Fat-conscious snack buyers
You’re looking for dried fruit that’s low in fat and want to distinguish a low fat content from a comparative reduced-fat claim.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Portion-conscious snackers
You’re looking for a sweet snack to enjoy over several days and consider sugar and how much you eat, as well as fat.
Stock-up planners
You do a big weekly shop and want to match the pack size to how quickly you’ll use it and how it should be stored once opened.
What should you look for when buying?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Low fat or reduced fat | The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. The Netherlands Bakery Centre describes ‘reduced’ as at least 30% less than comparable products, so check what the comparison is based on too. | I want to know whether I’m simply looking for a low fat content or genuinely less fat than in a comparable product. Around 33% of consumers put this question first. |
| Sugars, energy and portion size | Compare energy and sugars per 100 g, read the ingredients list and decide on your portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day. | If I’m spreading a sweet snack over several days, I look at the portion size, not just the fat content. Around 27% of consumers focus mainly on sugar and portion size. |
| Stocking up and storage | Check the net weight and the storage instructions for after opening, as these can vary between products. | I want to choose a pack that suits how much I’ll use in a week and can be stored properly at home. Around 20% of consumers put planning their supplies first. |
| Cost per quantity | Compare the current price per kilo for the same type of product and think about how much you’ll actually use. | For my weekly shop, I want to weigh up the cost against how much we’ll get through. Around 13% of consumers put the cost of the usable quantity first. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the allergen information on the packaging of the exact variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) states that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products. | If certain ingredients aren’t suitable for me, I check this information before buying. Around 7% of consumers put ingredient suitability first. |
Common pitfalls
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Mistaking a low fat figure for proven fat reduction
An absolute low fat content and a comparison with similar products answer different questions. A low figure on its own doesn’t show that the product contains less fat than a reference product.
For a ‘reduced’ claim, check what the comparison is based on; don’t use ‘low fat’ and ‘reduced fat’ interchangeably.
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Reading ‘no added sugar’ as ‘sugar-free’
Dried fruit can contain naturally occurring sugars, even when no sugar has been added.
Read both the ingredients list and the nutrition table, and bear your portion size in mind.
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Assuming every pack has the same storage instructions
Storage instructions can vary. For example, AH Stewed Dried Apricots must be kept refrigerated once opened.
Follow the instructions on the packaging of the variety you buy and check that they suit how quickly you’ll use it during the week.
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Comparing soaked and unsoaked fruit directly
Soaked apricots contain water; nutrition values apply to the product as sold. The product form and ingredients list are therefore relevant when comparing products.
Compare the same type and quantity of product, and don’t automatically attribute differences to fat reduction.
Supermarket brands to consider
The retailers listed offer different product options. Always check the details for the exact variety; a brand name alone tells you nothing about the fat content or whether there’s a comparative claim.
Albert Heijn
An option for ready-to-eat stewed dried apricots.
- The product information suggests eating them as a snack or adding them to yoghurt.
- Refrigerate after opening at a maximum of 7°C; this instruction applies to this variety.
Jumbo
Product pages give details for individual varieties of dried apricots and blue raisins.
- Jumbo lists 0.5 g of fat per 100 g for its pitted dried apricots and 1.0 g for its blue raisins.
- The apricots checked contain sulphites; the blue raisins contain sunflower oil. Check the other ingredients and allergen information too.
Lidl
An in-store option for dried tropical fruit in various varieties.
- The stated pack size is 200 g.
- The product information says it’s sold in store; check the individual variety and packaging.
Aldi
An option from the range of sun-dried apricots.
- ALDI’s product description calls the apricots soft and lists a pack size of 250 g.
- The description doesn’t substantiate a reduced-fat claim; check the nutrition table for the variety.
PLUS
An option for dried apricots in a stand-up pouch.
- PLUS lists 375 g for this pack and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
- The apricots contain naturally occurring sugars and sulphites; these details apply to this product.
Dirk
An in-store option for raisins in a larger pack.
- The product page lists a pack size of 750 g.
- Consider whether that quantity suits your own needs; Dirk doesn’t list a delivery service.
Dried fruit at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are dried fruit options for anyone who also wants to check the nutrition table, ingredients and portion size before choosing. A low fat content on its own doesn’t prove a reduced-fat claim.
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Haoxiangni Dr.Jujube Premium Gold-Grade Pitted 390g
The product name indicates pitted jujubes; a handy option if you’re looking for dried fruit to take with you as a snack.
The product information lists 50.0 g of sugars per 100 g and recommends eating the dates immediately after opening. Check whether that amount and advice suit your portions.
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OHLA dried soursop 180g
An option if you want to take dried soursop with you as a snack; the product name indicates a 180 g pack.
The product information lists 72.6 g of sugars per 100 g and includes white sugar and glucose in the ingredients. Check the ingredients list and nutrition table if added sugars are a consideration for you.
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Haoxiangni Pitted Jujubes 500g
The product name indicates pitted jujubes in a 500 g pack, for anyone looking for a larger quantity of dried fruit.
The product information lists 60 g of sugars per 100 g. Compare the nutrition information with the portion you have in mind, and follow the instructions for resealing the pack once opened.
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Three Squirrels dried red apricots 250g
A snack option featuring dried red apricots in a 250 g pack.
The product information lists 62.0 g of sugars per 100 g and includes sugar, malt syrup and sulphites. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.
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Be&Cheery dried red apricots 300g
The product name indicates dried red apricots in a 300 g pack, intended as a ready-to-eat snack.
The product information lists 64.5 g of sugars per 100 g and includes sugar, malt syrup and sulphites. Check the ingredients and nutrition table before choosing this variety.
Frequently asked questions
Does low fat mean the same as reduced fat?
No. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. The Netherlands Bakery Centre describes ‘reduced’ as at least 30% less than comparable products; a low fat figure alone doesn’t prove that comparison.
How much dried fruit can I have as a snack?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day. This is dietary advice, not a legal limit on what you can buy; a low fat content doesn’t mean you can ignore portion size.
Does dried fruit need to be refrigerated after opening?
Follow the instructions on the packaging of the exact variety. AH Stewed Dried Apricots must be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7°C; Jumbo Blue Raisins should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place.
What allergen information should I check?
Read the allergen information on the label of the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) states that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products; the Jumbo apricots checked contain sulphites.
Are pitted apricots always free from fragments of stone?
No. For the dried pitted apricots checked, Jumbo warns that the product may occasionally contain pieces or fragments of stone. Bear this product-specific warning in mind.