Ordinary raisins are a useful general reference if you’re looking for something low in fat, but general nutritional values don’t tell you what’s in a specific pack. So compare the exact product’s fat, energy and carbohydrate content, and think about how much you want to take with you. The ‘reduced fat’ claim alone won’t tell you whether the snack is right for your ride.
You’re looking for dried fruit that’s low in fat and want to check the nutritional information for the exact product, rather than relying on a claim alone. The Voedingscentrum provides general nutritional values for raisins as a reference, not as product specifications for every pack.
You want to know how much carbohydrate and energy you’re taking with you, so you look at the amount you actually plan to eat. The Voedingscentrum describes carbohydrates as an important source of energy for the body; this doesn’t determine a personal nutrition plan for a bike ride.
You’re choosing between a larger pack that you can portion yourself and individual boxes. Jumbo lists both sultanas in a 500 g pack and small boxes of raisins in a pack of 14. Which format is more practical depends on how you want to prepare your snack.
Best for: if you’re looking for something low in fat and also want to consider the carbohydrates in your snack.
Keep in mind: general nutritional values don’t automatically apply to every supermarket product and say nothing about a specific benefit for cycling.
Best for: if the claimed reduction in fat is important to you and you can check the exact pack.
Keep in mind: the claim alone doesn’t tell you how much energy or carbohydrate is in your portion.
Each row describes one key priority for consumers choosing dried fruit to eat while cycling. Compare product values on a like-for-like basis and use the information for the exact product.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and claim | Compare the fat content on the same basis and check the claim on the exact pack. | If I’m looking for something low in fat, I want to compare the nutritional information for that exact product, rather than relying on a claim alone. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Carbohydrates in your portion | Check the carbohydrate content per 100 g and work out how much is in the amount you’ve weighed out. | When I take something with me on the go, I want to know how much carbohydrate is in my portion. Around 25% of consumers prioritise planning their carbohydrate intake. |
| Energy and portion size | First decide what you mean by ‘lighter’, then compare the energy and weight of the amount you plan to eat. | If by ‘lighter’ I mainly mean lower in energy, I want to consider my own portion. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Packaging format | Check the total contents and the number of individual portions, and decide whether you want to weigh them out yourself. | Before setting off, I want to know whether I need to portion the snack myself or can take individual boxes. Packaging convenience is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
A low fat content doesn’t automatically mean a snack is low in energy. As a general reference, the Voedingscentrum lists 65 kcal and 0.1 g of fat for 20 g of raisins.
As well as fat, compare the energy content of the amount you plan to eat.
A general table isn’t the label for a specific pack. Product information can also change; Albert Heijn points this out on the product page for AH Rozijnen.
Use general tables as a guide only, and check the pack of the product you choose.
Once opened, a larger pack needs to be stored in a way that’s suitable for the product.
Choose an amount you expect to use and follow the storage advice on the pack.
The product page for AH Rozijnen makes Albert Heijn a useful point of comparison.
Jumbo lists raisins in different packaging formats.
The Lidl product page lists Belbake Rozijnen.
A Dutch ALDI product page lists Trader Joe’s raisins in a 500 g pack.
PLUS lists Smaakt Rozijnen blue Thompson bio in a 500 g bag.
Dirk’s Dutch product page lists raisins in its range.
No. The Voedingscentrum’s general table lists 65 kcal and 0.1 g of fat for 20 g of raisins. These are general nutritional values, not confirmed values for a specific supermarket pack.
Nutrition claims must comply with European rules, which are enforced by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. So assess the claim using the exact product information, and don’t treat the search term alone as proof that a product meets the requirements for the claim.
Check the allergen information on the label of the pre-packed product. Sulphites can be present in dried fruit, so if you have a known sensitivity to sulphites, check the product information carefully. This doesn’t mean that all dried fruit must be sulphite-free.
Follow the storage advice on the product packaging. For dried mixed fruit, the Voedingscentrum advises storing it in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. Don’t automatically apply this advice to every other type of dried fruit.
Use the information on the pack as your reference before eating the product. Albert Heijn and PLUS advise customers on their product pages to check the packaging. PLUS also says you can contact its customer service if you have any questions.
