People who regularly share
You often put out a bowl to share and use any leftovers at home later. In that case, pack size and how you use what’s left are important. Jumbo, ALDI and Dirk list plain raisins in different quantities.
Who is this for?
Mindful portion choosers
You want a small sweet snack with your drink and pay attention to added sugar, total sugars and portion size. A large bag doesn’t mean you have to serve a large portion. Albert Heijn and PLUS provide information about added and total sugars for specific varieties of raisins.
Hosts who like to offer variety
You want to offer guests different types of fruit or take a smaller pack with you. Check the contents, closure and any allergens in your chosen variety. Albert Heijn, PLUS and ALDI describe different types of fruit or mixes; the NVWA provides information about allergens on prepacked products.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re mainly looking for a supply to share on several occasions, or prefer a smaller amount and more choice.
Large bag of plain raisins
A good fit if: you often serve something to share and will use the rest at home too. Jumbo and Dirk list 750 g packs.
Bear in mind: you need to be able to use and store the larger quantity; taste is a matter of personal preference.
Medium-sized bag of raisins
A good fit if: you want to share, but would rather have less in the cupboard. ALDI lists 500 g and PLUS 375 g packs for specific raisin products.
Bear in mind: check the type of fruit and the details on the exact pack. The properties of one variety don’t automatically apply to another.
Smaller pack or fruit mix
A good fit if: you want to offer different types of fruit or take a limited amount with you. ALDI describes a resealable 200 g pack in its cranberry and raisin range.
Bear in mind: a mix isn’t the same as plain raisins. Check the exact variety and ingredients, especially if your guests have allergies.
| Consideration | What to look for | Relevant consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Value of a larger pack | Compare the same type of fruit, the net weight and how much you’ll actually use. | If I share regularly, I want to choose an amount that I’ll also get through at home later. Around 31% of consumers say the value of a larger supply is their main buying priority. |
| Ingredients and portion | Read the ingredients and nutritional information, and decide for yourself how much to serve. | For a small snack, I pay attention to the ingredients and portion size, even if the pack is larger. Around 25% of consumers put ingredients and portion size first. |
| Variety and ingredients | Check which types of fruit are in the mix and read the allergen information. | If I want to give guests a choice, I look for different types of fruit and want to know what’s in them. Around 19% of consumers make variety their top buying priority. |
| Taking it with you and resealing | Check the net weight and look for a clear statement that the pack is resealable. | For a moment on the patio away from home, I want to take a limited amount and be able to reseal the rest. Around 13% of consumers prioritise convenience when taking it with them. |
| Storing leftovers | Choose an amount that suits how you’ll use it, and follow the storage advice for the specific type of fruit. | If I only serve something occasionally, I want to avoid having lots left over. Around 12% of consumers put limiting leftovers at the top of their list. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a larger bag is automatically the better choice
A larger quantity is only right for you if you’ll use it. Pack size alone doesn’t tell you how much is practical for your situation.
First choose an amount that suits how often you share and what you do with any leftovers.
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Confusing no added sugar with sugar-free
Albert Heijn and PLUS state that specific raisin products contain no added sugar, but also list total sugars.
Check both details on the product information for the variety you’re buying, and bear in mind the portion you serve.
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Treating a product page with several varieties as one mix
The ALDI page describes several options, including cashew nuts, cranberries and a cranberry and raisin mix. The ingredients in one option don’t automatically apply to the others.
Check your chosen variety and its ingredients before serving it.
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Applying one type of fruit’s storage life to all mixes
The Nutrition Centre’s Storage Guide gives 6–9 months in a kitchen cupboard for opened dried mixed fruit. This storage life doesn’t automatically apply to raisins or other fruit products.
Follow the label and storage advice for the specific pack.
Supermarkets for reference
Albert Heijn
Lists raisins and several other types of dried fruit, including dates and figs.
- The product information for AH Raisins 250 g states that no sugars have been added.
- This information applies to this specific pack and not automatically to all Albert Heijn dried fruit products.
Jumbo
Lists sultanas in several pack sizes.
- The range information lists 500 g and 750 g varieties.
- Don’t assume that the ingredients Jumbo lists for the 500 g variety also apply to the 750 g variety without checking.
Lidl
The Dutch product pages list dried fruit mix and dried tropical fruits.
- These product types are worth considering if you’re looking at other dried fruits as well as plain raisins.
- Check the variety, pack and ingredients of the product you choose. The product type alone doesn’t tell you what’s in it.
ALDI
Lists, among other things, raisins and several cranberry products.
- The product page for Trader Joe’s raisins lists a 500 g pack.
- Another product page groups together several options, including varieties with cashew nuts. Check the ingredients and allergen information for your chosen product.
PLUS
Lists sultanas and, among other things, mixed dried fruit.
- The product information for PLUS Sultana Raisins 375 g states that no sugars have been added and includes storage advice.
- This information applies to the raisin variety mentioned, not to all PLUS dried fruit.
Dirk
Lists a 750 g bag of plain raisins.
- The larger pack may suit people who’ll use the contents on several occasions.
- Dirk doesn’t mention a delivery service on the product page, so bear in mind how you do your shopping.
Joybuy products
This selection includes dried fruit products and fruit mixes in smaller or individually portioned packs, for taking with you, sharing or adding variety.
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Sihong grey dates with walnuts, 208 g
This smaller pack of dates and walnuts may suit you if you’d like to take or serve fruit with an added ingredient.
The product description lists grey dates and walnut kernels. Check the ingredients and allergen information if you or a guest has a nut allergy.
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Bestore assorted hawthorn snack, 500 g (25 small packs)
The individual small packs may suit you if you want a larger quantity to share.
The pack contains 500 g across 25 small packs. The ingredients list sugar and maltose; the product description states that it contains 85 g of sugars per 100 g.
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OHLA dried guava, 180 g
The 180 g pack may suit you if you’re looking for a smaller amount of dried guava.
The product description states that it contains 95% guava. The ingredients list also includes sugar and a preservative.
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Bestore dried loquat with bamboo salt, 200 g
This 200 g pack is a smaller option if you’d like to try a different type of fruit.
The ingredients list white sugar; the allergen information lists sulphites. Check the information on the pack if this is relevant to you or a guest.
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HuaWeiHeng cheese-flavoured freeze-dried fruit mix, 28 g
The 28 g portion may suit you if you want to take or serve a small fruit mix.
The product description lists strawberry and mango. The coating contains white sugar; the allergen information lists soya and milk.
Frequently asked questions
How do I decide how much dried fruit to buy for a moment on the patio?
First decide how much you want to serve, then think about what you’ll do with the rest. A larger pack is best suited to situations where you’ll use the contents later too. Choose a portion to suit your preference and any product information.
How should I store an opened pack?
Follow the storage advice on the pack for the type of fruit you’ve chosen. For the AH and PLUS raisins reviewed, the advice is to store them in a cool, dry, dark place. The Nutrition Centre also recommends keeping dried mixed fruit in a well-sealed pack.
What should I check if a guest has an allergy?
Check the allergen information on the current pack for the exact variety. The NVWA states that allergen information for prepacked products appears on the label. A general product name such as fruit mix doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with a specific allergy.
Does no added sugar mean that raisins are sugar-free?
No. AH Raisins 250 g and PLUS Sultana Raisins 375 g are listed as having no added sugar, while the product information also gives the total sugars. Check the details for the variety you’re buying.
Are all fruit mixes the same?
No, the types of fruit and ingredients can vary from one variety to another. Check the ingredients list for the product you choose and read any allergen information before serving the mix.