Choose dried fruit based on what you avoid, and check the ingredients, dietary information and warnings on the exact packaging. AH Raisins and AH Organic Raisins are labelled gluten-free and lactose-free; the Jumbo and PLUS apricots reviewed contain E220 and are labelled as containing sulphites. Dried fruit can still be high in total sugar even without added sugar: both of the AH raisin varieties mentioned contain 59 g per 100 g.
If you avoid gluten or lactose, for example, check the dietary information and allergen details for the exact variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergen information to appear on the label of prepacked products.
If you are sensitive to sulphites, you’ll want to check whether the packaging lists sulphites or E220. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that sulphite sensitivity is one reason why some people avoid sulphur-treated fruit.
If you want to avoid added sugar or choose a small portion, compare the total sugar content too, and check the pack size. AH Raisins and AH Organic Raisins are listed as containing 0 g added sugar and 59 g total sugar per 100 g.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability for your dietary needs and allergens | Compare the dietary information with the ingredients and any warnings on the exact packaging. | If I avoid gluten or lactose, I want to check the dietary information and warnings for this exact variety. Around 36% of consumers make specific dietary suitability their top priority. |
| Sulphites and preservatives | Check the sulphite information and preservative used in your chosen variety. | If I’m sensitive to sulphites, I look for E220 and sulphite information without assuming that different preservatives are interchangeable. Around 29% of consumers put avoiding sulphites first. |
| Added and total sugar | Compare added sugar with total sugar per 100 g, and bear your portion size in mind. | If you want to limit added sugar, you’ll also want to take total sugar into account and measure out a portion. Around 21% of consumers make ingredients and sugar their top priority. |
| Portioning and storage | Check the net weight and storage instructions; weigh a portion if the amount matters. | For a regular coffee break, I want to be able to measure out a portion and store the product according to the label. Around 14% of consumers prioritise portioning and storage. |
A gluten-free or lactose-free label does not automatically answer questions about other allergens or possible cross-contamination.
Start with the substance you avoid, then check the ingredients, dietary information and warnings separately.
The PLUS Dried Apricots reviewed are labelled vegan, but contain E220 and are listed as containing sulphites.
If you avoid sulphites, check the ingredients and sulphite information; the vegan label does not replace those checks.
AH Raisins and AH Organic Raisins are listed as containing 0 g added sugar, but also 59 g total sugar per 100 g.
Compare the total sugar and decide on a portion in advance. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day; this is dietary advice, not a legal product limit.
The organic AH raisin variety has the same published gluten-free and lactose-free information and sugar values as AH Raisins. Organic is a separate product characteristic.
Choose organic if that matters to you, but check the allergen information separately.
The AH Raisins and AH Organic Raisins reviewed are specific varieties with product-specific dietary information.
The dried apricots and dates reviewed offer different fruit flavours; check the ingredients and warnings for your chosen variety.
Lidl’s Alesto range includes dried mango strips for enjoying at home, at work or on the go.
ALDI’s Dutch product page lists Trader Joe’s Raisins in a 500 g pack.
PLUS Dried Apricots is an own-brand variety in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
Dirk sells 1 de Beste apricots under its own brand in a 375 g pack.
These Joybuy products are freeze-dried jackfruit, ideal for a fruity snack with your coffee.
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If you want to avoid added sugar, consider the product’s claim alongside the total sugar information on the packaging. The product information does not list any allergens; this is not a guarantee for every allergy, so check the exact packaging.
The product name specifies a 25 g pack.
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If you want to avoid added sugar, consider the product’s claim alongside the total sugar information on the packaging. The product information does not list any allergens; this is not a guarantee for every allergy, so check the exact packaging.
The product name specifies 150g, split into 25g x 6.
Not always: lactose-free is not a general claim covering every reason for avoiding milk. Also check the ingredients and milk information on the packaging for the exact variety.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, there is no general reason for people who are not sensitive to sulphites to avoid sulphur-treated fruit. If you are sensitive to sulphites, however, the sulphite information is relevant to your choice.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day. This is dietary advice, not a legal limit. Weigh it rather than counting a set number of pieces, as sizes can vary.
Albert Heijn recommends storing the raisins reviewed in a cool, dark, dry place; PLUS gives similar instructions for its dried apricots. Also follow the best-before date and any additional guidance on your packaging.
First check the packaging for the exact variety, and contact the retailer’s customer service team if you’re unsure. PLUS notes that ingredients and allergy information may change.
