Compare the protein values on the packaging using the same portion size, then choose based on taste, salt and ingredients. Labels for the unsalted varieties from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS included in this comparison list 21.5, 19 and 18.5 grams of protein per 100 grams respectively. That works out at around 5.4, 4.8 and 4.6 grams per 25-gram portion. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, unsalted nuts are part of the Dutch Wheel of Five. After exercise, though, consider cashew nuts as part of your overall diet, not as a recovery product in their own right.
Who is this guide for?
Players who snack after exercise
You want to know how much protein a snack adds to your diet, without treating a brand name or protein claim as a guarantee of recovery. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides general information about protein and exercise, not an assessment of the recovery benefits of a specific cashew product.
Snackers keeping an eye on salt
You’re looking for cashew nuts to enjoy on a sociable evening and want to compare unsalted varieties by their ingredients and nutritional values. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes unsalted nuts in the Dutch Wheel of Five, but ingredients vary from product to product.
Game-night organisers
You’re buying for a group and want to choose the pack size and flavour, while checking the allergen information against what you plan to serve. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) says allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide which needs matter most to your group, then check the exact pack for its nutritional values, ingredients and pack size.
| What to consider |
What to look for |
Who is this important for? |
| Protein per portion |
Compare protein per 100 grams and calculate the amount for the same portion size. |
If you have a snack after exercise, you’ll want to know what your portion actually contributes. Around 31% of consumers put protein content first. |
| Unsalted ingredients |
Check the ingredients and the salt value per 100 grams. |
If you’re deliberately choosing an unsalted snack, the ingredients in that particular variety matter. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this choice. |
| Savoury flavour |
Read the variety name and check the preparation method, ingredients and allergens. |
If you’re serving a savoury snack to the group, that flavour preference will guide your choice. Around 19% of consumers put this preference first. |
| Pack size for the group |
Compare the net weight with the number of players and follow the storage instructions. |
If you’re buying for several people, you’ll want the amount to suit what you plan to serve and store. Around 13% of consumers make quantity for the group and cost their top priorities. |
| Allergens |
On the exact pack, read both ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ information. |
If you or another player has a food allergy, check in advance whether the snack is suitable to serve. Around 12% of consumers prioritise allergen information. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a cashew product guarantees recovery
The protein in a snack is just one part of your overall diet. General information about sports nutrition does not prove that a specific branded variety has particular recovery benefits.
Check the protein value for the portion you’ll actually eat and consider it as part of your overall diet.
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Confusing ‘no added oil’ with ‘unsalted’
Duyvis describes Cashews Original as oven-roasted without added oil, but that description alone doesn’t mean the variety is unsalted.
Check the ingredients and salt value on the pack as well as the preparation method.
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Assuming a short ingredients list means more protein
The PLUS variety included in this comparison lists cashew nuts as its only ingredient, but the ingredients list doesn’t tell you how much protein a portion provides.
Choose according to your ingredient preferences and compare the nutritional information for the same quantity.
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Checking only for cashew nuts when looking for allergens
A product may also warn of the possible presence of other allergens. For example, the PLUS pack says it may contain peanuts, while the Duyvis product page included in this comparison mentions wheat, peanuts and other nuts.
Check with anyone who has a food allergy and keep the packaging available.
Brands to consider
Duyvis
Duyvis describes Cashews Original as a savoury, oven-roasted variety made without added oil.
- Worth considering if you like a savoury flavour and the preparation method suits your preferences.
- The preparation method doesn’t prove any additional protein benefits. Check the ingredients, salt and allergens on the pack.
Albert Heijn
The Albert Heijn unsalted cashew nuts pack included in this comparison contains 170 grams; the product page describes them as roasted.
- The product information lists 19 grams of protein per 100 grams and 96% cashew nuts with sunflower oil.
- This information applies to the variety included in this comparison, not the entire Albert Heijn range.
Jumbo
The Jumbo unsalted cashew nuts pack included in this comparison contains 200 grams.
- Jumbo lists 21.5 grams of protein per 100 grams and 99% cashew nuts with sunflower oil.
- These are product details for the variety included in this comparison, not an independent test of recovery benefits.
Lidl
Lidl has Dutch product pages for unsalted cashew nuts and Way To Go! unsalted cashew nuts.
- The product pages included in this comparison offer an unsalted variety to consider.
- Check the details on the exact pack when making your choice; no protein advantage is attributed to these varieties here.
ALDI
Under the TRADER JOE'S brand, ALDI lists a 250-gram variety of roasted, unsalted cashew nuts.
- The listed pack size may help when planning a larger quantity for a group.
- An NVWA warning concerned a specific 170-gram pack with a stated barcode and best-before date; that warning does not automatically apply to other varieties.
PLUS
The PLUS unsalted, unroasted cashew nuts pack included in this comparison contains 200 grams.
- PLUS lists cashew nuts as the only ingredient and 18.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.
- The product information says the product may contain peanuts.
Cashew nuts at Joybuy
This selection includes unsalted and roasted varieties, as well as salted options for anyone looking for a more savoury flavour.
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g'woon roasted, unsalted cashew nuts, 200 g
An unsalted roasted variety for anyone looking for this kind of product; check the nutritional information and allergens on the pack.
View at Joybuy
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Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour Large Cashew Nuts, 160 g
The product name states Original Flavour and a 160 g pack size; check the ingredients and nutritional information on the exact pack before comparing.
View at Joybuy
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Duyvis dry-roasted cashew nuts, 125 g
A savoury roasted option for anyone who enjoys this flavour. The product information lists salt; check the allergens too before sharing this snack.
View at Joybuy
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Verse Klassenoten salted cashew nuts, 150 g
The name indicates that these cashew nuts are salted. Choose this variety if it suits your snack preferences, and compare the nutritional information on the pack.
View at Joybuy
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Be&Cheery cashew nuts with purple skin, 180 grade, 500 g
The 500 g pack may suit you if you’re sharing cashew nuts with a group. This variety is salted; check the allergen information too.
View at Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
How much protein is in a handful of cashew nuts, and is that enough after exercise?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 5.3 grams of protein per 25-gram handful of unsalted cashew nuts. This is an average for the category, so use the label on the exact variety when making your purchase. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who exercise and eat a healthy, varied diet don’t need special protein shakes or bars. Cashew nuts aren’t a recovery product in their own right.
How do I check the allergens on a bag of cashew nuts?
Read the allergen information on the exact pack, including any warnings about possible traces. The NVWA says allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products. Don’t rely solely on the product name or information for a different variety.
How should I store cashew nuts left over after game night?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you bought. For the 130-gram Jumbo variety included in this comparison, the advice is to store it in a cool, dry, dark place. Duyvis recommends keeping an opened bag in a container that protects it from light and air.
Which cashew nuts are covered by the ALDI recall warning?
The NVWA warning issued on 20 May 2026 applies only to TRADER JOE'S unsalted cashew nuts in a 170-gram pack, with barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026. The NVWA warned consumers not to eat this specific pack because it may contain metal particles. The warning does not automatically apply to other varieties. If you still have this specific pack, follow the NVWA’s advice.
Are whole cashew nuts automatically suitable for young children?
No. Don’t assume that whole cashew nuts are suitable for every young child. The product information for the Jumbo and Duyvis varieties included in this comparison warns that small children may choke on nuts.