What should you look for when buying?
If you’re mainly looking for a fruit snack to have with coffee, assess the fruit based on the portion you eat. If you also want to increase your protein intake, consider the whole combination with a separate source of protein; if you add dairy, remember to keep it chilled.
| What to consider |
What to look for |
Who is this important for? |
| Protein per serving |
Check the nutrition table for the exact product, both per 100 g and per serving you eat. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre point out that nutrition claims must meet European requirements. |
If I want to know how much protein my snack actually provides, I compare the nutritional values with my usual portion; around 36% of consumers prioritise the protein content. |
| Taking it with you and storage |
Check the packaging and storage instructions for the product you choose. If you take yoghurt or quark with you, follow the storage guidance for that chilled combination too. |
For coffee on the go, I want a snack that’s easy to carry and suits my journey; around 29% of consumers prioritise portability and storage. |
| Portion size and sugars |
Check both the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutrition table. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit a day. This is dietary advice, not a legal limit. |
If I want to choose my portion mindfully, I look at what I actually eat rather than just the contents of the bag; around 21% of consumers prioritise portion control. |
| Cost per quantity |
Compare the price per kilo and net weight of the same type and variety of fruit. Jumbo lists 250, 500 and 750 g packs in its sultana range. |
If I buy the snack regularly, I want to know how much the quantity I use costs; around 14% of consumers focus primarily on cost per usable quantity. |
Joybuy products
This selection includes fruit products to take with you and fruit and nut mixes. The product name and ingredients make it clear when a product contains more than just dried fruit.
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Vinamit Jackfruit Snack in Pieces, 100 g
A good fit if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat fruit snack to take with you.
The product description lists jackfruit and vegetable oil as ingredients. Store in a cool, dry place.
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OHLA Dried Guava, 180 g
A good fit if you want to take dried guava with you as a snack.
The ingredients list states 95% guava, sugar and a preservative. Storage advice: keep in a cool, dry place.
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MUSHAN BASE Dried Strawberry Slices, 50 g
A good fit if a resealable pack is important for your fruit snack on the go.
Ingredients: dried strawberries and sugar. The nutrition information lists 1.2 g of protein and 57.4 g of sugars per 100 g.
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Sihong Gray Dates with Walnuts, 208 g
A good fit if you’re looking for dates with nuts rather than dried fruit on its own.
The ingredients list states grey dates and walnuts; the nutrition information lists 3.4 g of protein per 100 g. Contains walnuts.
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g'woon Cashew Nut Cranberry Mix, 200 g
A good fit if you’re looking for a fruit and nut mix rather than dried fruit on its own.
The ingredients list states 50% cashew nuts and 50% sweetened dried cranberries; the nutrition information lists 10.9 g of protein per 100 g. Contains cashew nuts; the description notes that it may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
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Frequently asked questions
Do recreational athletes need to buy a special protein snack?
Not necessarily. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says recreational athletes generally don’t need special protein shakes or bars. Start by looking at what you get from your usual diet; for personalised sports nutrition advice, you can consult a specialist dietitian.
How should you store fruit taken with quark or yoghurt?
Keep the combination chilled and follow the storage instructions for the dairy product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping your fridge at 4 °C and not leaving highly perishable food out of the fridge for more than 2 hours. This advice applies to the chilled combination, not all dried fruit.
What should you check if you have a nut or milk allergy, or are sensitive to sulphites?
Read the allergen information for the exact product and anything you add to it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) states that allergen information for prepacked products must be shown on the label; sulphites, nuts and milk are among the allergens that must be declared. A fruit name doesn’t guarantee that a product is suitable for your allergy.
Is the serving size on the pack the same as the daily dietary recommendation?
No. Jumbo lists a 15 g serving for Zongedroogde Sultana Rozijnen 250 g, while the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit a day. The first amount is a manufacturer’s serving size and the second is general dietary advice; neither is a legal purchase limit.
How can you compare costs without looking only at the pack size?
Compare the same type and variety of fruit by price per kilo, net weight and the quantity you actually use. Jumbo lists several pack sizes in its sultana range. Keep any delivery costs separate; a larger pack isn’t necessarily better value.