Christmas breakfast organisers
Choose a type of fruit to suit the dish, such as raisins for granola or dates for stuffing. Albert Heijn suggests granola and stuffed dates as ways to use them.
Who might find organic dried fruit for Christmas breakfast useful?
Shoppers who want to check organic credentials
Look for the organic certification, then check the ingredients list and nutritional information too. The European Commission sets out the requirements for the EU organic logo.
Shoppers who are catering for guests
Check the ingredients and possible allergens before serving the fruit or adding it to a dish. For the mango and dates reviewed, Albert Heijn warns that they may contain traces of peanuts and nuts.
What should you look for in organic dried fruit?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should prioritise this? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic credentials and ingredients | Check for the EU organic logo and see whether anything besides fruit, such as sunflower oil, has been added. | If you want to check both certified origin and a clear ingredient list for your Christmas breakfast, put this information first. Around 33% of shoppers say certification and ingredients are their top buying priorities. |
| How you’ll use it | Decide whether you’ll mix the fruit into granola, serve it on its own or use it in a dish. | If you want to know in advance which type of fruit suits your planned recipe, how you’ll use it matters most. Around 27% of shoppers prioritise how the fruit will be used at breakfast. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare the net weight and check how to store the pack once opened. | If you’re buying for several dishes and want to minimise leftovers, choose an amount that suits your plans. Around 20% of shoppers prioritise quantity and stock management. |
| Suitability for guests | Read the allergen information and check the ingredients for the whole dish too. | If you’re hosting guests with different dietary needs, you’ll want to know what’s in both the fruit and the rest of the dish. Around 20% of shoppers prioritise suitability for guests. |
Common pitfalls when choosing organic dried fruit
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Assuming organic or unsweetened means low in sugar
Organic credentials don’t tell you how much total sugar a product contains. For the organic raisins reviewed, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 59 g of total sugars per 100 grams.
Read the nutritional information and check added and total sugars separately.
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Assuming a short ingredients list means a product is allergen-free
The AH mango reviewed lists dried mango as its ingredient, but also warns that it may contain traces of peanuts and nuts.
Check the allergen information on the current pack and review the ingredients for the whole dish too.
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Assuming pitted dates are guaranteed to be stone-free
Albert Heijn warns that, despite checks, a stone may accidentally remain in a date.
Check the dates while preparing or stuffing them.
Dried fruit brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The AH Biologisch products reviewed include raisins, unsweetened dried mango and pitted dates.
- Product information lists ingredients and suggested uses; the mango and dates also carry warnings about possible traces of peanuts and nuts.
- The dates are pitted, but Albert Heijn says a stone may still remain.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists Zongedroogde Sultana Rozijnen Biologisch in a 250-gram pack.
- The ingredients list includes raisins and sunflower oil of organic origin.
- If you’re looking for a product made from fruit alone, check the full ingredients list.
PLUS
PLUS lists BIO+ Sultana raisins in a 250-gram stand-up pouch.
- The ingredients list states 99% raisins and organic sunflower oil. PLUS recommends storing the raisins in a cool, dry and dark place.
- The ingredients list shows that the product is not made from raisins alone.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bio+ Rozijnen sultana in a 250-gram pack.
- The product listing gives the product name and pack size.
- Check the pack for the organic certification and full ingredient information.
Lidl
Lidl describes Alesto as a range that includes dried fruit and mango strips.
- For the mango strips described, Lidl Netherlands says there are no added sugars and notes that the product contains naturally occurring sugars.
- This product information alone doesn’t confirm organic certification; check the pack for the logo.
ALDI
ALDI lists Trader Joe's raisins in a 500-gram pack.
- The product listing confirms the product name and pack size.
- The listing doesn’t confirm organic certification; check the logo and product information on the pack.
Dried fruit products from Joybuy
This Joybuy selection includes raisins and dates in products labelled as suitable from 12 months, as well as a mixed fruit bite. They’re not all plain dried fruit. The word Organic in a product name doesn’t replace checking the organic certification on the pack.
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De Kleine Keuken Organic Raisins 12M+ 140g
The product description presents these raisins as suitable from 12 months; supervise children while they eat.
The description states that the pack contains 10 portions of 14 g and should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place.
The product description says there are no added sugars. According to the information provided, the product isn’t suitable for children with swallowing difficulties.
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De Kleine Keuken Organic Dates 12+
The product information describes these dates as suitable for children from 12 months and recommends storing them in a cool, dry and dark place.
The ingredients are 95% dates and 5% rice flour. The product description says there are no added sugars and no sulphites.
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De Kleine Keuken Organic Fruitjes with Apricots 20 g
This is a mixed fruit bite for children from 12 months, not a product made solely from dried fruit.
The description lists 44% dried apricots, 44% dates, 8% bananas and 4% rice flour.
The product information warns that it may contain traces of nuts.
Frequently asked questions about organic dried fruit
How can I recognise organic dried fruit?
Check for the organic certification and related product information on the pack. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo can only be used on products certified as organic by an approved control authority or control body.
Does no added sugar mean sugar-free?
No. For the AH Biologisch raisins reviewed, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars, but 59 g of total sugars per 100 grams. Check these nutritional values separately.
Are organic mango and dates automatically suitable for guests with a nut allergy?
No. The AH mango and dates reviewed may contain traces of peanuts and nuts. Check the current pack and review the ingredients for the whole dish too.
How much dried fruit should I allow for breakfast?
The Voedingscentrum recommends eating no more than 20 grams of dried fruit a day. When planning, remember to include any dried fruit in other dishes too; a portion size stated on a pack isn’t the same as this recommendation.
What should I check if I want to keep a pack after breakfast?
Follow the storage instructions for that specific product. PLUS recommends storing its BIO+ raisins in a cool, dry and dark place; don’t assume the same instructions apply to another product.