Start by checking the protein per portion you’ll actually eat, then look at the salt, ingredients and pack size. Of the labels reviewed, Jumbo Unsalted Cashew Nuts had the highest protein content of the five variants with complete nutritional information, at 21.5 g per 100 g. That figure alone doesn’t prove that the product meets the formal ‘high protein’ claim. A bowl of cashew nuts also isn’t a complete post-workout meal.
Who might find these options useful?
Sportspeople who want to count their snack towards their intake
You want to know how much protein a portion adds to your daily diet, without expecting cashew nuts alone to guarantee muscle recovery or growth. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights the importance of your overall diet and the intensity of your exercise.
Party hosts who want to serve less salt
You’re looking for cashew nuts for the drinks table and want to distinguish between unroasted, roasted and savoury-roasted varieties. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing unsalted nuts and alternating between different types.
Hosts planning portions around their guests’ needs
You’re comparing a large bag with individual portions and checking the ingredients and allergens for the exact variant. Also bear in mind that whole nuts can pose a choking risk for young children.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider |
What should you check? |
Who is this important for? |
| Protein per portion |
Compare the figures per 100 g and work them out for the amount you’ll serve or eat. |
If you want to know what a real snack portion adds to your daily diet, look beyond the figure per 100 g. Around 33% of consumers put protein content first. |
| Salt and ingredients |
Check salt and flavourings separately; unsalted doesn’t automatically mean oil-free. |
If you want to limit added salt or flavourings on your party table, check the ingredients list and salt content. Around 27% of consumers prioritise these together. |
| Allergens and serving |
Read the allergen information on the exact pack and bear young children in mind. |
If any guests have a relevant allergy or young children are eating with you, check the packaging and the form of the snack before serving. Around 20% of consumers make guest safety their first consideration. |
| Portions and storage |
Choose between a large bag and individual portions; follow the storage instructions for the variant once opened. |
If you want to divide up portions for guests and store any leftovers properly, it helps to work out in advance how much you’ll need. Around 13% of consumers prioritise portion planning. |
| Pack size |
Choose an amount that suits the number of guests and check where the specific pack is sold. |
If you want to buy the right amount for your party and limit leftovers, compare the size and retailer for the exact pack. Around 7% of consumers prioritise this practical purchasing decision. |
Common mistakes
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Confusing grams of protein with a proven ‘high protein’ claim
A figure on a nutrition label doesn’t, by itself, prove that the related nutrition claim meets the official definition and conditions.
Compare protein per portion as practical nutrition information, and check the formal claim separately. The European Union explains that nutrition claims must meet the relevant conditions.
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Assuming unsalted means oil-free
The AH and Jumbo unsalted variants reviewed contain sunflower oil, while the PLUS unroasted variant reviewed lists cashew nuts as its only ingredient.
If both matter to you, check the salt content as well as the ingredients list.
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Assuming a plain snack is suitable for every guest
Cashews are an allergen; some of the variants reviewed also warn that they may contain other nuts or peanuts. Whole nuts can also pose a choking risk for young children.
Check the allergen information on the pack you’ve chosen and consider your guests when serving, taking extra care with young children.
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Assuming a large bag is available to order online
The Lidl listing reviewed for the 500 g bag says ‘In store only’.
First decide how much you need, then check how that specific pack is sold.
You may need to visit a shop if your chosen pack is only available in store.
Brands and variants to compare
Duyvis
Duyvis describes the Cashews Original range reviewed as oven-roasted cashew nuts in a 125 g pack.
- Duyvis says no oil is added to Cashews Original. The AH listing for Duyvis Oven roasted cashews salted gives 18 g of protein and 0.92 g of salt per 100 g.
- The AH nutritional values apply to that specific listing. Another retailer listing gives different values, so don’t combine the two sets of figures.
Albert Heijn
AH Unsalted Cashew Nuts 170 g is a roasted own-brand option for anyone looking for an unsalted snack.
- The product listing gives 19 g of protein and 0 g of added salt per 100 g.
- The variant contains sunflower oil. The product page warns that it may contain peanuts and other nuts, so unsalted doesn’t mean unprocessed or allergen-free.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unsalted Cashew Nuts 200 g is an option for comparing the protein content of plain cashew nuts.
