Serve dried fruit as the fruit element and, if protein is your priority, pair it with a suitable protein source such as dairy or unsalted nuts. The apricots checked at Albert Heijn, PLUS and Jumbo provide 3.2 to 4 g of protein per 100 g. So consider the contribution of your portion, the ingredients and storage instructions too, rather than assuming they’re high-protein snacks.
You want to serve fruity party snacks without treating dried fruit as a major source of protein. Compare the nutritional information with the amount you’ll actually serve and the rest of your diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides general information about protein and sport.
You want to make ingredients and allergens easy for guests to identify, for example if someone is sensitive to sulphites or you’re serving fruit with nuts or dairy. The apricots checked at Albert Heijn, PLUS and Jumbo list sulphites.
You’re looking for a pack size that suits the number of guests and want to know how to store the fruit once opened. The products checked vary in size and storage instructions, so always follow the label for the variety you choose.
First decide how much protein you want your snack to provide. Then choose a portion and serving method that suit the ingredients, your guests and the fridge space available.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who should pay most attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | Compare the protein per 100 g and calculate how much that means for the amount you’ll serve. Albert Heijn lists 4 g per 100 g, PLUS 3.4 g and Jumbo 3.2 g. | If you mainly want to know how much protein the fruit adds to your party platter, look at the portion rather than just the product name. Around 38% of consumers consider protein content their main priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information for each variety. The Albert Heijn, PLUS and Jumbo apricots mentioned contain sulphites. | If you’re putting together snacks for guests with dietary requirements, you’ll want to check the ingredients and make them easy to identify. Around 23% of consumers focus mainly on ingredients and suitability for guests. |
| Serving and storage | Check the instructions for after opening. Albert Heijn says its soaked apricots should be refrigerated at a maximum of 7 °C; PLUS and Jumbo recommend storing their dried apricots in a cool, dry, dark place. | If you’re preparing snacks in advance or adding dairy, serving plans and available fridge space matter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a fridge temperature of 4 °C and leaving perishable food out of the fridge for no more than 2 hours. Around 23% of consumers focus mainly on serving and storage. |
| Pack size | Match the quantity to the number of guests and the portions. The varieties mentioned include packs of 250 g and 375 g; a larger pack does not, on its own, prove a lower price or less waste. | If you’re planning the shopping for a party, you’ll want to choose an amount that matches what you expect to serve and store. Around 16% of consumers focus mainly on pack size and shopping plans. |
Based on the values on their labels, a 20 g portion of the apricots mentioned provides less than 1 g of protein. A protein-focused search term tells you nothing about the contribution of a portion or its benefits for recovery.
Calculate based on the amount you serve. If protein matters, pair the fruit with a suitable protein source that meets your guests’ dietary needs.
Albert Heijn and PLUS list 0 g of added sugars per 100 g, but also list sugars in the nutrition table. These are different things.
Read both the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line, and compare products for the same quantity.
Albert Heijn says the soaked apricots mentioned should be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7 °C. PLUS and Jumbo give different instructions for their dried apricots: store in a cool, dry, dark place.
Check the label before opening a pack and dividing the fruit between bowls. Keep snacks containing perishable ingredients chilled, following the relevant refrigeration advice.
A chilled variety or a combination with dairy needs fridge space and some planning around serving time.
The Albert Heijn, PLUS and Jumbo apricots mentioned contain sulphites. Adding nuts or dairy can introduce other allergens to the snack.
Ask about relevant dietary requirements, keep ingredients easy to identify and retain the original packaging so you can check the information.
The soaked apricots mentioned are an option if you’re looking for a fruity topping.
Jumbo lists pitted dried apricots in a 250 g pack.
The dried apricots mentioned come in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
Lidl lists dried tropical fruit in several 200 g varieties.
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s sun-dried apricots in a 250 g pack.
Dirk’s range includes products such as raisins, apricots and prunes.
These products are dried fruit that you can serve on its own or use in snacks and desserts. Their protein content is limited, so check the ingredients and the amount per portion too.
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The product description suggests serving it as a fruity snack or using it as an ingredient in desserts.
Guava: 95%; the ingredients information also lists sugar and a preservative. Protein: 1.27 g per 100 g.
Reseal securely after opening, as stated in the product description.
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The product description suggests eating it as a snack or adding it to yoghurt, breakfast cereal, bakes and desserts.
Mango: 75%; protein: 2 g per 100 g. The product information also lists sugar and sulphites.
Store in a cool, dry place, as stated in the product description.
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The product description suggests eating it straight from the pack, sharing it, adding it to lunchboxes or using it in baking.
Protein: 1.1 g per 100 g. The ingredients information lists added sugar, maltose syrup and sulphites.
Store in a cool, dry place, as stated in the product description.
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The product description suggests snacking, adding it to lunchboxes, baking with it or eating it straight from the pack.
Protein: 0.9 g per 100 g. The ingredients information lists sugar, maltose syrup and sulphites.
Store in a cool, dry place, as stated in the product description.
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The product description suggests eating it as a snack or adding it to yoghurt, breakfast cereal, bakes and desserts.
Mango: at least 79.5%; protein: 1 g per 100 g. The ingredients information lists sugar, glucose syrup, maltose syrup and sulphites.
Store in a cool, dry place, as stated in the product description.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says most people who exercise don’t need special protein shakes or bars if they eat a healthy, varied diet. Consider dried fruit as part of your overall diet, not as a recovery product in its own right.
No. Albert Heijn lists a 50 g portion for the soaked apricots mentioned, while the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day. The portion size on a pack isn’t personal dietary advice, and the Centre’s recommendation isn’t a legal restriction on sales.
Follow the instructions for the specific variety. Albert Heijn says the soaked apricots mentioned should be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7 °C. This instruction doesn’t automatically apply to every type of dried fruit.
Put out small amounts and keep the rest chilled. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a fridge temperature of 4 °C and leaving perishable food out of the fridge for no more than 2 hours; after that, you should throw it away.
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products. Also check the ingredients of any additions, such as nuts or dairy, when serving them with party snacks.
