Who are these pack sizes suitable for?

Regular budget-conscious cook

You use dried fruit in your cooking regularly and want to keep the cost per amount used down. Compare the pack size with the price per kilo of the specific product.

Occasional one-person cook

You only use a small amount from time to time and don’t want to buy more than you expect to use. Consider both the upfront cost and the storage advice for opened raisins.

Label-conscious shopper

You check the ingredients, added sugar or allergen information. Albert Heijn and PLUS state that the raisins reviewed contain no added sugar; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergen information on pre-packed foods.

What should you consider when choosing?

Start with the amount you’ll actually use, then compare the price per kilo and the upfront cost.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Price per amount used Compare the price and net weight of the same type and product form; calculate the price per kilo. If I cook with raisins regularly, I want to know whether a larger bag is worth the cost for my needs. Around 39% of consumers prioritise the cost per amount used.
Pack size to suit your needs Estimate how much you use each week and follow the storage advice for the opened pack. If I only cook occasionally, I’d rather buy an amount I can use in time. Around 23% of consumers prioritise a pack size that suits their needs.
Use in an evening meal Choose the recipe first, then check which type of fruit and preparation method will work with it. If I’m buying dried fruit for a meal, it needs to suit the dish I’ve planned. Around 23% of consumers choose mainly according to whether it’s suitable for dinner.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current pack. If I need to consider the ingredients or a personal dietary requirement, I check the label on the exact product I’m buying. Around 15% of consumers prioritise ingredient requirements.

Common pitfalls

  • Choosing a larger pack without considering how much you’ll use

    A larger bag may last longer; the right amount to buy depends on how often you cook and the storage advice.

    Estimate how much you’ll use beforehand and check the instructions for storing the product once opened.

  • Confusing the shelf price with the price per kilo

    The price of one pack and the price per kilo answer different questions: how much you’ll pay now and how the cost compares with the net weight.

    Note down the price of the product and its net weight, then compare the price per kilo on a like-for-like basis.

  • Assuming no added sugar means sugar-free

    The AH and PLUS raisins reviewed contain no added sugar, but they do contain sugars.

    Read both the ingredients list and the nutrition table, and bear in mind the amount required by your recipe.

  • Relying on the fruit name alone if you have an allergy or sensitivity

    The product category or name of the fruit won’t tell you whether a specific pack is suitable for you.

    Check the allergen information on the current pack. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification before using the product.

Supermarket brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Worth considering if you’re looking for sun-dried raisins in a bag or as two separate packs.

  • The product information for the 750 g bag reviewed lists the ingredients and states that it contains no added sugar.
  • A claim that a multipack offers good value doesn’t prove that every pack has the lowest price per kilo.

Jumbo

According to its range information, it offers sultanas in several pack sizes, as well as different types of dried fruit.

  • The official product information for the 750 g bag reviewed lists the ingredients, nutritional values and storage advice.
  • The ingredients in these sultanas don’t necessarily apply to other raisins, dates or apricots.

Lidl

Alesto and dried fruit feature in Lidl’s product and range information.

  • Lidl states that the mango strips described contain no added sugar.
  • This product information doesn’t apply to the entire Alesto range; the dried fruit page refers to selected stores.

ALDI

The Dutch product information lists TRADER JOE'S Raisins in a 500 g pack.

  • The product page shows the pack weight.
  • The page says the product is available in store; check the current packaging and availability.

PLUS

The Sultana raisins reviewed are listed as a 375 g bag.

  • The product information lists the ingredients and nutritional values, and states that it contains no added sugar.
  • The term ‘stand-up pouch’ doesn’t in itself confirm that the pack is resealable.

Dirk

The product information lists raisins in a 750 g pack.

  • The net weight is shown in the product listing, so you can compare it with other specific pack sizes.
  • Dirk doesn’t list a delivery service, so bear in mind that you may need to buy the product in store.

Raisins at Joybuy

These Joybuy picks are raisins for dishes such as rice dishes and savoury stews.

Anatolia Sari Uzum golden raisins, 500 g

Anatolia Sari Uzum (golden raisins) 500 g

The product description suggests using them in rice dishes and savoury stews.

Variety: golden raisins. Pack size: 500 g.

View at Joybuy
Anatolia Siyah Uzum black raisins, 500 g

Anatolia Siyah Uzum (black raisins) 500 g

The product description suggests using them in rice dishes and savoury stews.

Variety: black raisins. Pack size: 500 g.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can you use raisins in an evening meal?

You can add raisins to a meal for extra flavour. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes them in a recipe with couscous, swede and chickpeas; in this recipe, the raisins soak in stock with the couscous for 10 minutes.

How should you store an opened bag of raisins?

Follow the storage advice on the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre generally recommends keeping opened raisins in a kitchen cupboard for 6–9 months; the PLUS and Jumbo products reviewed advise storing them in a cool, dry, dark place.

Does ‘no added sugar’ mean that raisins are sugar-free?

No. AH Sun-dried Raisins 750 g lists 0 g of added sugar and 59 g of sugars per 100 g; PLUS Sultana Raisins 375 g lists 0 g of added sugar and 68.2 g of sugars per 100 g. These nutritional values apply to the products listed.

Where can I check allergen information for dried fruit?

Check the allergen information on the pack of the product you want to buy. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed foods; the name of a fruit alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable if you have an allergy or sensitivity.

What extra costs should I consider when buying online?

Compare the total cost, including any delivery charges, with the price you’ll pay for the pack. The ALDI page reviewed says the product is available in store, and Dirk doesn’t list a delivery service, so an online price listing doesn’t necessarily mean you can have the product delivered to your home.