If fat content is your main concern, compare the nutrition information per 100 g on the exact product you’re considering: the dried apricots reviewed list 0.5–0.6 g of fat per 100 g, while the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 0.1 g of fat for a 20 g portion of raisins as a category reference. Low fat doesn’t automatically mean low in sugar or energy, so choose a portion that suits what you want to take with you, and check the storage and allergen information too.
You want to compare dried fruit by its stated fat content, rather than judging it by the packaging or type of fruit alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre and the product specifications for the brands in question offer examples you can use to compare labels.
You want to take a small, sweet snack with you, so you also check the sugar and energy content for the amount you’ll actually eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides nutrition information for a 20 g portion of raisins.
You want to know how to store the product and what ingredient and allergen information applies before you set off. Check the label for the specific variety you’ve chosen. If you have questions about allergens, consult the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.
First compare the fat content of the exact variety, then decide which portion size and storage method will suit your visit to the Christmas market.
The points below are aimed at people who want to take dried fruit as a snack when visiting a Christmas market.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Compare the fat per 100 g shown on the packaging and check the exact variety. | If I’m mainly watching my fat intake, I want to compare labels using the same quantity. Around 36% of consumers prioritise fat content. |
| Portion, sugar and energy | Check the sugar and energy content for the amount you’ll actually take with you. | I want to measure out a portion in advance, rather than assume that low fat also means low in sugar or energy. Portion control comes first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Taking it with you and storage | Read the storage instructions for before and after opening the pack. | If I pack my snack in advance, I want to know whether the storage instructions suit my plans. Taking it with them and storing it are the main considerations for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, allergens present and any warnings. | I want to check first that the ingredients suit my allergen restrictions. Around 14% of consumers put checking ingredients and allergens first. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a 20 g portion of raisins contains 65 kcal and 13.8 g of sugar. Fat content alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar or energy you’re consuming.
Compare the nutrition information for the portion you actually plan to take with you.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s reference for banana chips lists 5.9 g of fat, including 4.8 g of saturated fat, per 20 g. These category figures don’t represent the nutrition information for every variety.
Check the label on the specific product, even if the packaging shows fruit.
The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS apricot products reviewed list sulphites. The Jumbo variety also states that it may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame.
Read the ingredients and warnings on the exact product packaging. If you’re buying loose fruit, ask for the allergen information before you buy.
Soaked apricots and dry apricots don’t necessarily have the same composition or storage requirements. For the soaked variety reviewed, Albert Heijn advises keeping it refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7 °C. The dry apricots reviewed from Jumbo and PLUS should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place.
Use the information for the exact variety and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
The own-brand product reviewed is a 250 g pack of soaked dried apricots.
The variety reviewed is a 250 g pack of dried, pitted apricots.
Lidl presents Alesto as a range of nuts and dried fruit.
The product description reviewed is for a 250 g pack of sun-dried apricots under the Trader Joe's brand.
The dried apricots reviewed are sold in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
The product description reviewed is for a 375 g pack of 1 de Beste Aprikozen.
These Joybuy products are options if you’re looking for dried fruit to take with you as a snack. Compare the nutrition information and product details for the exact variety; a product name alone doesn’t mean a product is low in fat.
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An option if you’re looking for pitted red dates that are ready to eat.
The stated nutrition information is 0.5 g of fat and 60 g of sugar per 100 g.
Seal the pack securely after opening.
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An option if you’re specifically looking for dried soursop.
The product information states that this product is intended for children over 12 months old and that they should be supervised while eating.
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An option if you’re looking for pitted red dates that are ready to eat.
The stated nutrition information is 0.5 g of fat and 60 g of sugar per 100 g.
Seal the pack securely after opening.
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An option if you want to take raisins with you in pre-portioned packs.
The pack contains 10 boxes of 14 g. The product information states that this product is intended for children over 12 months old and that they should be supervised while eating.
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An option if you’re looking for dried dragon fruit and want to compare the nutrition information per 100 g.
The listing states 3.75 g of fat, 57.5 g of sugar and 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
No. Fat and sugar are different nutrients. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 0.1 g of fat, 13.8 g of sugar and 65 kcal for 20 g of raisins. Use these figures as a category reference and check the label on the pack you choose.
Measure out how much you want to take with you in advance, then check the nutrition information for that amount. For dried fruit with no added sugar, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends no more than a handful, as it contains a lot of sugar.
Follow the storage instructions for the specific variety. For the soaked apricots from Albert Heijn reviewed here, the pack should be refrigerated after opening at a maximum of 7 °C. The dried apricots reviewed from Jumbo and PLUS should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place.
Read the ingredients, allergens present and any warnings on the packaging for the exact variety. The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS apricots reviewed list sulphites; the Jumbo packaging also states that the product may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority emphasises that consumers must be able to access allergen information before buying.
