Check the protein in the portion you actually eat: Jumbo Pitted Dried Apricots list 0.6 grams per 20 grams, compared with 3.3 grams per 25 grams for Jumbo Unsalted Trail Mix. Those values on their own don’t prove that either product meets the criteria for a ‘high protein’ claim. After an intense workout, dried fruit is best as an addition to a meal that includes a separate source of protein. When you’re out on the terrace, keep an eye on portion size, allergens and storage instructions too.
You want to know whether your fruit snack really adds protein to your post-workout food. Compare protein per portion you eat, and treat dried fruit and a separate protein source as two different things. The Dutch Association of Sports Nutrition Experts gives quark with fruit and muesli as an example of a recovery meal.
You’re looking for a small, sweet snack without accidentally eating a whole pack. Portion size, sugars and energy can all be factors; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre offers advice on portions of dried fruit.
You want to share a fruit snack while taking sulphites, nuts and peanuts into account. Check the allergen information on the exact pack and follow the storage instructions for the product you choose. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains allergen information for food.
A good fit if: you’re mainly after a sweet fruit snack and protein isn’t your top priority.
The trade-off: the 20-gram portion of Jumbo apricots reviewed lists 0.6 grams of protein, 47 kcal and 10.2 grams of sugars.
A good fit if: you’re after a fruit and nut snack that lists 3.3 grams of protein per 25-gram portion in the Jumbo product reviewed.
The trade-off: that portion also lists 132 kcal, and the mix contains nuts and peanuts.
First decide whether you want a fruit snack or something to add to your post-workout meal. Then compare the actual portion, ingredients and storage instructions.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | Compare the protein value with the weight of the portion you actually eat. A nutrition claim and a sports nutrition goal are two different considerations. | After a workout, I want to know how much protein my actual portion provides, not just what’s listed per 100 grams. Around 36% of consumers put protein content first. |
| Portion, sugars and energy | Compare values for the same portion size and weigh out how much you plan to eat beforehand. | With a drink, I want a small, measured snack and a clear idea of its sugars and energy. Portion control comes first for around 22% of consumers. |
| Taking it with you and storage | Check the instructions for after opening; some products need to be refrigerated. | If I’m taking a snack with me, I want to be able to follow the storage instructions while I’m out. Practical storage is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
| Allergens when sharing | Check the exact pack for both the allergens it contains and any warnings about possible traces. | When sharing, I want to take account of any allergies or intolerances I or the people I’m with may have. Allergen suitability is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
| Cost and leftovers | Compare the current price per quantity and choose a pack you can use within the storage instructions. | I want to buy an amount I’ll actually finish, rather than end up with leftovers. Cost for what you actually use comes first for around 14% of consumers. |
The Jumbo apricots reviewed list 0.6 grams of protein per 20-gram portion. The Dutch Association of Sports Nutrition Experts describes post-exercise recovery food as a meal, for example quark with fruit and muesli.
Decide whether you’re looking for a standalone fruit snack or a recovery meal, and check the protein in the portion you’ll actually eat.
Jumbo Unsalted Trail Mix lists 3.3 grams of protein and 132 kcal per 25-gram portion. A larger portion increases both amounts.
Compare measured portions and consider the protein alongside the energy per portion.
Once opened, AH Soft Dried Apricots must be refrigerated at a maximum of 7°C and have a limited shelf life.
Check the instructions for after opening before you buy, and choose a product whose storage requirements suit your plans.
If you can’t follow the required storage conditions, you may have to throw the contents away.
The AH, Jumbo and PLUS apricot products reviewed list sulphites. The trail mix reviewed contains nuts and peanuts; Jumbo apricots may contain traces of nuts, peanuts and sesame.
Check the exact pack. If you’re buying an unpackaged snack, ask for allergen information before you buy.
The product information reviewed includes AH Soft Dried Apricots.
The labels reviewed make it possible to compare plain dried apricots with unsalted trail mix.
Lidl Netherlands presents Alesto as a range that includes dried fruit and nuts.
ALDI Netherlands describes Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Apricots in a 250-gram pack.
PLUS lists nutrition information for the Dried Apricots reviewed, in a 375-gram stand-up pouch.
Dirk’s category overview features dried fruit and nuts, including pitted apricots and dried figs.
This selection includes dried fruit and fruit and nut products. Don’t use a listed protein value on its own as proof that the exact product meets the criteria for a ‘high protein’ claim.
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A good choice if you want to share a selection of fruit and nut snacks; the bundle contains five snack products.
The ingredients list includes several tree nuts. One prune snack contains aspartame and is a source of phenylalanine.
Refrigerate after opening and consume within one day.
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An option if you’re looking for a dried fruit snack without nuts.
The product description suggests dates as a snack and says to store them in a cool, dry place.
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A good choice if you’re looking for pitted red dates as a fruit snack.
The ingredients list states 100% red dates; the nutrition table lists 2.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.
The product description says to store in a cool, dry place.
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A good choice if you want to combine dried fruit with nuts.
According to the ingredients list, the mix consists of 50% cashew nuts and 50% sweetened dried cranberries. The nutrition table lists 10.9 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Contains cashew nuts and may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
The cranberries are sweetened; reseal the pack securely after opening.
No. To use the nutrition claim, the exact product must meet the official definition and applicable criteria. Comparing grams of protein alone doesn’t prove that a product can use the claim.
Have it as part of a recovery meal that includes a separate source of protein. The Dutch Association of Sports Nutrition Experts gives quark with fruit and muesli as an example. This advice is about recovery after exercise, not a general requirement for people visiting a terrace.
Follow the instructions for the exact product. AH Soft Dried Apricots must be refrigerated at a maximum of 7°C after opening and have a limited shelf life, so don’t treat this pack as safe to keep unrefrigerated indefinitely.
Ask for allergen information before you buy. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about regulated allergens present in unpackaged products must be available in writing or verbally. If the information is given verbally, it must be clearly displayed that you can ask for it.
No. PLUS Dried Apricots lists 0 grams of added sugars and 53.4 grams of total sugars per 100 grams. So compare the total sugars too, as well as how much you eat.
