Choose based on the energy content of a weighed portion and the label for the exact product variant, rather than the type of fruit or a ‘no added sugar’ claim alone. Of the three supermarket products checked, soaked AH apricots have the lowest labelled energy per 100 g: 182 kcal, compared with 237 kcal for Jumbo apricots and 282 kcal for PLUS prunes, according to product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS. The soaked apricots need to be refrigerated after opening. Check the allergen information and storage instructions for every product, too.
You want to offer a fruit break where you can weigh out the amount for each attendee. Compare the energy content on the same weight basis and tailor portions to your schedule. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day. This is dietary advice, not a required catering portion.
You want to be able to check the ingredients and allergens for the exact product variant and give attendees accurate information. The checked Albert Heijn and Jumbo apricot products contain sulphites. Always check the information for the product you are actually serving.
You need to match packaging, storage and serving arrangements to the conference venue. AH Soaked Dried Apricots must be refrigerated after opening. Lidl lists 200 g variants of the checked product that are available in-store only; Dirk states that it does not offer a delivery service.
First compare the energy content of a weighed portion, then check the ingredients, allergens and storage advice. Finally, match the pack size to the number of attendees and planned serving times.
| What to consider | What to look for | Especially relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare the label value per 100 g for the product as sold, then calculate it for the weight of the portion you plan to serve. | If I want to plan the energy provided per attendee, I need to be able to weigh portions and compare products on the same basis. Energy per portion is the top priority for around 39% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens present and warnings on the packaging of the exact product variant. | When attendees have allergen-related requests, I want to be able to check and share the product information before serving. Managing ingredients and allergens is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Storage and serving | Read the storage instructions before and after opening, and plan storage and serving accordingly. | If the venue has limited refrigerated storage, I want to know in advance how to store and serve my chosen product safely. Practical considerations are the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Quantity and packaging | Calculate the weight you need based on the number of attendees, portion size and serving times; then compare it with the net weight of the pack. | To buy the right amount, I want to know how many portions the packs will provide according to my plan. The required quantity and packaging are the top priority for around 15% of consumers. |
No added sugar does not mean a product is low in energy. The checked PLUS prunes contain 282 kcal per 100 g, according to PLUS.
Compare the energy per 100 g and calculate the value for the portion you want to serve. According to the European Commission, a solid food can only carry the ‘low calorie’ claim if it contains no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g.
The amount attendees serve themselves may differ from your calculation, changing the planned amount per person too.
Weigh out portions in advance if you want to plan how much you serve. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice of a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day is a dietary guideline, not a required portion for a conference.
Storage instructions can vary between products. AH Soaked Dried Apricots must be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7 °C and have a limited shelf life, according to Albert Heijn.
Include the label for your chosen product variant in your catering plan and follow the relevant procedures in your food safety plan.
Relevant for the specific 250 g variant, AH Soaked Dried Apricots.
Relevant for Jumbo Dried Apricots Pitted 250 g.
Relevant for dried exotic fruit in various 200 g variants.
Relevant via TRADER JOE'S Sun-Dried Apricots 250 g.
Relevant for PLUS Dried Prunes in a 375 g pack.
Relevant for pitted apricots in a 200 g pack.
These Joybuy products can help you plan portions and compare product-specific information; this product list is not a list of products that meet the legal ‘low calorie’ claim.
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A ready-to-serve raisin option for a fruit break where you can plan the portions you offer.
The ingredients list states 99.5% raisins and sunflower oil. The product description states that the product contains none of the 14 major EU allergens. Check the current packaging and information for the exact delivery before serving.
According to the product description, the pack can be resealed after opening.
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The individual boxes are a good fit if you want to have a fixed pack ready for each attendee.
The pack contains ten 14 g boxes. The product description states that these are organic raisins with no added sugars or sulphites, and that they should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place. Check the energy information on the packaging if it is a deciding factor for you.
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These pitted red jujubes are an option if you specifically want to serve this type of fruit and can weigh out the portions.
The product description states that they contain 100% red dates and 327 kcal per 100 g. This is above the European Commission’s threshold for the ‘low calorie’ claim, which is a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g for solid foods.
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A guava option for a fruit selection where you want to compare ingredients and energy per weighed portion.
The product description states that it contains 95% guava, sugar and a preservative, and provides 308 kcal per 100 g. This is above the European Commission’s threshold for the ‘low calorie’ claim, which is a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g for solid foods.
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These pitted red dates are an option if you want to serve red dates and can weigh out the portions in advance.
The product description states that they contain 343 kcal per 100 g. This is above the European Commission’s threshold for the ‘low calorie’ claim, which is a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g for solid foods. Store the product in a cool, dry place as instructed.
Not as a product claim for the three supermarket variants checked. According to the European Commission, solid foods must contain no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g to carry the ‘low calorie’ claim. A smaller portion does not change this threshold, but you can state the energy content of a weighed portion.
You could use 20 g as a weighed planning example; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day. This is dietary advice, not a legally required catering portion. Take into account the number of serving times and the total amount you offer.
It depends on the exact product. AH Soaked Dried Apricots must be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7 °C and have a limited shelf life, according to Albert Heijn. Follow the label for your chosen variant and the relevant procedures in your food safety plan.
Only under certain conditions. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, staff must be able to provide the information immediately before purchase. It must also be available to staff and inspectors in writing or electronically, and there must be a clearly visible notice directing customers to it. Providing written information alongside the products on offer is another permitted approach.
