Good-value drinks supplies
You use dried fruit regularly and want a good price per kilo without buying more than you’ll use. Jumbo lists several pack sizes in the same sultana range, while ALDI lists raisins in a 500 g pack.
Which pack is right for you?
Mindful host
You want to check the ingredients and allergens in your chosen variety and decide how much to serve. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the European Union explain the allergen information shown on food labels.
A smaller get-together with plenty of choice
You want to serve several flavours or spread packs across different get-togethers, rather than opening one large bag all at once. Albert Heijn, PLUS and Dirk list a range of dried fruit types and pack formats.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide which type of fruit and pack format will suit your get-together. Then compare the quantity, price per kilo and variety you actually want to serve.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Price per kilo of comparable products | Compare the same type of fruit and processing method, and check the net weight and price per kilo. | If I use a larger pack over several occasions, I want to know whether the price per kilo really is better. Around 36% of consumers put price per kilo at the top of their list. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Check how many individual packs there are and how many you’ll open at once. Choose a total quantity that works for using later, too. | For a smaller get-together, I don’t want to open more than I can store and use, even if a larger bag works out cheaper per kilo. Having the right amount in stock is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients, allergens and portions | Read the label on the exact variety and check the ingredients, allergens and storage or usage instructions. | When I’m sharing food with guests, I want to be able to check what’s in it and choose the portions myself. Ingredients and portions come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Types and variety | Check which types of fruit and any other ingredients are in the pack. Add together the weights of multiple packs. | If I’d rather serve a variety of flavours than lots of just one type, I choose based on the individual varieties. Variety is the most important buying priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a larger pack is always the best value
The pack price and the price per kilo answer different questions. A lower price per kilo doesn’t automatically mean you need the larger quantity.
Compare the same type of fruit by price per kilo, then choose an amount that suits how much you use.
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Comparing a multipack of apricots directly with raisins
You’d be comparing different types of fruit and different pack formats. The price per kilo alone won’t tell you which option is right for your get-together.
Choose the type of fruit and pack format first, then compare products that match on those points.
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Treating a product range with several varieties as one fruit mix
The ALDI range includes varieties with ingredients such as cashew nuts, cranberries and a cranberry and raisin mix. The contents depend on the pack you choose.
Read the label on the specific variety before sharing it with guests.
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Confusing pack weight with a portion
The total weight of a bag doesn’t tell you how much to serve each person at your get-together.
Divide the supply between occasions and serve individual portions.
Relevant brands and supermarket options
Albert Heijn
An option if you want to split the same type of fruit into separate packs for several get-togethers.
- Albert Heijn lists soaked dried apricots as a single pack and in a 2-pack.
- Whether a multipack is better value depends on the total quantity and current price per kilo.
Jumbo
An option for comparing pack sizes in the same sultana range.
- Jumbo lists sultanas in 250, 500 and 750 g packs.
- The price-per-kilo comparison on the page reviewed applies to that product range and the prices shown there. It doesn’t predict which other type of fruit will be better value.
Lidl
Alesto is worth a look if you’re interested in a range of nuts, dried fruit and party snacks.
- The Dutch Alesto range description includes dried mango strips.
- Check the weight and ingredients of the specific pack you choose.
ALDI
An option if you’re looking for raisins or a mixed variety and want to choose a pack to suit each occasion.
- ALDI lists TRADER JOE'S 500 g raisins and describes a separate 200 g range in a resealable pack.
- The resealable packaging applies to the 200g range mentioned and not automatically to other packs.
PLUS
An option if you’d like to look at tutti frutti as well as apricots.
- PLUS lists 375 g dried apricots and 500 g tutti frutti.
- Having the same pack weight doesn’t make different types of fruit directly comparable.
Dirk
An option for looking at dried figs and pitted apricots, among other things.
- Dirk’s product information lists 350 g packs of dried figs and 200 g packs of pitted apricots.
- Dirk doesn’t list a delivery service on its own website. If you need home delivery, check the available ways to buy.
Dried fruit and snacks at Joybuy
The Joybuy products below sometimes combine dried fruit with nuts or other ingredients. Check the exact ingredients, allergens and storage instructions for each pack.
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Full of fruit flavor Nuts and Dried Fruit Sharing Pack, 5-pack, 1.073 kg
This selection of five snacks is designed for sharing, but it isn’t a pack of dried fruit alone.
The description lists banana chips, prunes and dates, along with several nut snacks, with a total quantity of 1.073 kg.
Contains walnuts, cashew nuts, almonds, hazelnuts and macadamia nuts, among other ingredients. According to the product description, the prunes contain aspartame (E951). Once opened, the products should be refrigerated and consumed within one day.
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Sihong Gray Dates with Walnuts, 208 g
This pack is a good choice if you’re looking for a snack that combines dates and walnuts.
The product description gives a net weight of 208 g and lists walnuts as an ingredient.
Contains walnuts; check the product information if you’re sharing this snack with others.
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HuaWeiHeng Cheese-Flavored Mixed Freeze-Dried Fruits, 28 g
This 28 g pack is a small, individually packaged snack; the stated best-before date has now passed.
The description lists freeze-dried strawberries and mango with a white chocolate and cheese coating.
The stated best-before date is 24 September 2026. Don’t choose this product unless the current pack shows a later best-before date. The product description lists soya and milk as allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy a large pack straight away for a small get-together?
No. Choose based on what you want to open and use later. A larger pack may have a lower price per kilo, but that only matters if you’ll use the quantity.
How should I store dried apricots after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you have. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping opened dried apricots in a kitchen cupboard for 6–9 months; this advice doesn’t automatically apply to soaked apricots or other varieties of fruit.
What should I look for if a guest is sensitive to sulphites?
Check the information on the exact pack and ask the guest in advance whether the variety is suitable. Stichting Voedselallergie says that dried fruit may contain sulphites and that sulphites can cause an intolerance reaction. Don’t assume a product is sulphite-free without checking the product information.
What information should I check on a pack of dried fruit?
Check the net quantity, best-before information and any ingredients, allergens and storage or usage instructions. According to the European Union, allergens must be clearly identifiable when present, although some information requirements have exceptions.
Can I get my drinks supplies delivered from all the supermarkets mentioned?
No, the ways to buy vary by supermarket. Dirk doesn’t list a delivery service on its own website; check the chosen retailer for the ordering and collection options available for your purchase.