Snackers looking for low-fat options
You want to compare the fat content of the exact product and avoid mistaking a low fat content for a proven reduction.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Snackers keeping an eye on portion size
You want to eat a suitable amount while on the go, so you also check energy and sugars. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having no more than a handful of dried fruit without added sugar.
Travellers who want a practical snack to take along
You want to portion out your snack in advance and take the storage instructions into account. Storing it in a warm car isn’t the same as storing it in a cool cupboard.
What should you look for when buying?
First compare the nutritional values on the same basis, then decide how much to take with you. For snacks on the go, also check the ingredients, warnings and storage instructions on the exact pack.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and claims | Compare fat per 100 g; assess any claim about fat reduction separately. | If I’m mainly looking to reduce fat, I check the ingredients of the exact product rather than relying on a label alone. Around 26% of consumers prioritise fat content. |
| Energy and portion size | Compare energy and sugars per 100 g, and portion out the amount you’ve chosen in advance. | If I want to keep an eye on my portion while travelling, I also check energy and sugars. Around 26% of consumers prioritise portion size and energy. |
| Taking it with you and storage | Check the seal and storage advice, including after opening, and plan where the pack will go during the journey. | If I want to portion out snacks for the journey in advance, I look for packaging that can be stored according to the label. Around 21% of consumers prioritise convenience when taking snacks with them. |
| Ingredients and warnings | Read the ingredients, allergens and product-specific warnings on the exact pack. | If a food sensitivity or warning about possible stone fragments is a concern, I check the label before buying for several travellers. Around 16% of consumers make this their first selection criterion. |
| Pack size | Choose an amount that suits the journey and that you can store after opening according to the storage advice. | If I’m considering a larger bag, I want to know whether the amount suits how I’ll use it and where I can store it. Around 11% of consumers start with pack size and purchase cost. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming low fat means low in calories
Fat and energy are different nutritional values. Dried fruit can also contain sugars.
Compare energy per 100 g and decide in advance how much to take with you, even if the fat content is low.
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Assuming banana chips are the same as ordinary dried banana
The AH product tested contains coconut oil and sugar, and lists 30 g of fat per 100 g.
Check the ingredients and nutrition table for the exact product before comparing it with other dried fruit.
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Assuming a kitchen cupboard is like a warm car
For raisins, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. This advice doesn’t confirm that keeping them in a hot car is suitable.
Plan a suitable place to store them and follow the pack instructions after opening, too.
Brands and products to compare
Albert Heijn
The products reviewed include unsweetened dried mango and sweetened banana chips; nutritional values vary by product.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product specifications, AH Organic Dried & Unsweetened Mango contains 1.2 g of fat per 100 g.
- The banana chips reviewed contain 30 g of fat per 100 g, as well as coconut oil and sugar.
Jumbo
The dried pitted apricots reviewed have a detailed nutrition table for comparison.
- Jumbo lists 0.5 g of fat per 100 g for this product.
- The pack lists sulphites and warns that stone fragments may be present.
Lidl
The product page reviewed is for Alesto dried mango.
- The product name is a useful reference for identifying the exact product.
- The product information doesn’t support a conclusion that it is low in fat or has reduced fat.
ALDI
The pages reviewed show Trader Joe’s raisins and a cranberry and raisin mix.
- The mix is described as coming in a resealable pack.
- Convenient packaging alone says nothing about the fat content.
PLUS
The Sultana raisins reviewed have product information you can check.
- For this product, PLUS lists 0.8 g of fat and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
- These ingredients alone don’t show that it has less fat than another product.
Dirk
The product page reviewed shows a 750 g bag of raisins.
- The pack weight is relevant if you want to portion out a larger quantity.
- Pack size doesn’t indicate the nutritional content.
Dried fruit at Joybuy
Here you’ll find dried fruit products from Joybuy. Use the nutritional values and ingredients shown to compare options for your journey; a low fat content doesn’t automatically prove that a product has reduced fat.
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Haoxiangni Dr.Jujube Premium Gold-Grade Pitted 390g
The product information describes pitted jujubes (red dates) that are ready to eat, and advises storing them in a cool, dry place.
Per 100 g: 0 g fat and 327 kcal.
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OHLA dried guava 180g
The product information lists guava (95%) and sugar. Store in a cool, dry place and seal well after opening.
Per 100 g: 1.73 g fat and 308 kcal.
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OHLA dried soursop 180g
The product information lists approximately 95% soursop, white sugar and glucose. Store in a cool, dry place and seal well or refrigerate after opening.
Per 100 g: 2.21 g fat and 348 kcal.
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Haoxiangni pitted jujubes 500g
The product information lists red dates as the only ingredient and describes the jujubes as pitted and ready to eat.
Per 100 g: 0.5 g fat and 300 kcal.
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Bestore dried loquat with bamboo salt 200g
The product information lists loquat, sugar, syrup, glucose powder and sulphites. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Per 100 g: 0 g fat and 311 kcal.
Frequently asked questions
Is a low fat content the same as reduced fat?
No. A low absolute fat content doesn’t, on its own, mean a product contains less fat than another. Compare the nutritional values and check whether the reduced-fat claim is supported for the exact product.
How do I compare dried fruit if I want a lighter snack?
Compare fat, energy and sugars per 100 g, and also decide on your portion size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having no more than a handful of dried fruit without added sugar.
Can I take dried fruit with me without a fridge?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack. For raisins, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container; this advice doesn’t confirm that keeping them in a hot car for a long time is suitable.
What should I look for when buying dried apricots containing sulphites?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. The Jumbo product reviewed lists sulphites and warns that stone fragments may be present.