Shoppers who look for organic options
You want to identify organic production from the label and certification details, rather than relying on a product’s natural appearance. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) explains the EU organic logo.
Who is this choice for?
A small fruit addition to a school lunch
You’re looking for a small portion to put in a lunchbox and want to check whether sugar has been added. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends no more than a handful of dried fruit.
Anyone weighing up variety and ingredients
You want to choose between raisins, other dried fruit and perhaps a mix. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) stresses the importance of clear allergen information. If it’s relevant to the person eating it, check the ingredients on the exact pack.
What should you look for when buying?
First check the organic label and ingredients, then decide on the portion size. Finally, consider which pack size and ingredients best suit how you’ll use it for lunch.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who might care most? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic labelling | For applicable prepacked organic products, check the EU organic logo, the inspection code and the agricultural origin. The European Commission explains these labels. | If I choose organic, I want to be able to find the relevant details on the exact pack. Around 27% of consumers prioritise verifiable organic production. |
| Sugar and portion size | Check the ingredients for added sugar. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends no more than a handful of dried fruit. | I want to pack a small portion for lunch and not rely on the product name alone. Around 27% of consumers prioritise added sugar and portion size. |
| Portioning and storage | Check the pack weight, how you can divide it into small portions and the storage advice on the pack you choose. | When preparing lunch regularly, I want to be able to measure out and store a small amount without any fuss. Around 20% of consumers prioritise daily portioning and storage. |
| Pack size | Compare the pack weight with the amount you expect to use. Jumbo lists 500 g for its organic sultanas, while PLUS lists 250 g for BIO+ Sultana raisins. | I want to choose a larger pack that suits how often I include fruit in a lunchbox. Around 13% of consumers prioritise pack size and the amount they keep in stock. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the full ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack. The NVWA explains allergen labelling. | If an allergy needs to be taken into account, I want to know in advance what’s in the pack. Around 13% of consumers prioritise their personal allergen requirements. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming organic means no added sugar
Organic production and the ingredients list answer different questions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between dried fruit with and without added sugar.
Check both the organic label and the ingredients on the pack you choose.
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Mistaking the pack weight for a lunch portion
A 250 g or 500 g bag is a larger pack to keep in stock. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends no more than a handful of dried fruit.
At home, divide out a small amount. Don’t use the bag’s total weight as a guide to portion size.
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Choosing a fruit and nut mix without checking the ingredients
The organic mix listed by Albert Heijn contains almonds, so it isn’t made from dried fruit alone. If an allergy is relevant, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.
Choose the mix only if its ingredients are suitable for the person eating it.
Supermarket brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists organic raisins, unsweetened dried pineapple and an organic fruit and almond mix.
- These listings offer examples of both single-fruit products and a mix.
- The almond mix also contains nuts. Product listings don’t indicate that one product is nutritionally superior to another.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists Organic Sultana Raisins in a 500 g pack.
- This product listing shows the inspection code NL-BIO-01 and the agricultural origin as EU/non-EU.
- The 500 g pack is a larger quantity to keep in stock, not a recommended lunch portion. These details apply to this variety.
Lidl
Lidl lists Belbake Organic Raisins as a product range to consider.
- The product listing identifies the raisins as organic.
- Check the ingredients and labelling on the pack of the variety you choose.
PLUS
PLUS lists BIO+ Sultana raisins in a 250 g stand-up pouch.
- The pack weight gives you a concrete point of comparison when choosing how much to keep in stock.
- The pack and product range don’t, on their own, tell you about the ingredients in other varieties.
Dirk
Dirk lists Bio+ Sultana Raisins as a relevant product range.
- The product listing confirms that this range is available at Dirk.
- Don’t assume it has the same ingredients as other Bio+ products. Check the exact pack.
Joybuy products
Related Joybuy products for anyone looking for dried fruit as a small addition to a school lunch. Check the organic label, ingredients and portion size on the exact pack.
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De Kleine Keuken Organic Raisins 12M+ 140 g
For anyone who wants to pack raisins in small portions. The product information describes them as organic raisins with no added sugars.
10 boxes of 14 g (140 g total). Store in a cool, dry, dark place.
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De Kleine Keuken Organic Dates 12+
For anyone considering dates as well as raisins. The product information describes them as organic dates with no added sugars.
The ingredients list states 5% rice flour.
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B+ Sultana Raisins 250 g
For anyone who wants to portion out sultanas from a larger pack. The product description says they’re organic raisins with no added sugars.
Pack size: 250 g. The ingredients list states raisins and sunflower oil. Store in a cool, dry place.
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De Kleine Keuken Organic Fruitjes with Apricots 20 g
For anyone who wants to take a small fruit mix along. This product also contains rice flour, so it isn’t made from dried fruit alone.
Pack size: 20 g. The ingredients list states 44% dried apricots, 44% dates, 8% banana and 4% rice flour. The product information says no sugar has been added and warns that the product may contain traces of nuts.
Frequently asked questions
What does ‘organic’ mean on the pack?
Organic refers to legally defined production requirements, not just a product’s natural appearance. The European Commission describes the EU organic logo as a way to identify products that meet the relevant rules.
Does every organic product have to carry the EU organic logo?
No, the requirement doesn’t apply to every type of sale without exception. According to the European Commission, the logo is compulsory for prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic. The inspection code and agricultural origin must also be shown.
Can I pack a whole bag of dried fruit as a school portion?
Treat the bag as a larger pack to keep in stock and portion out a small amount. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends no more than a handful of dried fruit because it contains a lot of sugar.
Is a fruit mix the same as dried fruit on its own?
No, a mix may contain other ingredients too. The organic fruit mix listed by Albert Heijn includes almonds, among other ingredients. If an allergy is relevant, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.
How should I store the Jumbo sultanas mentioned?
Jumbo advises storing these organic sultanas in a cool, dry, dark place. Follow the instructions on the pack. This advice doesn’t cover a complete lunch that has already been mixed with other ingredients.