Walkers who want to assess fat and calories separately
If reducing fat is your main reason for buying, compare the fat content of the exact product variant, then check its energy content and portion size separately.
Who this choice matters to
Walkers heading out for several hours
For a longer walk, it helps to plan in advance how much food and drink to take, and how to store an opened pack. In its walking advice, PlusOnline distinguishes between a short stroll and longer walks.
Shoppers who check allergens first
If allergens affect your choice, read the information on the pack for the exact product variant. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists sulphites, nuts, peanuts and sesame among the allergens to look out for.
What should you look for?
First decide whether by ‘lighter’ you mean less fat or a smaller energy portion: these are different criteria. Also match the amount you take with you to the length of your walk, and check the storage instructions on the exact pack.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who might this matter more to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and claims | Check the total fat per 100 g for the exact product variant. For the EU ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of 3 g per 100 g. | If I mainly want less fat, I compare the fat content and don’t treat a comparative claim as proof without the supporting evidence. Around 31% of consumers choosing dried fruit for a walk put fat content first. |
| Energy and portion size | Compare the declared energy on a like-for-like basis and consider how many grams you actually want to eat. | If by ‘lighter’ I mainly mean a smaller energy portion, I look at how much I take and eat. Around 25% of consumers give energy content and portion size top priority. |
| Taking it with you and storage | Follow the storage advice on the exact pack and check whether you can seal it securely after opening. | If I use a pack over several occasions, I want to know how to store it while I’m out and at home. Around 19% of consumers put portability, resealing and storage first. |
| Allergen information | Read the allergen information and warnings on the pack; check relevant ingredients such as sulphites, nuts, peanuts or sesame. | If I have an allergy or another relevant dietary restriction, I check the exact product variant first, even if it meets my other requirements. Around 13% of consumers name checking allergens as their top priority. |
| Shopping convenience and pack size | Choose a pack size that suits how you’ll use it and check which shopping options are available in your area. | If I mainly want to know what quantity is practical and how I can shop for it, I compare pack sizes and places to buy. Around 12% of consumers put shopping convenience and a practical pack size first. |
Pitfalls when choosing dried fruit
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Treating a low-fat claim as a complete assessment of the snack
The ‘low fat’ claim refers to fat content. Energy content and other nutritional values are listed separately in the nutrition information.
As well as fat, check the energy content of the portion you plan to take with you. Don’t confuse a low absolute fat content with a proven reduction compared with another product.
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Treating dried fruit and fruit-and-nut mixes as the same thing
Lidl’s Alesto range includes both dried fruit and nuts. So the range name alone doesn’t tell you what’s in an individual pack.
Compare the ingredients and nutrition information for the product you’re actually choosing.
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Applying one product variant’s storage advice to all the others
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage advice for dry mixed dried fruit doesn’t automatically apply to soaked apricots or other product variants.
Choose an amount that suits how you’ll use it and follow the storage instructions on the exact pack.
If you buy more than you can use according to the storage advice, some of it may go to waste.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists AH soaked dried apricots, a product variant worth comparing with other types of dried fruit.
- The product name makes this range relevant if you’re considering dried apricots.
- Albert Heijn advises checking the pack, as ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a 250 g variant of pitted dried apricots and a 250 g organic variant.
- The two variants listed can be distinguished by product type and pack information.
- Jumbo describes the organic variant as ‘preservative-free’; that alone says nothing about the fat content or allergens in every variant.
Lidl
Lidl’s Alesto range includes dried fruit and nuts.
- The range is worth considering if you’re comparing dried fruit as a walking snack.
- Check the contents of the individual pack; the range as a whole doesn’t indicate a low fat content.
Aldi
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s Sun-dried Apricots, 250 g.
- The product page describes this variant as soft dried apricots.
- ‘Soft’ is the seller’s description of the texture, not an indication of lower fat content.
PLUS
PLUS lists dried apricots in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
- The pack size listed can help you decide whether it’s suitable for using over several occasions.
- ‘Stand-up pouch’ doesn’t automatically mean the pack is resealable; PLUS notes that product information may change.
Dirk
Dirk lists pitted apricots.
- This product listing makes the variant relevant if you’re looking for pitted apricots.
- Dirk doesn’t list a delivery service; this is information about how you can buy the product and says nothing about its nutritional composition.
Joybuy products for when you’re out and about
This selection includes dried fruit described as a snack in the Joybuy product listings. Compare the stated fat content per 100 g with the information on the exact pack.
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Haoxiangni Dr.Jujube Premium Gold-Grade Pitted, 390 g
The product description says these jujubes are pitted and ready to eat as a snack.
The Joybuy product description states 0 g of fat per 100 g. Once opened, store in a cool, dry place and keep tightly sealed, as instructed in the product description.
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OHLA Dried Guava, 180 g
The product description recommends dried guava as a snack to take with you.
The Joybuy product description states 1.73 g of fat per 100 g and 95% guava.
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OHLA Dried Soursop, 180 g
The product description recommends dried soursop as a snack to take with you.
The Joybuy product description states 2.21 g of fat and 10.5 g of dietary fibre per 100 g. It also lists sugar and sodium metabisulphite (E223); check the pack if you want to avoid these ingredients.
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Haoxiangni Pitted Jujubes, 500 g
The product description says these pitted jujubes are ready to eat as a snack.
The Joybuy product description states 0.5 g of fat per 100 g and 100% red dates. Once opened, store in a cool, dry place and keep tightly sealed, as instructed in the product description.
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Three Squirrels Red Apricot Dried, 250 g
The product description says the dried apricots are ready to eat as a snack and come in a resealable pack.
The Joybuy product description states 0 g of fat per 100 g and lists sulphites (sodium metabisulphite). Check the pack if you want to avoid sulphites.
Frequently asked questions
When does the EU ‘low fat’ claim apply to dried fruit?
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of 3 g of fat per 100 g. This criterion relates to fat and doesn’t tell you how much energy a portion contains.
Should you take extra snacks on every walk?
Plan according to how long your walk will take. In its walking advice, PlusOnline distinguishes between a short stroll and walks lasting several hours, a whole day or several days. For longer walks, it’s worth planning in advance what food and drink to take with you.
How should you store an opened pack of dried fruit?
For dry mixed dried fruit, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing it in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. For other varieties, including soaked products, follow the storage advice on the pack.
Which allergens should you check on the pack?
Check the allergen information for the exact product variant and look out for anything relevant to you. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists sulphites, nuts, peanuts and sesame among the allergens to look out for.
What should you do if the online product information differs from the pack?
For the product you’re going to eat, use the information on the pack and contact the seller if you have any questions. Albert Heijn and PLUS advise checking the pack because product information may change.