Who is this buying guide for?

Snack shoppers mindful of allergies

You want to check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the packaging before choosing dried fruit. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre emphasises the importance of allergen information on the label.

Sports enthusiasts comparing protein per portion

You want to know how much protein a portion actually adds, and whether you’d rather eat fruit on its own or combine it with another source of nutrients. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides advice on protein requirements for sport.

Shoppers who check for sulphites

You specifically check dried fruit for sulphites. The Dutch Food Allergy Foundation distinguishes between a food allergy and the intolerance reaction it describes in relation to sulphites.

What should you look for when buying?

First, check that the ingredients and warnings fit the advice you’ve been given about what to avoid. Then compare the nutritional value per portion you’d actually eat and check the storage instructions.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Allergens and warnings Read the ingredients list and any cross-contamination warnings on the exact packaging. I want to check first that the ingredients and warnings fit the advice I’ve been given about what to avoid; around 42% of consumers with this purchasing question prioritise allergen information.
Protein per portion Compare the amount of protein per portion you plan to eat; don’t draw conclusions from the value per 100 g alone. If I want to compare my protein intake around sport, I look at the portion I actually eat; around 33% of consumers say the protein contribution is the deciding factor.
Portion and storage Check the portion size and the storage instructions for after opening. I want a portion size and storage routine that suit the way I use the product; around 17% of consumers focus mainly on portion size and storage.
Packaging and consumption Check the net weight and consider whether you’ll use that amount within the storage period specified. When choosing a pack, I want the size to suit how much I use; around 8% of consumers prioritise pack size and usage.

Common buying mistakes

  • Treating a fruit and nut mix like plain dried fruit

    The AH Apricot and Coconut Nut Mix reviewed contains peanuts, pecans, pistachios and sulphites. Its ingredients and allergen information may therefore differ from those of a fruit-only product.

    Assess a mix as a separately prepared product and check all the ingredients and warnings on the packaging.

  • Confusing protein per 100 g with the protein in your snack

    Albert Heijn lists 16 g of protein per 100 g for the mix reviewed. Based on the stated 25 g portion, that works out at 4 g of protein. The AH apricots list 4 g per 100 g, or 2 g per 50 g portion.

    Compare products using a portion you’d actually eat, and keep the basis for comparison consistent.

  • Assuming all dried fruit can be stored outside the fridge after opening

    For its softened dried apricots, Albert Heijn says to refrigerate after opening at a maximum of 7 °C and notes that they have a limited shelf life.

    Read the storage instructions for the exact product variant before choosing a pack.

Relevant brands for comparison

Albert Heijn

The product pages reviewed are for softened dried apricots and a separate nut mix with apricot and coconut.

  • Albert Heijn lists 4 g of protein per 100 g for the softened apricots and 16 g per 100 g for the nut mix.
  • The apricots contain sulphites; the mix reviewed also contains peanuts and nuts. Check the information for the exact product variant.

Jumbo

The range reviewed includes dried apricots and sultanas in different pack sizes.

  • Jumbo’s product page for apricots provides ingredients and allergen information.
  • The apricots reviewed contain sulphites and state that they may contain traces of nuts, peanuts and sesame.

Lidl

Lidl uses Alesto as its own brand for products including dried fruit and nuts.

  • The brand page lists apricots in its dried fruit category.
  • The brand page doesn’t provide product-specific evidence about protein values or allergy suitability for an individual apricot variant.

Aldi

The ALDI product page lists Trader Joe’s Sun-dried Apricots in a 250 g pack.

  • The retailer’s page gives the specific product name and pack size.
  • ‘Soft dried apricots’ is a retailer’s description and, by itself, says nothing about protein values or allergy suitability.

PLUS

PLUS Dried Apricots are sold in a 375 g stand-up pouch.

  • PLUS lists 3.4 g of protein per 100 g for this variant.
  • The ingredients list sulphites as a preservative; the nutritional information applies to this specific variant.

Dirk

Dirk’s product page lists 1 de Beste Apricots in a 375 g pack.

  • The page confirms the own-brand name and pack size.
  • To assess protein and allergens, check the product information on the exact packaging.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare the protein in dried apricots and a fruit and nut mix?

Compare the amount per portion you actually eat, and check the ingredients too. Albert Heijn lists 4 g of protein per 100 g for the softened apricots and 16 g per 100 g for AH Apricot and Coconut Nut Mix. The stated portions of 50 g and 25 g respectively provide 2 g and 4 g of protein. The mix also contains peanuts, nuts and sulphites.

Are sulphite sensitivity and food allergy the same thing?

No. The Dutch Food Allergy Foundation describes a reaction to sulphites as an intolerance reaction, not an allergic reaction to food. Sulphites can be used as preservatives in dried fruit, for example as E220, so check the ingredients if you need to avoid them.

Can a product labelled vegan still contain sulphites?

Yes. The PLUS apricots reviewed carry a vegan label, but also list sulphites in the ingredients information. A vegan label doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether a product contains sulphites.

How should I store softened apricots after opening?

Follow the instructions for the exact product variant. For its softened dried apricots, Albert Heijn says to refrigerate after opening at a maximum of 7 °C and notes that they have a limited shelf life.

Do sports enthusiasts always need protein bars or protein shakes?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most sports enthusiasts don’t need special protein shakes or bars. When comparing dried fruit, look at the protein per portion against what you want to eat, and choose additional foods only if they meet your allergy requirements.

What should I do if the allergen information online differs from the packaging?

Check the packaging before eating the product, and ask the retailer or supplier for clarification if you’re unsure. Albert Heijn and PLUS both note in their product information that details can change and direct customers with questions to their customer service teams.