A low-fat snack to share
You’re looking for dried fruit with a low fat content and want to use the nutrition table to assess it. A low figure doesn’t automatically prove that the product has less fat than similar products.
Who is this choice for?
Small, mindful snack portions
You want to keep an eye on how much energy and sugar you consume while having a drink. So the amount you serve matters as well as the fat content.
Taking fruit to the terrace
You’re taking a snack with you or sharing it with others, and want to know how to store an opened pack. Soaked and dry apricots may have different storage instructions.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’re looking for a low fat content or a demonstrable reduction compared with similar products. Then compare portion size, nutritional values and storage instructions for your visit to the terrace.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content or fat reduction | Compare fat per 100 g. For the claim ‘low fat’ on solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. A claim that fat has been reduced also requires a comparison with similar products. | If I’m mainly watching my fat intake when choosing a snack to share, I don’t want to mistake an absolute fat figure for a proven reduction. Around 31% of consumers prioritise fat content or a demonstrable reduction. |
| Energy and sugars | Compare kcal and total sugars per 100 g, and decide how much you’ll serve. AH lists 182 kcal and 37 g of sugars per 100 g for its soaked apricots; Jumbo and PLUS list 237 and 254 kcal, and 51.0 and 53.4 g of sugars per 100 g, respectively, for their dry varieties. | If I want to take my portion size and intake into account when snacking, I look beyond the fat figure. Around 25% of consumers prioritise energy and sugar. |
| Taking it with you and storage | Read the storage instructions for after opening. Albert Heijn says to refrigerate its soaked apricots at a maximum of 7 °C; Jumbo and PLUS advise storing the dry varieties reviewed in a cool, dry and dark place. | If I’m taking fruit with me or sharing a pack, I need to know how to store what’s left. Around 19% of consumers prioritise taking it with them and storage. |
| Allergens | Check the packaging for sulphites and any warnings about other allergens. For the variety reviewed, Jumbo states that it may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame. | If I’m sharing food with people who need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to check the information on that exact pack. Around 13% of consumers prioritise allergen requirements. |
| Pack size | Compare the net weight with the amount you want to serve and store. The AH and Jumbo packs reviewed contain 250 g; the PLUS pack contains 375 g. | If I only need a small amount, I want the pack size to suit how I’ll use it and my storage options. Around 12% of consumers prioritise pack size. |
Common pitfalls
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Confusing low fat with reduced fat
A low absolute fat content and a lower fat content than similar products are two different claims. The low fat figures for the apricots reviewed don’t, on their own, prove a reduction.
Use the nutrition table if you’re looking for a low-fat option. If you specifically want a reduced fat content, check which similar products are used as a reference and how the comparison is substantiated.
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Mistaking no added sugars for low total sugars
The AH and PLUS varieties reviewed state that they contain no added sugars, but according to their product information they contain 37 and 53.4 g of total sugars per 100 g, respectively.
Check both the total sugars and energy per 100 g, and decide in advance how much you’ll serve. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having no more than a handful of dried fruit with no added sugar because it still contains sugar.
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Assuming every variety can be taken along without refrigeration after opening
The soaked AH apricots need to be refrigerated at a maximum of 7 °C after opening. The dry Jumbo and PLUS varieties reviewed have different storage instructions.
Read the instructions on the exact pack and bear them in mind when transporting and storing it.
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Assuming a shared fruit bowl is suitable for everyone
All three apricot varieties reviewed contain sulphites. Jumbo also states that its variety may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame.
Keep the packaging nearby while eating and check that the information suits the dietary requirements of your guests.
Brands and product ranges for reference
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s product information lists details for AH Soaked Dried Apricots, 250 g. These apply to this soaked variety.
- Lists 0.6 g of fat, 182 kcal and 37 g of sugars per 100 g, with no added sugars.
- Contains sulphites. Refrigerate after opening at a maximum of 7 °C.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s product information gives nutritional values and storage instructions for Dried Pitted Apricots, 250 g.
- Lists 0.5 g of fat, 237 kcal and 51.0 g of sugars per 100 g.
