People buying for a group at a festival
You’re buying together and want to choose a pack that suits your plans. Also think about what you’ll do with any leftovers after the festival.
Who are bulk packs suitable for?
Conscious snack planners
You want to know what’s in the dried fruit and how much you’re taking with you. Bear in mind that ‘no added sugar’ doesn’t mean ‘low in sugar’.
Festival-goers who think about storage
You’re looking for a pack that’s practical to carry and use more than once. Storage instructions are important, as is checking the label for the exact variety if you have an allergy or sulphite sensitivity.
What should you look for in a bulk pack?
Choose a pack size based on what your group will actually use and can store. Jumbo lists packs of 250, 500 and 750 g in the same sultana range; compare these net weights with your own plans.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing the right amount | Compare the net weight with your group’s plans and think about how you’ll store any leftovers afterwards. | When I’m buying for a group, I want to bring enough without having too much left over. Around 36% of consumers give top priority to choosing an amount that suits how they plan to use it. |
| Ingredients and portions | Read the ingredients and compare total sugars with added sugars. PLUS lists 68.2 g of sugars and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g for its Sultana raisins. | If I want to understand what’s in a product, I look beyond the claims on the pack. Around 29% of consumers prioritise clear information about ingredients and portion size. |
| Carrying and storage | Check whether the pack is genuinely resealable and follow the storage instructions for the exact variety. PLUS advises storing its Sultana raisins in a cool, dry, dark place. | When I’m staying at a festival, I want to be able to store the pack properly once it’s open. Around 21% of consumers give carrying and storage top priority. |
| Suitable ingredients | Check the exact type of fruit, the ingredients and the allergen information. The Food Allergy Foundation notes that sulphites may be present in dried fruit. | If I have an allergy, sulphite sensitivity or a preference for a particular type of fruit, I want to check the label of the variety I’ve chosen. Around 14% of consumers prioritise suitable ingredients. |
Common mistakes when buying dried fruit
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Assuming a bigger pack is automatically the better choice
A larger amount may not be the best fit if your group won’t finish it.
Plan how you’ll use it in advance, and only count leftovers if you’ll genuinely store and use them at home.
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Confusing ‘no added sugar’ with low total sugars
PLUS lists 68.2 g of sugars and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g for its Sultana raisins. These figures describe different things.
Check both figures separately and decide in advance how much you want to take with you.
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Relying on the best-before date after opening
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the printed best-before date applies to an unopened pack.
Once opened, follow the storage instructions on the pack. For example, PLUS advises storing its Sultana raisins in a cool, dry, dark place.
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Assuming all dried-fruit products have the same ingredients
Single-fruit products, fruit mixes and fruit-and-nut mixes may contain different ingredients. According to the Food Allergy Foundation, dried fruit may contain sulphites.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety, especially if you have an allergy or sulphite sensitivity.
Supermarket brands to compare
Albert Heijn
A range that includes both single-fruit products and fruit mixes.
- Albert Heijn lists, among other products, 500 g of pitted dried dates and 130 g of unsweetened dried mango.
- Check the specific variety and availability at the branch where you shop.
Jumbo
A sultana range with different pack sizes to compare with your group’s plans.
- Jumbo lists packs of 250, 500 and 750 g in the same range.
- Ingredients and storage instructions vary by product. The 750g pack lists raisins and cottonseed oil, and advises storing it in a cool, dry, dark place.
Lidl
A supermarket option with dried fruit listed in its range.
- Lidl lists dried fruit in its range.
- The product is listed at selected branches, so check availability at your local store.
ALDI
A range that includes raisins and smaller individual fruit products.
- TRADER JOE'S raisins are listed in a 500 g pack. ALDI also lists a resealable 200 g pack in a separate range.
- The resealable feature applies to that specific range and shouldn’t be assumed for every product from the brand.
PLUS
A Sultana raisin variety with clearly listed ingredients and nutritional information.
- The 375 g stand-up pouch lists raisins and sunflower oil. PLUS states that it contains 68.2 g of sugars and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
- The term ‘stand-up pouch’ doesn’t in itself confirm that the pack is resealable. Check the packaging and storage instructions.
Dirk
A supermarket option offering 1 de Beste Sultana raisins.
- The product listing gives a pack size of 375 g.
- When choosing, check the label on the exact pack for ingredients and storage advice.
Joybuy products for smaller portions and variety
This Joybuy selection features smaller packs of dried fruit for smaller portions and a change from raisins. Check the ingredients and instructions for storing each variety after opening.
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OHLA dried guava 180 g
A good choice if you’d like to take a different type of fruit in a smaller pack.
The product information lists 95% guava, sugar and a preservative. Close the pack securely after opening.
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OHLA dried dragon fruit 180 g
A good choice if you’d like to take a different type of dried fruit alongside raisins.
The pack contains 180 g. The product information advises keeping it tightly closed after opening.
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PHILIPPINE BRAND dried mango 100 g
A good choice if you’d like to take mango with you in small portions.
The product information lists individually wrapped pieces, 75% mango, sugar and E223 (sulphites).
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MUSHAN BASE dried strawberry slices 50 g
A good choice if you’d like to take a small amount of dried fruit with you.
The pack contains 50 g. The ingredients list dried strawberries and sugar. Close the pack securely after opening.
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De Kleine Keuken organic raisins 12M+ 140 g
A good choice if you’d like to take raisins in pre-portioned packs.
The product information lists ten 14 g boxes. It says they’re suitable from 12 months and recommends supervising children while they eat; do not use if they have swallowing difficulties.
Frequently asked questions about dried fruit for festivals
How do you work out how much dried fruit to bring for a group?
Multiply the number of people by the number of days and the planned amount per person per day. For example, four adults, three days and 20 g per person per day adds up to 240 g. The 20 g figure is based on the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s recommendation. This calculation isn’t a recommendation to eat extra dried fruit on top of that.
Does the best-before date still apply once the pack has been opened?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the printed best-before date applies to an unopened pack. Once opened, follow the instructions on the exact pack. For example, PLUS advises storing its Sultana raisins in a cool, dry, dark place.
What allergen information should you check on a Dutch pack?
Check the ingredients list and any precautionary allergen warnings on the label of the exact variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) provides information on the mandatory declaration of allergens. New rules for precautionary allergen warnings have applied since 1 January 2026. These rules don’t mean that every product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
What product information should you be able to read when buying online?
According to Dutch government information, food information for prepacked foods must be available online in Dutch. Use the ingredients and allergen information to help you choose, and check the current label when your order arrives.