Budget-conscious group buyers
If you’re buying for several guests, first work out how many cashew nuts you need, then compare pack sizes and types. Jumbo and ALDI list examples of 500 g packs.
Who is this relevant to?
Organisers unsure how many people will attend
If you want to top up in batches, check the pack size and keep unopened spare bags separate. Nut specialist Nootje recommends storing nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Follow the instructions on the packaging too.
Mindful snack providers
Check the difference between salted, unsalted, unroasted and roasted nuts. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires information about the allergens present and the specific type of nut when unpackaged foods are offered to consumers.
What should you look for when buying?
First consider how much you expect to use, whether you want to top up and which type will suit your guests. These choices will help you pick the right pack, rather than relying solely on the product description or pack size.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity needed | Match the net weight to the number of guests and the amount you want to serve. Don’t rely on an XXL label as your only guide. | When I’m buying for a group, I don’t want to open more than we’re likely to use. Around 31% of consumers prioritise the quantity they need and a suitable pack. |
| Topping up and storage | Consider whether smaller bags are suitable for serving in batches, and follow the storage and use-by instructions on the packaging. | If attendance is uncertain, I want to be able to store spare bags and only top up when needed. Around 25% of consumers prioritise stock management and topping up in measured amounts. |
| Salt and preparation | Check separately whether the nuts are salted or unsalted, and unroasted or roasted. Also read the ingredients and nutrition table. | If I’m looking for a particular type for my guests, I don’t want to rely on the preparation method alone. Around 25% of consumers make the product type their first selection criterion. |
| Allergens and serving | Keep the label with the correct bowl and, when serving unpackaged nuts, state the specific type of nut and any other allergens present. | When serving guests, I want to be able to clearly say which nuts are present. Around 19% of consumers prioritise allergen information and suitable serving arrangements. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming an XXL label means it’s the right choice
A larger pack won’t necessarily suit the amount you expect to use. You’ll also need to store any unopened spare bags appropriately.
Check the net weight, your serving plan and the preparation method of the type you choose.
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Confusing no added oil with unsalted
Duyvis says that Cashews Original are oven-roasted without added oil. This brand description doesn’t mean the cashew nuts are unsalted; a Duyvis variety listed by Jumbo is, in fact, salted.
Check the salt level and nutrition table separately from the description of the preparation method.
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Throwing away the label after tipping the nuts out
Without the product information beside the bowl, it can be harder to tell guests clearly which nuts are present. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires information about the specific type of nut and allergens present when unpackaged foods are offered to consumers.
Keep the label with the correct bowl and make sure the information stays with the product.
Brands to compare
Duyvis
Worth considering if you’re looking for a savoury snack to serve with drinks or want to compare roasted varieties.
- A Dutch retailer lists Duyvis Oven Roasted Salted Cashews in a 125 g pack.
- Duyvis says that Cashews Original are oven-roasted without added oil. This is a brand description and doesn’t mean the nuts are unsalted.
Albert Heijn
AH Terra Unroasted Cashew Nuts is a larger unroasted option, listed by Albert Heijn in a 500 g pack.
- The range page lists the product name and 500 g pack size.
- Check the current packaging for product information; Albert Heijn warns that this may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unsalted Cashew Nuts Value Pack 500 g is a good match if you’re looking for a larger unsalted pack.
- The product page lists the unsalted variety and a pack size of 500 g.
- Jumbo warns on the packaging checked that young children may choke on nuts.
Lidl
Lidl lists cashew nuts in unsalted and spicy roasted varieties.
- The Alesto range also includes Way To Go cashew nuts, which are positioned as Fairtrade.
- Lidl’s product page says these are only available in store. The Fairtrade positioning applies to the Way To Go range mentioned, not automatically to all cashew nuts sold by Lidl.
ALDI
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s cashew nuts in a 500 g pack, as well as a roasted, unsalted variety in a 250 g pack.
- The different pack sizes and varieties give you options to compare with the amount you expect to use.
- These examples are different varieties, so check the product name and preparation method on each pack.
PLUS
PLUS Unsalted Unroasted Cashew Nuts 200 g is a smaller unroasted option.
- The official product page lists the unsalted, unroasted variety and a pack size of 200 g.
- PLUS recommends checking the current packaging, as product information may change.
Cashew nuts at Joybuy
This Joybuy selection includes cashew nuts in larger packs and smaller bags for topping up in batches.
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Three Squirrels Purple-Shell Cashews, 500 g
A 500 g pack to consider if you’re looking for a larger quantity for a group.
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Be&Cheery cashews with purple skin, 180 grade, 500 g
The 500 g pack may be a good fit if you’re looking for a larger quantity for several guests.
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Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour Large Cashew Nuts, 160 g
A smaller pack to consider if you want to top up in separate batches.
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Duyvis Dry Roasted Cashews, 125 g
A smaller pack of dry-roasted cashew nuts to consider for a separate serving round.
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Verse Klassenoten Salted Cashew Nuts, 150 g
The product name indicates salted cashew nuts in a 150 g pack; check the product information for the variety you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many bags I need?
Multiply the expected number of guests by the amount you want to serve per person, then divide the result by the number of grams in each bag. Round the number of bags up. This is a purchasing calculation, not a prediction of how much your guests will eat.
How do I choose between salted, unsalted, unroasted and roasted?
Check each of these details separately on the product packaging. Salted or savoury roasted nuts are a good fit if you’re looking for a snack to serve with drinks. Unroasted and roasted are different preparation methods, and neither tells you whether a product is salted.
What information should I provide when serving unpackaged cashew nuts?
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires information about the specific type of nut and allergens present when unpackaged foods are offered to consumers. So state that cashew nuts are present, list any other allergens and keep the information beside the correct bowl.
How should I store unopened spare bags?
Nut specialist Nootje recommends storing nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Also follow the use-by and storage instructions on the packaging of the product you choose.
What should I bear in mind if I sell cashew nuts at an event?
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires food to be prepared, sold and stored safely and hygienically at markets and events. This requirement applies to sellers; buying nuts for a private party at home doesn’t in itself make you a professional seller.
Are whole cashew nuts automatically suitable for young children?
Jumbo warns on the packaging checked that young children may choke on nuts. Bear this product-specific warning in mind when serving families.