- Contains sulphites; the packaging warns that it may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame. Store in a cool, dry and dark place.
PLUS
PLUS’s product information relates to Dried Apricots, stand-up pouch, 375 g.
- Lists 0.5 g of fat, 254 kcal and 53.4 g of sugars per 100 g, with no added sugars.
- Contains sulphites. The pack contents and nutritional values don’t prove a reduction in fat compared with similar products.
Lidl
Lidl presents Alesto as a range of dried fruit and nuts, including apricots.
- The product range is a relevant option when buying dried fruit.
- The brand’s positioning for sharing with drinks is not product-specific evidence of a low or reduced fat content.
ALDI
ALDI describes the product page for TRADER JOE'S Sun-Dried Apricots, 250 g, as containing soft dried apricots.
- The product description identifies the product category and texture.
- The description doesn’t substantiate a fat content or a fat reduction claim.
Dirk
Dirk’s product page lists Pitted Apricots, 200 g.
- The product name and pack size are listed.
- The product listing doesn’t provide grounds for assuming a nutritional benefit or a separate manufacturer identity.
Dried fruit at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are dried fruit snack options. Compare the nutritional information, ingredients and storage instructions listed for each variety; a low fat figure doesn’t prove a reduction compared with similar products.
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De Kleine Keuken Organic raisins 12M+ 140g
The individual packs may suit you if you want to take a small amount of dried fruit with you.
The description lists 14 g boxes and no added sugars. Store in a cool, dry and dark place. The description states 12M+ and advises supervising children while they eat; not suitable for children with swallowing difficulties.
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OHLA dried guava 180 g
This snack could suit you if you’re looking for dried guava and want to compare the ingredients and nutritional values of each variety.
The description lists 95% guava and 1.73 g of fat per 100 g. Sugar has been added. Store in a cool, dry place and seal the pack tightly after opening.
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OHLA dried soursop 180 g
This snack could suit you if you want to take dried soursop with you and check the ingredients beforehand.
The description lists 95% soursop, 2.21 g of fat and 72.6 g of sugars per 100 g. The ingredients list includes white sugar, glucose and sodium metabisulphite (INS 223). Store in a cool, dry place; seal tightly after opening or refrigerate.
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Three Squirrels Red Apricot Dried, 250g
These apricots could suit you if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat snack that, according to the description, can be eaten straight from the pack.
The description lists 0 g of fat and 62.0 g of sugars per 100 g. The ingredients list includes white sugar and maltose syrup; the product contains sulphites. Store in a cool, dry place.
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Be&Cheery Dried Red Apricots 300g
These apricots could suit you if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat dried snack.
The description lists 1.0 g of fat per 100 g. The ingredients list includes sugar and maltose syrup; the product contains sulphites. Store in a cool, dry place.
Frequently asked questions
What does ‘low fat’ mean for dried fruit?
For the claim ‘low fat’ on solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. That absolute figure doesn’t prove that a product contains less fat than similar products. The consolidated version of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 shown on EUR-Lex is dated 13 December 2014.
Is dried fruit with no added sugars also low in total sugars?
No. The absence of added sugars doesn’t mean that the total sugar content is low. The AH soaked apricots reviewed list 37 g of total sugars per 100 g, and the PLUS apricots list 53.4 g. Compare the nutritional values and choose a portion that suits how much you want to eat.
Do I need to soak soaked apricots before serving them?
The AH variety reviewed is already described as soaked apricots and contains added water; the product information doesn’t say that any further soaking is required. After opening, this variety needs to be refrigerated at a maximum of 7 °C.
Can I ask for allergen information at a terrace café?
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, businesses selling non-prepacked food must inform consumers about the allergens it contains before purchase. The information can be provided in writing or verbally; if it’s given verbally, it must be clearly stated that you can ask for it.
Can pitted apricots still contain fragments of stones?
Yes. The product information reviewed from Albert Heijn and Jumbo warns that, despite checks, a stone or stone fragment may remain. Bear this in mind when serving and eating them.