Choose based on what you need to avoid, not a general ‘free from’ claim: cashew nuts are themselves an allergen, as explained by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. If you can eat cashews, check the claim, ingredients and allergen information for the exact product. If nuts are served loose, ask the canteen for the accompanying allergen information; the NVWA states that this information must also be provided for non-prepacked foods at institutions.
You can eat cashews but are looking for a snack labelled, for example, gluten-free or lactose-free. Check the exact product variant and its allergen information: these claims do not mean the product is free from every allergen. Albert Heijn’s product information lists these claims for AH Cashewnoten ongezouten 170 g.
You want to know what’s in a snack before choosing it. The NVWA states that consumers must also be given allergen information for non-prepacked foods at institutions. So ask which exact product variant is being served and request the information that applies to it.
You might be looking for an unsalted option in packaging that suits the way you use it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides information about nuts and how to store them, but this general advice does not replace the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack.
Start with what you need to avoid. Then check the canteen’s information, the ingredients and the packaging.
| What to look for | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Specific dietary claim | Check the claim on the exact product variant, along with the ingredients and allergen warning. Don’t treat a lactose-free claim as proof that a product is suitable for someone with a milk allergy. | If you can eat cashews but avoid gluten or lactose, you’ll want to know whether the claim applies to that exact pack. Around 36% of consumers prioritise a match with the substance they avoid. |
| Canteen information | Ask which product is being served and what allergen information applies to it. Check for any warnings about accidental presence, too. | If you’re taking nuts from a canteen bowl, you’ll want to know beforehand which product variant they are and what information applies. Around 29% of consumers prioritise verifiable information from the canteen. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients list and nutritional information, and distinguish between unsalted and unroasted. These product characteristics do not in themselves confirm that a product is allergen-free. | If you’re looking for an unsalted snack with ingredients that suit your preferences, you’ll want to be able to check what’s in it. Around 21% of consumers prioritise ingredients and how the product is made. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the net weight and follow the storage instructions on the pack. Choose a quantity that suits how you use the nuts. | If you’re using a bag over several lunch breaks, you’ll want the quantity to suit how you use and store it. Around 14% of consumers prioritise pack size and storage. |
A product may carry a specific dietary claim and still contain cashew, or include warnings about other allergens. Cashew itself is an allergen.
First, identify the substance you need to avoid. Then check the claim and information for the exact pack.
These product characteristics don’t automatically tell you whether other allergens are present. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the Duyvis Oven roasted cashews salted product we checked may contain wheat, peanuts and various nuts.
Check dietary claims, ingredients and warnings separately; don’t assume one tells you about the others.
The information for a served snack must match the product. The brand name alone won’t tell you which product variant is being used at that time.
Ask the canteen which exact product variant they’re serving and for its current allergen information. The NVWA states that this information requirement also applies to non-prepacked foods at institutions.
A pack you use over several lunches may be open for longer. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists rancidity, a chewy texture and mould as signs of spoilage.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and choose a quantity you expect to use.
If the quantity doesn’t suit how you use the nuts, you could be left with leftovers.
The product information for AH Cashewnoten ongezouten 170 g lists the product as gluten-free and lactose-free. These claims apply to this product variant.
The product information for the 200 g unsalted pack lists the ingredients and allergens for this version.
The 200 g unsalted, unroasted pack we checked has a short ingredients list.
The Oven roasted cashews salted 125 g product we checked is a seasoned, salted variety; sales information is available on Albert Heijn’s product page.
Lidl Netherlands’ product information describes unsalted cashew nuts in a 500 g pack.
ALDI Netherlands’ product information describes Trader Joe's roasted, unsalted cashew nuts in a 250 g pack.
This Joybuy selection is a roasted cashew variety. Check that the listed ingredients and allergens suit your diet.
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This roasted cashew variety is only an option if cashew and the listed allergens suit your diet.
Ingredients: 98% cashew nuts, plus flavourings and a stabiliser.
The allergen information lists gluten, wheat and peanuts.
The product description states that each pack contains 4–5 servings.
Yes. The NVWA states that consumers must also be given allergen information for non-prepacked foods at institutions. Ask for the information before choosing the snack.
It is a warning about possible accidental presence, not a statement that peanuts are an intended ingredient. According to the NVWA, such a warning must be based on a risk assessment; if it is not possible to exceed the reference values, the warning must not be used. These rules apply from 1 January 2026.
No, not on its own. Thuisarts.nl explains that lactose intolerance is not the same as a milk allergy. Check the ingredients and allergen information against your specific needs; a lactose-free claim does not automatically answer the question of whether a product is suitable for a milk allergy.
Yes. The European Commission confirms that Regulation (EU) 828/2014 also applies to non-prepacked foods, such as products served in restaurants. Ask which product variant and product information the claim applies to.
Follow the storage instructions on the exact pack. PLUS recommends storing the product variant mentioned in a cool, dry place. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists rancidity, a chewy texture and mould as signs of spoilage.
