A portion without weighing
You want to set aside or take a small snack with your lunch without having to open a larger pack and measure out an amount each time. Jumbo lists raisins in individual boxes.
Who is this guide for?
Mindful portion chooser
You pay attention to quantities and ingredients, and want to distinguish the portion weight shown on a pack from dietary advice. The Voedingscentrum recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit a day.
DIY portioner
You want to choose the amount and type of fruit yourself, and don’t mind measuring out portions from a larger pack. AH, Jumbo and PLUS offer examples of larger packs and different types of fruit.
What should you look for when choosing?
When choosing dried fruit for a working-from-home lunch or a snack to take with you, the main things to consider are portion size, packaging, ingredients and type of fruit.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size and ingredients | Check the weight per portion, the ingredients and the nutritional information. A stated portion size is not dietary advice. | Want to choose how much you eat with your lunch and know what’s in it? Around 38% of consumers prioritise portion size and ingredients. The Voedingscentrum recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit a day. |
| Ready to set aside and take with you | Check whether the pack really contains individual boxes or bags, and how many grams each one holds. | If you want to grab something for lunch or on the go without weighing it out, individual portions may influence your choice. Around 37% of consumers give top priority to being able to grab a snack straight away. |
| Allergen information | Read the ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings on the pack for the specific variety. | If you have a relevant allergy, check that the product information suits your needs before choosing. Around 13% of consumers say allergen compatibility is a deciding factor. |
| Type of fruit and variety | Check which fruits are in the pack and read the ingredients of any mix or combined snack. | If you want to alternate between, for example, raisins and prunes, the exact type of fruit matters. Around 12% of consumers give variety top priority. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Taking a portion size on the pack as dietary advice
AH Raisins lists a portion size of 50 g, while the Voedingscentrum recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit a day. These two quantities therefore mean different things.
Choose your own amount in grams and take into account any other times you eat dried fruit during the day.
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Confusing ‘no added sugars’ with ‘sugar-free’
PLUS Sultana Raisins lists 0 g of added sugars in its product information, while the nutrition table still lists sugars.
Read the ingredients and nutrition table together. Don’t use a ‘no added sugars’ claim as a substitute for information about the total amount of sugars.
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Assuming all products containing raisins are the same kind of snack
Dirk’s product listings include chocolate-coated raisins and biscuits with raisins, as well as dried fruit.
First check what type of product it is, then look at the ingredients for the exact variety.
Relevant brands and retailers
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists raisins and other types of dried fruit, with options you can portion yourself.
- AH Raisins comes in a 250 g pack; the stated portion size is 50 g.
- The portion size shown on the pack is not a substitute for dietary advice.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists both individual raisin boxes and larger packs, as well as other dried fruit.
- Jumbo Snoep Rozijntjes Doosjes is listed as 14 boxes of 14 g each.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you choose.
Lidl
Lidl lists a dried fruit mix as a relevant product type.
- The product name indicates an alternative to plain raisins.
- Check the pack for the exact contents and product information for that variety.
Aldi
ALDI lists Trader Joe's raisins in a larger pack.
- The product page states that the pack contains 500 g.
- A larger pack is not the same as individually portioned snacks.
PLUS
PLUS lists Sultana raisins in a stand-up pouch that you can portion yourself.
- The pack contains 375 g; the ingredients are raisins and sunflower oil.
- The stand-up pouch does not contain individual portion packs.
Dirk
Dirk lists plain raisins and other dried fruit in larger packs.
- The product listings include raisins and other types of fruit.
- The listings also include combined products such as biscuits and chocolate-coated raisins, so check the product type.
Joybuy products for a lunch-time snack
These are packaged raisin and dried plum options for a lunch-time snack. Check whether each variety comes in individual portions or needs to be portioned by you.
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Sundrop Mini Raisin Handouts, 252 g
An option if you’re looking for raisins in a snack pack.
The ingredients list 99.5% raisins and sunflower oil. The pack weighs 252 g.
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De Kleine Keuken Organic raisins 12M+ 140g
A good fit if you want to grab an individual box of raisins without weighing out a portion yourself.
The product information states that the pack contains 10 boxes, each weighing 14 g. It also advises supervising children while they eat, says the product is suitable from 12 months, and notes that it is not suitable for children with swallowing difficulties.
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Be&Cheery Various Dried Plum, 90 g
An option if you’d like to choose dried plums as well as raisins for a lunch-time snack.
The pack contains 90 g. The ingredients list plums, white sugar, salt and sodium saccharin.
Frequently asked questions
Is the portion size on the pack also the recommended daily amount?
No. For example, AH Raisins lists a portion size of 50 g, while the Voedingscentrum recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit a day. Use the weight on the pack to work out your own amount.
How can I tell if a pack contains individual snack portions?
Check the number of individual boxes or bags and the weight of each one. A pack with a total weight is not automatically divided into portions.
What should I look out for if I have a food allergy?
Read the ingredients and any cross-contamination warnings on the pack for the exact variety. Consider this information in relation to the allergy you need to manage.
How should I store raisins I’m not taking with me straight away?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack. For opened golden raisins, the Voedingscentrum gives a storage time of 6–9 months in a kitchen cupboard; don’t automatically apply this to other dried fruit products.
How can I tell a combined snack from plain dried fruit?
Check the product name and ingredients list for the variety. Products containing raisins may also include biscuits, chocolate or other ingredients, so they are not the same as plain dried fruit.