- Jumbo gives 21.5 g of protein and 0.02 g of salt per 100 g for this variant.
- These figures come from the specific own-brand listing. They aren’t an independent laboratory comparison or proof that the entire Jumbo range is a better choice.
Lidl
The listings reviewed include 500 g packs of unsalted cashew nuts and a Way To Go! multipack of 3 × 25 g.
- The two pack formats offer different ways to portion out nuts for guests.
- The pages reviewed say the products are sold in store; the pack or listing doesn’t guarantee future availability or the option to order online.
ALDI
The 250 g roasted, unsalted cashew nuts reviewed are sold under the Trader Joe’s name.
- The product listing confirms the type of product and pack size.
- The NVWA warning applies specifically to Trader Joe’s unsalted cashew nuts, 170 g, with a best-before date of 23-09-2026. It doesn’t apply to the entire product range. Do not serve the pack named in the warning.
PLUS
The variants reviewed include unroasted, unsalted cashew nuts and a roasted, unsalted Fairtrade variant, both in 200 g packs.
- The unroasted variant lists only cashew nuts and 18.5 g of protein per 100 g. The Fairtrade variant gives 20.7 g of protein per 100 g and is Fairtrade-certified by Flocert.
- The Fairtrade listing isn’t proof of higher protein content or a sporting benefit. The variants differ in their ingredients and how they’re prepared.
Cashew nuts at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are cashew nuts to enjoy as a snack or serve at a party. They differ in flavour, salt content and pack size, among other things.
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Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour Large Cashew Nuts 160g
An option if you want to compare protein per portion and serve cashew nuts straight from the pack.
Joybuy product information gives 19.8 g of protein and 0.028 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients list says 100% cashew kernels; the pack contains 160 g.
Joybuy
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Duyvis Dry Roasted Cashews 125 g
A good fit if you’re after savoury roasted cashews for a drinks-table snack and want to take the salt content into account.
Joybuy product information gives 18 g of protein and 0.92 g of salt per 100 g. The pack contains 125 g; the ingredients list includes a savoury flavouring mix.
Joybuy
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Verse Klassenoten Salted Cashew Nuts 150 g
A salted option to compare if you’re looking for a snack to share with guests.
Joybuy product information gives 21.0 g of protein and 1.0 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients list says 98% cashew, sunflower oil and 1% salt; the pack contains 150 g.
Joybuy
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Three Squirrels Purple-Shell Cashews 500 g
The larger pack may suit you if you want to put out cashew nuts for guests to share.
Joybuy product information gives 17.4 g of protein and 0.9 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients list says 99% cashews and salt; the pack contains 500 g.
Joybuy
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g'woon Cashew Nuts Roasted & Unsalted 200 g
A roasted, unsalted option if you want to check both the protein content and the ingredients list.
Joybuy product information gives 18.67 g of protein and 0.067 g of salt per 100 g. The description lists cashew nuts as the only ingredient; the pack contains 200 g.
Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
How much protein is in a handful of cashew nuts?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 5.3 g of protein per 25 g handful of unsalted cashew nuts. A particular variant may differ, so check the nutrition information on the label before buying.
Do recreational sportspeople automatically need special protein products?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, recreational sportspeople don’t automatically need these products. Look at your overall daily diet; if you train intensively, you can ask a sports dietitian for personalised advice.
Where can I check allergens for my guests?
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the exact pack you plan to serve. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires relevant allergens to be listed on the label, so don’t rely on the product name or the word ‘unsalted’ alone.
How should I store an opened pack?
Follow the storage instructions for the variant you’ve chosen. For AH Unsalted Cashew Nuts, Albert Heijn advises storing the pack in a cool, dark, dry place and closing it securely after use.
Can I still serve the cashew nuts mentioned in the NVWA warning?
No. The NVWA warned about Trader Joe’s unsalted cashew nuts, 170 g, with barcode 2003020120930 and a best-before date of 23-09-2026: do not eat these cashew nuts. The warning applies to that specific pack, not automatically to all ALDI cashew nuts.