Start by choosing based on the substance you want to avoid, then check both the ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings on the current packaging. A gluten-free or lactose-free label does not mean a product is free from all allergens. Albert Heijn labels AH Sun-Dried Raisins as gluten-free and lactose-free, while PLUS Dried Apricots and Jumbo Pitted Dried Apricots list E220/sulphites. For portioning, Voedingscentrum recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day; Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars as well as 59 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Sun-Dried Raisins.
You want to choose dried fruit based on something specific you avoid, such as gluten, milk or nuts. Check both the ingredients and any possible cross-contamination warnings: a label relating to one substance does not mean the product is free from all allergens.
You want to know whether sulphites or sulphur dioxide are listed, rather than relying on words such as vegan or organic. Stichting Voedselallergie distinguishes sulphite sensitivity from a food allergy.
You want to measure out a portion in advance and keep an eye on both added and naturally present sugars. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergen information | Read the ingredients, the relevant free-from claim and any cross-contamination warnings on the current packaging. | If I avoid gluten, milk or another specific allergen, I compare the ingredients and warnings with my needs. Around 36% of consumers say avoiding a specific allergen is their main selection criterion. |
| Sulphites | Check for sulphites, sulphur dioxide and E220; don’t assume they are absent just because a product is labelled organic or vegan. | If avoiding sulphites is essential for me, I check the ingredients rather than relying on a general product label. Around 29% of consumers prioritise avoiding sulphites. |
| Sugars | Compare added sugars with the total amount of sugars per 100 g. | If I want to avoid added sugar, I also check the total amount of sugars per 100 g. Around 21% of consumers mainly choose products with no added sugar. |
| Portioning and storage | Check the pack weight, measure out your own portion and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | For my home-working stash, I want to be able to measure out a portion easily and store the pack as directed on the label. Around 14% of consumers say ease of portioning and storage is their main selection criterion. |
A gluten-free or lactose-free label does not automatically answer questions about other allergens or possible cross-contamination.
Start with the substance you avoid, then check the ingredients and any warnings on the current packaging separately.
PLUS Dried Apricots lists E220 and sulphites, even though the product information describes it as vegan. An organic label on its own doesn’t confirm whether sulphites are present either.
Check the preservatives and specific sulphite information rather than relying on a general product claim.
For AH Sun-Dried Raisins, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 59 g of sugars per 100 g.
Read both the ingredients and the nutrition table, and decide in advance how much you want to add to your lunch.
The product packs mentioned, at 375 g or 500 g, are larger than a single measured portion. Voedingscentrum recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day.
Measure out your own portion and follow the storage instructions and use-by information for the specific product.
The features mentioned apply to specific products, not automatically to a brand’s entire range.
AH Sun-Dried Raisins is a specific label example for anyone looking for gluten-free or lactose-free options.
Jumbo Pitted Dried Apricots 250 g has product-specific information about ingredients and allergens.
Lidl showcases dried fruit at selected stores.
ALDI Nederland lists Trader Joe's raisins in a 500 g pack.
PLUS Dried Apricots comes in a 375 g stand-up pouch, with product information about ingredients and nutrition.
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Sultana Raisins in a 375 g pack.
These options are freeze-dried jackfruit in small packs, suitable as a lunch addition. Check the packaging for allergen information relevant to the specific substance you avoid.
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The individual sachets may suit you if you want to portion out your lunches in advance; check the packaging for allergen information relevant to you.
The product information lists jackfruit (100%) as the ingredient and states that no sugar has been added.
The pack contains six 25 g sachets.
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This sachet may suit you if you’re looking for a pre-portioned lunch addition; check the packaging for allergen information relevant to you.
The product information lists jackfruit (100%) as the ingredient and states that no sugar has been added.
The portion described is 25 g.
No. A lactose-free label on its own does not confirm that a product is suitable for someone with a milk allergy. Check the milk-related ingredients and warnings on the packaging. Albert Heijn describes AH Sun-Dried Raisins as lactose-free, but that does not mean it is free from all allergens.
Treat the warning as relevant product information for the substance you avoid, and check the ingredients list too. The NVWA announced that it would start monitoring allergen warning rules from 2026. Always check the label on the pack you buy.
No. Don’t assume that sulphites are completely absent just because a product is labelled organic or has no added sulphites: Nutrilab explains that sulphites can also occur naturally. The organic Jumbo example also listed possible traces of nuts, peanuts and sesame.
No. For AH Sun-Dried Raisins, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 59 g of sugars per 100 g. Compare both figures and keep an eye on the amount you measure out.
Voedingscentrum recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day. Use this as general nutrition guidance, not personal dietary advice, and also check the nutrition information for the product you choose.
