For a school-break snack, check the energy per 100 g as well as the amount you actually pack; a lower value per serving also depends on the serving size. For a child, a varied diet and practical storage instructions matter too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre emphasises that children are growing rapidly.
You’re looking for a snack for the school break and want to choose the amount carefully, without basing a growing child’s diet solely on a low calorie count. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the growth and development of children aged 4 to 12.
You want to portion out dried fruit in advance and take it with you. A product that needs to be refrigerated once opened calls for a different plan for the school day.
You want to distinguish added sugars from total sugars and check for ingredients or allergens that matter to you. To do this, check the information for the specific product.
First compare the nutritional values per 100 g, then calculate them for the amount your child will actually take to school. Next, check that the ingredients and storage instructions fit your school-day routine.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per serving | Compare kcal per 100 g and calculate the values for the same serving size. | If you want to know how much energy the amount you pack contains, the serving size matters more than the pack size alone. Around 33% of consumers prioritise energy per serving. |
| Suitable for a child | Consider how the snack fits into the rest of the day’s meals; don’t automatically treat a reference serving as advice for children. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of growth and a varied diet for children aged 4 to 12. | If you’re choosing a snack for a growing child, you don’t want to focus only on the lowest calorie count. This is the main priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Storage and taking it with you | Check the storage instructions for after opening and see whether refrigeration is needed. Albert Heijn states that its soaked apricots should be kept at a maximum of 7 °C after opening. | If you prepare the portion in advance, storing it needs to be practical on an ordinary school day too. Around 20% of consumers prioritise taking snacks with them and storing them. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and product-specific warnings; some of the apricots reviewed contain sulphites. | If you need to check ingredients because of an allergy, sensitivity or preference, the exact product variant matters. Around 13% of consumers put this check first. |
| Pack size | Choose a pack size that suits how much you use and the storage instructions for after opening. | If you want to avoid buying a pack that doesn’t suit how you use it, choosing the right amount can help. This is the most important factor for around 7% of consumers. |
A smaller serving contains less product, but it doesn’t change the nutritional value per 100 g. That means serving figures are only useful to compare when the amounts are the same.
First compare the values per 100 g, then calculate them for the same amount.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 40 kcal per 20 g serving for generic dried plums. Jumbo states that its pitted dried plums contain 282 kcal per 100 g, so that general reference is not the label value for this variant.
Use the nutritional information on the exact pack and compare products using the same unit.
The PLUS apricots reviewed list 0 g of added sugars alongside 53.4 g of total sugars per 100 g. This product information makes it clear that the two statements don’t mean the same thing.
Check the ingredients, total sugars and energy separately; don’t infer one nutritional value from another.
Once opened, Albert Heijn’s soaked dried apricots must be kept at a maximum of 7 °C and have a limited shelf life.
Check the instructions before buying and think about how you’ll store and use the pack once it’s open.
Supermarket with own-brand products such as soaked apricots and raisins.
Supermarket offering products including dried apricots and pitted plums.
Supermarket with Alesto as its product range for items including dried fruit.
Supermarket with Trader Joe’s products such as dried apricots and plums.
Supermarket with own-brand apricots and plums.
Supermarket offering products including own-brand 1 de Beste pitted plums.
These Joybuy products include raisins, apricots and plums for a snack you can take with you. Check the ingredients, nutritional information and any usage restrictions for each variant.
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The individual boxes can make it easier to prepare an amount for school in advance.
The pack contains 10 portions of 14 g and states that it contains no added sugars. According to the product information, it’s suitable from 12 months; supervise children while they eat. Not suitable for children with swallowing difficulties.
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A ready-to-eat raisin snack to take with you.
The product information lists 330 kcal per 100 g and says to store in a cool, dry place.
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The product description presents these pitted plums as a ready-to-eat snack.
The product information lists 283 kcal per 100 g and says to store in a cool, dry place.
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The individual 65 g pack is designed as a portion to take with you.
The product information lists 214 kcal per 100 g and ingredients including fructose syrup and oligofructose.
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The product description says these dried apricots can be eaten straight from the pack as a snack.
The product information lists 311 kcal per 100 g, as well as sugar, maltose syrup and sulphites.
No. A smaller serving doesn’t change the energy per 100 g; it only affects how much you actually eat. So compare the amount you pack as well.
No. Don’t automatically treat a stated reference serving as advice for children. Jumbo bases its reference intake on an average adult; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of growth and a varied diet for children aged 4 to 12.
Follow the storage instructions on the product information: after opening, these apricots must be refrigerated at a maximum of 7 °C and have a limited shelf life. The product information doesn’t give a separate safe storage time outside the fridge.
No. Jumbo warns that, in rare cases, a piece of stone or stone fragment may be present in its pitted plums. Bear this warning in mind when portioning and eating them.
No. The PLUS apricots reviewed state that they contain no added sugars, but list 53.4 g of total sugars per 100 g. Read both statements separately.
