Regular buyers looking for value
If you want to eat dried fruit on other days or use it in recipes too, check the net weight, the number of individual bags and how much you’re likely to use. Albert Heijn lists its 2-pack as two separate 500 g bags.
Which pack is right for you?
Mindful portion choosers
If you want to share fruit without treating a whole supply bag as one portion, decide in advance how much to serve and check the ingredients and nutritional information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating no more than 20 grams of dried fruit a day.
Small households who like variety
If you don’t want to buy a lot of one type for a single movie night, look for smaller packs and check whether you’re buying fruit or a fruit and nut mix. Lidl describes resealable 200 g options.
What should you look for when choosing?
Look beyond the packaging: consider how much fruit you need, what you’ll do with the rest and which ingredients matter to you.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Right-sized quantity | Check the net weight, the number of bags and how much you’ll use after movie night. | If you’re considering a larger-value pack, you’ll want to know whether the full quantity suits your needs. Around 31% of consumers put the usable quantity first. |
| Portions and ingredients | Read the ingredients list and check the nutritional information per 100 g; decide in advance how much to serve. | If I want to keep portions in check, I look beyond the bag size. Around 25% of consumers give the most weight to portion sizes and ingredients. |
| Storing leftovers | Check whether the packaging is resealable and follow the storage and use-by instructions on the pack. | If you don’t want to open everything at once, consider how the supply can be divided and resealed. Around 19% of consumers prioritise storage. |
| Variety | Check the type of fruit, the quantity and whether the product also contains nuts. | If you’d rather have variety than buy one large bag of the same fruit, look for smaller options. Around 13% of consumers choose variety as their main consideration. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and check the specific pack for warnings about possible traces. | If allergens are a deciding factor for you or a guest, check your chosen variety carefully. Around 12% of consumers prioritise allergen suitability. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing a larger-value pack without considering how much you’ll use
A larger pack isn’t automatically right for movie night if you won’t use the rest afterwards.
Check the net weight and the number of individual bags. Think in advance about how you’ll use and store the rest.
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Treating the whole supply bag as one portion
The quantity in a pack isn’t the same as a recommended portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating no more than 20 g of dried fruit a day.
Serve a measured amount and check the ingredients and nutritional information separately.
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Confusing different varieties on the same product page
A shared page may describe both fruit varieties and a nut mix. The page title alone doesn’t tell you which variety you’ll end up choosing.
Check the name, ingredients and packaging of the specific variety.
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Assuming unsulphured means allergen-free
The PLUS page for Smaakt raisins warns that the product may contain traces of, among other things, peanuts and nuts; the description ‘unsulphured’ doesn’t rule out this warning.
Check the ingredients and warnings on the pack as separate pieces of information.
Brands and packaging compared
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you want to choose between a 750 g bag of raisins and a pack containing two separate 500 g bags.
- The product page describes the 2-pack as two separate items.
- The pack information doesn’t offer a general comparison with other products or supermarkets.
Jumbo
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 500 g bag of raisins and want to check the ingredients and nutritional information.
- The official product page lists the quantity, ingredients and nutritional values for this variety.
- The product information applies to this variety and doesn’t necessarily tell you anything about other sizes.
Lidl
Worth considering if you’re looking for a smaller pack of cranberries or cranberries and raisins.
- The product page lists resealable 200 g packs.
- The product is described as available in store only; check which variety you choose.
ALDI
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 500 g bag of raisins or a smaller resealable fruit option.
- The official pages describe different types of packaging.
- The product page for the smaller pack covers several varieties, including products with cashew nuts.
PLUS
Worth considering if organic produce and the processing of these Smaakt raisins, described as unsulphured, are important to you.
- The product page lists a 500 g pack and describes the product as organic and unsulphured.
- The page warns that the product may contain traces of allergens, including peanuts and nuts. The product description doesn’t prove any benefit for taste or health.
Dirk
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 750 g bag of raisins when doing your food shop.
- The official product page confirms the weight of this variety.
- Dirk doesn’t list a delivery service.
Joybuy products for a movie night
This selection includes dried dates and loquat, as well as mixed fruit and nut snacks. Check the contents and ingredients if you’re looking for dried fruit only.
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Zohra Medjool Dates (M) 908g
The 908 g pack may suit you if you want to share dates or save some for later; the product information says they’re pitted.
According to the product information: no additives or preservatives. Seal well after opening and store in a cool, dry place.
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Haoxiangni Pitted Jujubes 500g
This 500 g pack may suit you if you want to snack on pitted red dates or use them as an ingredient.
The product information lists 100% red dates. Store below 15 °C and seal the pack well after opening.
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Fruit and nut snack pack, 5-pack, 1.073 kg
This selection contains five different snacks and may suit you if you want a mixed selection to share; it isn’t a pack of dried fruit only.
The product information lists, among other things, plums, dates, banana chips and nuts. The pack contains tree nuts; the plums contain aspartame. According to the product information, opened products should be refrigerated and consumed within one day.
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Bestore Dried Loquat with Bamboo Salt 200g
The 200 g pack may suit you if you’re looking for a smaller quantity of dried fruit.
The product information lists at least 70% loquat. The ingredients list also includes sugar, syrup and sulphites.
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g’woon Cashew Nut Cranberry Mix 200g
This 200 g pack may suit you if you want to pair cranberries with something savoury; it isn’t dried fruit only.
The product information lists 50% cashew nuts and 50% sweetened dried cranberries. The product contains cashew nuts and may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
Frequently asked questions
How much dried fruit should you buy for a movie night?
Choose an amount based on the number of people eating and what you’ll use later, rather than treating the whole bag as one portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating no more than 20 g of dried fruit a day; use this as nutritional advice, not as a legal product limit.
How should you store opened raisins?
Store them in a cool, dry, dark place and seal them well. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage guide recommends keeping opened raisins in a kitchen cupboard for 6–9 months; follow the instructions and use-by date on your own pack. This advice doesn’t automatically apply to all fruit mixes.
Does unsulphured mean raisins are allergen-free?
No. The PLUS page for Smaakt raisins warns that the product may contain traces of, among other things, peanuts and nuts. If you have a relevant allergy, check the ingredients and warnings on the specific pack.
What allergen information should you check on packaged dried fruit?
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products; that doesn’t mean every product contains the allergens listed.
How can you check a safety warning for your pack?
Consult the official list from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and compare the product and batch details in any warning with those on your pack. A list of warnings isn’t a general safety guarantee for every pack of dried fruit.