dried mango and other snacks.
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s raisins in a 500 g pack and sun-dried apricots in a 250 g pack.
The PLUS Dried Apricots reviewed come in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
Dirk’s catalogue includes sultanas, white raisins, prunes and apricots.
The Joybuy products below are dried fruit options for a coffee break. Fruit type, nutritional values and ingredients vary, so compare the portion, sugars and composition of each product.
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An option to compare if you want to check the absolute fat content of ready-to-eat dried fruit.
The product description lists 0 g of fat, 327 kcal and 50.0 g of sugars per 100 g, and lists jujube as an ingredient.
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This dried soursop could be a good choice if you want to compare a different type of fruit to apricots or raisins.
The product description lists 2.21 g of fat, 348 kcal, 72.6 g of sugars and 10.5 g of fibre per 100 g. The ingredients list includes white sugar, glucose and sodium metabisulphite.
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A dried plum is an alternative to compare with apricots when looking at fat per 100 g.
The product information lists 0.2 g of fat, 68 kcal, 16.0 g of sugars and 3.0 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients list includes sweeteners.
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According to the product description, these dried apricots are ready to eat, but check the ingredients if you want to limit added sugars.
The nutritional information lists 0 g of fat, 311 kcal and 62.0 g of sugars per 100 g. The ingredients list includes added sugar, maltose syrup and sulphites; according to the description, the product should be eaten immediately after opening.
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The individual 14 g boxes could be handy if you want to take a small amount of dried fruit with you.
The product description says these organic raisins contain no added sugars or sulphites, and advises storing them in a cool, dry, dark place. According to the description, the product is suitable from 12 months; children should be supervised while eating.
No. This claim means that no sugars or other ingredients used for their sweetening properties have been added. For example, PLUS lists 0 g of added sugars and 53.4 g of total sugars per 100 g.
The World Cancer Research Fund advises eating no more than 20 g of dried fruit per day. This is dietary advice, not a legal limit; the 50 g portion shown on the AH packaging is a different amount and does not replace that advice.
Not the AH variety reviewed: Albert Heijn advises refrigerating it after opening at a maximum of 7°C. Always follow the instructions on the packaging of the exact product you have; PLUS gives different storage advice.
Not based on the absolute amount of fat per 100 g alone. A comparative claim requires a clearly defined comparison product; the absolute fat content by itself does not show a reduction.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. All three apricot products reviewed list sulphites. The NVWA explains how allergens must be labelled; Stichting Voedselallergie describes reactions to sulphites as intolerance reactions.
