Who is this relevant to?

Snackers keeping an eye on fat

You’re looking for dried fruit for a vegan snack and want to check the fat content on the exact pack. General nutrition information for apricots won’t tell you what’s in a specific supermarket product.

Vegan shoppers who check ingredients

You want to know which ingredients have been added before you choose. According to the Dutch Association for Veganism, honey isn’t suitable for a vegan diet; a nutrition claim doesn’t replace checking the ingredients.

Snackers keeping portions in check

You want to measure out a portion and avoid mistaking low fat content for permission to snack without limits. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day; this is dietary advice, not a legal purchase limit.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Fat content and claims Check the fat per 100 g on the exact pack. For solid foods, the ‘low fat’ claim means no more than 3 g per 100 g, according to the European Commission. I want to assess the fat content first and understand the claim on the pack. Around 25% of consumers make fat content their top priority when buying.
Vegan ingredients Read the full ingredients list and look out for added honey; according to the Dutch Association for Veganism, honey isn’t vegan. I want to know whether the ingredients are suitable for a vegan diet, regardless of the fat content. Around 25% of consumers prioritise vegan ingredients.
Sugar and portion size Check the sugar and energy information separately on the nutrition table, and see whether sugar has been added. I want to be able to measure how much I eat and not assume anything about sugar based on the fat content. Around 25% of consumers make sugar and portion size their top priority.
Packaging and how you’ll use it Check the net weight and storage instructions for the variety you choose. Jumbo, for example, sells sultanas in 250 g, 500 g and 750 g packs. I’m looking for a pack that suits how often I snack or use dried fruit in meals. Around 25% of consumers prioritise practical shopping.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing low fat with low sugar or a small portion

    General nutrition information for one dried apricot weighing 9 g lists 0 g of fat, 5 g of sugars and 26 kcal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s information shows that fat content alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar or energy is in a portion.

    Check the sugar and energy information separately on the pack, and measure out your portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day; this is general dietary advice.

  • Assuming a nutrition claim proves a product is vegan

    A claim about nutrients doesn’t tell you whether the ingredients are suitable for a vegan diet. According to the Dutch Association for Veganism, honey isn’t vegan.

    Check the full ingredients list on the exact pack, and assess whether it’s vegan and what its fat content is separately.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The retailer lists AH Soaked Dried Apricots in its range.

  • The product page confirms the product identity.
  • Check the pack for the current ingredients and nutrition information; the product name alone doesn’t confirm that it’s vegan or low in fat.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists sultanas in a range of pack sizes, for snacking or adding to meals.

  • The range page shows 250 g, 500 g and 750 g packs.
  • Don’t assume different varieties have the same ingredients just because they have similar names; check the ingredients and nutrition information on the pack you choose.

Lidl

Lidl lists Alesto as its own-brand range, which includes dried fruit, and features dried mango strips.

  • The range page confirms the product type and own-brand range.
  • The range name doesn’t prove that every variety is vegan or low in fat; check the specific pack.

Aldi

ALDI lists Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Apricots in a 250 g pack.

  • The retailer describes the apricots as soft.
  • That description doesn’t confirm the nutrition information or whether they’re suitable for vegan snacking; check the label.

PLUS

PLUS lists dried apricots in a 375 g stand-up pouch.

  • The product page confirms the packaging type and weight.
  • According to PLUS, ingredients and origin may change; check the current information on the pack.

Dirk

The retailer lists apricots under its 1 de Beste own brand.

  • The product page confirms the product listing.
  • The product name doesn’t tell you the nutrition information or whether it’s suitable for vegans; check the exact pack.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

When can dried fruit be labelled ‘low fat’?

For solid foods, the limit is 3 g of fat per 100 g, according to the European Commission. This is a condition for using the claim; it doesn’t confirm that a specific pack meets it.

How much dried fruit can you have as a daily snack?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day. This is general dietary advice, not a legal limit or a guarantee that this amount suits everyone’s individual dietary goals.

Is dried fruit with honey suitable for a vegan diet?

No. According to the Dutch Association for Veganism, honey isn’t vegan. So check the ingredients list on the exact pack, not just the type of fruit.

What should you check if you also have an allergy?

Check the allergen information on the exact pack separately. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists sulphites, milk and nuts among the allergens consumers must be informed about; choosing vegan products doesn’t replace this check.

How should you store Jumbo Organic Sultanas 500 g?

Jumbo’s product page says to store this variety in a cool, dry and dark place. For other products, follow the storage instructions on their own packaging.