When shopping in retirement, check the ingredients list and the fat content per 100 g rather than looking straight away for a ‘reduced-fat’ label. Product listings for two fruit-only mixes sold by Auchan and E.Leclerc state that they contain less than 0.2 g and 0.0 g of fat per 100 g, respectively. Then choose a pack that suits how much you use and the space in your freezer, and follow the storage instructions for the product you buy.
Whether you’re adding fruit to yoghurt, breakfast or a homemade recipe, you’ll want to tell whole fruit apart from a product containing other ingredients. The ingredients list and fat content per 100 g will tell you what’s in the specific pack.
A large pack can work well if you use fruit often, provided you have enough freezer space and can use the contents without leaving the pack open for too long.
If you use small amounts at a time, the pack size, the size of the fruit pieces and the instructions for storing the product after opening may matter more than buying a larger pack.
First, distinguish plain fruit from fruit-based products, then choose a pack you can store and use properly.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients and fat content | The ingredients list, followed by the fat content per 100 g on the pack you choose. | If I’m adding fruit to yoghurt, I want to know exactly what’s in the pack so I don’t accidentally choose a prepared product. Around 50% of consumers would put this information first. |
| Quantity for regular use | The net weight and how much your household will actually use. | If I often make recipes with fruit, I look for a pack whose contents I can use up. Around 30% of consumers would prioritise finding the right amount. |
| Portions and storage | Freezer space, as well as the product’s own storage and defrosting instructions. | In a small household, I prefer to take out a little fruit at a time and avoid defrosting more than I need. Around 20% of consumers would put portion control first. |
Seeing the word ‘fruit’ in the name doesn’t mean the pack contains fruit and nothing else. A fruit coulis or dessert may have a different composition.
To choose plain fruit, read the ingredients list first, then compare the fat content per 100 g.
A larger pack may not be the best choice if you rarely use this fruit or don’t have much freezer space.
Before choosing a pack size, estimate how much you’ll take out each time.
Instructions vary by product. The listing for the Thomas Le Prince mix sold by Auchan says to store it at −18 °C and never refreeze it after defrosting.
Anses recommends buying frozen food at the end of your shop and using an insulated bag. Once you’re home, follow the instructions on your pack.
Picard offers several types of frozen fruit, including berries, exotic fruit and products for smoothies.
Carrefour offers a Carrefour Classic’ red berry mix, among other products.
E.Leclerc offers Douceur du Verger and Bio Village frozen fruit, among other products.
Auchan offers frozen fruit and coulis, including a Thomas Le Prince red berry mix.
Lidl has a frozen food aisle, but its range may vary from store to store.
Aldi sells frozen fruit and vegetables under its own brands, including All Seasons strawberries and blueberries.
If you’re looking for a smaller pack of frozen fruit for your household, this selection includes a 300 g pack of jackfruit. Check the label if fat content is your main consideration.
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This 300 g pack may suit you if you use small amounts of frozen fruit. Before choosing it for its fat content, compare the value per 100 g on the packaging.
Not as your first consideration when choosing plain fruit. Compare the ingredients and fat content per 100 g instead. The listings for the fruit mixes sold by Auchan and E.Leclerc mentioned here state that they contain less than 0.2 g and 0.0 g per 100 g, respectively. Always check the value for the pack you’re buying.
Check the product name and ingredients list: a mix made up of fruit alone should list fruit only. A coulis, dessert or smoothie mix should be checked separately to see what it contains.
Follow the instructions for the product you buy. The Auchan listing for the Thomas Le Prince mix says never to refreeze it after defrosting. Check your own packaging before deciding how to portion it.
Buy it at the end of your shop and carry it in an insulated bag, as Anses recommends. Then store it at the temperature and according to the instructions on the packaging.
No. To compare fat content, check the amount per 100 g in the nutritional information, then read the ingredients to tell plain fruit apart from a prepared product.