First, choose based on the ingredient or dietary feature you want to avoid, then check the full ingredients and allergen information. AH mango and AH raisins are labelled gluten-free and lactose-free, but the mango carries a warning about peanuts and nuts. A label such as ‘unsulphured’ also doesn’t automatically answer other allergen questions.
You’re looking for a snack to take with you that has a clearly stated dietary feature you need. Don’t rely on the type of fruit alone: check for warnings about any other allergens that are relevant to you, too.
You want to distinguish between unsulphured fruit and fruit with added E220. Even with an unsulphured option, it’s important to check the other ingredients and cross-contamination warnings.
You’re looking for a snack you can portion yourself and store according to the product information. No added sugar doesn’t mean a product contains no natural fruit sugars.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and dietary features | Read the specific dietary feature, ingredients and any warnings together. | If I need to avoid gluten or a specific allergen, I want to check the full product information. Around 36% of consumers put allergen avoidance first. |
| Sulphites | Check for an ‘unsulphured’ label and for E220–E228 in the ingredients information. | If I want to avoid added sulphites, I check for them separately and also read the other warnings. Around 29% of consumers make avoiding sulphites their top priority. |
| Sugars and portion size | Compare added and total sugars per 100 g, and decide in advance how much to take with you. | If I want to avoid added sugar and choose my portion carefully, I check both sugar figures. Around 14% of consumers put sugar and portion size at the top of their list. |
| Taking it with you and storage | Check the net weight, packaging and storage advice; also check the festival’s rules. | If I want to take and store my snack conveniently, I consider the packaging and conditions while travelling. Around 21% of consumers say taking it with them and storing it are most important. |
AH mango is labelled gluten-free and lactose-free, but it also carries a warning about the possible presence of peanuts and nuts.
Always check for the specific feature you need, and read the ingredients and warnings on the packaging as well.
According to the ingredients information, the PLUS apricots reviewed are vegan and contain E220/SULPHITE.
Check the ingredients and allergen information directly for sulphites.
The product information for the PLUS milk chocolate raisins reviewed lists milk, lactose and soya.
Consider the coating and all the other ingredients as part of the complete product.
AH Raisins list 0 g of added sugars per 100 g, but according to the product information they also contain natural sugars.
Check the total sugars per 100 g and decide for yourself how much to take with you.
The Dutch product pages provide specific examples for comparing individual dietary features and warnings.
The product information for pitted dried apricots is a clear example of a sulphite-containing option.
Belbake Raisins are an example of a larger pack for shopping in store.
The product description for Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Apricots describes soft dried apricots.
The PLUS products reviewed show why you should check individual products rather than making assumptions about an entire chain.
1 de Beste Sultana Raisins are an example for anyone looking for a 375 g pack to buy in store.
These Joybuy products are dried fruit snacks to take with you. If you have a dietary restriction, check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging; the product name alone doesn’t confirm that it’s suitable.
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The individual bags can be handy if you want to take separate portions with you.
Pack size: 6 × 25 g, 150 g in total.
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A small pack to take with you as a fruit snack.
Pack size: 25 g.
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An option if you’re looking for Medjool dates as a snack or ingredient.
Pack size: 908 g.
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An option if you’re looking for raisins to take with you as a snack.
Pack size: 500 g.
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An option if you’re looking for ready-to-eat pitted jujubes as a snack.
Variant: Pitted. Pack size: 500 g.
No. Lactose intolerance and milk allergy are separate issues. The NVWA lists milk, including lactose, in allergen information; if you avoid milk, check the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging.
No. Unsulphured and gluten-free are different features. PLUS product information for Smaakt Blue Thompson Organic Raisins states ‘Unsulphered’ and also warns of the possible presence of cereals containing gluten.
Allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products. The NVWA lists cereals containing gluten, milk, peanuts, nuts and sulphites among others; this information requirement doesn’t mean products have to be free from these substances.
Store raisins in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. Voedingscentrum gives this as its storage advice; also follow the packaging instructions and use-by date. This advice doesn’t guarantee they’ll keep for a long time in a warm festival bag.
No. AH Raisins list 0 g of added sugars per 100 g, but according to the product information they contain natural sugars. So check the total sugars per 100 g as well as how much you plan to take with you.
