Start with an appropriate amount and prepare it safely, then compare the energy and ingredients on the exact pack. A lower energy value than another product does not automatically make dried fruit low in calories: for solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of no more than 40 kcal per 100 g for this claim. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses that every child’s energy needs are different; if you have concerns about your child’s eating or growth, speak to your child and youth healthcare service (JGZ), GP or paediatric dietitian.
You’re looking for a fruity snack and want to know how much energy a weighed portion provides, without setting a general weight-loss goal for your toddler. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends dried fruit with no added sugar and points out that it contains a lot of sugar.
You want to know how to serve fruit in suitable pieces and why it’s important for your child to sit calmly, for you to supervise them and to check for any remaining stones. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends staying close to your child while they eat.
You’re looking for an option with no added sugar and want to be able to check the ingredients, allergens and any sulphites. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) explains the rules on declaring allergens; if your child has a known sensitivity, follow their individual dietary advice.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy and portion | Compare kcal per 100 g for the product as sold. Calculate a portion only as a way to compare products, not as advice for toddlers. | If I want to compare energy values, I look at the same weight basis and weigh out an amount rather than relying on a general portion size. Around 31% of consumers put energy and a suitable portion first. |
| Serving safely | Check the pieces and look for any remaining stones. Make sure your child sits calmly, offer suitable pieces and stay with them. | When preparing the fruit, I want to check its shape and make sure no stone has been left behind. Around 31% of consumers say safe preparation and serving is their main concern when buying. |
| Ingredients and sensitivities | Read the ingredients list, total sugars and any allergen or cross-contamination warnings. If your child has a known sensitivity, follow their individual advice. | If I want to avoid added sugar or need to check ingredients because of a known sensitivity, I look beyond the front of the pack. Around 25% of consumers say checking ingredients is the deciding factor. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the net weight and storage instructions, including what to do after opening. The pack size does not tell you how much to serve at each eating occasion. | At home, I want to choose a pack that suits how we use and store its contents. Around 13% of consumers put practical stock management first. |
A lower energy value on its own doesn’t tell you what’s suitable for your child’s growth or overall diet. Every child’s energy needs are different.
Use the nutrition information to compare products and weighed portions. If you have concerns about your child’s eating or growth, ask your child and youth healthcare service (JGZ), GP or paediatric dietitian for individual advice.
The reference intake shown on a product may be based on an average adult. It isn’t a personal guideline for a toddler.
Don’t use the percentage of the reference intake to decide how much your child should eat.
Dried fruit can contain naturally occurring sugars, even when no sugar has been added.
Read both the ingredients list and the nutrition table, and check the total amount of sugars.
A value for a product category isn’t automatically the value shown on the label of a specific product.
Compare the nutrition information for the exact products on the same basis, and check whether the figures apply to the product as sold or as prepared.
The AH pack checked is 250 g of soaked dried apricots.
Jumbo Pitted Dried Plums 500 g is a plum product with published ingredient and nutrition information.
Lidl sells dried fruit, including apricots, under the Alesto brand.
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s Raisins in a 500 g pack.
PLUS Dried Plums is sold in a 375 g bag, with published ingredient and nutrition information.
Dirk stocks 1 de Beste Pitted Plums in a 375 g pack.
These Joybuy products are options to compare within the dried fruit category. Check the nutrition information and ingredients on the exact pack, and prepare the product in a way that’s suitable for your child.
No image available
An option to compare if you’re specifically looking for Medjoul dates; check the energy and ingredients on the pack.
No image available
A plum product to compare if you’re looking for dried plums; check the nutrition information for this exact pack.
No image available
These pitted jujubes are an option to compare if you’re specifically looking for jujubes; check the ingredients and nutrition information on the pack.
No image available
An option to compare if you’re looking for jujubes that don’t need washing; check the product information and follow the instructions on the pack.
No image available
Compare this option if you’re looking for pitted jujubes; check the nutrition information for the exact pack before weighing out a portion.
Not based on the portion alone. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of no more than 40 kcal per 100 g for the ‘low calorie’ claim; a small portion doesn’t change the energy value per 100 g.
No, 20 g is used here for calculation and comparison, not as individual portion advice. Every child’s energy needs are different; if you’re unsure about your child’s eating or growth, speak to your child and youth healthcare service (JGZ), GP or paediatric dietitian.
Check the fruit and offer it in suitable pieces. Make sure your child sits calmly and stay with them; ‘pitted’ doesn’t rule out a stone being left behind. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends staying close while your child eats.
Follow the instructions on the pack. For the AH product checked, Albert Heijn says to keep it chilled at a maximum of 7 °C after opening; it won’t keep for long once opened.
Read the ingredients list and any warnings about possible cross-contamination. The NVWA explains that the required allergen information must appear on the label; according to the Dutch Food Allergy Foundation, sulphites can cause intolerance reactions. If your child has a known sensitivity, follow their individual dietary advice.
Check the information on the pack you receive before use. If the ingredients or nutrition information differ or are unclear, contact the seller or customer service.
