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Choosing a mixed nuts selection: how to find the right mix for every occasion

Choosing a mixed nuts selection might seem straightforward, but products can vary considerably. One mix may consist mainly of peanuts and starch, while another is made mostly of nuts and dried fruit. Salted and unsalted mixes, roasted varieties and seasoned cocktail nuts can also differ significantly in flavour, ingredients and when they’re best enjoyed.

So when you’re buying nuts online, don’t just go by the packaging or an appealing product name. The ingredients list, serving size, allergen information and nutritional values give you a better idea of what you’re actually ordering.

Three common pitfalls when choosing a mixed nuts selection

1. The name doesn’t always tell you the proportions

A product with “macadamia” or “cashew” in its name may still consist largely of peanuts. For example, according to the product information, peanuts are the main ingredient in g'woon Macadamia Mix Salted, at 26.1%, followed by almonds at 18.8%, cashews at 18.4% and macadamias at 15.8%.

Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If you want a cashew or macadamia mix with a significant proportion of that nut, always check the percentages.

2. “Nuts” can also mean a lot of coating

Cocktail nuts and savoury snack nuts get their crunchy coating from ingredients such as potato starch, wheat starch, oil, sugar and herbs and spices. This adds flavour, but it also means the product isn’t made entirely of plain nuts.

According to the label, g'woon Cocktail Nuts Shanghai contains 51% peanuts. The rest includes starch, oil, sugar, salt, garlic and onion. That could be just the thing for a savoury snack with drinks, but it may not be the best choice if you’re looking mainly for a plain mixed nuts selection.

3. A large pack isn’t automatically better value

A 500g bag can be handy for a family or to keep in the cupboard, but once opened, it can lose its crunch more quickly if it isn’t sealed properly. Smaller portions are more convenient for work, train journeys or walks, but may cost more per 100g.

So check the price per 100g, as well as how you plan to use the mix.

Which details should you check?

Ingredients and percentages

First, check which nuts are actually included. An unsalted mixed nuts selection, for example, might contain 30% hazelnuts, 30% walnuts, 20% almonds and 20% cashews. According to the product information, g'woon Unroasted Mixed Nuts, 500g, has these proportions and contains no added salt.

For student mix or trail mix, also check the proportions of nuts and dried fruit. According to the label, Kanjers Fresh Class Nuts Student Oats contains 49.7% raisins, as well as hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts and cashews. This makes it sweeter than a bag containing nuts only.

Salt, sugar and preparation method

Compare the nutritional values per 100g. g'woon Nut Mix Unsalted lists 0g of salt per 100g, while seasoned varieties can contain considerably more. For example, g'woon Spicy Cocktail Nuts lists 2.1g of salt per 100g.

Also look out for terms such as unroasted, roasted, dry-roasted and oven-roasted. According to the product description, Duyvis Dry-Roasted Mixed Nuts consists of 39% cashews, 34% peanuts and 24% almonds, with no added fat or oil. The preparation method can affect the flavour and crunch.

Allergens and labelling

Peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, milk, wheat, soya and sesame may be relevant if you have allergies or dietary requirements. Always check the current label on the packaging. Product information can change, and some descriptions include warnings about possible traces.

The ingredients list for g'woon Japanese Mix includes peanuts, sesame, soya and wheat, among other ingredients. Even if a product description includes general allergen information, it’s a good idea to check the full packaging before ordering or serving it.

Our recommendations for different needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
g'woon Cocktail Nuts Shanghai 300g

g'woon Cocktail Nuts Shanghai 300g

Why it suits this profile: The 300g pack is ideal for sharing with drinks or keeping at home for when you fancy a snack. Its crunchy, savoury flavour is a good match for fans of seasoned snack nuts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states that it contains 51% peanuts and lists starch, oil, sugar, salt, garlic and onion. That makes it clear you’re buying coated cocktail nuts, not a plain mixed nuts selection.

Key benefits and features

300g pack; distinct savoury flavour with garlic and onion; ideal as a snack or with a drink.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
g'woon Unroasted Mixed Nuts - 500g

g'woon Unroasted Mixed Nuts - 500g

Why it suits this profile: This large pack is a good choice if you like to keep a supply of unsalted nuts at home, for recipes or as a neutral-tasting snack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The four types of nuts and their proportions are listed: 30% hazelnuts, 30% walnuts, 20% almonds and 20% cashews. The nutritional information also states 0g of salt per 100g.

Key benefits and features

500g pack; unroasted and unsalted according to the product information; fixed proportions of four types of nuts.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent snackers
J.ZAO Classic Daily-Nut Mix 750 g / 30 sachets

J.ZAO Classic Daily-Nut Mix 750 g / 30 Sachets

Why it suits this profile: The individual 25g sachets are handy for commuting, travelling, school, the office or a snack on the go.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The individual portions mean you don’t have to keep opening and closing one large bag. Do check the ingredients, though: the mix includes raisins and sweetened dried cranberries.

Key benefits and features

750g in total; 30 individual sachets; a mix of walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and dried fruit.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about mixed nuts

What’s the difference between student mix and trail mix?

Student mix usually consists of a combination of nuts and raisins. Trail mix is a broader term for mixes containing nuts, dried fruit, seeds or sometimes other ingredients. Check the ingredients list if you’re looking for a particular balance.

How should you store an opened bag of mixed nuts?

Store the pack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the bag or jar tightly to keep out moisture and help the nuts stay crunchy. Always follow the storage advice on the label. A glass jar can be handy, but check first that it’s suitable for the product.

Is an unsalted mixed nuts selection always the right choice?

It depends on when you plan to enjoy it. An unsalted mix is a good choice if you want to add your own salt, use nuts in dishes or prefer a neutral flavour. For drinks and nibbles, cocktail nuts, Japanese mix or seasoned snack nuts may be a better fit. Compare the salt content, coating and portion size rather than going by the product name alone.