Cashew nuts are not a nut-free choice: cashew is itself a tree nut allergen. If cashew is allowed under the dietary requirements and childcare setting’s policy, Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter with no added salt or sugar instead of whole nuts for children under four. Also check the ingredients and allergen warnings for the allergen that needs to be avoided; a simple ingredients list does not prove that cross-contamination has been ruled out.
You’re looking for a sandwich filling that fits a specific diet. Check which allergen needs to be avoided: cashew is itself a tree nut allergen, and a product may also carry warnings about other allergens. The NVWA classifies cashew as a tree nut allergen; Jumbo’s 100% cashew butter may contain almonds and pistachios.
You want a product format that’s suitable for the children’s age. Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter rather than whole nuts for children under four because of the choking risk, provided cashew is allowed under the dietary requirements and childcare setting’s policy.
You want to be able to check product information against dietary requirements and your own food policy. An ingredients list can help, but it doesn’t replace discussions about allergies or the childcare setting’s requirements. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides a sample policy that organisations can adopt or adapt.
When to choose it: if cashew is allowed under the dietary requirements and the childcare setting permits this format; for children under four, butter follows the advice not to serve whole nuts.
Bear in mind: this product still contains cashew and may carry warnings about the possible presence of other nuts.
When to choose them: only if cashew is allowed and the children’s age and intended use make them suitable.
Bear in mind: being unsalted doesn’t reduce the choking risk; don’t offer whole nuts as a standalone snack to children under four.
When to choose them: only if the full ingredients and allergen information fits the dietary requirements.
Bear in mind: according to the product information, Duyvis Cashews Original contains salt and flavouring ingredients, among other things, and may contain wheat, peanuts and other nuts.
When to choose this: if cashew needs to be avoided or the childcare setting has a policy that excludes it.
Bear in mind: choose an alternative based on the allergens that actually need to be avoided; another product isn’t automatically suitable.
| Point to consider | What to look for when buying | Who considers this important? |
|---|---|---|
| Specific allergen | Check the ingredients and warnings for the allergen that needs to be avoided. | When I’m buying for a child with dietary requirements, I want to know whether the specific excluded allergen is present. For around 33% of consumers, this suitability for their diet comes first. |
| Product format for young children | Check whether it’s butter or whole nuts; Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter with no added salt or sugar instead of whole nuts for children under four. | For lunch with young children, I want to choose a format that suits their age and takes the choking risk into account. Around 33% of consumers prioritise a suitable product format above all else. |
| Childcare setting’s requirements | Check whether cashew fits the food policy and requirements for a shared lunch. | When I’m buying for a group, I want to avoid choosing a product that conflicts with the childcare setting’s requirements. This is the top buying priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and storage | Read the ingredients list and follow the storage instructions for the exact product variant. | When buying again, I want to be able to check the ingredients and storage advice easily. Around 14% of consumers say everyday practicality is their top priority. |
Cashew is itself a tree nut allergen. Even a simple cashew butter may carry a warning about the possible presence of other allergens.
First establish which allergen needs to be avoided, then check the ingredients and cross-contamination information for the exact product variant.
Removing the salt doesn’t change the shape of the nut. Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter rather than whole nuts for children under four because of the choking risk.
First choose a format that’s suitable for the child’s age, then check whether cashew is allowed under the dietary requirements and childcare setting’s policy.
Duyvis says no oil is added to Cashews Original. However, according to the ingredients information, this product contains a savoury flavour mix with salt and sugar-containing ingredients, among other things.
Read the full ingredients list and allergen information rather than using a single claim to judge the entire product.
Product and allergen information can change; Albert Heijn and PLUS recommend checking the information on the packaging.
Check the exact product variant with every new purchase and share relevant information with the childcare setting.
Stock that no longer fits the dietary requirements may become unusable.
Cashews Original is a savoury cashew product; its product information makes it important to check the ingredients and possible allergens.
AH Terra Plantaardig 100% pasta cashew is a cashew butter option for sandwich fillings.
Jumbo’s 100% Cashewpasta 180 g is a specific example of cashew butter with product information about its ingredients and allergens.
Lidl lists cashew nuts in its Alesto range and also features Way To Go cashew nuts.
ALDI publishes product information for Trader Joe’s roasted and unsalted cashew nuts, 250 g.
PLUS publishes product information for its own-brand cashew nuts, described as unsalted and unroasted.
These Joybuy products are whole cashew nuts. Only consider them if cashew is allowed under the dietary requirements and childcare setting’s policy, and the format is suitable for how they’ll be used; don’t give whole nuts as a standalone snack to children under four.
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These whole cashew nuts are only suitable where cashew is allowed; don’t offer them as whole nuts to children under four.
The product name specifies Original Flavour, Large Cashew Nuts and a pack size of 160 g.
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These whole cashew nuts are only an option if cashew is allowed under the dietary requirements and childcare setting’s policy; being unsalted doesn’t make them suitable as whole nuts for children under four.
The product name specifies roasted, unsalted cashew nuts and a pack size of 200 g.
No. The NVWA lists cashew as a tree nut allergen. A claim that another ingredient is absent doesn’t change that; check exactly which allergen needs to be avoided.
Don’t give whole nuts as a standalone snack to children under four. For this age group, Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter with no added salt or sugar instead of whole nuts because of the choking risk. This is nutritional and safety advice, not a legal age restriction for the product.
No. Jumbo lists cashew nuts as an ingredient in its 100% Cashewpasta and also warns that almonds and pistachios may be present. Ingredients and information about possible cross-contamination are separate parts of the assessment.
Businesses that sell food must inform consumers about any allergens present. Since 1 January 2026, the NVWA has also been checking during inspections whether prepacked products carry the correct warnings about possible cross-contamination. This doesn’t automatically make a specific product suitable for every diet.
