The standard raisins checked from Albert Heijn and Jumbo list 0.5 g of fat per 100 g; PLUS lists 0.8 g per 100 g. On their own, these figures do not show a reduced fat content compared with a similar product, and a low fat value does not tell you how much sugar is in a portion. So compare total sugars and portion size too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a small portion of dried fruit and eating slowly under supervision.
You want to know whether a low fat value really makes a difference, and weigh it against total sugars and portion size. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. This does not assess the snack as a whole.
You want to offer dried fruit now and then without your child continuing to eat it for a long time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a small portion and regular mealtimes.
You pay attention to suitably sized pieces and how your toddler eats. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having your child sit quietly and staying nearby while they eat.
Look beyond fat: consider total sugars, when your child will eat it and the packaging too.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat value and claim | Compare fat and energy per 100 g. Don’t automatically take ‘low fat’ as proof of a reduced fat content compared with a similar product. | If fat is my first selection criterion, I want to know exactly what the value and claim mean. Around 31% of consumers prioritise fat content. |
| Sugar and portion size | Check both the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ listing, and keep the portion you serve small. | I want to be able to serve a small, manageable portion, so I pay attention to total sugars and when it’s eaten. Around 31% of consumers prioritise portion control. |
| Serving it appropriately | Have your child sit quietly, stay nearby and check for any warnings on the packaging. | At snack time, I mainly want to focus on calm eating and supervision. Around 23% of consumers prioritise serving food safely. |
| Packaging and storage | Compare the net weight and follow the storage instructions on the current packaging. | I want to choose packaging that suits how I use the product and can be stored properly. Around 15% of consumers give packaging convenience top priority. |
Albert Heijn lists 0.5 g of fat and 344 kcal per 100 g for AH Rozijnen. The fat value alone doesn’t tell you how much energy the product contains.
Check fat and energy separately, and keep the portion you serve small.
AH Rozijnen lists 0 g of added sugars and 59 g of total sugars per 100 g. Both figures can be true at the same time.
Check both the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ line. Don’t let the no-added-sugar statement determine how large the portion is.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having children sit quietly and supervising them while they eat, including when they’re eating fruit.
Choose a seated snack time and stay nearby.
AH Rozijnen is an example for anyone who wants to compare ingredients and nutritional values on the product page.
Jumbo Zongedroogde Sultana Rozijnen 500 g is an example of raisins sold in a larger pack.
Lidl Netherlands lists Belbake Rozijnen as a product option.
ALDI Netherlands lists Trader Joe’s as a brand of raisins.
PLUS Sultana rozijnen 375 g is an option for anyone who wants to take nutritional values and product warnings into account.
Dirk lists raisins in a 750 g pack.
No, these are different nutrition claims. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. This does not automatically make a product ‘reduced in fat’ compared with a similar product. Nutrition claims must comply with the applicable European rules, which are monitored by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
Not automatically. Albert Heijn, for example, lists 50 g as a portion size, while the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping portions of dried fruit small for children. So don’t automatically treat the amount on a label as a recommendation for toddlers.
Have your toddler sit quietly, stay nearby and make sure the pieces aren’t too large. The packaging for PLUS Sultana rozijnen also warns that they may contain stalks and stones.
It’s better to have regular mealtimes. For children under 5, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends no more than 5 eating and drinking occasions a day to protect their teeth.
Albert Heijn and PLUS state that their raisins should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place. Follow the instructions and best-before information on the current packaging.
