Who is this buying guide for?

Vegan athletes with a protein target

You want to know how much protein a serving actually provides, and whether dried fruit is an addition to your sports meal or should replace its protein source. Jumbo lists 0.6 grams of protein per 20-gram serving of its dried apricots.

Anyone looking for a snack or breakfast topping

You’re looking for dried fruit as a snack or topping and want to weigh up the portion size and nutritional values without automatically treating it as a source of protein. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that dried fruit still contains sugar, even when no sugar has been added.

Vegan shoppers who check ingredients

You want to check whether the ingredients suit a vegan diet and, if relevant to you, look out for sulphites and allergens. The NVWA makes clear that the allergen information for prepacked products is shown on the label, so check the exact packaging.

What should you look for when buying?

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Protein per serving Compare the protein per 100 grams and per serving you actually eat. If I choose fruit to meet my protein target, I want to know how much my serving contributes. Around 34% of consumers prioritise protein content.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product. If vegan ingredients or my personal allergen restrictions are key, I want to check the full composition. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this check.
Snack, topping or mix Choose the type of product first, then check the nutritional values for that version. If I’m mainly looking for a fruity snack or topping, the format needs to suit how I’ll use it. Around 20% of consumers prioritise convenience.
Sugars and portion size Check both the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure. If I want to weigh up my portion and sugar intake, I need to know what the amount I’ve chosen contains. Around 13% of consumers start by looking at sugar and portion size.
Packaging and storage Choose an amount that suits how you’ll use it and follow the storage advice on the packaging. If I don’t use dried fruit often, I want to choose a suitable amount and store it properly. Around 13% of consumers focus mainly on packaging and managing their supplies.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming a serving of fruit can be the protein base of your sports meal

    According to Jumbo, the Jumbo apricots checked provide 0.6 grams of protein per 20-gram serving. The serving also contains 10.3 grams of carbohydrates.

    Compare protein per serving and, if protein is important to you, choose a suitable plant-based protein source as well.

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘low in sugar’

    Not adding sugar doesn’t mean the product contains no naturally occurring sugars.

    Check both the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ figure, and choose a portion that suits what you want to eat.

  • Assuming a fruit and nut mix is suitable for every vegan shopper

    The ingredients vary from one mix to another, and nuts may also be relevant for people with allergies.

    Check the ingredients and allergen information for the whole mix on the packaging.

  • Choosing a large pack without considering storage

    The right amount depends in part on how often you use the product and how you can store it.

    Follow the storage instructions on the exact packaging. For golden raisins, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container.

Relevant supermarket chains

These chains offer products and pack sizes you can compare. A chain being listed here doesn’t in itself say anything about the protein content, vegan suitability or availability of a specific product.

Albert Heijn

Its range page lists dried fruit and fruit and nut mixes, including combinations with raisins, pineapple, mango and almonds.

  • The product types listed offer different options for snacking or adding to a meal.
  • A fruit and nut mix isn’t automatically high in protein or suitable for everyone with allergen restrictions, so check the specific product.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists raisins and dried apricots. The product information for the apricots also gives values per 100 grams and per serving.

  • For the apricots checked, Jumbo lists 3.2 grams of protein per 100 grams and 0.6 grams per 20-gram serving.
  • The same product information lists sulphites and possible traces of nuts, peanuts and sesame. This applies to this product, not the entire range.

Lidl

Lidl offers dried fruit and nuts under its Alesto brand, and suggests dried fruit as a possible topping.

  • The range description includes both fruit and nut products as options for adding to dishes.
  • The product type or serving suggestion doesn’t prove that a specific product provides a high amount of protein.

Aldi

Aldi lists Trader Joe’s sun-dried apricots in a 250-gram pack.

  • The product description calls them soft dried apricots.
  • A description of the texture says nothing about protein content or vegan certification.

Plus

The product page lists PLUS Dried Apricots in a 375-gram stand-up pouch.

  • The pack information can help you decide whether the quantity suits how you’ll use it.
  • PLUS advises customers to read the packaging, as ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.

Dirk

Dirk lists pitted apricots in a 200-gram pack.

  • The product page gives a specific pack size to include in your comparison.
  • Check the nutritional values and ingredients of the product itself; a product listing isn’t proof of a protein claim.

Dried fruit and fruit and nut mixes

This selection of Joybuy products includes individual dried fruits and a fruit and nut mix. Check the ingredients and nutritional values for each product; the product name alone doesn’t confirm that it’s vegan or provides enough protein to serve as a protein source.

Anatolia Sari Uzum raisins 500 g

Anatolia Sari Uzum Raisins 500 g

Suitable as a fruity snack or an addition to breakfast cereals; the product description suggests enjoying it as a snack or adding it to dishes.

The ingredients are listed as 100% dried grapes. Check the packaging for up-to-date product information and vegan suitability.

Joybuy
g’woon cashew and cranberry mix 200 g

g’woon Cashew Nut Cranberry Mix 200 g

A ready-made combination for anyone who wants to enjoy fruit and nuts together. Check the full ingredients before choosing it as a vegan option.

According to the product information, the mix contains 50% cashew nuts and 50% sweetened dried cranberries, with 10.9 grams of protein per 100 grams. The information lists cashew nuts and possible traces of peanuts and other nuts.

Joybuy
OHLA dried guava 180 g

OHLA Dried Guava 180 g

A fruity snack or an addition to dishes; the product information suggests both ways to enjoy it.

The description lists 95% guava, and the nutritional information gives 1.27 grams of protein per 100 grams. Sugar and a preservative are also listed, so check the full ingredients list on the packaging.

Joybuy
OHLA dried soursop 180 g

OHLA Dried Soursop 180 g

The product information describes this as a snack; check whether the ingredients suit your preferences.

The nutritional information lists 2.25 grams of protein per 100 grams. The ingredients list soursop, white sugar, glucose, citric acid and sodium metabisulphite. Follow the storage advice on the packaging after opening.

Joybuy
PHILIPPINE BRAND dried mango 100 g

PHILIPPINE BRAND Dried Mango 100 g

The product description mentions individually wrapped portions for snacking or adding to dishes.

The description lists 75% mango, and the nutritional information gives 2 grams of protein per 100 grams. The ingredients list sugar and E223 (sulphites); check the packaging if sulphites are relevant to you.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do you always need special protein products for sport?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who exercise don’t need special protein shakes or bars if they eat a healthy, varied diet. Look at your overall diet, not just a serving of dried fruit.

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

No. ‘No added sugars’ refers to what has been added during preparation; it doesn’t mean the product contains no sugars. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre defines ‘sugar-free’ as no more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams or 100 millilitres.

Do allergens have to be listed on packaging in the Netherlands?

Yes. The NVWA states that allergen information for prepacked products must be shown on the label. Check which allergens are listed on the packaging of your specific product.

Does the presence of sulphites mean a product isn’t vegan?

The presence of sulphites alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for vegans. The Food Allergy Foundation describes sulphites as a preservative. Check the ingredients list separately, and look out for sulphites if you’re sensitive to them.

How should you store raisins after opening?

For golden raisins, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. Also follow the specific instructions on your product’s packaging.