Choose a larger bag of one type of fruit if you’ll use the leftovers after your drinks get-together; opt for a smaller pack or a mix if you’d prefer less to store or more variety. Compare the price per kilo for the same type of fruit, and check the ingredients, allergens and storage advice for the pack you choose. Thommes Frites describes drinks nibbles as small savoury bites, so serve dried fruit separately as a sweet accompaniment.
If you use dried fruit after your get-together too, compare pack sizes and the price per kilo, and consider how you’ll store an opened bag. Jumbo lists sultanas in several pack sizes, while the Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides separate storage advice for opened sultanas.
If you’d like a smaller amount or a mix as a sweet accompaniment, check the pack size and ingredients. ALDI describes a resealable cranberry and raisin mix weighing 200 g.
If you need to take guests’ dietary requirements or allergies into account, check the current packaging for the exact variant. A fruit mix and a fruit-and-nut mix are different choices; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) explains allergen labelling.
A good fit if: you want to serve one type and will use the rest too.
Bear in mind: you’ll have more to store and less variety.
A good fit if: you want a mixed fruit option for one get-together and don’t need a large bag.
Bear in mind: pack size and ingredients can vary between variants.
A good fit if: you want to choose which types to serve.
Bear in mind: you may need to open several packs, so check each type separately.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Price per kilo | Compare the price per kilo for the same type of fruit and a similar product composition. | If you’re mainly weighing up how much you get for your money, look beyond the price of the whole bag. Around 31% of consumers prioritise the price per kilo when making this choice. |
| Ingredients and guests | Read the ingredients, nutritional information and allergen details for the exact variant. | If you need to consider what your guests can or can’t eat, check the label before serving. Around 25% of consumers prioritise the ingredients. |
| Quantity and storage | Think about whether you’ll use the leftovers, and follow the storage advice on the pack. | If you don’t want leftover stock after your get-together, choose an amount that suits how you’ll use it afterwards. Around 25% of consumers focus on limiting leftovers. |
| Type of fruit or mix | First decide which types you want to serve, then compare the packs. | If you want to offer different types or choose the ingredients yourself, compare individual fruits with a ready-made mix. Around 19% of consumers prioritise variety. |
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that dried fruit with no added sugar still contains sugar.
Check both the ingredients and nutritional information, and follow the details for the pack you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises eating no more than a handful of dried fruit.
A larger pack also means more to store. It’s only the right choice if you want and are able to use the rest.
Compare packs of the same type of fruit and take your likely future use into account.
Products with similar names can have different ingredients. Some variants, for example, contain nuts.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, especially if you’re buying for guests.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises that opened sultanas can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for 6–9 months. This advice doesn’t automatically apply to other types of fruit or mixes.
Follow the storage instructions for the product you buy.
Albert Heijn lists both dried fruit and fruit-and-nut products. This may help if you’re choosing between individual fruits and a mixed option.
Jumbo lists sultanas in several pack sizes, making it possible to compare pack contents and the price per kilo.
Lidl lists dried fruit as an in-store option.
ALDI lists both raisins and a smaller cranberry and raisin mix.
PLUS lists several dried fruits, including apricots and tutti frutti.
Dirk lists raisins and several dried fruits.
This selection includes individual types of dried fruit, such as dates and apricots, for serving as a sweet accompaniment or keeping in stock for later. Compare the type, pack size and ingredients of each variant.
No image available
An option if you want to serve one type of fruit and use the rest after your get-together too.
The product description lists 500 g and 100% red dates, and says they’re ready to eat.
No image available
A larger pack if you’d like to enjoy the dates after your get-together too.
The product description lists 908 g and says the dates are suitable as a snack.
No image available
A smaller amount of pitted red dates if you don’t want to open a large pack straight away.
The product description lists 280 g and says the dates are ready to eat.
No image available
An option if you’re looking for a larger pack of pitted dates.
The product description lists 500 g and 100% red dates with no additives. Store below 15 °C if possible, and seal the pack well after opening.
No image available
A smaller pack of apricots if you’d like to serve another type of fruit alongside dates.
The product description lists 250 g. The ingredients list includes apricot, sugar and maltose syrup; the product contains sulphites.
Choose an amount based on the type of fruit and whether you’ll use the rest later. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises eating no more than a handful of dried fruit.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says opened raisins can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for 6–9 months. Also follow the label on your pack; this advice doesn’t automatically apply to other types of fruit or mixes.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact, current pack, and choose something that meets your guest’s needs. A product name or picture alone isn’t enough to establish what’s in it.
According to Business.gov.nl, label information must be in Dutch and also available online. The NVWA requires allergens to be clearly and correctly listed on the label.
Don’t serve mouldy raisins. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also lists drying out, becoming hard and discolouration as signs to look out for. Keep the product information if you want to discuss the issue with the retailer.
