Breakfast planners
You want to add organic dried fruit to your breakfast and decide how much to have. Check the organic labelling, ingredients and pack size. Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo lists specific organic raisin options.
Who might choose organic dried fruit?
On-the-go snack planners
You’re looking for a snack for days out on holiday and want to know how much you’re taking with you. Measuring out your own portions and choosing individual boxes are two options. For young children, follow the instructions on the specific product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a small amount of dried fruit.
Shoppers comparing pack sizes
You want to know how much organic dried fruit you’ll get for the occasions you have planned. Compare the net weight of the same type of fruit, and bear in mind the difference between a larger bag and individual snack packs.
What should you look for in organic dried fruit?
First check the organic labelling, then choose based on the ingredients, amount per eating occasion and type of packaging.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most relevant for? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic labelling | Check for the EU organic logo, the control code number and the stated farming origin. | If I want to be sure that the organic claim can be verified, I look beyond the product name. For around 29% of consumers, confidence in organic credentials is the top purchasing priority. |
| Sugars and portions | Read the ingredients and compare the nutritional information per 100 g; the portion sizes shown on labels can vary. | If I choose dried fruit for breakfast or as a holiday snack, I want to decide how much to have. Around 29% of consumers give sugar and portion size the highest priority. |
| Pack size and packaging | Compare the net weight of the same type of fruit and consider how many eating occasions you’re planning for. | When I’m looking for a supply for planned eating occasions, I want to know how many usable portions the pack contains. This is the main consideration for around 24% of consumers. |
| Taking and sharing snacks | Check the amount in each box and read the instructions and allergen information for the exact product. | If I’m taking snacks with me or sharing them, it’s handy to have the amount clearly portioned in advance. This is the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming organic or no added sugar means low in sugar
Organic labelling tells you about how a product is made, not how much total sugar it contains. Albert Heijn lists AH Organic Raisins as having 0 g of added sugars and 59 g of total sugars per 100 g.
Read the ingredients and nutritional information separately. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a small amount of dried fruit; don’t use an organic label as a guide to portion size.
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Comparing the portion sizes on labels like for like
The Albert Heijn raisins reviewed use a reference portion of 25 g, the Jumbo raisins 15 g and De Kleine Keuken snack boxes 14 g. This means the per-portion values aren’t based on the same amount.
Compare nutritional values per 100 g first, then decide what amount suits the occasion.
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Assuming an organic fruit mix contains only fruit
The Albert Heijn organic mix reviewed also contains almonds. This is relevant to the product’s ingredients and to anyone who needs to avoid allergens.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack before buying or sharing a mix. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the mandatory allergen labelling on packaging.
Organic fruit products from brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Organic Raisins are a specific loose-pack option for breakfast or snacks you portion yourself.
- The product information lists a 250 g pack, the EU organic logo and control code TR-BIO-154.
- For this variety, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 59 g of total sugars per 100 g. Sunflower oil is also included in the ingredients.
- These product details apply to the raisin variety mentioned, not the entire organic range.
Jumbo
Jumbo Organic Sun-Dried Sultana Raisins are a loose-pack option in a 250 g pack.
- The product page lists control code TR-BIO-132 and non-EU agriculture.
- The page lists raisins and sunflower oil of organic origin.
- The nutritional information uses a 15 g portion; compare with other products on the same basis.
PLUS
PLUS lists BIO+ Sultana Raisins in a stand-up pouch of 250 g and a De Kleine Keuken option of 140 g.
- The BIO+ page lists EU Organic Farming and ingredients of organic origin.
- The De Kleine Keuken product information includes instructions for young children.
- The two products listed differ in pack size and packaging; check each label separately.
Lidl
Lidl lists Belbake Organic Raisins as a store product.
- The product listing gives a pack size of 200 g.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack of the variety you buy.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bio+ Sultana Raisins among its baking products.
- The product listing gives a pack size of 250 g.
- The same brand name and pack size at another supermarket don’t prove that the ingredients or product version are identical.
Organic dried fruit at Joybuy
This product selection includes raisins for breakfast or snacks you portion yourself, as well as fruit and date snacks in individual portions.
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De Kleine Keuken organic raisins 12M+ 140 g
The individual boxes make it easy to see how much you’re taking for each snack.
The product information lists ten 14 g boxes and says the product is suitable from 12 months. It also advises children to sit upright and be supervised while eating.
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De Kleine Keuken organic fruit bites with apricot 20 g
This portion combines several ingredients for anyone looking for a fruity snack other than raisins.
The product information lists 44% dried apricots, 44% dates, 8% bananas and 4% rice flour. The product may contain traces of nuts and, according to the product information, is suitable from 12 months.
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De Kleine Keuken organic dates 12+
A date snack is an alternative for anyone looking for something other than just raisins.
The ingredients list 95% dates and 5% rice flour. The product information says it is suitable from 12 months and advises children to sit upright and be supervised while eating.
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B+ organic sultana raisins 250 g
The loose pack is ideal for adding to breakfast cereal or portioning out for snacks.
The product information lists 250 g of raisins and sunflower oil of organic origin. According to the product information, an occasional stem or pip may remain.
Frequently asked questions about organic dried fruit
How can you recognise organic dried fruit?
Check for the EU organic logo, the control code number and the stated farming origin. According to the European Commission, the logo may only be used on products certified as organic. It is compulsory on pre-packed organic food produced in the EU, but this requirement does not automatically apply to every imported or unpackaged product.
Does the organic logo mean that all the ingredients are organic?
No, the logo doesn’t always mean that every ingredient is organic. The European Commission says products may carry the logo if at least 95% of their ingredients are organic, subject to strict conditions for the remaining ingredients. So check the ingredients list on the exact product.
Does organic or no added sugar mean that raisins are low in sugar?
No. Organic certification and claims about added sugar don’t tell you how much total sugar a product contains. Albert Heijn lists AH Organic Raisins as having 0 g of added sugars and 59 g of total sugars per 100 g; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a small amount of dried fruit.
What should you bear in mind when young children eat raisins?
Follow the instructions on the exact pack and supervise children while they eat. For the De Kleine Keuken variety reviewed, the product information says it is suitable from 12 months and advises children to sit upright. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a small amount of dried fruit.
How should you store an opened bag of raisins?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack of your variety. For the raisin products reviewed, Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS advise storing them in a cool, dry and dark place.