Who is this relevant to?

Guest keeping an eye on portions

You want to compare the energy content of the amount you serve. A weighed portion and the calories per 100 g give you a useful basis for doing so. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 154 kcal for 25 g of unsalted cashews; for a branded product, check the nutrition information for that specific variant.

Shopper avoiding added salt

You’re looking for unsalted cashews and also want to know whether oil has been added to the recipe. So check both the ingredients list and the salt information: unsalted doesn’t necessarily mean the product contains no added oil.

Host serving a group

You’re buying for several guests and want to have the pack size, storage instructions and allergen information to hand. For hospitality and catering, the NVWA sets out information requirements for allergens in non-prepacked foods; these rules for businesses don’t automatically apply to every informal get-together at home.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide what matters most for your get-together: the energy content of your weighed portion, added salt, the preparation method you prefer, information for guests or the quantity you need.

What to consider What to look for Who may care more about this
Energy per portion Compare calories per 100 g and calculate based on the weight of your portion; manufacturers’ portion sizes can vary. If I want to limit the energy in my portion, I first compare products on the same weight basis, then weigh out my portion. Around 38% of consumers prioritise energy per portion.
Added salt Read the ingredients list alongside the nutrition information; an unsalted recipe may still contain oil. I want to avoid added salt, so I check both the ingredients and the salt content. Around 23% of consumers make this a priority.
Recipe and preparation Check whether the variant is unroasted, roasted or salted, and whether oil or other flavourings are listed. For my get-together, I choose the flavour and preparation method I want first, then compare the portion and salt content. Around 15% of consumers prioritise the recipe for sharing.
Information for guests Keep the label and distinguish between listed allergens and warnings about possible traces. Check any warning against the exact pack. When I’m serving different guests, I want to be able to check the ingredients and allergen information. Around 15% of consumers prioritise serving food safely.
Quantity and leftovers Choose a pack size that suits the number of portions you need and follow the storage advice after opening. I want to have enough ready without buying more than I need for the get-together. Around 9% of consumers prioritise quantity and leftovers.

Pitfalls to avoid when choosing

  • Assuming a smaller portion means a lower-calorie product

    A smaller portion may provide fewer calories because you eat less, but it doesn’t change the energy content per 100 g of the product. For solid foods, the European Commission defines a ‘low energy’ claim as a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g.

    State the calories in a weighed portion, and don’t claim that a product is low in energy unless it meets the applicable requirements.

  • Assuming unsalted means no added oil

    The AH and Jumbo unsalted variants reviewed contain sunflower oil. So the term ‘unsalted’ doesn’t tell you, on its own, what other ingredients have been used.

    Check the ingredients list for the exact variant as well as its salt content.

  • Comparing different manufacturer portion sizes directly

    Duyvis lists a 30 g portion, while AH lists a 25 g portion. Comparing the manufacturers’ stated portions therefore means you aren’t comparing the same quantity.

    Compare the calories per 100 g first, then weigh out the portion you want to serve.

  • Ignoring a recall warning or applying it too broadly

    The NVWA warning dated 20 May 2026 concerns 170 g packs of TRADER JOE’S Unsalted Cashews, with barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026. The warning applies to that specific pack, not automatically to other variants.

    If you still have that pack, check the barcode and best-before date and don’t eat the product because it may contain metal fragments.

Relevant brands for reference

Duyvis

The Duyvis sharing snacks reviewed are Oven Roasted Cashews Salted 125 g and Cashews Sea Salt 125 g.

  • The AH product declaration for Oven Roasted lists 586 kcal and 0.92 g salt per 100 g; the preparation method uses no added oil or fat.
  • The oven-roasted variant contains added salt. According to the PLUS product declaration, the sea salt variant contains sunflower oil and lists 2.3 g salt per 100 g.

Albert Heijn

The AH Unsalted Cashews reviewed come in a 170 g pack; the product information gives a portion size of 25 g.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0 g salt per 100 g for this variant.
  • The ingredients list states 96% cashews and sunflower oil; the product declaration lists 622 kcal per 100 g.

Jumbo

According to Jumbo’s product information, Jumbo Unsalted Cashews 200 g is an unsalted variant containing 99% cashews and sunflower oil.

