Choose a large bag if you’ll use that amount, multipacks if you want to open the stock at different times, or a smaller bag if you need less or want to combine different types of fruit. Match the net weight to your recipes and planned occasions, and check the ingredients and storage advice for the exact pack. If you’re selling at a Christmas market, you’ll also need to follow the NVWA’s food safety and allergen information requirements.
If you use dried fruit regularly, choose a pack size that matches how much you actually get through. Compare the same type and version of fruit, and check the total contents. Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s product information shows a range of pack sizes.
If you’re buying for several recipes or occasions, work out how much you need and whether you want to open the stock in stages. Albert Heijn lists raisins as an ingredient for apple pie and desserts, among other things; its multipacks are supplied as separate bags.
If you want to know exactly what’s in the pack, check the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific version you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that dried fruit with added sugar isn’t included in the Dutch Wheel of Five. This is nutritional guidance, not a buying restriction.
Start by checking the quantity and number of packs, and match them to what you plan to use. Then compare the ingredients and storage advice for the specific product.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Multipack | Compare the same type and version of fruit, and add together the net weight of all the bags. | If I’m considering a multipack, I want to know whether the total contents match what I’ll actually use. Around 36% of shoppers prioritise value when choosing a pack. |
| Quantity for recipes and sharing | Add up the amounts needed for your planned recipes and occasions, then check the total weight. | If I’m buying for several recipes or occasions to share, I want enough without ending up with an unnecessarily large stock. Around 29% of shoppers prioritise getting the right quantity. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the ingredients list and note the difference between total sugars and added sugars. | If I’m basing my choice on the ingredients, I want to be able to assess the information for the exact version. Around 21% of shoppers prioritise ingredients and nutritional information. |
| Storage and opening | Check whether the pack contains separate bags and follow the storage advice on the packaging. | If I want to use the stock over time, I look for individual packs and advice on storage after opening. Around 14% of shoppers prioritise using their supply in stages. |
A large total quantity is only practical if it matches your recipes and expected use.
Add up what you need for your planned occasions and compare it with the net weight of the whole pack.
Four 500 g bags make 2 kg in total; two 500 g bags make 1 kg. The number of bags alone doesn’t tell you how much you’re buying.
Check both the weight of each bag and the total weight before choosing a pack.
The PLUS sultanas reviewed list 0 g of added sugars and 68.2 g of total sugars per 100 g, according to PLUS.
Check the ingredients list and nutritional information separately, and look at the values for the exact pack.
Sales are subject to food safety and allergen rules. According to the NVWA’s step-by-step guide, you must register with the NVWA if you sell food several times a year. Requirements for a food safety plan also depend on how often you sell.
If you’re actually selling, follow the current NVWA step-by-step guide and checklist for markets and events. Also check the requirements set by your local council or market organiser for your location.
The options listed include a 750 g bag of raisins and multipacks containing 500 g bags.
The sultanas reviewed are listed in 250 g, 500 g and 750 g packs.
Lidl lists Belbake raisins and a dried fruit mix among its product options.
ALDI lists 500 g Trader Joe’s raisins and also describes a 200 g pack for the cranberry varieties mentioned.
PLUS lists 375 g sultanas and a range of dried tropical fruits, including tutti-frutti.
Dirk’s product range includes 750 g raisins, 375 g sultanas, prunes and apricots.
This selection includes a multipack of nuts and dried fruit, as well as 250 g bags of raisins.
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Suitable for several snacking occasions or sharing if you’re also looking for nuts; this pack contains more than just dried fruit.
The product information lists five packs and a total net weight of 1.073 kg. The stated contents include nuts, sweetened banana chips and prunes with added ingredients.
The product information lists tree nuts and aspartame (E951) in Californian prunes, a source of phenylalanine.
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A smaller bag of raisins for anyone who doesn’t need a large supply or wants to use raisins in home baking.
The product information lists raisins and sunflower oil as ingredients.
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A 250 g bag for a smaller quantity of raisins, for example for snacking, baking or breakfast.
The product information lists raisins and sunflower oil as ingredients and advises sealing the pack carefully after opening.
According to the product information, a stem or stone may remain in the product despite cleaning.
Add up the quantities for your recipes and planned occasions, then compare the total with the weight of the pack. The Albert Heijn 2-pack reviewed contains 1 kg and the 4-pack contains 2 kg; there’s no standard quantity set for each Christmas market visitor.
No. The PLUS sultanas reviewed list 0 g of added sugars and 68.2 g of total sugars per 100 g. Check both values and the ingredients list on the pack.
Follow the storage advice on the pack. For the sultanas reviewed, PLUS advises storing them in a cool, dry and dark place. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping tutti-frutti in a well-sealed container and gives a storage time of 6–9 months in a kitchen cupboard for opened tutti-frutti; this timeframe doesn’t necessarily apply to other dried fruit.
Not for the Albert Heijn packs reviewed: the 2-pack and 4-pack are supplied as separate bags, each weighing 500 g. Check how another version is packaged.
According to the NVWA’s step-by-step guide, you must register with the NVWA if you sell food several times a year. Requirements for a food safety plan also depend on how often you sell. This applies to selling, not personal shopping; also check the requirements set by your local council or market organiser for your location.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, you must inform customers about allergens present in unpackaged food. Make sure this information is linked to the products and any mixes you actually offer.
