For taking with you or sharing
You want small portions to take with you without weighing them out first. Jumbo lists 14 boxes, each containing 14 g.
Which pack suits you?
For portioning it yourself
You don’t mind weighing out portions and want to use one larger pack for several snack breaks. The PLUS stand-up pouch contains 375 g of raisins.
For choosing with ingredients in mind
You compare ingredients and allergen information before choosing a variety. Also check the warnings on the exact pack you buy.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want a pre-measured portion or would rather portion it yourself. Then check the nutrition information, ingredients and storage instructions.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Taking a portion with you | Check whether the pack contains individual portions and how many grams are in each one. | If I want to take a small snack with me when I’m out and about without weighing it, I look for individual portions; around 36% of consumers prioritise convenience on the go. |
| Portion size and sugars | Compare the portion weight with the nutrition information, and look at total and added sugars separately. | If you want to match the amount of dried fruit you eat to your daily intake, compare portion sizes and nutrition information; around 29% of consumers prioritise portion size and sugar information. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ warnings, on the exact pack. | If I have an allergy or sensitivity to sulphites, I want to check the ingredients and warnings first; around 21% of consumers make ingredient safety their top priority when choosing. |
| Portioning and storage | Check the pack size, whether it can be resealed and what storage instructions apply after opening. | If I want to use one larger pack for several occasions, I take weighing out portions and storage into account; around 14% of consumers prioritise portioning and storage. |
Common mistakes when buying dried fruit
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Assuming no added sugars means sugar-free
PLUS lists 0 g of added sugars and 68.2 g of sugars per 100 g for its Sultana raisins. These two nutrition values do not mean the same thing.
Check total and added sugars separately, and pay attention to the stated portion size.
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Assuming dried fruit is automatically suitable for people with allergies
The Jumbo boxes state that they may contain, among other things, nuts, milk and soya. Dried fruit can also be a source of sulphites, but that doesn’t mean every variety contains them.
Check the ingredients and warnings on the exact pack, taking your own allergy or sensitivity into account.
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Mistaking a resealable bag for individual portions
The 200 g fruit mix described by ALDI comes in a resealable pack, but that doesn’t mean the contents are pre-portioned.
Choose individual portions if you don’t want to weigh them out; choose a larger pack if you want to portion it yourself.
Portioning it yourself also means you’ll need a suitable way to take the portions with you.
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Assuming the best-before date applies after opening
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the best-before date applies while the pack is unopened.
After opening, follow the storage instructions for the specific product.
Brands and supermarket packs compared
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists, among other things, fruit and nut mixes and dried pineapple in its dried fruit category.
- The category offers different types of dried fruit to compare.
- The category description doesn’t say whether a specific variety comes in individual portions, so check the pack.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s product information describes small boxes of raisins in individual portions.
- The pack contains 14 boxes, each weighing 14 g.
- The boxes state that they may contain nuts, milk and soya; read the warning if this is relevant to you.
Lidl
Lidl Netherlands lists a dried fruit product.
- The listing gives you a starting point for browsing the dried fruit range.
- The product is available at selected stores; check the exact variety and what your local store stocks.
Aldi
ALDI lists 500 g of raisins and a range that includes a 200 g resealable fruit mix.
- The packs listed are options if you want to portion the contents yourself.
- Raisins, fruit mix and cashew nuts are different varieties; check the ingredients of the product you choose.
PLUS
PLUS product information describes a 375 g stand-up pouch of Sultana raisins, with raisins and sunflower oil as ingredients.
- This pack is an option if you want to weigh out your own portions.
- It isn’t a multipack of individual portions; follow the product’s storage instructions.
Dirk
Dirk’s product list includes, among other things, 375 g of 1 de Beste sultana raisins and other dried fruit.
- The list helps you browse packs that you can portion yourself.
- A product listing doesn’t tell you whether the pack is resealable; also check the allergen information on the product.
Dried fruit and mixes at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are dried fruit and cranberry and nut mixes in packs that you can portion yourself. Check the ingredients and allergen information for each product.
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Zohra Medjool Dates (M) 908g
This pack is suitable if you want to portion dates yourself for several snack breaks.
Variety: Medjool Dates (M); pack size: 908g.
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g'woon Cashew Nut Cranberry Mix 200g
This cranberry and nut mix is an option if you’re looking for a mixed snack to serve with drinks.
The product information lists cashew nuts and possible traces of peanuts and other nuts; check the pack if allergens are relevant to you.
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Unsalted cranberry mix 200 g
This mix could suit you if you’re looking for dried cranberries and nuts to portion yourself.
The product information lists cashew nuts, almonds and walnuts, as well as possible traces of peanuts and other nuts.
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B+ Sultana raisins 250 g
This pack is suitable if you want to portion raisins yourself for several snack breaks.
Pack size: 250 g. The product information notes that, despite checks, it cannot be ruled out completely that a stalk or stone may be present.
Frequently asked questions
Does a snack box automatically count as a suitable portion for the day?
No. Remember to include any other times you eat dried fruit that day. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises eating no more than 20 g a day; each Jumbo box contains 14 g.
What’s the difference between total and added sugars?
They are different nutrition values. PLUS lists 0 g of added sugars and 68.2 g of sugars per 100 g for its Sultana raisins. For other products, check both values on the pack.
What should I look for in the allergen information for dried fruit?
Check the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the exact pack. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), allergen information must appear on the labels of prepacked products. The Food Allergy Foundation lists dried fruit as a possible source of sulphites; check the product information if this is relevant to you.
How should I store an opened pack?
Follow the instructions for the exact product. Jumbo and PLUS advise storing their products in a cool, dry, dark place. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the best-before date applies while the pack is unopened.
What’s the difference between a best-before date and a use-by date?
A best-before date indicates the minimum shelf life; a use-by date is the final date for using the product. The NVWA provides information about food date labels. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack, especially after opening.