  • The ingredients list makes it clear that cashews are the main ingredient.
  • Jumbo lists 622 kcal and 0.02 g salt per 100 g; here, unsalted doesn’t mean oil-free.

Lidl

Lidl lists Unsalted Cashews in a 500 g pack and states that the product is only available in store.

  • The pack size can be factored in when planning a larger shop for a get-together.
  • ‘Unsalted’ and the pack size don’t tell you the calories per 100 g; check the nutrition information on the pack.

ALDI

The Dutch ALDI product page lists TRADER JOE’S Roasted Unsalted Cashews 250 g.

  • The product name tells you the preparation method, that it’s the unsalted variant and the pack size.
  • An NVWA warning concerns a separate 170 g pack, barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026; don’t eat that specific pack because it may contain metal fragments.

PLUS

The PLUS variants reviewed are Unsalted Unroasted 200 g and Unsalted Fairtrade Roasted 200 g.

  • For the unroasted variant, PLUS lists cashews as the only ingredient; the product declaration gives 598 kcal and 0.07 g salt per 100 g.
  • The roasted Fairtrade variant contains sunflower oil and lists 624 kcal and 0.075 g salt per 100 g. The Fairtrade label alone doesn’t tell you anything about its energy content.

Cashews at Joybuy

These product picks suit a range of sharing preferences, including roasted, salted or unsalted cashews and packs designed for sharing.

Duyvis Dry Roasted Cashews, 125 g

Duyvis Dry Roasted Cashews, 125 g

A good choice if you’re after roasted cashews with a savoury flavour. The product information says they’re roasted without added fat or oil and seasoned with salt.

The allergen information lists wheat or gluten and peanuts. Check the label on the pack you buy.

View at Joybuy
Verse Klassenoten Salted Cashew Nuts, 150 g

Verse Klassenoten Salted Cashew Nuts, 150 g

A good choice if you’re after salted cashews for a savoury get-together. The product information lists sunflower oil and salt.

The pack contains 150 g; the description says to reseal it after opening.

View at Joybuy
g'woon Roasted & Unsalted Cashews, 200 g

g'woon Cashew Nuts Roasted & Unsalted, 200 g

A good choice if you’re looking for roasted, unsalted cashews. The product name states that the pack contains 200 g.

If you want to compare oil, salt or calories, check the ingredients and nutrition information on the exact pack.

View at Joybuy
Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour Large Cashew Nuts, 160 g

Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour Large Cashew Nuts, 160 g

An option if you’re looking for cashews with an Original Flavour; the product name states that the pack contains 160 g.

Compare the ingredients and nutrition information on the pack with your preferences for salt and energy per portion.

View at Joybuy
Be&Cheery Cashews with Purple Skin, 180 Grade, 500 g

Be&Cheery Cashews with Purple Skin, 180 Grade, 500 g

A good choice if you’re looking for salted cashews in a larger pack; the product name states that it contains 500 g.

The product information lists salt. If salt content or calories per portion affect your choice, check the nutrition information on the exact pack.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How many calories are there in a handful of cashews?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives an average of 154 kcal for 25 g of unsalted cashews. For a branded product, use the nutrition information for the exact variant; the general average isn’t a measurement of that product.

Does a small portion of cashews make the product low in calories?

No. A smaller portion may provide fewer calories because you’re serving less, but it doesn’t change the energy content per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a ‘low energy’ claim. A claim that a product has reduced energy must mean at least a 30% reduction and state the characteristics responsible for that reduction.

How should you store an opened pack of cashews?

Follow the instructions on the pack and seal the bag or tub tightly. For the variant reviewed, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark, dry place; Duyvis recommends keeping an opened bag in a light- and airtight container. These instructions apply to the specific product information concerned.

What allergen information should you provide when serving professionally catered snacks?

For businesses such as hospitality venues and caterers, the NVWA sets out a requirement to provide information about allergens present in non-prepacked foods. For nuts, it must be clear which type of nut is involved. These business rules don’t automatically apply to an informal get-together at home, but the label is useful information to share with your guests.

Which ALDI cashews are covered by the NVWA warning?

The NVWA warning dated 20 May 2026 concerns 170 g packs of TRADER JOE’S Unsalted Cashews, with barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026. Don’t eat that specific pack because it may contain metal fragments. The warning doesn’t automatically apply to the 250 g pack or other variants.