Choose dried fruit for treat bags based on the specific dietary need and the current product label, not on a general ‘free from’ claim. Albert Heijn and PLUS state that specific sultana products are gluten-free and lactose-free; this doesn’t mean they’re suitable for people with other allergies. Then choose between ready-portioned packs and portioning the fruit yourself, and bear choking advice in mind for young children.
You want the treat to suit the specific allergies or intolerances in the group. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises checking whether children avoid certain products; then check the specific product information and warnings on the label.
You’re looking for a portion that’s easy to divide between children. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that young children can choke on sultanas or currants and advises against giving them too many at once.
You want to decide how much goes in each bag yourself, so you compare pack sizes and storage advice. Keep the product information with the portions you’ve weighed out, too.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Specific allergy or intolerance | Note which substance needs to be avoided, then check both the ingredients and any warnings about possible cross-contamination. | If I’m choosing for a child with a specific allergy or intolerance, I want to know whether that particular substance is listed on the label. Around 34% of consumers prioritise a specific allergy or intolerance. |
| Sulphites | If you’re sensitive to sulphites, check the ingredients and any references to sulphites or E220–E228 separately from gluten-free and lactose-free claims. | If sulphites are a concern, I want to be able to check the ingredients of the chosen fruit separately. Around 20% of consumers have sulphites as their main dietary concern. |
| Portion size and eating ability | Check the portion size and, for young children, consider how the sultanas will be served. | If I’m putting together a treat for young children, I want to give them a small portion and take their eating ability into account. Around 20% of consumers prioritise portion size and serving food in an appropriate way. |
| Ready-portioned packs | Compare the number of boxes and the weight of each one with the number of children you’re preparing the treat for. | If I want to hand out equal portions quickly, pre-packed boxes are practical and easy to plan for. Around 13% of consumers prioritise handing out portions. |
| Portioning it yourself | Compare the net weight and weigh out the portions yourself; also follow the storage advice on the pack you choose. | If I want to decide how much goes in each bag myself, I want to be able to plan the quantity and preparation. Around 13% of consumers prioritise portioning the fruit themselves and planning the quantity. |
A claim such as gluten-free or lactose-free only addresses that specific substance. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergen information for pre-packed products to appear on the label.
First identify which substance needs to be avoided, then check the ingredients and any warnings on the current packaging.
Jumbo lists sultanas and sunflower oil as ingredients in Snoep Rozijntjes, but also warns that the product may contain almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, milk, soya and walnuts.
Read the allergen information alongside the ingredients list, especially if any of the substances mentioned are relevant to a child.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends small portions of dried fruit. It also warns that young children can choke on sultanas or currants.
Don’t give them too many at once, and serve them in a way that’s appropriate for the child’s eating ability.
A bag that you portion yourself takes weighing and preparation; a multipack has a set number of portions. Comparing only the total pack size therefore doesn’t tell you how many portions you can prepare.
Compare the options based on the same amount per child. If you’re portioning the fruit yourself, factor in the preparation and any packaging you’ll need.
Portioning the fruit yourself may take extra preparation time and require your own packaging.
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, AH Hamsterchef Rozijnen is a multipack with ten 14-gram boxes.
According to Jumbo, Jumbo Snoep Rozijntjes comes in fourteen 14-gram boxes.
Lidl lists dried cherries and blueberries in 100-gram packs.
ALDI lists 500-gram sultanas under its TRADER JOE'S product range.
According to the product page, PLUS Sultana rozijnen comes in a 375-gram bag.
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Rozijnen sultana in a 375-gram pack.
No. Lactose intolerance and a milk allergy are different things. If a child has a milk allergy, check the milk-related ingredients and warnings on the packaging; a lactose-free claim alone doesn’t answer that question.
‘May contain’ warns that an allergen could be present unintentionally. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a manufacturer must base such a warning on a risk assessment. From 2026, the NVWA will oversee the rules on allergen information.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label. The legal requirement covers 14 specified allergens, including milk, peanuts, nuts and sulphites. This doesn’t mean every product is suitable for every child.
Follow the storage advice on the original packaging. Albert Heijn and PLUS advise storing the sultana products mentioned in a cool, dry, dark place. If you portion the fruit yourself, keep the original product information available, too.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that young children can choke on sultanas or currants. Don’t give them too many at once, and stay with the child while they’re eating. This is dietary and usage advice, not a legal age limit.
