Choose dried fruit for a night shift based on what you want to avoid: a particular allergen, sulphites and added sugar each require a different check. Read the ingredients and warnings on the packaging for the exact product variant; unsulphured or no added sugar does not mean a product is free from all allergens. If you mainly want to avoid added sugar, compare the ingredients and take a small, pre-measured portion with you.
You’re looking for a snack to take with you, but the information about the allergen you avoid and possible cross-contamination will determine whether a particular product is suitable. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) explains allergen labelling on prepacked products.
You’re specifically looking for unsulphured dried fruit, then checking the information for the exact product variant. Stichting Voedselallergie explains that sulphites are substances that can be found in dried fruit; unsulphured does not mean that a product is free from all allergens.
You want to compare ingredients and take a small portion with you. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between dried fruit with and without added sugar; fruit also contains naturally occurring sugars.
First decide what you want to avoid, then check the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging for the specific product variant.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding a particular allergen | Read the ingredients and any warning about possible cross-contamination for the exact product variant. | If I avoid a particular allergen, I also want to know whether there is a cross-contamination warning. Around 36% of consumers rank avoiding a particular allergen as their top buying priority. |
| Sulphites and unsulphured products | Look for the term ‘unsulphured’ and check the full product information. | If I’m avoiding sulphites, I don’t just look at the name; I also check the information on the packaging. For around 29% of consumers, avoiding sulphites is their top buying priority. |
| Added sugar | Check the ingredients for added ingredients and look at the nutrition table for sugars per portion. | If I want to avoid added sugar, I compare the ingredients and take into account the sugars naturally present in fruit. This is the top buying priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Portioning and storage | Compare the pack weight with the stated portion and follow the storage advice for the product variant. | For a short break, I want to be able to take a small amount with me easily and seal the rest properly. Around 14% of consumers rank portioning and storage as their top buying priority. |
This term tells you something about how the fruit has been treated, but it doesn’t automatically answer questions about other allergens or possible cross-contamination.
Choose based on the substance you want to avoid and check the ingredients and warnings on the exact packaging.
Dried fruit also contains fruit sugars. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating a small portion.
Check the ingredients and nutrition table separately, and measure out a portion.
An assortment of dried fruit may also include fruit and nut mixes. Raisins are also available in combinations such as chocolate raisins.
Check the full ingredients list for the specific product variant rather than relying on the category or search term alone.
A larger pack means you’ll need to portion it yourself; storage advice can vary by product.
Set aside the amount you want to take with you in advance and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
Albert Heijn lists, among other products, a variant called AH Unsulphured Apricots, and also stocks fruit and nut mixes.
The product information for Jumbo Sun-dried Sultana Raisins 250g lists raisins and cottonseed oil as ingredients.
Lidl describes its Alesto range as a selection of dried fruit and nuts.
ALDI lists TRADER JOE'S Sun-dried Apricots in a 250 g pack and describes them as soft.
PLUS lists dried apricots in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
Dirk’s product listings include various types of fruit, such as sultanas, apricots and prunes.
These products are suitable to consider if you’re looking for dried fruit to take with you and compare ingredients. Check the full information on the packaging before choosing; product names and ingredient descriptions do not confirm general suitability in relation to allergens or sulphites.
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The product description lists red dates as the only ingredient and states that the pack contains six bags; this may be handy if you want to take separate portions with you.
The description states that the dates are peeled and pitted.
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The product description lists 100% dried grapes; check the product information if you want to compare ingredients.
The description advises storing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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The product description lists jujube as the only ingredient and states that the pack contains 500 g.
Check the information on the packaging if you want to avoid a particular substance.
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The product description lists red raisins as an ingredient and states that the pack contains 100 g.
A compact pack may suit anyone who wants to take a small amount with them; check the full ingredients list.
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The product description lists 99.5% raisins and sunflower oil as ingredients.
The pack contains 252 g; check the product information for instructions after opening.
No. Don’t treat ‘free from’ as a general guarantee of suitability. Decide which substance you want to avoid and check the ingredients and information about possible cross-contamination on the exact packaging. The NVWA explains which allergens must be listed on labels; this does not guarantee that a product is suitable for every allergy.
Allergen information must be included on the label of prepacked products. Since 1 January 2026, the NVWA has also checked during inspections whether labels give the correct warnings about possible cross-contamination. This information does not replace checking the packaging of the product variant you want to buy.
No. Dried fruit also contains fruit sugars; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating no more than a handful. The ingredients list for Jumbo Sun-dried Sultana Raisins 250g lists raisins and cottonseed oil, while the product table states 11.3 g of sugars per 15 g.
Store raisins in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the instructions on your packaging; storage advice for raisins does not automatically apply to every other type of dried fruit or a mixed product.
Yes, check the information on the packaging of the product variant you’re buying. Albert Heijn and PLUS advise that dietary and allergen information may change and refer customers to the product packaging for the latest details.
