Choose cashew nuts based on the protein in the portion and the ingredients of the specific product, rather than relying on a claim such as ‘high protein’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 5.3 g of protein per 25 g of unsalted cashew nuts as a general nutritional value. This is not a product specification for every brand. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also says that children do not always need extra food during or after ordinary physical activity. Before choosing a pack, check that it is suitable for the intended age, read the allergen information and consider how well it will keep.
You’re looking for cashew nuts to enjoy at home or on the go, and want to consider portion sizes, added ingredients and storage. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a sealed container in a cool, dark, dry place.
You want to know how much protein a portion provides. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, children do not always need to eat during or after ordinary physical activity; the protein content alone is no proof of a recovery benefit.
You’re buying for children or a mixed group. The MDL Fonds advises against whole nuts for children under four because of the risk of choking. Cashew nuts are not suitable for anyone with a cashew allergy. According to Stichting Voedselallergie, heating does not make the allergen harmless.
Compare the protein in a portion with the amount you’ll actually serve, but check age suitability and allergen information before considering any dietary goal.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 5.3 g of protein and 154 kcal per 25 g of unsalted cashew nuts. Compare this with the nutritional information for the specific product. | If I want to know what my portion actually provides, I look at the amount I serve; around 27% of consumers put protein content first. |
| Added ingredients and composition | Compare the ingredients and salt content of the product. ‘No added oil’ does not automatically mean unsalted. | When I’m choosing a snack to share with the family regularly, the ingredients and composition matter; around 27% of consumers prioritise these aspects. |
| Safe to eat and allergens | Check the allergen information on the pack. The MDL Fonds advises against whole nuts for children under four; roasting does not make cashew nuts suitable for someone with an allergy. | If I’m sharing snacks with young children or someone with an allergy, safety comes first; around 20% of consumers make safety their top buying criterion. |
| Taking them out and storing them | Choose a net weight that suits how you’ll use them. Store opened nuts in a sealed container in a cool, dark, dry place, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. | For days out, I want to be able to divide the portions and store any leftovers properly; around 13% of consumers say portability and storage are their main reasons for buying. |
| Cost of the amount you use | Compare the same variety by weight, and consider how much you’ll actually use and whether you can store any leftovers. | I consider the cost of the amount I use and whether I can store any leftovers; around 13% of consumers prioritise cost per use. |
Heating does not make the cashew allergen harmless, according to Stichting Voedselallergie.
Check the allergen information before buying, and don’t choose a cashew snack if you have a cashew allergy.
The general nutritional value for a handful is not a standard portion for every child. The MDL Fonds also advises against whole nuts for children under four because of the risk of choking.
Use the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s 25 g figure as a nutritional reference, not as universal portion advice. Consider the child’s age and whether the snack is safe to eat.
How a product is prepared and how much salt it contains are two different things. A savoury, oven-roasted variety may contain salt.
Check the ingredients and salt content of the specific flavour.
Once opened, nuts need to be stored in a well-sealed container in a cool, dark, dry place. Poor storage can lead to a loss of quality or spoilage.
Choose a pack size that suits how you’ll use it, and store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Leftovers need to be stored properly; nuts can go rancid, become tough or develop mould.
Worth considering for oven-roasted cashew snacks, including a salted variety.
AH Cashewnoten ongezouten is an own-brand option if you’re looking for an unsalted variety.
Jumbo Cashewnoten Ongezouten 200 g is an option if you’re specifically looking for an unsalted pack.
Lidl sells cashew nuts under brands including Alesto and Way To Go.
The ALDI listing reviewed is for TRADER JOE'S Cashewnoten geroosterd en ongezouten, 250 g.
PLUS Cashewnoten ongezouten ongebrand is a 200 g own-brand option.
These Joybuy products include a range of cashew varieties. Use the nutritional values per 100 g as a point of comparison, and choose a portion to match what you’ll serve. The MDL Fonds advises against whole nuts for children under four; cashew nuts are not suitable for anyone with a cashew allergy.
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An option if you’re looking for a cashew snack with cashew kernels as the only ingredient, according to the product description.
The nutritional information lists 19.8 g of protein and 0.028 g of salt per 100 g.
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A good fit if you’re looking for a roasted cashew snack with a savoury flavour; the product description says each pack contains 4–5 portions.
The nutritional information lists 18 g of protein per 100 g. The ingredients include salt and flavourings; the allergen list also includes gluten, wheat and peanuts. Follow the storage instructions once opened.
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An option if you’re looking for salted cashew nuts in a 150 g pack.
The nutritional information lists 21 g of protein and 1.0 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients are cashew nuts, sunflower oil and salt.
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An option if you’re looking for roasted cashew nuts labelled as unsalted, in a 200 g pack.
The nutritional information lists 18.67 g of protein and 0.067 g of salt per 100 g. Check the current pack and follow the storage instructions once opened.
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The product description says this 500 g pack is suitable for snacking, sharing or using in cooking and baking.
The nutritional information lists 16.4 g of protein and 1.2 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients include salt; follow the storage instructions once opened.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 5.3 g of protein per 25 g handful of unsalted cashew nuts. This is a general nutritional value, not a product specification for every brand or a universal portion size for children.
Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, children do not always need to eat during or after exercise. If they’re hungry, the Centre suggests vegetables or fruit; if they’re hungrier, a wholemeal sandwich with a topping. Drinking enough water remains important.
The MDL Fonds advises against whole nuts for children under four because of the risk of choking. It suggests nut butter as an alternative, preferably with no added salt or sugar; this alternative is not suitable for anyone with a cashew allergy.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label. Check it before buying. For unpackaged products, the seller must make the information available in another way.
Store the nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack and look out for signs of loss of quality or spoilage, such as a rancid smell, a tough texture or mould.
