Families who use raisins regularly
If you plan to include raisins in several holiday lunches, a larger bag may suit how much you use. Jumbo sells its sultanas in 250 g, 500 g and 750 g packs.
Who is a larger pack useful for?
Parents offering small portions
When it comes to young children, both portion size and supervision at mealtimes matter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that children can choke on raisins or currants and advises against giving them too many at once.
Households with varying levels of use
If you don’t use dried fruit often or want to try different types, a smaller pack may be a better fit. In a poll of 840 parents of primary school pupils, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also highlighted taste and storage as considerations for school lunches. The poll was published on 27 August 2026.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by thinking about how you’ll use it over the holiday: how much fruit you want to offer, how often you’ll serve the same type and whether the pack will fit in your cupboard.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Compare the net weight with how much you expect to use. A larger bag also needs more storage space, and you’ll need to portion it yourself. | If I want to serve the same type at several lunches, I’ll choose a pack size we’re likely to finish; around 33% of consumers prioritise choosing a pack that suits their needs. |
| Ingredients and serving | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack. Don’t give young children too many raisins at once, and supervise them while they eat. | When preparing lunch for young children, I want to know what’s in the pack and how much I’m offering; around 25% of consumers consider careful serving the most important factor. |
| Choosing the right amount | Match the pack size to how often you use the product, and follow the storage instructions for the variety you choose. | If dried fruit isn’t on the menu every day, I don’t want to buy more than we can use; around 25% of consumers prefer a pack size that matches how much they use. |
| Taste and variety | Choose a type of fruit that suits your preferences, and check the ingredients, whether it contains stones and what’s included in any mixes. | If my child enjoys different types, I want to be able to offer a variety without mistaking a fruit-and-nut mix for fruit alone; around 17% of consumers prioritise taste and variety. |
Pitfalls to avoid when buying
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Assuming a bigger bag is automatically better value
A larger pack doesn’t automatically mean it’s a better fit for your household. Products and pack sizes can vary.
Compare like-for-like products and work out how much you’ll actually use first.
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Letting the pack size determine how much a child eats
A large supply isn’t a guide to portion size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that children can choke on raisins or currants.
Give young children small amounts and stay nearby while they eat.
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Mistaking a fruit-and-nut mix for dried fruit alone
A mix may contain ingredients other than fruit. This matters when you’re checking ingredients or allergens.
Read the information on the pack of the variety you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that relevant allergens must be clearly listed on the label.
Supermarket brands for reference
Albert Heijn
The range includes different types of dried fruit, including dried pineapple described as ‘unsweetened’.
- The range page lists both fruit varieties and fruit-and-nut mixes.
- The ‘unsweetened’ description applies to the pineapple variety mentioned, not the entire range. A fruit-and-nut mix contains more than just fruit.
Jumbo
Its own-brand sultanas are listed in 250 g, 500 g and 750 g packs.
- The different pack sizes in the same product range make it possible to choose an amount that suits how you use them.
- A larger pack won’t automatically suit every household, so consider how much you’ll actually use too.
Lidl
Lidl lists dried fruit as available in selected stores.
- The range page indicates that dried fruit may be available.
- Availability in selected stores matters if you’re looking for the product at a particular branch.
Aldi
The range mentioned includes Trader Joe's raisins and pitted dried plums.
- The examples offer a choice of raisins or another type of fruit.
- A product description isn’t an independent assessment of taste; check the pack of the variety itself.
Plus
Plus lists Pagysa Sultana raisins in a 750 g stand-up pouch.
- The product page states the net weight and packaging type.
- The term ‘stand-up pouch’ doesn’t prove that the pack is resealable.
Dirk
Dirk lists golden raisins in a 375 g pack.
- This is a specific example of golden raisins in a smaller pack.
- Descriptions of taste and quality on the product page come from the retailer.
Dried fruit at Joybuy
The products below include different types of dried fruit and pack sizes for anyone looking to add variety to holiday lunches.
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MUSHAN BASE freeze-dried pineapple 25 g
The 25 g pack is a good option if you’d like to try a small portion of pineapple or take it with you.
According to the product information, it contains 95% pineapple and 5% sugar. The pineapple can be eaten straight from the pack.
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MUSHAN BASE freeze-dried pineapple 150 g (25 g × 6)
The six individual bags are a handy option if you want to serve the same type of fruit on several occasions.
The total weight is 150 g, divided into six 25 g portions. According to the product information, the pineapple contains 5% white sugar and is ready to eat.
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OHLA dried guava 180 g
This pack offers a different type of fruit if you’d like an alternative to raisins or pineapple.
The pack contains 180 g. According to the product information, the guava contains 95% guava, sugar and a preservative.
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MUSHAN BASE dried strawberry slices 50 g
The 50 g pack is a smaller option if you’d like to try dried strawberries or use them as a topping.
According to the product information, the pack contains dried strawberries and sugar.
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7FRESH pitted prunes 430 g
The 430 g pack is suited to anyone who wants to use prunes on several occasions rather than serving one small portion.
According to the product information, the prunes are pitted and ready to eat. The product description recommends consuming them straight after opening.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20 g a set portion for every child?
No, that amount isn’t automatically a recommended portion for every child or every lunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre mentions a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit a day on a general page about dates. Its specific guidance for children recommends offering small amounts of raisins.
Can young children eat a bowl of raisins by themselves?
Stay with young children while they eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that children can choke on raisins or currants and advises against giving them too many at once.
How long can you keep an opened pack?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve bought. For opened dried fruit mix, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a storage time of 6–9 months in a kitchen cupboard. This doesn’t automatically apply to every type of dried fruit.
What should I check if I have an allergy?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack of the specific variety. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that relevant allergens must be clearly listed on the label. Albert Heijn also warns that product information can change.
What information should a label for the Dutch market include?
According to Business.gov.nl, food information must be available in Dutch on the label and online. Always check the latest information from the relevant retailer when choosing a product.