Dried fruit and nuts are convenient for home, on the go, at work or during exercise. However, the choice is less straightforward than the packaging might suggest. An eye-catching term such as “natural”, a large value pack or a fruit-filled photo does not always tell you enough about the ingredients.
The three most common pitfalls:
Under European labelling rules, ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight. If sugar appears high on the list, it makes up a significant part of the recipe. Also look out for oil, syrup, sweeteners and preservatives.
For example, the product information for PHILIPPINE BRAND Dried Mango 100 g lists mango, sugar and E223, a sulphite. The ingredients list specifies 75% mango and identifies sulphites as an allergen. This does not make the product unsuitable, but it is relevant information for people who avoid sulphites.
Nuts such as cashews, macadamias, almonds and walnuts are among the EU’s mandatory allergens. Also check the warning “may contain traces of” when buying a nut mix. Depending on the recipe and production line, a mix may also contain peanuts, sesame, gluten or soya.
A fair comparison starts with the same unit: per 100 grams. Pay attention to:
The g'woon Cashew Nut Cranberry Mix consists of 50% cashews and 50% sweetened cranberries. The product information states that it contains 32.5 grams of sugar and 0 grams of salt per 100 grams. According to the information provided, roasted unsalted cashews contain 5 grams of sugar per 100 grams. The right choice therefore depends on your preference: a sweet and fruity mix or a simpler product containing a single type of nut.
Remember that terms such as “no added sugar” are only appropriate when supported by the ingredients list. The product information supplied for dried mango specifically lists sugar. Brand descriptions referring to a “healthy alternative” are based on the brand’s own research or product information; do not regard such wording as a medical or nutritional guarantee.
For everyday use, individual portions are practical. A snack box containing nuts and fruit means you do not have to keep opening a large bag and makes it easier to take snacks with you. The J.ZAO Classic Daily-Nut Mix contains 30 sachets of 25 grams, totalling 750 grams. This works well for the office, lunchboxes and travel.
A multipack is appealing if you use large quantities for baking, yoghurt or breakfast cereal. Do check the storage advice, however. Many products should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. After opening, seal the packaging securely; some assorted packs recommend consuming opened products quickly or storing them in the fridge.
For a gift pack containing several items, the earliest best-before date may also be the one that matters. So check the individual packages, not just the outside of the gift packaging.
Why it suits this profile: A manageable 200-gram bag with a fixed ratio of cashews and cranberries, ideal for trying sweet and savoury nut mixes.
The ratio and ingredients are clearly stated. You can immediately see that the cranberries are sweetened and factor this into your decision.
50% cashews, 50% cranberries and 0 grams of salt per 100 grams, according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: Ideal for lovers of a single type of nut, with a large pack for serving, baking or sharing.
The ingredients list states 100% macadamia nuts, with no added salt, sugar or seasoning.
500 grams, ready to eat and, according to the product information, suitable for baking, salads and desserts.
Why it suits this profile: The 25-gram portions are handy for working days, bike rides, travel and times when you want to take a set amount with you.
Individual sachets limit exposure to air and make portion sizes clearer than a loose multipack.
30 individual portions containing walnuts, raisins, cranberries, almonds, cashews and hazelnuts.
Why it suits this profile: For anyone looking for a soft date to enjoy with tea or yoghurt, use in baking or serve with nuts.
The product information lists dates as the ingredient, with no added preservatives or other stated additives.
908 grams, pitted according to the product description, with a stated shelf life of 330 days.
We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
If you are looking for dried mango, dried strawberries or a dried fruit mix, comparing the sugar content is particularly important. According to the product information, MUSHAN BASE Dried Strawberry Slices contain dried strawberries and sugar. The nutrition table states 57.4 grams of sugars per 100 grams. This is useful information when comparing different ready-made snacks.
For chestnuts, texture and preparation are important. According to the ingredients list, J.ZAO Whole Chestnuts consist of 100% chestnuts and are supplied in 10 sachets of 100 grams. Titiz Candied Chestnut, on the other hand, contains chestnuts and white sugar. The two products therefore suit different occasions: one is ideal as a simple snack, while the other is for lovers of a sweet Turkish speciality.
A gift pack of nuts and dried fruit or a varied snack box can be suitable for sharing. Do check the allergens, number of individual packages and balance of sweet, savoury and seasoned products beforehand. A large assortment does not always contain only fruit and nuts; some packs also include biscuits, seaweed or cereal snacks.
That depends on your personal diet, portion size and choice of product. Compare the energy, sugars, fats and salt per 100 grams. An individual sachet or weighed portion can help you snack more mindfully.
Store unopened products according to the label, usually in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal opened bags or jars securely. For assorted packs, check the instructions for each item, as they may vary.
A nut mix mainly consists of different nuts, such as cashews, macadamias and walnuts. A dried fruit mix contains several types of fruit, such as mango, raisins, cranberries or strawberries. Combining the two provides more variety, but requires extra attention to added sugar, oil and allergens.