Households that regularly share
You’re stocking up for several snack breaks and want to check that the pack size suits everyone at home.
Who is this useful for?
Mindful evening snackers
You fancy a sweet snack, prefer to choose your own portion and check for added sugars and any sulphites.
Occasional snackers who like variety
You don’t always eat the same fruit and pay attention to the quantity and how to store it after opening.
What should you consider when choosing?
Larger bag of one type of fruit
A good fit if: your household eats the same fruit on several occasions.
Bear in mind: you’ll have more in stock at home, so you’ll need to plan portions and storage carefully.
Smaller pack
A good fit if: you eat dried fruit occasionally or want to try a type first.
Bear in mind: a smaller pack may not be as suitable if several people will be sharing it.
Fruit mix
A good fit if: variety matters more to you than sticking to one type of fruit.
Bear in mind: the ingredients vary between mixes, so check the ingredients for the variety you choose.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay closer attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for several occasions | Compare the net weight of the same type of fruit and consider how much your household will actually use. | If I eat the same fruit on different evenings, I want a pack size that suits how we use it; around 36% of consumers prioritise having the right amount in stock. |
| Portion size and sugar information | Check the ingredients and nutrition table separately. For the stewed apricots reviewed, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 37 g of total sugars per 100 g. | If you want to portion out your own sweet snack, look at both the serving size and the sugar information; around 29% of consumers prioritise portion size and ingredients. |
| Storage after opening | Follow the instructions on the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing raisins in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. | If I won’t finish a large bag quickly, I want to know how to store it after opening; around 21% of consumers prioritise suitable storage. |
| Variety and ingredients | Choose between a single type of fruit and a mix, and check the ingredients and allergen information for each variety. | If you prefer variety, choose a mix with ingredients that suit your preferences; around 14% of consumers prioritise variety. |
Common pitfalls
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Treating the whole bag as one snack portion
A larger pack is for stocking up; its contents aren’t automatically the amount you’ll want for one snack break.
Decide on a portion in advance and put it in a bowl before putting the bag away.
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Storing all dried fruit in the same way
Storage conditions vary by product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping raisins in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. For the stewed apricots reviewed, Albert Heijn advises refrigerating after opening at a maximum of 7°C.
Follow the storage advice on the pack for the specific type of fruit.
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Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means ‘sugar-free’
Added sugars and total sugars are different figures. For the stewed apricots reviewed, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 37 g of total sugars per 100 g.
Check both the ingredients list and the nutrition table for the variety you’re buying.
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Judging allergens from the type of fruit alone
A mix or preparation may contain ingredients you can’t identify from the name alone.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack; the NVWA requires relevant allergens to be clearly distinguished from the other ingredients.
Brands and retailers for comparison
The details below apply to the specific products or product listings mentioned, not to a brand’s or supermarket’s entire range.
Albert Heijn
An option for comparing stewed apricots and other dried fruit on a product-by-product basis.
- The stewed apricots pack reviewed provides product information about ingredients, sulphites and storage.
- This information applies to the specific variety; Albert Heijn advises storing it at a maximum of 7°C after opening.
Jumbo
The range of raisins reviewed includes different pack sizes to compare.
- Jumbo lists 500 g and 750 g packs of raisins in its range.
- The ingredients in the 750 g bag reviewed are raisins and cottonseed oil; this doesn’t tell you anything about other products in the range.
Lidl
A product listing for dried fruit mix makes Lidl worth including when comparing different types of product.
- The product listing confirms that a dried fruit mix is available.
- The listing alone doesn’t specify the pack size or ingredients.
Aldi
The listings reviewed include both raisins and a smaller fruit mix.
- ALDI lists 500 g of Trader Joe’s raisins and a 200 g cranberry and raisin mix in a resealable pack.
- These details apply to the individual products and don’t automatically apply to other ALDI packs.
PLUS
The dried fruit listed gives you a choice between individual fruits and a mix.
- PLUS lists Tutti frutti in a 500 g pack, alongside individual dried fruits.
- A mix won’t necessarily have the same ingredients as another variety.
Dirk
The product listing reviewed is for raisins in a larger pack.
- Dirk lists raisins in a 750 g pack.
- This product detail is not a general statement about Dirk’s other products.
Dried fruit at Joybuy
This selection includes dates, raisins and dried loquat for snack breaks, in pack sizes from 200 g to 908 g.
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Sihong Grey Dates with Walnuts 208g
A combination of dates and walnuts for anyone looking for different ingredients in one snack.
The pack contains 208 g. Contains walnuts; store in a cool, dry place in line with the product instructions.
No image available
Zohra Medjool Dates (M) 908g
A larger pack for anyone who wants to enjoy dates on several occasions.
The pack contains 908 g; the product description specifies pitted Medjool dates. Store in a cool, dry place.
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Anatolia Sari Uzum (raisins) 500gr
A pack of raisins for anyone looking for a single type of dried fruit.
The pack contains 500 g; the product description specifies 100% dried grapes. Keep the pack closed and store in a cool, dry place.
No image available
Medjoul Dates 908 g
A larger quantity of Medjoul dates to enjoy on several occasions.
The pack contains 908 g. Seal the pack tightly after opening and store in a cool, dry place.
No image available
Bestore Dried Loquat with Bamboo Salt 200g
A smaller pack of dried loquat for anyone who wants to try a different type of fruit.
The pack contains 200 g. The product information lists added white sugar, sulphites and 66,2 g of sugars per 100 g.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugar’ mean the same as sugar-free?
No. For the stewed apricots reviewed, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars, but 37 g of total sugars per 100 g. So check both the ingredients and the nutrition table.
Should you refrigerate dried fruit after opening?
It depends on the product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing raisins in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. For the stewed apricots reviewed, Albert Heijn advises refrigerating after opening at a maximum of 7°C.
How long can you keep an opened bag of raisins?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage guide, opened raisins can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for 6–9 months if you seal them properly and follow the storage instructions. This advice doesn’t automatically apply to other dried fruit, so check the label too.
What should you check if you’re sensitive to sulphites?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. The Albert Heijn stewed apricots reviewed list sulphites; don’t assume another variety has the same ingredients.
What information must be available online for prepacked food in the Netherlands?
Dutch government information states that label information must be in Dutch and available online too. The NVWA requires relevant allergens to be clearly distinguished from the other ingredients.