Which option is right for you?

Parents who pack in a hurry

You’re looking for a small, pre-packed snack that can go straight into a school lunchbox. Jumbo and Albert Heijn, among others, list raisins in individual portions.

Label-conscious parents

You pay attention to quantities, ingredients and allergen information rather than relying on a children’s illustration or the word ‘fruit’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre and product labels offer useful pointers for these checks.

Families who portion it themselves

You want to decide how much to pack and don’t mind weighing it out. Larger packs of raisins, such as those from PLUS and Trader Joe’s at ALDI, offer a different format from individual snack boxes.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want ready-to-go portions or would rather weigh them out yourself. Then check the ingredients and portion size of the specific product.

The percentages below show the primary consumer need represented by each row for this topic. For children aged 4 to 12, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of one handful of dried fruit with no added sugar per day; a packaged portion doesn’t automatically match the right amount for your child.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Ready to pack Check whether the outer pack contains individual portions and how many grams are in each one. Jumbo lists 14 boxes of 14 g; AH Hamsterchef Raisins lists 10 boxes of 14 g. I want to pack something in the morning without weighing it first. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a portion that needs no preparation.
A modest portion Check the portion size and read the total sugars and added sugars separately. Also count any other portions of dried fruit eaten that day. I want to know what’s in the portion and how much I’m packing. Around 23% of consumers prioritise portion size and nutritional content.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and any warnings about allergens or cross-contamination for the product you’ve chosen. I want to choose a product that suits what my child can eat. Around 18% of consumers start by checking the ingredients and allergen information.
Portioning it yourself Check the net weight and storage instructions. PLUS lists a 375 g stand-up pouch, while ALDI Trader Joe’s Raisins come in a 500 g pack. I want to decide how much to put in each lunchbox and don’t mind weighing it out. Around 12% of consumers prioritise portioning it themselves.
Variety Check which fruit is actually in the mix, and check the ingredients and allergens again. I’m looking for something other than raisins alone, without giving up individual portions. Around 18% of consumers mainly choose a mix for variety.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming ‘no added sugar’ means low in total sugars

    Albert Heijn lists 65 g of sugars per 100 g for AH Hamsterchef Raisins. So, no added sugar doesn’t mean the total sugar content is low.

    Read the nutrition information and ingredients list alongside the portion size. Also take into account any other portions of dried fruit eaten that day.

  • Treating a fruit mix as if it were plain raisins

    The AH mixes with apple and apricot included in this review have different ingredients from plain raisins and list sulphites. The apricot mix also warns that some stones may remain.

    Check the label for each product, especially if allergens or ingredients are important to you.

  • Decanting from a large bag without reading the product instructions

    The PLUS Sultana Raisins pack warns that small stalks and stones may be present. The AH apricot mix warns that some stones may remain.

    Follow the instructions for the specific product and check the portion before packing it.

  • Leaving an opened pack unsealed

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing raisins in a cool, dry, dark place and keeping them well sealed.

    Seal the pack carefully after use and follow the storage instructions on the label too.

Brands and retailer options for reference

Albert Heijn

The AH Hamsterchef products included in this review comprise plain raisins and mixes with apricot or apple.

  • Albert Heijn lists 10 portions of 14 g for the individual snack boxes included in this review.
  • The fruit mixes list sulphites; the apricot mix also warns that some stones may remain.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Snoep Rozijntjes in a pack containing individual boxes.

  • The product information lists 14 boxes of 14 g.
  • Jumbo notes that the product may contain traces of nuts, milk and soya, among other things. Check the warnings on the current packaging.

Lidl

The Lidl product page describes Snoeprozijntjes as a small pack.

  • The product description lists 2 × 14 g per pack.
  • Lidl says the product is available in store only; check the label for full product information.

ALDI

The ALDI product listing is for Trader Joe’s Raisins in a larger pack.

  • The listed pack contains 500 g.
  • This is a larger pack, not a confirmed multipack of individual children’s portions. Check the packaging for ingredients and allergen information.

PLUS

PLUS lists Sultana Raisins in a stand-up pouch.

  • The product information lists raisins and sunflower oil in a 375 g pack.
  • The pack warns that small stalks and stones may be present; follow the product instructions when portioning.

Dirk

The Dirk range overview includes 1 de Beste Sultana Raisins, among other products.

  • The range overview lists a 375 g pack.
  • The overview doesn’t confirm that the product comes in small individual portions; check the current packaging for product and label information.

Joybuy products

These products are aimed at school lunchboxes and offer raisins in small, individually packed portions.

De Kleine Keuken Organic raisins 12M+ 140g

De Kleine Keuken Organic Raisins 12M+ 140 g

A good choice if you’re looking for a pre-packed portion of raisins that’s ready to go.

The product information lists 10 boxes of 14 g, with organic raisins and no added sugars or sulphites. The title states 12M+; the product information advises supervising children while they eat and says the product is not suitable for children with swallowing difficulties.

View at Joybuy
Sundrop Mini Raisin Handouts - 252 g

Sundrop Mini Raisin Handouts - 252 g

A good choice if you’re looking for mini portions of raisins and want to check the pack’s ingredients.

The product name specifies mini portions and a net weight of 252 g. The product information lists 99.5% raisins and sunflower oil.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can dried fruit completely replace fresh fruit in a lunchbox?

No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends fresh fruit. A box or handful of raisins can be a snack, but dried fruit isn’t a complete replacement for fresh fruit.

How much dried fruit should you pack?

For children aged 4 to 12, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of one handful of dried fruit with no added sugar per day. The portion size on a pack isn’t automatically a personal dietary recommendation; remember to count any other portions eaten that day too.

What should you look for in raisin mixes with apple or apricot?

Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific mix. Albert Heijn lists sulphites in the apple and apricot mixes included in this review; the apricot mix also carries a warning that some stones may remain.

Where can you check allergens in pre-packed dried fruit?

Read the ingredients list and any warnings on the packaging for the product you’ve chosen. The NVWA states that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products, so don’t rely solely on the product name or a short description.

How should you store an opened bag of raisins?

Store raisins in a cool, dry, dark place and seal the pack well, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the storage instructions on the packaging.