The checked raisins and dried apricots each state that they contain 0.5 g of fat per 100 g; this alone does not mean they are a reduced-fat product. Compare sugars and energy too, plan a suitable portion and check the storage instructions: the checked soft apricots need to be refrigerated after opening.
You want to keep fat intake low, so you compare the nutritional values rather than relying on terms such as ‘light’. Also check portion size, sugars and energy. The checked raisins and apricots state that they contain 0.5 g of fat per 100 g.
You want to take something that suits the storage facilities you have. Check the difference between dried and soft varieties: the checked soft apricots from Albert Heijn must be refrigerated after opening.
You’re buying for several occasions or people and want to portion things out in advance. Compare the pack size with what you need. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having no more than a handful of dried fruit.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and claims | Compare the fat content per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission defines ‘low fat’ as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. A low fat content does not prove that the product has less fat than a reference product. | If keeping fat low is your main priority, check the values per 100 g and don’t confuse a comparative claim with a low absolute fat content. Around 30% of consumers prioritise fat content. |
| Sugars, energy and portion size | Check the sugar and energy values, and think about how much you actually want to eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having no more than a handful of dried fruit. | If you want to be mindful of how much you eat at a festival, take sugars, energy and portion size into account. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Storage | Check the storage instructions before and after opening. The checked soft apricots from Albert Heijn must be kept at a maximum of 7°C after opening. | If you don’t have suitable refrigeration to hand, the storage instructions need to suit your situation. Around 23% of consumers prioritise suitable storage. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and warnings on the exact pack. The checked apricots from Jumbo and PLUS list sulphites; Jumbo also states that the product may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame. | If you’re buying for someone with a relevant sensitivity or allergy, the product information on the pack is an important factor in your choice. Around 12% of consumers prioritise suitability. |
| Pack size | Match the contents to the number of snack occasions or people, and factor in portioning and storage. Packs of 375 g, 500 g and 750 g are examples from shops, not an indication of nutritional suitability. | If you want to share a supply or divide it across several occasions, choose a quantity that suits your needs. Around 12% of consumers make pack size their top priority. |
The checked raisins and apricots state the same fat content, but their listed sugar and energy values differ.
Compare fat, sugars and energy separately, then decide which portion suits your needs.
The checked soft apricots from Albert Heijn must be kept at a maximum of 7°C after opening.
Choose based on the specific storage instructions and the facilities available to you at the festival.
Albert Heijn lists a 50 g serving for its raisins, while the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having no more than a handful of dried fruit. These are two different types of information.
Use the dietary advice and your own eating habits to plan portions, rather than automatically following the serving suggestion on the pack.
A low fat content doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy or sensitivity. The checked apricots from Jumbo and PLUS list sulphites.
If you have a relevant allergy, check the ingredients and warnings on the exact pack before choosing.
The product information offers examples of raisins and dried apricots to compare by nutritional values and storage requirements.
Jumbo Pitted Dried Apricots 250 g is an example of a product with nutritional and storage information listed on the retailer’s website.
PLUS Dried Apricots in a 375 g stand-up pouch are an example for anyone looking to portion out a larger pack.
ALDI lists 500 g packs of raisins under the Trader Joe’s product brand, an example to consider when planning your supplies.
Dirk lists raisins in a 750 g pack, which may be useful if you want to portion out a larger supply.
Lidl has a Dutch page for dried fruit, stating that the product is available in selected stores.
For the ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. This is a limit for the absolute fat content, not proof that the product contains less fat than another product.
No. That figure alone doesn’t substantiate a comparative claim. The Dutch Bakery Centre describes a reduced-content claim as a comparison with reference products, so don’t assess the claim solely on the basis of the absolute fat content.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having no more than a handful of dried fruit with no added sugar, as dried fruit contains a lot of sugar. This is dietary advice, not a legal portion limit.
Follow the instructions on the pack. AH Soft Dried Apricots must be refrigerated at a maximum of 7°C after opening, and have a limited shelf life once opened.
Check the ingredients and any relevant warnings on the exact pack. The checked Jumbo apricots list sulphites and state that they may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame.
