Dried apricots are a useful starting point if you’re looking for dried fruit that’s low in fat: the Voedingscentrum lists 0 g of fat for a typical 9 g piece. However, this general category information doesn’t tell you what’s in every supermarket product, or prove that a product meets the reduced-fat claim. Check the nutritional information on the packaging of the exact product and weigh out a portion. Low fat doesn’t automatically mean low in sugar or energy. Buying in advance gives you the chance to check the packaging, while Albert Heijn at Schiphol Plaza is a confirmed shopping option, with no guarantee that a particular product is available locally.
You want to assess the ingredients and nutritional content of the specific product, rather than relying on its name or healthy appearance. The Voedingscentrum provides general nutritional values for dried apricots; Albert Heijn recommends checking the current packaging.
You’re looking for a modest snack to enjoy while waiting or travelling, so you also pay attention to portion weight, sugar and energy. The Voedingscentrum provides general nutritional information and dietary advice, but this doesn’t replace the information for the product you’re buying.
You want to arrange a pack to take with you in advance, or have the option of shopping at Schiphol. Schiphol explains the hand-luggage rules; also check whether the packaging can be resealed and, if you’re travelling internationally, your destination’s import rules.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and claims | Compare total fat on a like-for-like basis, for example per 100 g. Assess any claim on the packaging separately. | If low fat is my main criterion, I want to see the nutritional information for that exact product. Around 31% of consumers say fat content is their top priority when buying. |
| Portion, sugar and energy | Weigh your portion and check the sugar and energy content for the amount you’ll eat. The Voedingscentrum recommends eating no more than 20 g of dried fruit a day. | For a small snack, I look at how much I’ll actually take with me, not just the size of the bag. Around 25% of consumers prioritise a small portion. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the net weight, whether the packaging can be resealed and the storage instructions on the label. The Voedingscentrum recommends storing dried fruit mix in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. | If I want to eat my snack on the go, portability, resealing and storage are key for me. Around 25% of consumers prioritise convenience when travelling. |
| Sulphites and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. Look out for sulphites, such as E220–E228, if relevant to you. | Anyone who needs to consider a personal intolerance or allergy has different requirements from someone who is only looking at fat content. Around 13% of consumers give ingredients and allergen information top priority. |
| When to buy | Choose between buying in advance and shopping at the airport. Schiphol confirms that there is an Albert Heijn and two to-go locations on Plaza, but doesn’t confirm stock of a specific product. | If I want to check the exact packaging in advance, I’d rather buy before travelling. Anyone planning to shop on Plaza should bear in mind that the local range may vary. Around 6% of consumers prioritise ease of purchase and finding a suitable portion size. |
A general value for dried apricots doesn’t automatically describe the exact composition of a supermarket product. Albert Heijn notes that product information can change.
Check the current nutrition table for the product you’re buying. Don’t describe a product as reduced fat based on a general value: the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that nutrition claims must comply with European rules.
A 250 or 375 g bag isn’t the same as a portion for one snack break. Low fat alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar or energy you’ll get from the amount you eat.
Decide on your portion in advance, check the nutritional information for that amount and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
A large bag may contain more than you need for the snack break you have in mind.
Schiphol’s security rules and the rules for taking goods into another country are two different things.
If you’re travelling internationally, also check your destination’s official rules. Being allowed through hand-luggage security doesn’t mean a snack is permitted for import.
Dried fruit may contain sulphites. Stichting Voedselallergie distinguishes a sulphite intolerance reaction from an allergic reaction; according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, prepacked products must list allergen information on the label.
If you have an intolerance or allergy that’s relevant to you, read the current ingredients and allergen information, even if the fat content suits your preferences.
An option for checking dried apricots in advance; Schiphol also confirms there are Albert Heijn stores on Plaza.
An option for checking raisins or small packs to take with you in advance.
Alesto is a product range that includes dried fruit, such as mango strips.
An option for checking Trader Joe's Zongedroogde abrikozen in advance.
An option for checking PLUS Gedroogde abrikozen in a stand-up pouch in advance.
An option for checking the own-brand 1 de Beste Abrikozen in advance.
These dried fruit products are options to compare as snacks for on the go. Check the nutritional information and ingredients for each product: the fat content alone won’t tell you how much sugar or energy is in the portion you choose.
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An option to compare if you’re choosing dried fruit by fat content; also check the sugar and energy information in the product details.
Pack size: 390 g. The product information also lists sugar and energy, so a low fat content doesn’t automatically mean low levels of either.
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Dried soursop to compare as a fruit snack; check the fat content as well as the ingredients and nutritional information.
Pack size: 180 g. The product information lists sugar and glucose; also check the sugar and energy content of the portion you eat.
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The product description calls this a ready-to-eat snack to take with you; also check the nutritional information if fat content is one of your selection criteria.
Pack size: 90 g. The product information also lists sugar, salt and sweeteners; check the ingredients if these matter to you.
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A dried apricot option to consider if you’re looking for a fruity snack; check the nutritional information for this pack.
Pack size: 250 g. The product information lists added sugar, maltose syrup and sulphites; check the ingredients if sugar or sulphites are relevant to you.
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A pack of raisins to take with you and compare if you’re looking for a dried fruit snack; check sugar and energy as well as fat.
Pack size: 100 g. Choose a portion to suit what you want to eat; the whole pack doesn’t have to count as one snack portion.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, a typical 9 g piece of dried apricot contains 0 g of fat, 26 kcal and 5 g of sugars. So also consider how much you actually eat; these general values aren’t product specifications for every pack.
No. The Voedingscentrum’s limit of 20 g a day is dietary advice, not a legal restriction on what you can buy or how much a pack can contain.
For ordinary, solid dried fruit, Schiphol’s general guidance is that items can be taken on board unless they appear on its list of dangerous or prohibited items. This doesn’t mean they can be imported into every country; if you’re travelling internationally, also check your destination’s rules.
Schiphol confirms there is an Albert Heijn and two to-go locations on Plaza. This location information doesn’t confirm that your specific dried fruit product will be available there.
Check the current ingredients information on the packaging for sulphites, including E220–E228. Stichting Voedselallergie notes that sulphites are relevant to intolerance; a statement about sulphites isn’t evidence of the fat content.
