Searching online for nuts and dried fruit might seem straightforward. But packs vary widely in flavour, ingredients, portion size and shelf life. A product with an appealing photo could, for example, contain more sugar or salt than you expect. And a large pack can be impractical if you don't eat the contents quickly enough.
This buying guide helps you objectively compare dried fruits, mixed nuts and exotic snacks for home, on the go, at the office, for drinks with friends or as a gift hamper of snacks.
Dried fruit naturally contains sugar, but some varieties also have added sugar, oil or preservatives. MUSHAN BASE Dried Strawberry Slices 50g, for example, lists dried strawberries and sugar as ingredients. The nutritional information shows 57.4g of sugar per 100g.
Dried mango isn't always free of additions either. The product information for PHILIPPINE BRAND Dried Mango 100 g lists mango, sugar and sulphite E223. So always check the ingredients list and allergen information rather than just looking for words like "pure" or "natural".
A 500g bag or a box weighing nearly a kilo can be good value for daily use or sharing. For a single-person household, though, the pack may stay open longer, causing nuts to lose their crunch. Dried fruit can also become chewy if the pack isn't sealed properly.
Choose small bags for on the go and larger packs for a family, office or drinks. After opening, follow the storage advice on the pack and seal it well.
Some Japanese mixes consist mainly of rice, corn or starch, with peanuts, seaweed or spices added. Bon Appetit Yamato Mix is 86% rice according to the product information, and contains soy sauce, seaweed and chilli powder among other ingredients. That's a different choice from a mix with almonds, cashews or walnuts.
So check the quantitative ingredient declaration. This shows which ingredient has the largest share. Also check whether the mix may contain soya, gluten, sesame or traces of other nuts.
Don't just compare the price per pack – also compare the price per 100g. Also look out for:
The term healthy snacks is no guarantee of a particular composition. Use the nutrition table to compare products. An unsalted product like BE&CHEERY Premium Macadamia Nuts 500G, for example, lists no added salt, sugar or spices. That said, macadamia nuts are naturally energy-dense.
The preparation method largely determines the eating experience. Roasted products are generally crunchy, while Medjool dates can be soft and sticky. Soft chestnuts are fine to eat straight away, but also work well in desserts or warm dishes.
For drinks, roasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and a Japanese mix are practical. For breakfast and desserts, dried mango, strawberry slices, cranberries and dates are easy to combine with yoghurt, porridge or baking.
Check the net weight, the number of individual sachets and the shelf-life information. A gift pack with several flavours is great for sharing, while individual portions are more convenient for school, work or on the go.
For products with different components, such as Bestore - Enjoyable Moments, the best-before date may be determined by the component that expires first. So check the individual packaging and store all snacks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Why this suits the profile: The 50% cashew and 50% sweetened dried cranberry ratio makes the composition easy to understand. Suitable as a small snack or topping.
The ingredients and allergens are clearly stated. Do note the added sugar in the cranberries.
200g, 0g stated salt per 100g and a fixed 50/50 ratio.
Why this suits the profile: If you want a pure nut with no flavouring, this 500g pack contains macadamia nuts as the only listed ingredient.
No added sugar, salt or spices according to the product information. Keep the large bag well sealed after opening.
100% macadamia nuts and 500g content; suitable for snacking, baking and desserts.
Why this suits the profile: The large pack is designed for daily snacking, sharing, baking or adding to yoghurt and desserts.
The ingredients list only contains dates. Do check the date on arrival and seal the pack carefully after use.
908g content, pitted according to the product description, and usable as a snack or ingredient.
Why this suits the profile: This seasoned mix is designed for sharing over drinks and offers a different choice from sweet dried fruits.
The ingredients and nutritional values are stated. The mix contains peanuts and soya and wheat components according to the ingredients list; check the label if you have allergies.
250g content and a jar made from 100% recycled material according to the product information.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
Yes, provided the pack reseals well and you consider portion size and allergens. Small packs or individually wrapped products are practical in a bag. Medjool dates, dried fruits and nut mixes are ready to eat; just check the ingredients and nutritional value beforehand.
This varies by product. Store snacks according to the label in a cool, dry and dark place. Seal bags and jars well to limit moisture and quality loss. For products with a short recommended use-by period after opening, it's better to buy smaller quantities.
Unprocessed nuts generally contain no added spices, sugar or salt, but they remain energy-dense. So look at the portion size and overall nutritional value. With roasted peanuts, seeds and snack mixes, the salt content is particularly important. The ingredients list remains the most direct way to compare different products.