Which pack is right for you?

Households that portion snacks themselves

If you regularly prepare school lunches, you can divide a large bag into portions that suit how much your household uses. Albert Heijn and Jumbo sell raisins in 750 g bags.

Parents who check ingredients

If you want to check what’s in a product, look at the ingredients list and any relevant allergen warnings on the pack you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends no more than a handful of dried fruit.

Families who want something ready to go

If you’d rather not weigh out a portion every day, individual boxes offer an alternative. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list multipacks containing individual portions of raisins.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Pack size and usage Net weight and how much you’re likely to use at home. If I’m buying enough for several lunches, I want a pack size that suits how much we get through at home. Around 31% of consumers say usage and the amount needed are their top considerations.
Ingredients and portion size Ingredients list, nutrition table and any relevant allergen warnings. If I want to know what’s in my chosen product and how much to pack, I check the label. Around 25% of consumers give the highest priority to ingredients and portion size.
Ready to take with you Number of boxes, weight per box and the ingredients in that product. If I don’t want to weigh out a portion from a large bag in the morning, individual boxes are a practical option. Around 25% of consumers prioritise convenience when packing snacks to take with them.
Stock and preference Pack size, flavour preference and storage instructions after opening. I want to avoid buying more than we’ll use, so I choose something my teenager likes taking with them. Around 19% of consumers say a suitable pack size and flavour are the deciding factors.

Things to consider when buying

  • Assuming a bigger pack means a bigger portion

    The size of the bag doesn’t determine how much you pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends no more than a handful of dried fruit.

    If needed, portion out the contents in advance and don’t use the pack size as a guide to portion size.

  • Confusing no added sugar with sugar-free

    Dried fruit naturally contains sugar. Some varieties also have sugar listed as an ingredient; PLUS, for example, lists sugar in the ingredients of its dried cranberries.

    Check the ingredients list and nutrition table for each variety individually.

  • Judging by the packaging alone

    A small bag and a larger multipack contain different quantities. The pack size alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s right for how much your household uses.

    Compare the net weight with how much you expect to use, then decide whether portioning the contents yourself or choosing individual boxes best suits your routine.

  • Assuming a fruit name means it’s allergen-free

    Jumbo’s multipack of snack raisins warns that it may contain nuts, milk and soya. This applies to this pack and not necessarily to all Jumbo raisins.

    If you have a relevant allergy, check the ingredients and current warnings on the exact pack.

Brands to compare

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists raisins in both a large bag and individual boxes, to suit different ways of preparing lunches.

  • The product information lists a 750 g bag of sun-dried raisins and Hamsterchef boxes containing 10 × 14 g.
  • You’ll need to portion out the contents of the large bag yourself; check the ingredients on the pack you choose.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists sun-dried sultanas in a large bag and snack raisins in a multipack.

  • The product information lists a 750 g bag and a box containing 14 portions of 14 g.
  • The multipack reviewed warns that it may contain nuts, milk and soya. Check the pack of the variety you choose.

Lidl

According to the product information, Lidl offers dried tropical fruit in several varieties.

  • The varieties described come in 200 g packs and, according to Lidl, are available in store only.
  • Check the ingredients for the specific fruit or variety before choosing it for a lunch.

ALDI

ALDI lists TRADER JOE'S Raisins in a large bag.

  • The product information lists a 500 g pack.
  • Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you choose.

PLUS

PLUS lists both sultanas and dried cranberries in individual bags.

  • The product information lists sultanas in a 375 g bag and cranberries in a 200 g bag.
  • The ingredients of the cranberries reviewed include sugar; the product page for the sultanas reviewed lists raisins and sunflower oil.

Dirk

Dirk lists 1 de Beste Sultana Raisins as a smaller bag.

  • The product information lists a 375 g pack.
  • Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you choose.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to soak raisins before putting them in a lunchbox?

No, soaking isn’t necessary for the AH raisins reviewed, which are sold ready to eat. Follow the instructions for the specific fruit: PLUS recommends rinsing its dried cranberries with lukewarm water before use.

How should you store an opened bag of raisins?

Store raisins in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says raisins keep for 6–9 months in a kitchen cupboard; also follow the instructions on the pack and check for signs of spoilage.

Is the portion size shown on a pack automatically right for a teenager?

No, a portion size on the pack is product information, not personalised dietary advice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends no more than a handful of dried fruit and highlights the importance of a varied diet for teenagers.

How can you check for allergens in dried fruit?

Read the ingredients list and any allergen warning on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) says allergens are indicated in the ingredients list; if you have a relevant allergy, warnings about possible traces are important too.

Do raisins and dried cranberries have the same ingredients?

No, ingredients can vary by fruit and variety. For example, PLUS lists dried cranberries, sugar and sunflower oil in the cranberries reviewed, so always check the ingredients on the specific pack.