Regular top-up shoppers
You regularly use the same type of dried fruit and want to choose a pack size that suits your usage and the supplies you already have. The reviewed Jumbo range of raisins is available in 250 g, 500 g and 750 g packs.
Who is topping up their supplies?
Occasional or low-volume users
You only need a small amount for a recipe or a few occasions. A smaller pack may be a better fit than one you won’t use in time.
Label-conscious shoppers
You pay attention to ingredients, added sugar or a relevant sensitivity. Compare the exact variety: the reviewed AH soaked apricots contain sulphites, while processed and dried fruit products don’t necessarily have the same ingredients or storage requirements.
What should you look for when buying?
First decide how much you want to top up, then compare only products made from the same type of fruit and prepared in the same way. Next, check the ingredients and the storage and usage instructions.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Compare the net weight of the same type of fruit, prepared in the same way. | If you regularly top up your raisins, choose an amount that suits your existing supplies; around 33% of shoppers focus mainly on pack size. |
| Amount to top up | Check what you already have at home and how you plan to use the fruit. | If you only need a small amount, you won’t want to buy more than you can use. Around 27% of shoppers are expected to have this as their main requirement. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients and nutritional information for the exact variety; check for allergens if relevant to you. | If ingredients or a sensitivity determine your choice, check the packaging of that specific variety; around 20% of shoppers are expected to prioritise ingredients. |
| Use and storage | Check the seal and follow the product-specific storage and usage instructions. | If you use the pack over several occasions, you’ll want to know how to store it after opening. Around 20% of shoppers are expected to focus mainly on convenience. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming a larger pack is automatically the right choice
A larger pack adds more to your supplies. It’s only a good fit if the amount suits your usage and you can store the pack according to the instructions.
First check how much you already have at home and how much you’ll need for the ways you plan to use it.
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Using the same storage advice for all dried fruit
The reviewed AH soaked apricots have different storage instructions after opening from the reviewed Jumbo raisins.
Read the label for the variety you’ve chosen. Once opened, these AH apricots should be refrigerated at a maximum of 7 °C.
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Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means low in sugars
The Voedingscentrum points out that dried fruit contains a lot of sugar even without added sugar. So a claim about added sugar doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much sugar the product contains.
Read the ingredients and nutritional information for the variety you’re considering.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Albert Heijn
A supermarket option for raisins in different pack sizes, as well as specific varieties such as soaked apricots.
- The reviewed raisin listings show several pack sizes.
- The storage and ingredients information for the soaked apricots applies to that variety, not the whole range. This variety contains sulphites.
Jumbo
The reviewed own-brand range of sun-dried sultanas is available in 250 g, 500 g and 750 g packs.
- The three reviewed pack sizes list raisins and cottonseed oil.
- Comparing pack sizes says nothing about quality differences between other products or brands.
Lidl
A supermarket option for dried fruit and fruit mixes.
- The official product pages confirm these product types.
- The dried fruit page lists selected stores, so availability may vary between shops.
Aldi
The reviewed product information includes 500 g packs of Trader Joe’s raisins and a 200 g fruit mix range.
- ALDI describes the reviewed mix range as resealable.
- The resealable packaging applies to that mix range and isn’t a general feature of all dried fruit at ALDI.
Plus
A supermarket option for 750 g packs of Pagysa sultanas and other dried tropical fruits.
- The product page for the reviewed Pagysa raisins lists ingredients and storage advice.
- Pagysa is a branded product on offer; its product information says nothing about the full PLUS range.
Dirk
The official range overview includes, among other products, 750 g packs of raisins and 375 g packs of 1 de Beste sultanas.
- These pack sizes give you a starting point for comparing how much you need to top up.
- The product listings don’t prove that these varieties have the same ingredients.
Joybuy product picks
This Joybuy selection includes raisins, dried strawberries and snack mixes containing dried fruit. For a mix, check how much of it is fruit and read the ingredients and storage information for the exact variety.
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Anatolia Sari Uzum Raisins, 500 g
The 500 g pack may suit a medium-sized top-up of raisins.
The product description lists 100% dried grapes and suggests using them in foods such as breakfast cereals and baked goods. Store in a cool, dry place.
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MUSHAN BASE Dried Strawberry Slices, 50 g
The small pack may suit a limited amount or use as a topping.
The product description lists strawberries and sugar as ingredients and says the pack can be resealed after opening.
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g’woon Cashew Nut Cranberry Mix, 200 g
This mix is an option if you’re looking for a small top-up of fruit and nuts, rather than dried fruit alone.
The product description says that half the mix consists of cashew nuts and that the cranberries are sweetened. It also mentions possible traces of peanuts and other nuts.
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Full of Fruit Flavor Nuts and Dried Fruit Sharing Pack, 5-pack, 1.073 kg
This bundle may suit you if you’re looking for a varied snack selection that includes dried fruit.
The five products include raisins, plums and dates, as well as nuts and banana chips; no separate weight is given for the dried fruit. According to the product description, the bundle should be refrigerated after opening and eaten within one day. The description also mentions plums with aspartame and a source of phenylalanine.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘no added sugar’ mean dried fruit is low in sugar?
No, that claim doesn’t mean dried fruit is low in sugar. The Voedingscentrum points out that dried fruit contains a lot of sugar even without added sugar, so check the nutritional information for the exact variety.
Can you keep any opened pack of dried fruit in the cupboard?
No, follow the instructions for the specific variety. The reviewed Jumbo raisins should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. The reviewed AH soaked apricots should be refrigerated at a maximum of 7 °C after opening and have a limited shelf life once opened.
Where can I check for allergens in dried fruit?
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack. The NVWA explains that mandatory allergens must be listed on the label; the reviewed AH soaked apricots contain sulphites.
What information about packaged food must be available online in the Netherlands?
According to information from the Dutch government, labelling information must be available in Dutch, including online. Check the information for the specific offer and pack before making your choice.
What should I do if there’s a safety warning for my product?
Check that the warning matches the product and the details of your pack, then follow the instructions provided. The NVWA publishes warnings for specific products; a general product page isn’t a safety statement for every pack.