Choose dried fruit as a sweet fruit component, not as your main source of protein: according to the labels from Albert Heijn, PLUS and Jumbo, the apricots examined provide around 0.64 to 0.80 g of protein per 20 g serving. Choose a separate protein source for the buffet dish and consider the whole serving; if you’re combining ingredients, also check for allergens and keep chilled foods refrigerated.
If you’re choosing a buffet to support sport and recovery, you’ll also want to consider protein. Look at the contribution from the whole serving and the separate protein source: a small serving of dried apricots provides very little protein on its own.
You want to serve fruit, nuts and perhaps dairy in a way that lets guests check the ingredients and allergens. Keep perishable items refrigerated; Voedingscentrum provides advice on safe chilling and storage.
You’re looking for a sweet fruit component and want to keep track of the portion and sugars. Compare total sugars and ingredients, even when the packaging says that no sugar has been added.
A good choice if: you mainly want a sweet fruit component that guests can help themselves to.
Consider: the apricots examined provide less than 1 g of protein per 20 g serving, so choose a separate protein source if that matters for the dish.
A good choice if: you want to serve fruit and nuts together and the ingredients are suitable for your guests.
Consider: the protein content depends on the specific nuts and proportions in the mix; nuts and peanuts can also be allergens.
A good choice if: you want to consider the protein content of the buffet dish alongside the fruit component.
Consider: the total contribution depends on the products and portions you choose; dairy needs to be kept chilled and contains milk, an allergen.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per serving | Compare the figures per 100 g and calculate the amount in your serving. Albert Heijn lists 4 g of protein per 100 g, PLUS 3.4 g and Jumbo 3.2 g; a 20 g serving therefore provides 0.80 g, 0.68 g and 0.64 g respectively. | If you’re considering the protein contribution to a buffet dish, you’ll want to know how much the whole serving provides and what other protein source is included. Around 29% of consumers prioritise protein content. |
| Sugars and portion size | Check the total sugars per 100 g and the ingredients. Jumbo lists 51.0 g of sugars per 100 g and PLUS 53.4 g; PLUS also lists 0 g of added sugars per 100 g. | If you want to serve a small sweet addition, you’ll want to keep track of both the total sugars and the amount you serve. Around 23% of consumers prioritise sugar and portion size. |
| Allergens | Check the packaging of the exact product. Jumbo and PLUS list sulphites; Jumbo also warns that the product may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame. | If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, you’ll want to know what’s in the product and check for any cross-contamination warnings. Around 18% of consumers pay particular attention to allergens. |
| Storage and serving | Follow the instructions for each product: Albert Heijn says to refrigerate its rehydrated apricots after opening; Jumbo and PLUS advise storing their dried apricots in a cool, dry, dark place. Voedingscentrum recommends keeping perishable products chilled and not leaving them out of the fridge for more than 2 hours. | If you’re preparing dishes in advance, you’ll want to know which items need to stay chilled and how to serve them during the buffet. Around 18% of consumers prioritise preparation and storage. |
| Pack size | Match the quantity to the portions you’re planning. The Jumbo and ALDI packs examined contain 250 g; PLUS and Dirk list 375 g. | If dried fruit is just a small topping, you won’t want to buy more than you can use for the buffet. Around 12% of consumers focus on pack size and the total shop. |
According to the labels, the 20 g servings of apricots examined provide less than 1 g of protein. On its own, then, the fruit portion doesn’t support a claim that the buffet dish is high in protein.
Calculate the total serving and choose your protein source separately. Voedingscentrum lists foods such as quark, yoghurt, tofu, nuts and beans as sources of protein.
PLUS lists 0 g of added sugars per 100 g, but also 53.4 g of total sugars per 100 g.
Check both the ingredients list and the nutrition table, and take into account the amount you serve.
The apricot products examined may contain sulphites. A nut mix or the addition of dairy may introduce other allergens.
Check the packaging of the exact product and, if needed, serve ingredients separately, keeping their packaging or other information easy for guests to identify.
If a mix isn’t suitable for a guest, you may need to offer a separate fruit component.
Storage instructions vary by product. Albert Heijn says to refrigerate its rehydrated apricots after opening; anything combined with dairy is perishable.
Follow the packaging instructions and replenish chilled buffet dishes in small amounts. Voedingscentrum recommends not leaving perishable products out of the fridge for more than 2 hours.
AH Rehydrated Dried Apricots are a specific fruit component for dishes such as yoghurt and salads, according to Albert Heijn’s product page.
Jumbo Pitted Dried Apricots 250 g is a product with information about its ingredients, nutritional values and storage.
Alesto is Lidl’s range of products including nuts and dried fruit, such as apricots.
ALDI lists TRADER JOE’S Sun-Dried Apricots 250 g as a fruit component and describes the apricots as soft.
PLUS Dried Apricots 375 g is a specific larger pack, with product information and a vegan label on the product page.
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Apricots 375 g as its own-brand product, suitable as a snack, at breakfast or in baking recipes.
This Joybuy selection includes dried fruit on its own and fruit-and-nut mixes to serve as buffet components. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g with your portion, and check the ingredients and allergens before serving.
Image unavailable
The product information says it can be served straight from the pack, making it suitable as a fruit component on its own.
The label lists 3.8 g of protein and 50.0 g of sugars per 100 g.
Image unavailable
This combination of dates and walnuts works well as a fruit-and-nut component; check whether walnuts are suitable for your guests.
The ingredients list grey dates and walnuts. The label lists 3.4 g of protein and 12.1 g of sugars per 100 g; the product contains walnuts.
Image unavailable
The product information suggests serving it as a snack or adding it to dishes; the mix combines fruit and nuts.
The ingredients list 50% cashew nuts and 50% sweetened dried cranberries. The label lists 10.9 g of protein and 32.5 g of sugars per 100 g. Contains cashew nuts and may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
Image unavailable
The product information suggests serving it as a snack or using it as an ingredient in a buffet dish.
The description says it contains around 95% soursop. The label lists 2.25 g of protein and 72.6 g of sugars per 100 g; the product contains added sugar and sulphites.
Image unavailable
The product information describes dates as a fruit component and suggests packing them in snack boxes.
The ingredients list 95% dates and 5% rice flour. The label lists 2.6 g of protein and 61 g of sugars per 100 g; the product title says it is suitable from 12 months.
Not necessarily. Voedingscentrum says you can also get protein from everyday foods such as quark, yoghurt, tofu, nuts or beans. Which products suit you depends on your sporting goals and eating habits; dried fruit doesn’t replace that consideration.
Keep perishable items refrigerated. Voedingscentrum recommends a fridge temperature of 4 °C and says perishable products should be left out of the fridge for no more than 2 hours. This advice applies to perishable buffet items, not necessarily to every dried fruit product served on its own.
No, a nutrition claim can’t be used just anywhere. The European Commission says nutrition claims are only permitted if they appear in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 and meet the relevant conditions. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) prohibits misleading information on labels and in advertising, so don’t describe a product or buffet dish as ‘high protein’ based on its name or suggested use alone.
Not the AH variety examined: Albert Heijn says to refrigerate it after opening, at a maximum of 7 °C. Follow the instructions on the exact pack; dried and rehydrated varieties don’t necessarily have the same storage requirements.
The NVWA explains the legal information requirements for businesses selling food to consumers; that guidance doesn’t establish the same legal obligation for a private buffet at home. You can still keep the packaging and make the ingredients easy for your guests to identify.
