Start with the substance you need to avoid: cashew nuts contain cashew, so they are not a nut-free snack. A particular pack may, for example, be labelled gluten-free or lactose-free. Always check the label and warnings on the exact variant, as lactose-free does not automatically mean suitable for someone with a milk allergy.
You’re looking for information about a specific dietary need, not a general promise that a snack is allergen-free. Avoiding lactose is different from avoiding milk proteins because of a milk allergy. Albert Heijn labels its 170 g AH Unsalted Cashew Nuts variant as gluten-free and lactose-free; these claims apply to that specific pack.
You want to know which substances a guest needs to avoid, so you’re checking not only the ingredients but also any warnings and how the snacks are served. Cashew nuts are not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid cashew.
You’re looking for something to serve alongside other nibbles and want to distinguish between unroasted, baked and roasted nuts. These describe how the nuts are prepared and their flavour; on their own, they say nothing about allergen safety.
First, check the substance you need to avoid and the warnings on the exact pack. Then compare how the nuts are prepared, their flavour and how much you’ll need for your snack night.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary claim | Identify the substance to avoid and check the claim and ingredients on the exact pack. Lactose-free is not the same as milk-free. | If you’re looking for a pack that suits a specific dietary requirement, start with the substance you need to avoid rather than a general free-from claim. Around 36% of consumers prioritise finding a suitable dietary match. |
| Allergens and serving | Read both the ingredients and any warnings about possible presence; keep the pack and serving utensils separate. | If your guests have different dietary requirements, you’ll want to know what’s in the snack and limit cross-contact when serving. Around 29% of consumers give allergens and separate serving top priority. |
| Preparation and flavour | Check whether the nuts are unroasted, baked or roasted, and read the ingredients and warnings for any seasoned variant. | If cashew fits your diet, choose between plain, unsalted or savoury options according to the kind of snack you’re looking for. Around 21% of consumers start with flavour and salt. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose a pack size to suit the number of people eating, and follow the storage advice on the label once the pack is open. | For an evening with several nibbles, you’ll want an amount that suits your group and know how to store any leftovers. Around 14% of consumers prioritise quantity and storage. |
A claim such as gluten-free relates to gluten, not to every possible allergen. Cashew is still present in cashew nuts.
First, note which substance needs to be avoided, then check the ingredients and warnings on the exact pack.
Unsalted doesn’t automatically describe how the nuts are prepared or whether they’re suitable for a particular diet. Recipes and warnings vary from product to product.
Read the product description, ingredients list and allergen warnings separately.
Trying a product that may contain an allergen yourself is not a reliable way to find out whether it’s suitable.
If you suspect a food sensitivity, ask a doctor for advice and, if needed, discuss further support with a dietitian.
The 170 g AH Unsalted Cashew Nuts are a specific variant to consider if you avoid gluten or lactose.
The 200 g PLUS Unsalted Unroasted Cashew Nuts are suitable if you’re looking for an unroasted, unsalted option with a simple ingredients list.
Jumbo Unsalted Cashew Nuts 200 g are a ready-to-eat unsalted option.
Duyvis offers different preparation methods, including a savoury roasted option.
The product name Unsalted Cashew Nuts indicates an unsalted snack option.
The ALDI page describes a 250 g roasted, unsalted cashew variant sold under the Trader Joe’s product name.
This selection includes plain, unsalted and salted cashew nuts. Use the listed ingredients and product features to compare variants. If you have a dietary requirement, always check the current packaging, as this product information does not confirm general free-from suitability.
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A plain option if you can eat cashew and are looking for a simple ingredients list.
Ingredient: 100% cashew kernels. Salt: 0.028 g per 100 g.
Contains cashew; not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid cashew.
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A salted option to compare if you can eat cashew and are looking for a savoury snack.
The product description lists 98% cashew, sunflower oil and 1% salt.
Contains cashew; not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid cashew.
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A roasted, unsalted option if that preparation suits the kind of snack you’re looking for.
The product description lists cashew nuts as an ingredient and cashew as an allergen.
Contains cashew; not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid cashew.
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A larger pack of cashews with their skin on to consider if you can eat cashew.
The product description lists cashew kernels and salt as ingredients.
Contains cashew; not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid cashew.
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A salted option with the skin on if you’re looking for a savoury cashew snack and can eat cashew.
The product description lists 0.9 g of salt per 100 g.
Contains cashew; not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid cashew.
No. Cashew itself is a tree nut allergen, as the Voedingscentrum also points out. A claim such as gluten-free relates only to that specific substance; it does not make cashew nuts free from other allergens.
No. Lactose intolerance relates to milk sugar; a milk allergy relates to milk proteins. The Voedingscentrum and Stichting Voedselallergie make this distinction. If you have a milk allergy, don’t base your choice on a lactose-free claim alone.
Use separate bowls and serving utensils, and keep the packaging available so guests can check the ingredients and warnings. The Nederlands Bakkerij Centrum explains that allergens can be transferred via hands and equipment, among other things. Serving snacks separately does not change the ingredients or factory warnings.
Yes. The NVWA states that food businesses must provide information about allergens in unpackaged products. This can be given in writing or verbally. If the information is given verbally, it must be clearly stated that customers can ask for it. Ask before you order.
No. The NVWA warning dated 20 May 2026 concerned 170 g packs of Trader Joe’s unsalted cashew nuts, barcode 2003020120930, with a best-before date of 23-09-2026, due to the possible presence of metal particles. The warning applies to that specific pack and not automatically to other cashew nuts. If you still have that pack, do not eat its contents.
