Regular buyers stocking up
You use the same type of fruit regularly and want to buy enough for the week. A large bag or a multipack with individual packs may suit the way you like to stock up.
Who is this relevant to?
Pack-size comparers
You want to match the quantity to what your household actually uses. Compare the pack size with your own consumption rather than assuming that a larger bag is automatically the best choice.
Occasional buyers and variety seekers
You want a smaller quantity or a choice of flavours at home. A smaller pack or a resealable mix may suit you; check the ingredients for each variety.
What should you look for when buying?
Start with how much your household uses, then check the ingredients and choose a pack that suits your preferences for variety and storage.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and stocking up | Compare the pack size with how much you use, and check whether a multipack contains individual packs. | If I use the same type of fruit regularly, I want to have enough in stock without opening more than I need. Consumers mainly looking for a suitable quantity make up around 44% of consumers in this choice context. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the ingredients list and nutrition table; check the allergen information if it’s relevant to you. | If I pay attention to what’s in a product, I want to assess the ingredients and nutritional information for the exact variety I’ve chosen. Consumers for whom ingredients are the main concern make up around 33%. |
| Variety and packaging | Check whether it’s a single type of fruit or a mix, and whether the pack is resealable. | If I prefer a bit of variety or want to reseal a pack between uses, I look at the mix I’ve chosen and the packaging itself. Consumers mainly looking for variety and convenience make up around 23%. |
Common pitfalls
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Automatically choosing the largest pack
A large bag contains more, but it may not suit how much your household uses or wants to store.
Compare the net weight with your own consumption and follow the storage advice on the pack.
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Mistaking a multipack for one large bag
A multipack may contain several individual items. According to Albert Heijn, the AH Sultana Raisins Sun-Dried 2-pack consists of two 500 g items and is delivered as separate items.
Check the number of packs and the quantity in each one so you know how many you’ll be opening at once.
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Confusing ‘no added sugar’ with ‘low in sugar’
No added sugar doesn’t mean dried fruit is low in sugar. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that dried fruit naturally contains sugar; Jumbo lists 75,5 g of sugars per 100 g for its 750 g sultanas.
Check both the ingredients list and the nutrition table for the variety you’ve chosen.
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Assuming varieties on one product page have the same ingredients
A product range may include different types of fruit or mixes. For example, ALDI’s product page lists several varieties, including a cranberry and raisin mix and a cashew nut variety.
Check the name, ingredients and allergen information on the pack for your chosen variety. The NVWA explains what allergen information must be shown on prepacked products.
Supermarket chains and product ranges to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s product information covers raisins in a range of pack formats.
- The listed packs include 500 g and 750 g bags, as well as a multipack containing two 500 g items.
- The multipack contains separate items, so check how many packs you want to open at once.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists its own-brand sultanas in several pack sizes.
- The range includes 250 g, 500 g and 750 g packs.
- The ingredients and nutritional information apply to the specific variety, so check the label on the pack you choose.
Lidl
Alesto is a relevant Lidl range for dried fruit; Lidl lists products including dried mango strips.
- As well as raisins, the range includes other types of dried fruit.
- Lidl’s statements about quality and flavour are brand claims, not an independent comparison of pack sizes.
ALDI
ALDI lists TRADER JOE'S raisins, as well as a product range of smaller fruit and nut varieties.
- The 200 g range includes a cranberry and raisin mix in resealable packaging.
- The product page features different varieties, and they don’t all have the same ingredients.
Plus
PLUS lists sultanas in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
- The product information gives the ingredients and storage advice for this variety.
- Check the packaging and advice for the product you buy.
Dirk
Dirk’s product information covers raisins and various types of dried fruit.
- The official results page lists raisins in a 750 g pack.
- The listing is called ‘Raisins’; don’t attribute it to another product brand unless that’s stated in the product information.
Joybuy products for different quantities
These products suit a range of stocking needs, from larger packs of one type of fruit to smaller packs and combinations. Check the ingredients and any warnings for each product.
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Medjool dates, 908 g
The 908 g pack may suit you if you’re looking for a larger quantity of one type of fruit.
The ingredients list names dates. The product information recommends storing in a cool, dry place.
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M. Zohra Medjool dates, 908 g
This 908 g pack is an option if you’re looking for a larger quantity of Medjool dates.
The product information lists dates as an ingredient and describes the dates as pitted. Storage advice: keep in a cool, dry place.
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Anatolia Sari Uzum raisins, 500 g
A 500 g pack may suit you if you want to stock up on raisins without choosing the largest pack.
The product information lists 100% dried grapes and recommends keeping the pack tightly closed in a cool, dry place after opening. The description warns of a choking hazard for young children.
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Sihong grey dates with walnuts, 208 g
The 208 g pack may suit you if you’re looking for a smaller quantity and a combination with nuts.
The ingredients list names grey dates and walnuts. This product contains walnuts; check the packaging if allergens are relevant to you.
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Bestore dried loquat with bamboo salt, 200 g
This 200 g pack may suit you if you’re looking for a smaller quantity of dried loquat.
The ingredients list includes sulphites, added sugar, isomaltooligosaccharide syrup and glucose powder. Check the full ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How do you decide how much dried fruit to buy?
Choose a quantity that suits how much your household uses. You can compare the pack size with your weekly use to plan how much to keep in stock; this isn’t nutritional advice. Pack sizes range from 375 g to 750 g, and a multipack may contain two separate 500 g items.
How should you store an opened pack?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging for your product. PLUS recommends storing its sultanas in a cool, dry, dark place. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives general advice to keep opened raisins in a kitchen cupboard for 6–9 months; this advice doesn’t automatically apply to other dried fruit.
Does ‘no added sugar’ mean dried fruit is low in sugar?
No. Dried fruit may contain natural sugars, even if no sugar has been added. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre therefore recommends checking the nutritional information; values vary by product and variety.
What should you look for when checking allergens in dried fruit?
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the specific pack. According to the NVWA, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products. Take extra care if you have a relevant allergy or intolerance, and check the warnings on the packaging too.
Does a multipack always come as one large pack?
No. For the raisin 2-pack reviewed, Albert Heijn states that it contains two 500 g items and is delivered as separate items. Check how many individual packs each multipack contains.