Choose dried fruit based on the calories in the portion you weigh out and the storage instructions on the exact pack, rather than its natural or organic image. A variety of soaked apricots may contain less energy per gram, but needs to be refrigerated after opening; none of the four varieties examined meets the European threshold for the claim ‘low calorie’.
You want to know in advance how much energy the portion you take with you provides. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and weigh out your own portion; the European Union lists nutritional values per 100 g as a basis for comparison.
You want to take a snack with you without overlooking the storage instructions. Check the exact pack for guidance on storage after opening; Albert Heijn and Jumbo provide product-specific storage advice.
You want to check whether sugars have been added and whether sulphites or possible traces are relevant to you. Jumbo and Albert Heijn provide product information about ingredients; the NVWA explains that allergen information for pre-packed products appears on the label.
Start with the amount you actually want to take with you, then check that the packaging suits your travel and storage options.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and weigh your portion. Calculate the calories in your portion as kcal per 100 g × weight in grams ÷ 100. | If I want to measure out my lunch snack in advance, I compare the value on the label and weigh my portion. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the calories in the portion they eat. |
| Storage and carrying | Read the instructions for after opening and check that your transport and workplace meet the stated storage conditions. | If I don’t have access to refrigeration while I’m out, I want to know whether I can store the pack as instructed. Around 29% of consumers give practical storage on the go top priority. |
| Sugars and ingredients | Check total sugars, added sugars, ingredients and allergen information separately; also look for possible traces if they are relevant to you. | If I want to check ingredients or allergens, I read the label before choosing a variety. Around 21% of consumers see the ingredients as their most important consideration. |
| Packaging and portions | Check the net weight and work out how many portions you can make from the amount you choose. | If I want to divide a bag between several lunches, I want to know in advance how many weighed portions it will provide. Around 14% of consumers prioritise pack size and portion planning. |
The European Commission sets a threshold of no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for the claim ‘low calorie’ on solid foods. A smaller portion does not change the value per 100 g.
Compare the nutritional value per 100 g with the amount you weigh out. Don’t use ‘low calorie’ as a product claim if the threshold is not met.
According to the packaging, AH Gewelde gedroogde abrikozen must be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7°C.
Read the instructions for after opening before taking this variety with you somewhere without refrigeration.
Refrigerated storage may be needed during transport or storage, so bear this in mind when planning your lunch.
AH Biologisch Pruimen gedroogd zonder pit lists 0 g of added sugars and 240 kcal per 100 g. These two nutritional figures describe different qualities.
Assess organic origin, added sugars and energy separately using the label.
The varieties examined include soaked apricots and organic prunes. Albert Heijn’s product information lists 182 kcal per 100 g for the apricots and 240 kcal per 100 g for the prunes.
Jumbo Gedroogde Abrikozen Zonder Pit 250 g lists 237 kcal per 100 g and a 20 g portion in Jumbo’s product information.
Lidl sells Alesto, a range of nuts and dried fruit; the range information confirms the product category.
ALDI describes TRADER JOE'S Zongedroogde pruimen as soft, pitted prunes in a 250 g pack.
PLUS Gedroogde pruimen is listed in a 375 g bag. The product information gives 282 kcal per 100 g and lists sunflower oil and preservative E200 among the ingredients.
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Pruimen zonder pit in a 375 g pack.
These dried prune and apricot products can help you plan portions for lunch on the go; check the nutritional values, ingredients and storage advice for each variety.
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The 65 g individual packs described offer a fixed pack size, but this may not match the portion you want for lunch.
The product information lists 214 kcal per 100 g, with prunes, fructose syrup and oligofructose as ingredients, and advises storing in a cool, dry place. The product description gives 23 September 2026 as the best-before date; this date has passed. Check which date applies to the pack on offer before buying.
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This variety may suit you if you want to weigh out your own portion of prunes for lunch.
The product information lists 283 kcal per 100 g and dried prunes as the only ingredient. Store in a cool, dry place; according to the description, consume the product immediately after opening.
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According to the product information, these apricots are ready to eat; weigh out how much you want to take for lunch.
The listed nutritional value is 311 kcal per 100 g. The ingredients include sugar, maltose syrup and sulphites; store in a cool, dry place.
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The product description says the apricots are ready to eat; you can weigh out the amount you want for lunch.
The listed nutritional value is 327 kcal per 100 g. The ingredients include sugar, maltose syrup and sulphites; store in a cool, dry place.
Not simply because the bag contains only a small number of grams. According to the European Commission, the claim ‘low calorie’ for solid foods requires no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g; the four varieties examined are all above this threshold.
No. Here, 20 g is an example used to compare varieties at the same portion size, not a personal dietary guideline. Jumbo lists 20 g as a portion; the AH packs examined list 50 g.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For AH Gewelde gedroogde abrikozen, Albert Heijn says to refrigerate after opening at a maximum of 7°C, so plan transport and storage accordingly.
No. AH Biologisch Pruimen gedroogd zonder pit lists both 0 g of added sugars and 35 g of total sugars per 100 g.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for pre-packed products appears on the label. Check the current packaging if allergens or possible traces are relevant to you.
