Choose dried fruit according to the specific substance you need to avoid: check the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the exact pack, rather than relying on the product category or supermarket. If you avoid sulphites, also check for sulphites and E220–E228. Only then consider sugar, portion size and how to store the fruit while you’re out.
You’re looking for fruit that suits the specific allergen you need to avoid. Ingredients and information about possible cross-contamination matter more than flavour or convenience. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses the importance of allergen information on the label.
You want to take dried fruit with you, but need to check sulphites separately. So pay attention to the ingredients and preservative information. The Food Allergy Foundation describes reactions to sulphites as intolerance reactions.
Once you’ve checked whether the product suits your dietary needs, you can also consider added sugar, portion size and how it’s packaged for taking on the go. Storage instructions vary by product; general storage advice is no substitute for them.
First, check whether the exact product is suitable for your needs in relation to the substance you avoid. Then compare the sugar and portion size, and consider whether the fruit is practical to take with you and store.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and cross-contamination | Read the full ingredients list, allergen information and precautionary warnings on the exact pack. The NVWA explains allergen labelling. | If you need to avoid a specific allergen, you’ll want to know what the product contains and what warnings are included. Around 38% of consumers in this choice context give allergen avoidance top priority. |
| Sulphites | Check for sulphites and E220–E228. The Food Allergy Foundation describes sulphites as a preservative used in food. | If you need to avoid sulphites, you’ll want to assess them separately from other allergens. Around 31% of consumers in this choice context give sulphite avoidance top priority. |
| Sugar and portion size | Check the ingredients for sugar or syrup, and decide how much to take with you. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day as general dietary advice, not as a walking plan. | Once you’ve checked whether the product suits your dietary needs, added sugar or the amount may influence your next choice. Around 16% of consumers in this choice context give sugar and portion size top priority. |
| Taking it with you and storage | Check the pack size and follow the product’s storage advice. For raisins, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. | If you prepare portions at home, you’ll want to be able to seal the fruit properly while you’re out and keep the product information to hand. Around 15% of consumers in this choice context give transport and storage top priority. |
The dried fruit category also includes mixes containing ingredients such as cashew nuts or almonds. So the category name doesn’t tell you exactly what’s in a product.
If you avoid nuts, check the full ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack.
Sulphites may be added to dried fruit as a preservative. The Food Allergy Foundation describes reactions to sulphites as intolerance reactions.
If sulphites are relevant to you, check the ingredients for sulphites and E220–E228.
An unsweetened variety doesn’t, in itself, tell you anything about allergens or possible cross-contamination.
First check for the substance you need to avoid. Then check whether the variety meets your preferences around added sugar.
For raisins, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. This isn’t a guarantee of a specific shelf life in warm or damp walking conditions.
If needed, divide the fruit into a resealable pack and follow the instructions on the exact product packaging.
You may need a separate pack for taking portions with you if you divide up a larger bag at home.
The range includes both individual dried fruit products and fruit and nut mixes, which is useful if you want to choose based on the ingredients.
The supermarket lists various types and pack sizes of dried fruit, including raisins and apricots.
Lidl’s Alesto range includes nuts, dried fruit and snacks.
Aldi lists raisins and sun-dried apricots, among other products, under the Trader Joe’s brand.
PLUS lists dried apricots in a 375 g stand-up pouch, a size you can portion out at home.
Dirk lists raisins in a 750 g pack, which may be useful if you want to prepare portions at home.
These products are dried fruit marketed as snacks for taking on the go. The product information below doesn’t confirm that a product is suitable for someone with a food allergy or someone avoiding sulphites; always check the full information on the exact pack.
No image available
The individually wrapped portions are designed to take with you as a snack.
According to the product description, jackfruit is the only ingredient. The pack contains six 25 g portions, with no added sugar.
No image available
The 25 g portion is designed as a ready-to-eat snack for taking on the go.
The product description lists jackfruit as the only ingredient.
No image available
The product description presents the dried dragon fruit as a snack and recommends storing it in a cool, dry place.
No image available
The product description suggests it as a snack for taking on the go, with guava as the main ingredient.
The ingredients list states 95% guava, sugar and a preservative.
No image available
The product description suggests it as a snack for taking on the go; the pack contains 50 g.
The ingredients list states dried strawberries and sugar.
No. Check for the specific allergen you need to avoid using the information on the exact product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses the importance of allergen information on the label; a general category name is no substitute for this check.
The Food Allergy Foundation describes reactions to sulphites as intolerance reactions. Sulphites may be added as preservatives under E220–E228, so check for them separately if you need to avoid sulphites.
Since 1 January 2026, the NVWA has been checking that pre-packed products carry appropriate warnings about possible cross-contamination with allergens during inspections. This concerns information provided by retailers and manufacturers; it doesn’t guarantee that every product is suitable for every consumer with an allergy.
Store raisins in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. A resealable pack can be handy for taking them with you; also follow the instructions on the pack of the product you have.
Check the current pack for ingredients and allergen information before eating the product. Albert Heijn and PLUS point out that product information may change; contact the relevant retailer if you have any questions.
