For a small, low-fat snack, you can compare the Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS apricots we checked: their labels show 0.5 to 0.6 g of fat per 100 g. That doesn’t automatically make them “reduced fat”; also check the portion size, sugars, ingredients and storage instructions. Dried fruit isn’t a substitute for a planned meal during your night shift.
You’re looking for a small, low-fat fruit snack, so you compare the nutrition table rather than relying on the front of the pack. The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS apricots we checked also contain sugars, so take a look at the full table. (Product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS.)
You want to set aside a small amount before your shift and make sure your snack doesn’t replace a meal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having no more than a handful of dried fruit; Diakonessenhuis recommends having meals at set times during night shifts.
Your choice also depends on the instructions for storing an opened pack. For the soaked apricots we checked, Albert Heijn says to refrigerate after opening at a maximum of 7 °C; Jumbo and PLUS say to store in a cool, dry, dark place. Follow the instructions on the pack you buy.
First compare the nutrition per 100 g and the exact product variant. Then decide whether portion size, storage or ingredients matter most for your shift.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who might find this more important? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat and product variant | Compare fat per 100 g and make sure you’re comparing exactly the same variant. A low fat content isn’t the same as a claim that the fat content has been reduced. | If low fat is my top priority, I want to compare the labels per 100 g. Around 36% of consumers put fat content first. |
| Portion size, sugars and energy | Measure out a small amount in advance and check both sugars and energy. Use the portion values for the amount you’ve measured out. | If you mainly want to take a small snack with you, consider the amount as well as the nutritional values. A manageable portion is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Storage during your shift | Check the instructions for after opening and whether you can follow them at work. Instructions vary by product. | If I can’t store the snack properly during my shift, the pack may not suit my situation. Easy storage is the most important factor for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and sensitivities | Check the ingredients, allergens and warnings about possible traces separately from the sugar information. | If you check ingredients or potential allergens first, it’s useful to read the full pack information. Around 14% of consumers put this need first. |
According to their labels, the Jumbo and PLUS apricots we checked contain 51.0 and 53.4 g of sugars per 100 g respectively. A low fat figure doesn’t tell you how much sugar or energy a product contains.
Compare fat, sugars and energy separately, and set aside a small amount before your shift.
Albert Heijn gives a portion size of 50 g; Jumbo also shows nutritional values for 20 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having no more than a handful of dried fruit.
Use the table to check the values for the amount you’ve measured out. Don’t assume that a stated portion is right for everyone.
For the soaked apricots we checked, Albert Heijn says to refrigerate after opening at a maximum of 7 °C. Jumbo and PLUS say to store in a cool, dry, dark place.
Check the instructions for the exact variant and consider whether you can follow them at home and at work.
The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS apricot products we checked list sulphites. A statement about added sugar doesn’t tell you anything about other ingredients.
Read the ingredients and allergen information separately, and check the exact pack if you need to avoid an ingredient.
A relevant option to consider is the specific AH Soaked Dried Apricots 250 g, if you’re looking for a soft variety.
Jumbo Pitted Dried Apricots 250 g may be worth considering if you want to check the values for a smaller measured portion.
The specific 375 g stand-up pouch of dried apricots may suit you if you want to measure out portions at home.
Alesto is a brand under which Lidl sells dried fruit and nuts, including apricots.
ALDI lists TRADER JOE'S Sun-Dried Apricots 250 g as a specific dried apricot variety.
Dirk’s category overview includes pitted apricots, dried figs and pitted prunes.
This selection includes dried fruit you can consider as an on-the-go snack. The final card is a hawthorn product, so check that this type of product suits what you’re looking for.
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The product information says the guava is ready to eat. The pack can be resealed after opening and stored in a cool, dry place.
The label lists 1.73 g of fat and 308 kcal per 100 g. The ingredients list includes sugar and a preservative.
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The 90 g bag may suit you if you want to measure out a small amount in advance; the product information says the plums are ready to eat.
Per 100 g, the label lists 0.2 g of fat, 68 kcal, 16 g of sugars and 3.0 g of salt. Store in a cool, dry place and seal the pack well after opening.
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The product information says the apricots are ready to eat and come in a resealable pack.
Per 100 g, the label lists 0 g of fat, 311 kcal and 62.0 g of sugars. The ingredients list includes sugar and maltose syrup; the product also lists sulphites. Store in a cool, dry place.
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The product information says the raisins are ready to eat and can be stored in a cool, dry place.
Per 100 g, the label lists 0 g of fat, 330 kcal and 30 g of sugars.
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The product name refers to hawthorn, and the product information describes hawthorn snacks or flakes. Check the product type and ingredients if you’re specifically looking for dried fruit.
No. A low absolute fat content is different from a claim that the fat content has been reduced compared with a similar product. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a “low fat” claim; the apricot labels we checked list 0.5 to 0.6 g per 100 g. Those figures alone don’t prove that the fat content has been reduced.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having no more than a handful of dried fruit because of its sugar content. Measure out your snack in advance and use the nutrition table for that amount; the portion size shown on a pack isn’t automatically dietary advice for every night worker.
Also compare sugars, energy, ingredients and the amount you want to take with you. For example, the Jumbo and PLUS apricots we checked list 51.0 and 53.4 g of sugars per 100 g respectively, despite their low fat content.
It depends on the variant. For the soaked apricots we checked, Albert Heijn says to refrigerate after opening at a maximum of 7 °C. The Jumbo and PLUS product information we checked says to store in a cool, dry, dark place. Follow the instructions on the pack you buy.
The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS apricot products we checked list sulphites. Stichting Voedselallergie describes reactions to sulphites as intolerance reactions. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, and follow the advice you’ve been given about avoiding them.
