Start with the substance that you or a guest needs to avoid: a gluten-free or lactose-free label tells you nothing about other allergens. Check the ingredients and warnings for each product, and keep a gluten-free portion separate from breadcrumbs when serving, using clean utensils. Albert Heijn lists gluten and lactose information for its dried pineapple, but also warns that it may contain peanuts and nuts.
You’re looking for something that suits a specific need, such as avoiding gluten, milk, peanuts or nuts. A general label doesn’t automatically tell you whether a product is right for you; check the ingredients and any relevant warnings. The European Commission explains which allergens must be listed in food information.
You want to check sulphites separately, as they may be added to dried fruit as a preservative. Stichting Voedselallergie describes sulphites as a food additive, so check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack.
You want to serve a suitable portion alongside the usual drinks nibbles without it coming into contact with gluten, for example, during preparation or serving. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends preparing gluten-free food separately and using clean utensils.
First decide which substance needs to be avoided, then check the product information and how you’ll serve the portion.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability for a specific diet | Read the ingredients, the relevant free-from information and any warnings about possible cross-contamination. A lactose-free label is not the same as a milk allergy label. | If I’m looking for something for a guest with a specific gluten, lactose or allergy-related need, I want to be able to check that exact information. Around 33% of consumers choosing dried fruit for drinks nibbles put suitability for a specific diet first. |
| Sulphites | Look for sulphur dioxide, sulphites and E220–E228. The European Commission sets a labelling threshold for sulphites of more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L. | If I need to avoid sulphites, I want to be able to check the additives in my chosen product separately. Around 27% of consumers in this purchasing context make avoiding sulphites their top priority. |
| Added and total sugars | Check added sugars and total sugars separately per 100 g. PLUS states that its own dried apricots contain 0 g of added sugars and 53,4 g of total sugars per 100 g. | If I don’t want added sugar, I check that separately from the allergen information. Around 20% of consumers make avoiding added sugar their top priority. |
| Serving separately | Prepare the gluten-free portion separately and use a clean work surface and clean utensils, away from crumbs and breaded snacks. | If there are different snacks on the table, I want to be able to prepare and serve the suitable portion separately. Around 20% of consumers prioritise practical, separate serving. |
A label for one substance doesn’t mean other allergens are absent. Any warning about possible cross-contamination also needs to be considered separately.
Be clear about which substance is relevant and read the full ingredients list and warnings, not just the front of the pack.
The Jumbo and PLUS products checked list E220 and sulphites. The type of fruit, its colour or the product name is no substitute for checking the ingredients.
Look for sulphur dioxide, sulphites and E220–E228 if you need to avoid sulphites. Stichting Voedselallergie lists E220–E228 as sulphite additives.
Crumbs can get onto a gluten-free portion from a work surface or used utensils, even if you’ve chosen the snack carefully.
Prepare the portion separately, clean the work surface and use separate, clean serving utensils. This follows the advice of the Dutch Coeliac Society.
No added sugar doesn’t mean that a product contains no sugars. PLUS product information states that the apricots in question contain 0 g of added sugars and 53,4 g of total sugars per 100 g.
Compare total sugars per 100 g with the information about added sugars, and assess these separately from the allergen information.
AH Organic dried, unsweetened pineapple is a specific example of a product whose product page lists gluten and lactose information.
Jumbo Dried Apricots, Pitted 250 g is a specific example to check for ingredients and sulphite warnings.
Lidl presents Alesto as a range of dried fruit and nuts, including products for drinks and nibbles.
ALDI Netherlands lists 250 g packs of Trader Joe’s dried apricots and 500 g packs of raisins.
PLUS Dried Apricots in a 375 g stand-up pouch is an example where information about added sugars and sulphites can be checked separately.
Dirk sells 1 de Beste Apricots in a 375 g pack as a dried snack and baking ingredient.
Below are dried fruit products for serving with drinks and nibbles, including options with and without added sugar according to the available product information. Check the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings relevant to your situation on each pack.
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The pack size mentioned may be handy if you want to serve jackfruit in individual portions.
The product information lists jackfruit as the only ingredient and says there is no added sugar. According to the same information, the pack contains six 25 g bags.
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This single-portion pack is ideal if you want to serve an individual bag with drinks and nibbles.
The product information lists jackfruit as the only ingredient, says there is no added sugar and gives a serving size of 25 g.
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The snack pieces described are an option if you want to serve jackfruit as a nibble.
The product information lists 98% jackfruit and vegetable oil. It also makes a claim about the 14 major EU allergens; check the pack for the information you need for your situation.
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This dried guava can be served as a fruity snack with drinks and nibbles if the ingredients suit your preferences.
The product information lists guava, sugar and a preservative. This product isn’t suitable if you prefer dried fruit with no added sugar. Check the pack for relevant allergen information.
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The strawberry slices are a ready-to-serve snack option for drinks and nibbles.
The product information lists dried strawberries and sugar. This product isn’t suitable if you prefer dried fruit with no added sugar; also check the full pack for allergen information.
No. Lactose intolerance relates to milk sugar, while with cow’s milk allergy the immune system reacts to milk proteins. Voedingscentrum explains the difference, so if you have a milk allergy, don’t base your choice on a lactose-free label alone.
Prepare the portion separately and use clean utensils and a clean work surface. The Dutch Coeliac Society highlights the risk of gluten transferring via crumbs and used equipment.
The European Commission sets a labelling threshold for sulphur dioxide and sulphites of more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/L. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack; a free-from label for another substance doesn’t answer the question of sulphites.
No. Added sugars and total sugars are different things. PLUS states that its dried apricots contain 0 g of added sugars and 53,4 g of total sugars per 100 g.
Consider the warning in relation to the specific substance you need to avoid. According to the NVWA, a precautionary warning is used following a risk assessment that shows reference values could be exceeded; check the warning on the pack and, if in doubt, don’t assume the product is free from that substance.
