For a school lunchbox, start with a small portion as part of a varied lunch; a small portion doesn’t make the product itself low in calories. Of the three apricot products compared, AH Soft Dried Apricots have the lowest energy value on the label at the same weight (182 kcal per 100 g). Even so, this is above the European Commission’s threshold of 40 kcal per 100 g for a ‘low calorie’ claim. Storage instructions, ingredients and any allergens matter too. Don’t put a primary-school child on a diet without professional guidance.
You want to include a small, fruity addition and weigh out the amount without turning lunch into a weight-loss diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a small portion of dried fruit because of its sugar content.
You look at the ingredients, sugars and allergens rather than relying solely on phrases such as ‘natural’ or ‘no added sugars’. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels.
You prepare lunchboxes in advance and want to know whether the packaging and storage instructions work for everyday use. In its parent survey of 27 August 2026, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre identifies storage and eating at school as factors to consider when packing a lunchbox.
First compare products at the same weight, then decide on the amount for lunch, and finally check the ingredients, storage instructions and packaging.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g, then calculate the amount based on the portion’s weight. A product isn’t ‘low calorie’ simply because you pack a small amount. | If I want to pack a considered amount, I compare the energy values at the same weight. Around 36% of consumers prioritise energy per portion. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients and nutrition table, including total and added sugars and any allergens. | If I’m mainly checking ingredients, sugars or a relevant allergen, I want to be able to assess the full composition. Around 29% of consumers prioritise ingredients above all else. |
| Storage and eating | Check the instructions for after opening and any warnings about leftover stones; make sure the product is practical to take to school. | If I prepare lunch in advance, the storage instructions and ease of eating at school need to suit how we use the product. Around 21% of consumers prioritise these practical aspects of lunch. |
| Packaging and use | Compare the pack size, current price per kilogram and storage instructions, and consider whether you’ll use all the contents. | If I choose a pack for repeated use, I want to avoid buying more than we’ll use. Around 14% of consumers make packaging and cost their main consideration. |
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a ‘low calorie’ claim. A smaller portion doesn’t change this product requirement.
Compare the value on the label per 100 g, and describe a small amount as a portion choice, not as proof that the product is low in calories.
The nutrition table for PLUS Dried Apricots lists 0 g of added sugars and 53.4 g of total sugars per 100 g. The two figures don’t mean the same thing.
Read the nutrition table alongside the ingredients list, then decide what amount is right for lunch.
The AH Soft Dried Apricots checked need to be refrigerated after opening, while the Jumbo and PLUS apricots should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place.
Check the instructions for the exact product before preparing several portions in advance.
Primary-school children need nutrients to grow. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against putting a child on a diet without professional guidance.
Consider the whole lunch, and speak to an appropriate healthcare professional if you’re concerned about your child’s weight.
The product page for AH Soft Dried Apricots lists nutrition values and storage advice for this particular variety.
Jumbo Dried Apricots without Stones 250 g is a specific variety whose product page lists values per 100 g and per 20 g.
Lidl’s Alesto range includes dried mango strips for home and school.
The Dutch product page features TRADER JOE’S Sun-Dried Plums in a 250 g pack.
PLUS Dried Apricots come in a 375 g stand-up pouch, so you can portion them yourself.
Dirk offers 1 de Beste apricots in a 375 g pack.
These product choices are dried fruit that can be added to a lunch. Compare the energy value on the label per 100 g, and remember that a smaller portion isn’t the same as a ‘low calorie’ claim.
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The product information lists raisins, describes them as a ready-to-eat snack and recommends storing them in a cool, dry place.
Energy on the label: 330 kcal per 100 g.
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The product information describes pitted prunes that are ready to eat, including as a topping.
Energy on the label: 283 kcal per 100 g.
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The product information lists guava as the main ingredient and describes the product as a snack.
Energy on the label: 308 kcal per 100 g. The ingredients information lists 95% guava, sugar and a preservative.
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The product information describes a portable pack and a ready-to-eat product.
Energy on the label: 68 kcal per 100 g. The ingredients information lists white sugar and sweeteners; the salt content is 3.0 g per 100 g.
No, not simply because the portion is small. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a ‘low calorie’ claim; the portion size doesn’t change that threshold.
First compare kcal per 100 g, then calculate the value for the amount you plan to pack. A portion used for a calculation isn’t general dietary advice for a child; don’t use an adult reference intake as a personal target.
Don’t put a child on a diet without professional guidance. If your child is overweight or you’re unsure what to do, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises speaking to a professional such as your GP, a school nurse or a school doctor. This product choice doesn’t set a personal calorie target.
Follow the instructions for the exact product. The AH Soft Dried Apricots checked need to be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7°C; the Jumbo and PLUS apricots checked should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging. Sulphites are listed for the apricot products checked; the Jumbo information also mentions possible traces of nuts, peanuts and sesame. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are distinguished on labels.
