For a quick fruity dessert after a weeknight dinner, choose a bag based on the amount you’ll actually serve and the defrosting time given for that specific product. A larger net weight doesn’t necessarily mean more portions: both an Auchan 450 g mixed fruit bag and a 750 g Picard red fruit salad are listed as serving three. Check the ingredients too, as a prepared fruit salad isn’t necessarily a bag of plain fruit.
If you’re planning to use a bag more than once, compare its net weight with the amount you usually serve. E.Leclerc lists a 650 g red fruit mix, for example, while Picard offers a 750 g prepared fruit salad. Their ingredients and portions aren’t interchangeable.
Defrosting instructions matter just as much as pack size. The product details for Auchan’s 450 g mix give microwave and fridge methods, with different timings for each.
A single-fruit bag lets you choose which fruit to use; a mix gives you several fruits in one bag. If you’re buying a prepared fruit salad, check for added ingredients too: Picard’s includes water, honey and concentrated passion fruit juice, among other ingredients.
For dessert after a quick dinner, first decide how many times you’ll open the bag, then check the defrosting instructions and ingredients for the product you’re considering. The term ‘family bag’ doesn’t tell you the net weight or how many portions it contains.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Amount to serve | Compare the net weight and, where stated, the number of portions for the specific product. The 450 g Auchan bag and 750 g Picard bag mentioned here are both listed as serving three. | If I’m serving a fruity dessert on several evenings, I want enough fruit for those servings without relying on the word ‘family-sized’ alone. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise getting the right amount. |
| Preparation time | Check the defrosting method and how long it takes for the amount you plan to serve. For its 450 g mix, Auchan gives a microwave time of 12 minutes followed by 5 minutes’ standing time, or 4 hours in the fridge. | After a hurried dinner, I want to know whether I can serve dessert that same evening. Speed would be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Storage | Check the storage instructions and any guidance that applies after defrosting on the pack you choose. | If I plan to use the bag more than once, I prefer to take out only what I need and store the rest according to the pack instructions. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise managing multiple uses. |
| Ingredients | Check which fruits are included and whether there are any other ingredients. Picard’s 750 g red fruit salad contains water and honey, among other ingredients. | When the choice of fruit matters for a recipe, I want to distinguish a fruit mix from a prepared product with other ingredients. Around 15% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Weight alone doesn’t tell you how many portions you’ll get: Auchan lists three portions for its 450 g mix, and Picard lists three for its 750 g salad.
Compare the net weight and stated portions on the product with the amount you plan to serve.
Picard’s 750 g red fruit salad also contains water, honey and concentrated passion fruit juice. It therefore isn’t exactly the same as a bag containing only the fruit you’re looking for.
Before buying for a particular recipe, read the product description and the ingredients list on the bag.
The product details cited for Carrefour, Auchan and Picard say not to refreeze a defrosted product. The DGCCRF also stresses the importance of maintaining the cold chain.
Put frozen food back in the freezer promptly after shopping, and follow the pack instructions for the amount you prepare and how to store it.
Picard offers frozen fruit as well as prepared fruit salads.
Carrefour lists, among other products, 500 g and 650 g bags of Carrefour Classic’ red fruit mix.
E.Leclerc lists, among other products, 650 g bags of Marque Repère red fruit and 1 kg bags of whole raspberries.
Auchan offers, among other products, a 450 g mix of whole red fruits listed as serving three.
Lidl offers frozen products. If you’re choosing fruit for several servings, start with the product available at your local shop.
ALDI lists, among other products, 500 g bags of ALL SEASONS® frozen strawberries or blueberries.
This option is for a durian dessert or smoothie. Its 400 g bag won’t meet the same need as a large red fruit mix for making several desserts.
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This 400 g bag contains frozen durian pulp with seeds, making it a handy choice for a durian dessert or smoothie. Don’t eat the seeds; check the pack for defrosting instructions before planning when to serve it.
No. The number of portions depends on the specific product and how it’s prepared, not just its weight. Both Auchan’s 450 g mix and Picard’s 750 g prepared salad are listed as serving three. Check the information on the bag you choose.
Yes, if the product you choose has a method that fits the time you have. For its 450 g mix, Auchan gives a microwave time of 12 minutes followed by 5 minutes’ standing time, compared with 4 hours in the fridge. Follow the instructions for your particular bag.
Read the product description and ingredients list for the specific item. Alongside the fruit, Picard’s 750 g red fruit salad contains water, honey and concentrated passion fruit juice. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergens must be highlighted on food labels.
Take out the amount you need if the packaging and product allow, then follow its storage instructions. The Carrefour, Auchan and Picard product details cited say not to refreeze a defrosted product. For its red fruit salad, Picard says to keep it in the fridge for 24 hours after defrosting.