For anyone who wants to hand out portions straight away
You want to hand out small portions on the go without having to divide up a large bag in advance. Albert Heijn lists AH Hamsterchef Raisins as containing ten 14-gram boxes.
Who are the different pack sizes for?
For anyone checking ingredients and allergens
You compare the ingredients list and added sugars, and if you have a relevant allergy, you also read the warnings on the packaging. Albert Heijn lists mango as the only ingredient in the dried mango mentioned here, but also warns that it may contain peanuts and nuts.
For anyone preparing portions at home
You’re making small portions for several travellers and checking the total pack size and storage advice. PLUS lists sultana raisins in a 375-gram stand-up pouch; you’ll need to portion these yourself.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Convenient portions | Check the weight and the number of individual packs. According to Albert Heijn, AH Hamsterchef Raisins contains ten 14-gram boxes. | If I want to hand them out straight away during a stop, I don’t want to have to weigh them first. That’s why around 31% of consumers prioritise convenient portions. |
| Ingredients and sugars | Read the ingredients list and compare added sugars with total sugars. For the mango mentioned here, Albert Heijn lists 0 grams of added sugar and 61 grams of sugars per 100 grams. | If I want to know exactly what’s in my snack, I look beyond the ‘unsweetened’ label. Around 25% of consumers give ingredients the highest priority. |
| Quantity and preparation | Compare the total pack weight and decide how many portions you want to make yourself. PLUS lists a 375-gram stand-up pouch of raisins. | When travelling with others, I want to portion the fruit at home rather than take individual boxes. Around 19% of consumers prioritise quantity and preparation. |
| Allergens | Check both the ingredients list and the warning on the exact variety. According to Albert Heijn, the AH mango mentioned here may contain peanuts and nuts. | If I’m buying for someone with a relevant allergy, I want to be able to check the warnings on that exact pack. Around 13% of consumers make allergens their top priority. |
| Type of fruit and mix | Choose between a single type of fruit and a mix; also check whether there are any stones and whether the packaging can be resealed. | If I want to take a variety of fruit flavours with me, I look for a suitable type of fruit or mix. Around 12% of consumers prioritise variety. |
Common mistakes
-
Treating a bag of dried fruit as one portion
A larger pack may contain several small snack portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that dried fruit is high in sugar, even when no sugar has been added.
Check the portion weight and divide a larger bag in advance if you want to take small portions with you. Individual boxes save you the effort of portioning it yourself.
-
Assuming unsweetened means low in total sugars
No added sugar doesn’t tell you how much total sugar the product contains. For the mango mentioned here, Albert Heijn lists 0 grams of added sugar and 61 grams of sugars per 100 grams.
Read the ingredients list and nutritional information separately; don’t base your choice solely on the ‘unsweetened’ label.
-
Assuming a fruit product is automatically allergen-free
Even a product made with fruit may carry a warning about the possible presence of allergens. Albert Heijn includes such a warning for the mango mentioned here.
If you have a relevant allergy, check the ingredients list and warning for the exact variety.
-
Assuming resealable packaging means it can be stored anywhere
Resealable packaging doesn’t override the product’s storage instructions.
Follow the advice on the label and seal the pack properly after use.
Supermarkets with relevant options
Albert Heijn
The products mentioned include both pre-portioned raisins and dried mango.
- Albert Heijn lists AH Hamsterchef Raisins as containing ten 14-gram portions.
- According to the product information, the AH Organic Dried & Unsweetened Mango mentioned here contains only dried mango.
- For the mango, Albert Heijn warns that it may contain peanuts and nuts.
Jumbo
The range includes sultana raisins in various pack sizes, as well as a variety of dried fruits.
- The range information distinguishes between products such as raisins and pitted fruit.
- You’ll need to portion a larger pack yourself if you want small snacks; range information doesn’t mean every product is available in every shop.
Lidl
Lidl lists dried fruit and a dried fruit mix.
- The product listings let you browse both individual types of fruit and a mix.
- One of the listings is available in selected stores; check the product information and availability at your local shop.
ALDI
The Trader Joe’s product range mentioned includes raisins and various cranberry or fruit mix options.
- ALDI lists a 200-gram resealable pack for one dried fruit mix.
- The ingredients may vary between varieties, so check the ingredients on the pack you choose.
PLUS
The products mentioned include sultana raisins and dried tropical fruit.
- PLUS lists a 375-gram stand-up pouch of sultana raisins, with storage advice to keep them in a cool, dry and dark place.
- The product information warns that stalks and stones may be present; check portions as you divide them up.
Dirk
The range information includes pitted apricots, prunes, figs and dates.
- The product listings distinguish between fruit with and without stones.
- The range page doesn’t confirm that a product is sold in individual snack portions; check the packaging of the variety you choose.
Dried fruit at Joybuy
This selection includes dried fruit for on the go, from individually portioned raisins to bags of other fruit. Check the ingredients, allergens and storage advice for each variety.
Image unavailable
Zohra Medjool Dates (M) 908 g
An option if you want to take dates with walnuts with you; the product description lists dates and walnuts as ingredients.
Contains walnuts. According to the product description, store in a cool, dry place.
Image unavailable
Haoxiangni Pitted Jujubes 500 g
An option if you’re looking for pitted red jujubes to take with you.
The product description states that these are 100% red dates and recommends storing them in a cool, dry place, preferably below 15 °C. Seal the bag well after opening.
Image unavailable
Sundrop Mini Raisin Handouts 252 g
A raisin snack to take with you.
The product description lists 99.5% raisins and sunflower oil. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; seal well after opening.
Image unavailable
De Kleine Keuken Organic raisins 12M+ 140 g
An option if you’re specifically looking for individual portions of raisins: the product description lists ten 14-gram boxes.
The description states that these are organic raisins with no added sugars. Suitable only for children aged 12 months and over; supervise them while they eat. Not suitable for children with swallowing difficulties. Store in a cool, dry and dark place.
Image unavailable
Be&Cheery Various Dried Plum 90 g
Another type of fruit to take with you as a snack.
The ingredients list includes plums, sugar, salt and sweetener. Seal well after opening and store in a cool, dry place.
Frequently asked questions
Is the portion size on the pack also a daily dietary recommendation?
No. The portion size on the pack is product information, not automatically a daily dietary recommendation. For the mango mentioned here, Albert Heijn gives a portion size of 25 grams. The World Cancer Research Fund recommends no more than 20 grams of dried fruit a day; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises eating no more than a handful of dried fruit without added sugar.
Can dried fruit be left in the car during a journey?
Follow the storage advice for the variety you choose. PLUS Sultana Raisins should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place; for the mango mentioned here, Albert Heijn advises storing it at room temperature in a dark place. Resealable packaging doesn’t override the advice on the label.
What does a warning about the possible presence of allergens mean?
This kind of warning refers to possible accidental presence and doesn’t automatically mean the allergen has been added as an ingredient. The NVWA states that Dutch rules on allergen warnings apply from 1 January 2026 and that businesses must carry out a risk assessment for them. If you have a relevant allergy, check both the ingredients list and the warning on the variety you’re buying.
Where can I report a potentially unsafe food product?
As a consumer, you can report potentially unsafe food to the NVWA using its reporting service for food and drink. If you have questions about an order or product, you can also contact the shop’s customer service team.