Who is this relevant to?

Hosts with sporty guests

You want to serve fruity birthday snacks while also being able to estimate how much protein a typical portion contributes to a post-exercise meal.

Hosts catering for different dietary needs

You want to be able to tailor the ingredients and any extras for guests who need to consider sulphites, nuts or milk.

Hosts who like to prepare ahead

You’re looking for portion sizes and storage conditions that work when preparing snacks in advance and replenishing them later.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the portion you want to serve. Then decide whether ingredients, storage or pack size matters most.

What to consider What should you look for? Who does this matter to?
Protein per portion Work out the label value for your portion. For 20 g, the values are 0.80 g for AH, 0.64 g for Jumbo and 0.68 g for PLUS, based on their labels. If I want to know what a post-exercise party portion contributes, I look at protein per portion, not just per 100 g. Around 33% of consumers choosing this type of birthday snack prioritise its protein content.
Ingredients for guests Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product. The apricot products mentioned contain sulphites; Jumbo also states that they may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame. If I’m inviting guests with different dietary needs, I want to be able to check the full label. Around 27% of consumers prioritise whether a product is suitable for their guests.
Preparation and storage Follow the advice on the packaging. AH Soft Dried Apricots should be refrigerated after opening; Jumbo and PLUS advise storing their apricots in a cool, dry, dark place. If I’m preparing snacks in advance, I want the storage requirements to fit my plans. Around 20% of consumers prioritise preparation and storage.
Pack size Compare the pack weight with the number of portions you need. AH and Jumbo contain 250 g; PLUS contains 375 g. When planning my shopping, I want enough portions without preparing more fruit than I need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise portion planning and cost.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming the value per 100 g is what your snack provides

    According to the labels from AH, Jumbo and PLUS, a 20 g portion of the apricot products mentioned provides 0.64–0.80 g of protein. That’s less than the figure per 100 g on the label.

    Before choosing a product for its protein content, work out the label value for the amount you’ll actually serve.

  • Assuming dried fruit can always be kept out of the fridge after opening

    AH Soft Dried Apricots should be refrigerated after opening. Storage requirements can vary from one product to another.

    Check the advice on the packaging and plan your preparations accordingly.

    Refrigerated products may need space in the fridge; topping up in smaller amounts could work better with your plans.

  • Reading only the main ingredient

    The AH, Jumbo and PLUS apricots mentioned contain sulphites. Jumbo also states that the product may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame.

    Check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements for each product.

Relevant brands and retailers

Albert Heijn

A relevant retailer for soft dried apricots and fruit-and-nut products.

  • Albert Heijn states that AH Soft Dried Apricots contain 4 g of protein per 100 g and 0 g of added sugars.
  • This product contains sulphites and should be refrigerated after opening. These product details don’t necessarily apply to other Albert Heijn products.

Jumbo

A retailer selling pitted dried apricots.

  • Jumbo states that its 250 g pack of Pitted Dried Apricots contains 3.2 g of protein per 100 g.
  • The product contains sulphites and may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame. Check the information on the packaging.

Lidl

A retailer selling dried fruit.

  • Lidl Netherlands lists dried fruit at selected stores.
  • Check with your local store to see which products are available.

Aldi

A retailer selling dried plums under the TRADER JOE’S brand.

  • ALDI describes TRADER JOE’S Sun-Dried Plums as soft, pitted plums in a 250 g pack.
  • This product description alone doesn’t tell you anything about the protein content or whether the product contributes to recovery.

PLUS

A retailer selling dried apricots in a stand-up pouch.

  • PLUS states that its Dried Apricots contain 3.4 g of protein and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
  • The product contains sulphites. Check the packaging for the information that applies to your purchase.

Dirk

A retailer selling pitted apricots.

  • Dirk lists pitted apricots on its product page.
  • Dirk doesn’t offer a delivery service, so bear this in mind when planning your purchase.

Products on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugar’ mean the same as sugar-free?

No. AH Soft Dried Apricots state that they contain 0 g of added sugars, but 37 g of total sugars per 100 g. Check both figures and bear the amount you serve in mind.

Can all dried fruit be stored outside the fridge after opening?

No. AH Soft Dried Apricots should be refrigerated after opening, at a maximum of 7 °C. Follow the advice for the exact product rather than making assumptions based on the product category.

How can you serve fruit with a perishable source of protein?

Set out small portions and keep the rest refrigerated. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a fridge temperature of 4 °C and advises not leaving highly perishable food out of the fridge for more than 2 hours.

Where can I check allergens in packaged products?

According to the NVWA, allergen information appears on the label of prepacked products. Check each product’s label individually and keep the packaging so guests can read the information.

What do sulphites in dried fruit mean?

The AH, Jumbo and PLUS apricots mentioned list sulphites. Stichting Voedselallergie describes reactions to sulphites as intolerance reactions, not allergic reactions. Check the ingredients information for the product you’re serving.