For a low-fat snack spread, the Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS apricots we looked at are worth comparing: their product information lists 0.5–0.6 g of fat per 100 g, below the European Commission’s 3 g per 100 g threshold for the ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. ‘Reduced fat’ does not mean the same as ‘low fat’. Compare energy, sugars and portion sizes too, and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
Compare the fat content per 100 g on the exact pack, rather than judging by the type of fruit alone. The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS product pages we checked list 0.5–0.6 g of fat per 100 g for their apricots.
Low fat doesn’t automatically mean low in energy or sugars. The apricots we looked at also contain sugars, so compare the nutritional values per 100 g and per portion, if given.
Pack size, storage after opening and information for guests may all be worth considering. The apricots we looked at list sulphites; Albert Heijn says its soaked variety should be kept refrigerated after opening.
Start by comparing the fat content of the exact variety, then check the nutritional values per portion, the ingredients and the storage instructions.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and claims | Compare the fat per 100 g and read the ingredients. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim. | If I’m mainly looking for a low-fat option to put on the snack table, I check the pack rather than relying on the name of the fruit. Around 34% of consumers give this need top priority. |
| Energy and sugars | Compare kcal and sugars per 100 g, and check the values per portion if they’re shown on the pack. | If you want to take energy and sugars into account when snacking, don’t look at fat alone. Around 33% of consumers prioritise these nutritional values. |
| Serving and storage | Read the storage instructions for after opening, and check allergen information and warnings about stones or stone fragments. | If I’m serving fruit to guests, I want to know which ingredients and warnings are listed on the pack, and how to store any leftovers. Around 17% of consumers pay most attention to this. |
| Choosing the right pack size | Match the net weight to the number of guests and your storage options. The Albert Heijn and Jumbo product pages we looked at list 250 g; PLUS and Dirk list 375 g. | If you want to serve the right amount and limit leftovers, check the net weight and storage instructions for after opening. Around 16% of consumers consider this their main priority. |
The PLUS apricots we looked at list 0.5 g of fat, but also 254 kcal and 53.4 g of sugars per 100 g. So a low fat content alone doesn’t tell you how much energy or sugar a portion contains.
Compare fat, energy and sugars on the same weight basis, and decide in advance how much you want to serve.
The AH banana chips we looked at contain coconut oil and list 30 g of fat per 100 g. That figure applies to this variety; it doesn’t necessarily apply to all dried bananas.
Check the ingredients and nutritional values on the exact pack rather than relying on the name of the fruit alone.
Albert Heijn says its soaked apricots should be kept refrigerated after opening. Albert Heijn and Jumbo also warn that the apricots we looked at may contain stones or stone fragments; the products list sulphites.
Keep the pack handy so you can check the ingredients, allergen information, warnings and storage instructions.
The information below relates to specific product ranges and retailer listings; it isn’t a general assessment of an entire brand.
The range we looked at includes soaked apricots and other types of dried fruit.
Jumbo Gedroogde Abrikozen Zonder Pit 250 g is worth comparing if you want to check the nutritional values per pack and per portion.
The dried apricots we looked at are listed on the official product page in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
ALDI lists TRADER JOE’S Zongedroogde abrikozen in a 250 g pack.
Dirk lists 1 de Beste Abrikozen in a 375 g pack and identifies 1 de Beste as its own brand.
Lidl has a Dutch product page for dried tropical fruit, a relevant category to include in your comparison.
This Joybuy selection features dried fruit to serve at a get-together. As well as the listed fat content, compare the sugars, ingredients and storage instructions for the specific variety.
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An option if you want to serve pitted dried jujube straight from the pack.
The product description lists 0 g of fat, 327 kcal and 50.0 g of sugars per 100 g, and names jujube as an ingredient.
According to the product description, the pack should be consumed immediately after opening.
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A dried guava option to compare if you want to consider the recipe as well as the fat content.
The product description lists 1.73 g of fat and 308 kcal per 100 g. The ingredients list 95% guava, sugar and a preservative.
The description recommends storing it in a cool, dry place.
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This dried soursop is an option to consider if you want to compare the ingredients as well as the fat content.
The product description lists 2.21 g of fat, 348 kcal and 72.6 g of sugars per 100 g. The ingredients include white sugar, glucose and sulphite.
The description recommends sealing the pack tightly or refrigerating it after opening.
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A pitted jujube option that, according to the product description, is ready to eat.
The product description lists 0.5 g of fat, 300 kcal and 60 g of sugars per 100 g, and names 100% red dates as the ingredient.
After opening, the description recommends sealing the pack tightly.
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A dried apricot option that, according to the product description, is ready to eat.
The product description lists 0 g of fat, 311 kcal and 62 g of sugars per 100 g. The ingredients list sugar, maltose syrup and sulphite.
According to the European Commission, a solid food must contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g to carry the ‘low fat’ claim. This is a condition for making a nutrition claim, not a daily dietary limit.
The World Cancer Research Fund recommends eating no more than 20 g of dried fruit a day. This is dietary advice to help you judge portions, not a legal limit.
Follow the advice for the specific variety. For the soaked apricots we looked at, Albert Heijn says to refrigerate them after opening at a maximum of 7 °C; Jumbo recommends storing the dried apricots we looked at in a cool, dry, dark place.
The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS apricots we looked at list sulphites; Jumbo also mentions possible traces of nuts, peanuts and sesame. The NVWA explains that mandatory labelling applies to 14 allergens. Always check the current packaging, rather than relying on the type of fruit alone.
Compare energy and sugars per 100 g, and check the nutritional values per portion when they’re provided. The apricots we looked at show why this matters: their listed fat content is low, but their energy and sugar values vary from product to product.
