Families who portion it out themselves
You’re looking for enough to cover several snack times and want to match the amount in a large bag to what your family will actually use.
Who are these pack sizes for?
Parents who want to offer small snacks
You want to offer dried fruit occasionally and choose a small portion yourself. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that young children can choke on raisins or currants.
Households that want to take a small amount
You’re looking for a smaller quantity to take on the go or use occasionally, and you check the packaging and storage instructions.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, think about how much you expect to use during your holiday. Then check the packaging, ingredients and instructions for storing or taking it with you.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and pack format | Compare the total weight and the number of individual bags. | If I’m looking for enough to last several days of a holiday, I want to know the total amount in the pack. Around 31% of consumers put quantity first when making their choice. |
| Small portions and ingredients | Read the ingredients and nutritional information, then divide the contents into small portions yourself. | If I’m preparing snacks for a child, I want to check what’s in them and decide on the portion myself. Around 31% of parents prioritise portion size and ingredients. |
| Taking it with you and resealing | Check whether the pack you choose can be resealed, and only take the amount you need. | For a day out, I don’t want to take more than I need, so I check whether the pack can be closed again. Around 15% of consumers prioritise convenience when taking snacks with them. |
| Storing and using up your supply | Estimate how much you’ll use and follow the storage instructions on the pack. | If I buy a larger supply, I want to be able to store it properly and use it up. Around 15% of households prioritise managing their supplies. |
| Allergies and sensitivities | Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant. | If an allergy is a consideration, I want to check the label of the variant I’ve chosen first. Around 8% of consumers make allergen suitability their main selection criterion. |
Common buying mistakes
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Treating a large bag as one snack for a child
The amount in a bulk pack doesn’t tell you what portion is right for a child. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also warns that young children can choke on raisins or currants.
Divide the contents into small amounts and supervise young children while they eat.
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Assuming a multipack will automatically suit your needs
A multipack may contain several individual bags, but the total quantity could be more than you need.
Check the number of bags and the total weight before choosing.
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Confusing no added sugar with sugar-free
The 750 g AH bag of raisins lists 0 g of added sugars and 59 g of total sugars per 100 g. These are different figures: the first doesn’t mean the product is sugar-free.
Read the nutritional information and don’t base your portion size solely on a claim on the front of the pack.
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Assuming all fruit mixes are the same
A product range may include variants with different ingredients. For example, the ALDI product page also includes cashew nuts.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant, especially if anyone in your household has an allergy or sensitivity.
Supermarket brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you want to compare individual bags of raisins or a multipack with separate bags.
- Product information lists weights and ingredients for different variants.
- The 2-pack contains two separate bags, so check that the quantity suits your needs.
Jumbo
Sultanas are available in several stated pack sizes.
- The range information lists 250, 500 and 750 g variants.
- Ingredient and composition details vary by variant, so check the pack you choose.
Lidl
An option if you’re looking at smaller packs of dried fruit.
- The Dutch product page lists several 200 g variants.
- The page states that these products are only available in store. Check the details for each product variant.
Aldi
Worth considering for a bag of raisins or a smaller fruit mix; the product brand on the pages mentioned is TRADER JOE'S.
- The product pages list a 500 g bag of raisins and a 200 g fruit mix in resealable packaging.
- The fruit mix is confirmed as resealable, but that doesn’t apply to all dried fruit.
Plus
Worth considering if you’re looking for a smaller bag of sultanas.
- The product page lists a 375 g stand-up pouch.
- PLUS warns that the product may still contain stalks and stones despite checks.
Dirk
The search page lists several types of fruit, including sultanas, golden raisins, pitted prunes and apricots.
- There are several types of dried fruit to consider alongside raisins.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and pack information on the page for the exact variant.
Joybuy products
These products are dried jujubes and prunes, in packs suited to different snack occasions. Check the contents and instructions on each product page.
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Haoxiangni Pitted Jujubes 500 g
The pack contains 500 g of pitted jujubes, described as ready to eat.
Seal well after opening and store below 15 °C.
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Haoxiangni No-Wash Red Jujube with Pit (Grade 2) 450 g
The pack contains 450 g of jujubes. This variant has stones and is described as ready to eat.
The product description recommends eating the contents immediately after opening.
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Haoxiangni Grade A Wash-Free Jujubes 500 g
This variant contains 500 g of jujubes. The description states that they are 100% jujube and can be eaten straight from the pack without washing.
The description recommends eating the contents immediately after opening.
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Jia Jian Cheng Chu Prebiotic Thickened Prunes 65 g
The product description lists 65 g portions for eating on the go.
The ingredients list includes fructose syrup. The stated best-before date is 23-09-2026, which is before the current date; check the date on the pack being offered before buying.
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7FRESH Pitted Prunes 430 g
The pack contains 430 g of pitted prunes; the product description suggests eating them straight from the pack as a snack.
The description recommends eating the contents immediately after opening.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20 grams of dried fruit a required portion for children?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre refers to a maximum of 20 grams a day in its general guidance on dried fruit; this isn’t a legal portion requirement. Its advice for children recommends small portions, so don’t treat 20 grams as an amount every child should eat.
What should you bear in mind if a young child eats dried fruit?
Give young children small amounts and supervise them while they eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that children can choke on raisins or currants.
How should you store an opened pack of dried fruit?
Follow the instructions on the pack of the variant you’ve chosen. The AH and PLUS raisin packs checked advise storing them in a cool, dry, dark place; don’t assume the same advice applies to other types of fruit.
What allergen information should you check for dried fruit?
Check the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods; sulphites are among the allergens that must be declared.
Does 0 g of added sugars mean that raisins are sugar-free?
No. The 750 g AH bag of raisins lists 0 g of added sugars and 59 g of total sugars per 100 g. Check the nutritional information on the pack you choose: added sugars and total sugars aren’t the same thing.