If you’re choosing cashews at the Christmas market and keeping an eye on calories, start by checking how much you’re eating and the nutritional information for the exact product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 154 kcal for 25 grams of unsalted cashews. ‘Unsalted’, ‘unroasted’ or ‘no added oil’ does not, in itself, mean a product contains less energy.
You want to snack on cashews without losing track of how much you’ve eaten. A measured portion and the energy content of the exact product matter more than an unsubstantiated claim such as ‘low calorie’. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 154 kcal for a 25-gram handful of unsalted cashews.
You’re specifically looking for an unsalted option and would also like to choose between unroasted and roasted nuts. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes unsalted nuts in its Wheel of Five healthy eating guidelines; this does not mean they are low in calories.
You’re buying a pack to share and want to organise the contents, storage and portions practically. The shop listings reviewed included packs of 200, 250 and 500 grams, for example.
Start with how much you want to eat. Then compare the nutritional information and product variety on the label. The preparation method and salt content answer different questions from the energy per portion.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy in the portion you eat | Check the energy per 100 grams on the label and work out how many grams you’ll eat. Calculation: kcal per 100 grams × grams eaten / 100. | I want to know how much energy is in my portion and adjust the amount according to the label. Around 42% of consumers give portion energy top priority. |
| Unsalted ingredients | Check whether the product is labelled as unsalted; also check the ingredients and nutritional information separately. | When I’m looking for unsalted nuts, I check that separately from the energy content. Around 25% of consumers prioritise an unsalted option. |
| Savoury preparation | Check the full product name, ingredients, and the energy and salt content of the exact pack. | I prefer a savoury seasoned or roasted option and check what has been added. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this choice of flavour and preparation. |
| Sharing and storage | Check the net weight and storage instructions, and whether you can reseal the pack securely after opening. | When I share cashews, I want to be able to divide the contents easily and store any leftovers. Around 16% of consumers put sharing and storage first. |
These are different product characteristics. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 154 kcal per 25 grams of unsalted cashews.
Compare the energy per 100 grams on the label, then decide on your portion. Don’t use a description of how the product is prepared as a substitute for the nutritional information.
A 200-, 250- or 500-gram pack contains a different amount from the 25-gram handful used as a general reference by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
Decide in advance how much you want to eat and seal the rest securely.
The name does not always tell you which allergens the product contains.
According to the NVWA, allergen information must be available before purchase, including for unpackaged foods. Ask for it if it isn’t displayed. If you have a relevant allergy, a general product name alone isn’t enough.
Worth considering if you’re looking at a savoury cashew option.
A relevant shop option if you’re looking for unsalted cashews.
The range reviewed includes several cashew varieties.
A shop listing for those looking for unsalted cashews.
The shop listing reviewed is for Trader Joe’s roasted, unsalted cashews.
A relevant option if you’re looking for unsalted, unroasted cashews.
This selection includes salted and unsalted cashews, prepared in different ways and sold in different pack sizes. Compare the details for the exact variety and decide on your own portion.
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A salted variety in a 150-gram pack; portion out as much as you want to eat.
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The 160-gram pack may suit you if you want to measure out your own portions.
The nutritional information lists 604 kcal and 0.028 g of salt per 100 grams.
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A dry-roasted, seasoned variety for those who enjoy a savoury flavour; the pack contains 125 grams.
The nutritional information lists 586 kcal and 0.92 g of salt per 100 grams. The product description says there are 4–5 portions per pack.
The allergen information lists cashew, gluten, wheat and peanuts.
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A roasted, unsalted variety in a 200-gram pack; the preparation method alone doesn’t tell you the energy content of your portion.
The nutritional information lists 596 kcal and 0.067 g of salt per 100 grams.
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The 500-gram pack is a larger quantity to portion out yourself; reseal it securely after opening.
The nutritional information lists 679 kcal and 1.2 g of salt per 100 grams. The ingredients list cashew kernels and salt.
No. A smaller portion changes how much energy you eat, not the energy per 100 grams in the product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 154 kcal for 25 grams of unsalted cashews. Check the nutritional information on your exact pack to work out the amount.
According to the NVWA, allergen information must be available before purchase, including for unpackaged foods. It can be provided in writing; if it’s given verbally, there must be a notice telling customers they can ask for it. If you have a relevant allergy, ask for the information for the exact product you want to buy.
Follow the instructions on your pack. For the AH variety reviewed, these are: store in a cool, dark, dry place and close the pack securely after use.
No. The NVWA warning dated 20 May 2026 concerns Trader Joe’s unsalted cashews, 170 grams, with barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026. Do not eat that specific pack. The warning does not automatically apply to other packs or the entire range. The best-before date mentioned has now passed, but that does not cancel the warning for any packs you may have kept.
