Use dried fruit as a small addition to a varied nursery lunch, not automatically as a high-protein staple: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions of raisins and a varied diet for toddlers and young children. Check the ingredients, allergens and nutrition table for the exact product; don’t give whole nuts or peanuts to children under 4, and assess a protein claim separately from the amount of protein per 100 g.
You’re looking for a small fruit addition to a varied lunch and checking whether a fruit and nut mix contains whole nuts or peanuts. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving these to children under 4 because of the risk of choking.
You want to know whether a product can genuinely be chosen as a high-protein option, rather than relying only on its relatively higher protein content within the fruit category. Compare the nutrition table for the exact product and check the applicable conditions for making the claim.
You buy for multiple mealtimes and want to take packaging information, allergens and storage instructions into account in your childcare setting’s nutrition and hygiene policies.
Start with the age of the children and allergens. Then consider what the protein value and any claim actually tell you, before planning portions, purchasing and storage.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Age and allergens | Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole nuts or peanuts to children under 4. | When I’m planning lunch for young children, I first check the form of the fruit and the allergens. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Protein and claims | Compare protein and energy on the same basis, for example per 100 g, and check that any claim is substantiated for the exact product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) monitors protein claims. | Anyone comparing protein values will want to distinguish between the protein in a product and a substantiated claim. This is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Portions and sugars | Check the nutrition table and decide on the portion separately from the pack size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions of raisins because of their sugar content. | When I serve dried fruit with lunch, I want to be able to decide on the portion in advance. This is the top consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Buying and storage | Compare pack sizes: Jumbo and ALDI list 250 g packs of apricots, while PLUS and Dirk list 375 g packs. Follow the storage advice on the packaging; for raisins, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. | For regular mealtimes, I want to be able to plan purchasing, portioning and storage. This is the main priority for around 14% of consumers. |
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole nuts or peanuts to children under 4 because of the risk of choking.
Before buying, check the form and ingredients of the mix, and treat allergens as a separate selection criterion.
A value per 100 g that is high within the fruit category does not, on its own, substantiate describing the exact product as high in protein.
Compare the nutrition table on the packaging and check the applicable conditions for making the claim. General values for fruit are not product specifications.
The amount in a pack doesn’t tell you how much to serve at each mealtime. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions of raisins because of their sugar content.
Plan portions separately from pack size and follow the storage instructions for the exact product.
Sports nutrition advice and dietary advice for toddlers and young children apply to different groups. Sports advice does not substantiate claims that dried fruit helps young children recover.
Base nursery lunches on children’s nutrition guidance, and consider any sports meal for adults separately.
Albert Heijn’s range page features dried fruit and fruit and nut mixes, including unsweetened dried pineapple.
Jumbo lists Pitted Dried Apricots 250 g as a specific product.
Lidl presents Alesto as a range of dried fruit and nuts, including apricots.
ALDI lists sun-dried apricots from Trader Joe’s in a 250 g pack.
PLUS lists dried apricots in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
Dirk sells 1 de Beste own-brand apricots in a 375 g pack.
These Joybuy products cover different types of dried fruit, so you can compare the ingredients, nutritional values and usage information on each pack. The protein values shown do not, on their own, substantiate a claim that a product is high in protein.
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These raisins can be compared as a small fruit addition; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions of dried fruit.
Nutrition per 100 g: 3.1 g protein and 75.5 g sugars. The product information does not entirely rule out the presence of a stalk or stone.
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The product information says it can be used from 12 months. Follow the advice to ensure the child is sitting upright and supervised while eating.
Nutrition per 100 g: 2.6 g protein and 61 g sugars.
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This product can be included in a comparison of dried fruit; the product description suggests using it as a snack or ingredient.
The ingredients list 95% guava, added sugar and a preservative. Nutrition per 100 g: 1.27 g protein.
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The product information suggests using the dried strawberries as a snack or as a topping for yoghurt and desserts.
The ingredients are dried strawberries and sugar. Nutrition per 100 g: 1.2 g protein.
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The product description suggests using these in lunch boxes; check the ingredients and sulphite information before use.
Nutrition per 100 g: 1.1 g protein. The ingredients list added sugar, maltose syrup and sulphites.
Focus on a varied diet rather than on a protein claim alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that eating a varied diet in line with the Wheel of Five provides the nutrients toddlers and young children need, including protein.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole nuts or peanuts to children under 4 because of the risk of choking. Check ingredients and allergens separately, and follow your childcare setting’s guidelines.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, store raisins in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. Also follow the best-before date and storage advice on the packaging; for other dried or soaked fruit, follow the instructions specific to that product.
For professional food preparation, follow the applicable hygiene code. RIVM guidance for childcare settings refers to the Hygiene Code for Small Organisations or another approved hygiene code, which must describe all activities. The NVWA also states that businesses offering food to consumers are legally required to provide information about any allergens present. So check the information for the products and preparations you use.
Keep those choices separate. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s sports nutrition information covers topics including athletes and their protein intake; for toddlers and young children, the separate guidance on a varied diet for children is relevant.
