Who is this choice relevant to?

Shopper looking for a low-fat option

You’re looking for dried fruit that’s low in fat, but you also want to consider sugar and portion size. To compare products, check the labels of the exact varieties.

Staff member caring for young children

You want to be able to serve a small amount and supervise children while they eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises waiting before offering snacks to children who are just starting to eat solid foods.

Group food-stock manager

You match pack sizes to how much is used and organise storage and distribution in line with the childcare setting’s hygiene code. RIVM KIDDI refers to the Hygiene Code for Small Institutions or another approved code.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing a low-fat option for nursery lunch, it’s also worth considering sugar content, how it will be served and stock management.

What to consider What to look for Who should consider this?
Fat and nutrition claims Compare fat, sugars and energy per 100 g. A low fat figure does not prove that a product has less fat than another. If low fat is my first selection criterion, I also want to compare sugar and energy on the same basis; around 31% of consumers prioritise this when choosing from labels.
Portion size and nutritional quality Match the amount to the childcare setting’s food policy; don’t automatically treat the portion on the label as a suitable portion for a child. For a small fruit snack, I want to choose the amount deliberately rather than follow the portion on the pack; around 31% of consumers prioritise portion size and nutritional quality.
Serving safely Don’t serve a large number of raisins at once, stay with the children while they eat and check the latest ingredient and allergen information. When handing out food, I want supervision and product information to be properly managed; around 23% of consumers prioritise safe eating.
Stock and storage Compare the pack size with actual usage and follow the product’s storage instructions. For group supplies, I want to choose a pack size that suits how much is used and how it will be served; around 15% of consumers prioritise stock management.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing low fat with low sugar or energy

    The raisins tested from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list 59–75.5 g of sugars and 326–344 kcal per 100 g. So a low fat content doesn’t mean the product is also low in sugar or energy.

    Check fat, sugars and energy together, and consider how much you’ll actually serve.

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘sugar-free’

    The labels on AH Raisins and PLUS Sultana Raisins state that no sugars have been added, but list 59 and 68.2 g of sugars per 100 g respectively.

    Check both the ingredients list and the nutrition table.

  • Assuming a labelled portion is suitable for a child

    A portion shown on the pack or an adult reference intake is not automatically a recommendation for children. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises offering small amounts of raisins and supervising children while they eat.

    Match the amount served to the childcare setting’s food policy and don’t serve a large number of raisins at once.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The AH Raisins tested are an option to compare if a 250 g pack suits your needs.

  • The label lists 0.5 g of fat, 59 g of sugars and 344 kcal per 100 g; the ingredients are raisins and sunflower oil. Source: Albert Heijn.
  • The stated fat content does not show a reduction compared with a reference product.

Jumbo

The 500 g pack of Sun-Dried Sultana Raisins tested offers a larger pack size to match to group usage.

  • The label lists 0.5 g of fat, 75.5 g of sugars and 326 kcal per 100 g; the ingredients are raisins and cottonseed oil. Source: Jumbo.
  • Jumbo warns that stalks or stones may remain. The reference intake on the product page is for an average adult.

PLUS

The 375 g pack of Sultana Raisins tested sits between the pack sizes listed for Albert Heijn and Jumbo.

  • The label lists 0.8 g of fat, 68.2 g of sugars and 342 kcal per 100 g; the ingredients are raisins and sunflower oil. Source: PLUS.
  • The statement ‘no added sugars’ does not mean the product is sugar-free. PLUS states that stalks and stones may be present.

ALDI

ALDI’s Dutch product page lists Trader Joe’s Raisins in a 500 g pack.

  • The product page confirms the product name and pack size. Source: ALDI Netherlands.
  • Check the nutrition table on the exact pack before comparing its fat content.

Lidl

Lidl’s dried fruit page lists products available in selected stores.

  • The range page is a useful starting point if you’re considering Lidl as a place to shop. Source: Lidl Netherlands.
  • Check availability and nutritional values in store and on the exact pack.

Dirk

Dirk has a product page for raisins, which may be useful if you’re considering this supermarket as a place to shop.

  • The product page confirms the product category. Source: Dirk.
  • Compare fat and sugar content using the nutrition information on the exact pack.

Products at Joybuy

The product below is a raisin option for anyone considering dried fruit as a small addition to a nursery lunch; when serving, follow the age guidance and supervise children.

De Kleine Keuken Organic raisins 12M+ 140g

De Kleine Keuken Organic raisins 12M+ 140g

The title states 12M+; supervise children while they eat and choose a serving size in line with the childcare setting’s policy.

Pack size: 140 g.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is low-fat dried fruit automatically reduced in fat?

No. A low absolute fat content does not prove that the product contains less fat than another product. For the ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. Don’t assess a comparative claim based on the fat figure alone.

Can I use the portion on the pack as a portion for a child?

Not automatically. A portion on the label or a reference intake is not necessarily a recommendation for children; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises offering small amounts of raisins. Match the amount to the childcare setting’s food policy.

How should I serve raisins to young children?

Don’t give them a large number at once, and stay with the children while they eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the risk of children choking on raisins or currants.

Are raisins suitable as a snack for babies who are just starting to eat solid foods?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises waiting before offering snacks during the first stage of introducing solid foods. So don’t make raisins a regular snack for this age group.

How should you store the raisin packs tested?

The labels on the varieties tested from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS say to store them in a cool, dry, dark place. Organise storage and portioning in line with the childcare setting’s hygiene code; RIVM KIDDI refers to the Hygiene Code for Small Institutions or another approved code.