Who is this buying guide for?

Lunch planners following a specific diet

You want to take dried fruit with you that fits around an ingredient you avoid, such as gluten or milk ingredients. Check the exact variant and any cross-contamination warning, not just the front of the pack.

Snack shoppers avoiding sulphites

You pay particular attention to sulphites and preservatives in dried apricots and other dried fruit. Unsulphured is a specific indication, not a general claim that a product is free from allergens or other preservatives.

Lunch preppers who want to portion things out

You’re choosing between individual portions and weighing out what you need from a larger pack. Treat packaging information and sugar information separately: no added sugar does not mean the total sugar content is zero.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide which substance you need to avoid, then check whether the packaging suits the way you want to take your lunch with you.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay particular attention?
Allergens and dietary information Read the ingredients and relevant dietary information for the exact variant; also check for cross-contamination warnings. If I need to avoid gluten or a specific allergen, I want to know what’s in this particular pack. Around 31% of consumers say this is their main consideration when choosing.
Sulphites and preservatives Check for sulphites or sulphur dioxide, including E220, and also look for any other preservatives when a product is labelled ‘unsulphured’. If I avoid sulphites, I look beyond the type of fruit or the word ‘unsulphured’. Around 25% of consumers give avoiding sulphites top priority.
Portion packaging Compare the weight per portion and the number of portions with the total pack weight; check the storage instructions too. If I prepare lunch in advance, I want to know whether I can take a portion straight from the pack or need to weigh it out myself. Around 25% of consumers focus mainly on portion packaging and convenience on the go.
Sugars and quantity Check the total sugars per 100 grams, the ingredients and how much you want to take with you. If I want to know how much sugar and dried fruit I’m taking with me, I check both the nutritional information and my portion size. Around 19% of consumers put this question first.

Common mistakes

  • Taking a specific ‘free from’ claim as a general guarantee that a product is allergen-free

    Albert Heijn labels the raisin variants reviewed as gluten-free and lactose-free. The Blue thompson raisins also carry a warning about peanuts and several types of nuts.

    Start with the substance you need to avoid, then check the ingredients, the relevant dietary information and any warnings on the exact pack.

  • Confusing vegan or unsulphured with sulphite-free or preservative-free

    The PLUS apricots reviewed are vegan, but list E220. The historical AH apricots labelled unsulphured listed potassium sorbate E202.

    Don’t use a dietary or product claim as a substitute for checking the full ingredients information.

  • Confusing no added sugar with sugar-free

    The product information for AH Hamsterchef Raisins lists 0 grams of added sugars and 65 grams of total sugars per 100 grams.

    Compare the total sugars per 100 grams and consider how much you actually want to take with you.

  • Mistaking an old product page for a current purchase option

    Albert Heijn lists the unsulphured apricots reviewed as no longer in its range; Jumbo lists the organic apricots reviewed as no longer available in its online range.

    Check whether the exact variant is still available, and assess any alternative again by checking its ingredients and allergen information.

Brands and product variants

Albert Heijn

The variants reviewed range from small portions of raisins to a larger pack of Blue thompson raisins.

  • Albert Heijn labels the Hamsterchef and Blue thompson raisins reviewed as gluten-free and lactose-free.
  • According to the product information, the Blue thompson raisins may contain peanuts and several types of nuts. Check the warning if this is relevant to you.

Jumbo

The dried pitted apricots reviewed come in a 250-gram pack.

  • The pack weight and type of fruit can help you decide how much to take with you.
  • Jumbo lists E220 and states that the product may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame.

PLUS

The dried apricots reviewed come in a 375-gram stand-up pouch.

  • The pack is designed for you to take out your own portions.
  • The product information lists E220; store the apricots in a cool, dry, dark place as instructed.

ALDI

The Trader Joe’s raisins reviewed are listed in a 500-gram pack.

  • The pack weight is useful if you want to weigh out your own portions.
  • A 500-gram pack on its own says nothing about whether the product is suitable for a specific diet; check the product information for the variant you choose.

Lidl

The product page reviewed lists dried fruit and says the offer is limited to selected stores.

  • The product category indicates that it’s dried fruit.
  • A category label is not dietary information; check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific variant.

Dirk

The pitted apricots reviewed are listed in a 200-gram pack.

  • The pack weight helps you choose how much to buy.
  • ‘Pitted’ tells you something about the apricots, not whether they contain sulphites or are suitable for someone with an allergy; check the product information for that.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does lactose-free mean suitable for someone with a milk allergy?

No. Lactose intolerance relates to milk sugar, while a cow’s milk allergy involves the immune system reacting to milk proteins. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains this distinction. If you have a milk allergy, check for milk ingredients and relevant allergen information, not just a ‘lactose-free’ label.

What does ‘may contain’ mean on packaging?

It’s a warning that a product may contain something unintentionally, for example due to cross-contamination. The NVWA explains this precautionary warning; check the warning on the packaging of the exact variant when making your choice.

Does vegan or unsulphured mean that dried fruit is sulphite-free?

No. The PLUS apricots reviewed list E220, even though the variant is labelled vegan. The historical AH unsulphured apricots listed E202. So check the ingredients for the current variant.

Where can I find allergen information for prepacked dried fruit?

Check the packaging of the exact product. The NVWA says allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products; check the ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings too.

Does ‘no added sugar’ mean raisins are sugar-free?

No. For AH Hamsterchef Raisins, Albert Heijn lists 0 grams of added sugars and 65 grams of total sugars per 100 grams. So check both the total sugars and how much you want to take with you.