Who is this buying guide for?

Office snackers keeping an eye on fat

You’re looking for low-fat dried fruit and don’t want to assume that fruit crisps have the same nutritional profile. Compare the information on the exact packaging, not just the type of fruit. The product details from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS show why that distinction matters.

Snackers who prefer smaller portions

You want to take a measured amount for your working day and consider total and added sugars as well as energy. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains why ‘no added sugars’ does not mean sugar-free.

People buying snacks for the office cupboard

You’re buying snacks for several working days or a shared supply and want to consider pack size, storage advice and allergen information. Product details from PLUS, ALDI and Dirk include packaging and storage instructions, among other things. Always check the specific variant you choose.

What should you look for when choosing?

If fat is your main priority, start by comparing the amount per 100g. Then consider the portion, energy, sugars, packaging and allergens too. According to the European Commission, solid foods must contain no more than 3g of fat per 100g to carry the ‘low fat’ claim; a comparative claim such as ‘reduced’ requires a different assessment.

What to consider What to look for Who should consider this?
Low fat Compare the fat per 100g and check the ingredients; oil in fruit crisps can change the fat content. If keeping fat low is my main priority, I compare the exact variant rather than just the type of fruit. Around 34% of consumers prioritise fat content.
Portion, energy and sugars Compare nutritional values on the same basis and distinguish between total and added sugars. If I want a measured snack at the office, I check energy and sugars as well as fat. Around 33% of consumers prioritise these factors and portion size.
Stock and packaging Check the net weight, whether the pack is resealable and the storage advice; a larger pack is not a serving size. If I’m buying snacks for several working days, I want to know how to store them and how much to portion out. Around 20% of consumers prioritise practical stock management.
Allergens Check the ingredients and warnings on the exact packaging, especially for shared supplies. If I’m buying for colleagues with a relevant allergy, I check the allergen information for that variant first. Around 13% of consumers put allergen checks first.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming fruit crisps are always low in fat

    The AH banana crisps reviewed contain coconut oil and sugar and list 30g of fat per 100g. The term ‘fruit crisps’ alone doesn’t tell you enough about the ingredients.

    Check the ingredients and fat content of the exact variant before comparing it with other dried fruit.

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

    The PLUS apricots reviewed list 0g of added sugars, but also 53.4g of total sugars per 100g.

    Check both the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line in the nutrition information, and decide on your portion separately.

  • Using the manufacturer’s serving size as daily dietary advice

    The pack of soaked AH apricots reviewed lists a 50g serving. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises eating no more than 20g of dried fruit a day; this is dietary advice, not a legal serving-size limit.

    Weigh the amount you want to take with you, and don’t automatically treat the serving size on the pack as personal advice.

  • Choosing shared supplies based on fat content alone

    The Jumbo apricots reviewed contain sulphites and may also contain nuts, peanuts and sesame. A variant that isn’t suitable for someone with a relevant allergy may not be suitable for the people you’re buying it for.

    Before buying, check the allergen information for the exact variant and keep it with the shared supplies.

Brands and products to explore

Albert Heijn

The soaked apricots and banana crisps reviewed show how much the ingredients can vary between product types.

  • The soaked apricots contain water and list 0.6g of fat and 182 kcal per 100g.
  • The banana crisps reviewed contain coconut oil and sugar and list 30g of fat per 100g. These details apply to the variants named, not the entire range.

Jumbo

The 250g pack of Dried Apricots, Pitted reviewed is an option for comparing nutritional values and allergen information on the packaging.

  • The product information lists values per 100g and per 20g portion.
  • The apricots contain sulphites; the pack also notes that they may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame. No independent taste test is available.

PLUS

The 375g stand-up pouch of dried apricots reviewed is worth considering if you want to stock up and portion them out yourself.

  • The product information lists 0.5g of fat, 53.4g of sugars and 0g of added sugars per 100g.
  • The pack contains sulphites. Its larger size doesn’t tell you whether the quantity is right for how much you eat.

