First, choose an exact product variant whose suitability for vegans has been confirmed. Then match the pack size to what your household actually uses. A large bag or a 4-pack label doesn’t tell you whether the quantity suits your needs. Organic and vegetarian labels are not a substitute for confirmation that a product is vegan.
You’re looking for dried fruit as part of your regular shop and want to check whether the exact variant is suitable for vegans before deciding on pack size. Milieu Centraal explains in its Label Guide that the VEGAN and VEGETARIAN labels have different meanings.
You regularly use a particular fruit and want to know how much product a bag or multipack actually contains. Check the net weight and compare the same product variant.
You want to choose a quantity that suits how often you use dried fruit. A larger pack isn’t automatically the most convenient choice if you don’t need to stock up.
First, check whether the exact variant can be confirmed as suitable for vegans. Then compare the pack sizes and choose a quantity that suits how you use it at home.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability for vegans | Check the exact variant and its ingredient information, and look for a VEGAN label on the packaging. | If I’m shopping for vegan products, I want to be able to check the exact variant before choosing a pack. For around 31% of shoppers, confirmed suitability for vegans is the top priority. |
| Pack size | Check the net weight and, for a multipack, the total amount of product in the pack. | If I use dried fruit regularly, I want to know how much is actually in a pack. Around 31% of shoppers prioritise a larger size that suits their needs. |
| A suitable amount to keep in stock | Match the quantity to how much you use, and check the best-before date and any storage instructions. | If I use dried fruit occasionally or my usage varies, I don’t want to choose a larger quantity than my household needs. For around 25% of shoppers, choosing the right amount is the deciding factor. |
| Organic labelling | Check the organic label and suitability for vegans separately. Don’t compare different types of raisins as if they were the same variant. | If I’m looking for organic products, I want to check that label without treating it as proof that the product is vegan. Around 13% of shoppers prioritise organic products. |
According to Milieu Centraal’s Label Guide, the VEGETARIAN mark allows certain products of animal origin that are not compatible with the meaning of the VEGAN mark.
Check which mark appears on the packaging of the exact variant, and read the product information too.
A category or multipack label doesn’t automatically tell you which ingredients are included or how much product the pack contains.
Read the ingredient information and check the net weight of the variant you want to buy.
More stock may not suit the way you use the product. The packaging doesn’t tell you by itself how long the product will keep once opened.
Choose an amount based on your own usage, and follow the best-before and storage instructions on the packaging.
Suitability for vegans and the presence of sulphites are separate things to consider. Stichting Voedselallergie lists dried fruit as a product category that may contain sulphites.
If sulphites are relevant to you, check the ingredient information for the exact variant separately.
Albert Heijn lists both AH Sun-Dried Raisins and a variant labelled 4-pack.
Jumbo lists sun-dried sultanas in 250 g, 500 g and 750 g packs, as well as a 250 g variant labelled organic.
Lidl lists dried fruit in selected stores.
ALDI lists Trader Joe's raisins in a 500 g pack.
PLUS lists 375 g Sultana raisins and a 500 g Blue Thompson variant labelled organic.
Dirk lists raisins in a 750 g pack, alongside smaller sizes and other dried fruit.
These Joybuy products are options if you’re looking for dried fruit. Check the product information and packaging to confirm whether the exact variant is suitable for vegans; the product category alone isn’t confirmation.
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An option if you’re looking for dates to snack on or bake with; the product description mentions both uses.
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A smaller pack if you’re looking for dried guava to snack on or use in desserts and other dishes; the product description mentions these uses.
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A smaller pack if you’re looking for dried soursop to snack on or add to yoghurt and cereal.
The listed ingredients include sodium metabisulphite. Check this information if sulphites are relevant to you.
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A pack of raisins if you’re looking to stock up for snacks or to add to cereal, baking and savoury dishes.
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A pack of black raisins if you’re looking for something to snack on or add to cereal, baking and savoury dishes.
No, the VEGETARIAN mark is not the same as the VEGAN mark. According to Milieu Centraal’s Label Guide, the vegetarian mark may allow ingredients such as milk, honey and beeswax. Check the mark on the packaging of the exact variant.
Check the best-before date and any special storage instructions or conditions of use. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists these as relevant label details. Follow the instructions on the packaging for your variant; the amount in the bag doesn’t determine how long it will keep once opened.
Stichting Voedselallergie lists dried fruit as a product category that may contain sulphites. If sulphites are relevant to you, check the ingredient information for the exact variant separately from the vegan label.
Check the ingredients list on the packaging of the exact variant. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires clear allergen information. According to official EU guidance, any allergens must stand out in the ingredients list.
No, organic labelling and suitability for vegans are separate attributes. Check both on the exact variant, and don’t treat an organic product name as a substitute for confirmation that it is vegan.