ALDI

The store information reviewed covers raisins and a cranberry and raisin mix.

  • The packs listed are 500g for raisins and 200g for the mix; the mix is described as being in a resealable pack.
  • Convenient packaging doesn’t prove that these variants are low in fat. Assess the contents of the specific pack separately.

Lidl

Lidl is one retailer to explore for dried fruit among the supermarkets reviewed.

  • The range page lists dried fruit in selected stores.
  • The store information here doesn’t specify an exact variant or its nutritional values to support a low-fat choice.

Dirk

The 750g pack of raisins reviewed may be useful if you’re buying to keep a stock in.

  • The product information confirms the packaging and weight.
  • The pack size alone doesn’t support a nutritional claim; check the label on the pack you choose.

Dried fruit on Joybuy

These dried fruit snacks can be compared by fat, energy, sugars and ingredients. A low fat value doesn’t automatically mean less sugar or fewer calories.

Haoxiangni Dr.Jujube Premium Gold-Grade Pitted 390g

Haoxiangni Dr.Jujube Premium Gold-Grade Pitted 390g

According to the product description, these pitted red dates are ready to eat. The stated nutritional values can help you compare products per 100g.

Per 100g: 0g fat, 327 kcal and 50.0g sugars. The ingredients are 100% red dates. Low fat doesn’t automatically mean low in energy or sugars.

View on Joybuy
OHLA dried soursop 180g

OHLA Dried Soursop 180g

This dried soursop is described as a snack. After opening, follow the storage advice on the packaging.

Per 100g: 2.21g fat, 348 kcal and 72.6g sugars. The ingredients include sugar and glucose. After opening, the product information advises sealing the pack well or refrigerating it.

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Haoxiangni Pitted Jujubes 500g

Haoxiangni Pitted Jujubes 500g

According to the product description, these pitted red dates are ready to eat and can also be used in cooking or baking.

Per 100g: 0.5g fat, 300 kcal and 60g sugars. Low fat doesn’t mean sugar-free.

View on Joybuy
Bestore dried loquat with bamboo salt 200g

Bestore Dried Loquat with Bamboo Salt 200g

This dried loquat is described as a ready-to-eat snack. When choosing, consider the ingredients and allergen information too.

Per 100g: 0g fat, 311 kcal and 66.2g sugars. The ingredients include white sugar and glucose syrup; the product information also lists sulphites. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

View on Joybuy
Three Squirrels dried red apricots 250g

Three Squirrels Red Apricot Dried 250g

According to the product description, these apricots are ready to eat; the pack is described as resealable.

Per 100g: 0g fat, 311 kcal and 62.0g sugars. The ingredients include sugar and maltose syrup; the product information lists sulphites. Store in a cool, dry place.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

When can a solid food be called ‘low fat’ in the Netherlands?

According to the European Commission, solid foods must contain no more than 3g of fat per 100g to carry the ‘low fat’ claim. Compare the value per 100g, not just the value for a small portion.

Do ‘low fat’ and ‘reduced fat’ mean the same thing?

No. ‘Low fat’ refers to an absolute limit, while ‘reduced’ requires a comparison with a suitable standard product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that comparative claims such as ‘light’, ‘lite’ and ‘reduced’ are subject to conditions; a low fat value alone doesn’t prove that the fat content has been reduced.

Is low-fat dried fruit also low in calories?

Not necessarily. For the European ‘low energy’ claim, solid foods must contain no more than 40 kcal per 100g; the apricots reviewed list 182 to 254 kcal per 100g. So compare energy separately from fat.

How much dried fruit should you take to work?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises eating no more than 20g of dried fruit a day. This is dietary advice, not a legal serving-size limit. Weigh your portion and don’t automatically treat the serving size on the pack as personal advice.

What should you look for in the allergen information for dried apricots?

Check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact packaging. The AH, Jumbo and PLUS apricots reviewed list sulphites; Jumbo also notes that the product may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame. The NVWA explains the information requirements for businesses selling food to consumers.