For your afternoon coffee, choose cashews based on their ingredients, salt content and the portion you actually eat. Unsalted cashews contain an average of 5.3 grams of protein and 154 kcal per 25 grams; the value on the label of a specific product may differ. If you exercise intensely and want to boost your protein intake, assess your overall daily diet and consider adding another source of protein. A protein figure on the label alone does not prove that a product can legally be described as ‘high in protein’.
Want to know how much a small portion contributes to your overall protein intake? Assess the snack as part of your full day's diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between recreational and intensive exercise.
Looking for a simple snack? Pay attention to the ingredients and the portion you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes unsalted nuts in its Wheel of Five dietary guidelines.
If you choose mainly for flavour and preparation, check the salt content and other ingredients too. ‘No added oil’ and ‘unsalted’ do not mean the same thing.
Start with the portion you actually eat and the nutritional values per 100 grams. Then check the salt, ingredients and packaging separately.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein in your portion | Check the grams of protein per 100 grams and calculate the amount in your weighed portion. | If you want to assess your protein intake around exercise, consider both your portion and your overall daily diet. Around 33% of consumers make protein content their top priority. |
| Salt and portion size | Read the ingredients and salt content; weigh out a portion rather than treating a whole bag as one snack. | If you want an unsalted snack that suits your chosen portion, check whether oil has been added too. Around 33% of consumers prioritise ingredients and portion size. |
| Flavour and preparation | Compare the ingredients of each product, not just the words on the front of the pack. | If you’re looking for a savoury flavour or a specific preparation, check the flavourings and salt content. Around 17% of consumers make flavour and preparation their top priority. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the net weight, stated portion size and storage instructions. | If you’ll be having several coffee breaks from one pack, whether it can be resealed after opening may influence your choice. Around 17% of consumers prioritise packaging convenience and storage. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, unsalted cashews contain an average of 5.3 grams of protein per 25 grams. Labels for specific products differ: Jumbo states 21.5 grams per 100 grams, Albert Heijn 19 grams and PLUS 18.5 grams.
Use the average as a guide, and calculate your portion using the nutritional information for the exact product.
The unsalted products checked from Albert Heijn and Jumbo contain sunflower oil. So ‘unsalted’ alone doesn’t tell you what other ingredients have been used.
If you want cashews to be the only ingredient, check the ingredients list separately from the salt content.
A 170-gram pack is not the same as a 25-gram portion. The average energy content of 154 kcal applies to 25 grams of unsalted cashews.
Portion out what you want to eat and follow the storage instructions for the rest.
The NVWA warning dated 20 May 2026 concerns Trader Joe’s unsalted cashews, 170 grams, barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026. The NVWA warned that metal fragments may be present and advised people not to eat these cashews.
If you still have that specific pack, don’t eat its contents. Check the weight, barcode and best-before date. The warning does not automatically apply to other products.
Cashews Original is a savoury, oven-roasted option for a coffee break.
AH Cashewnoten ongezouten is an own-brand product with a stated portion size of 25 grams.
The 200-gram products reviewed include unroasted cashews and unsalted cashews with sunflower oil.
Lidl has a Dutch product page for unsalted cashews and also describes its Way To Go cashew range.
The Dutch product information describes Trader Joe’s roasted, unsalted cashews in a 250-gram pack.
PLUS Cashewnoten ongezouten ongebrand is a 200-gram own-brand product.
These Joybuy products include unsalted and salted cashews for a snack break. Check the portion, salt content and ingredients for each product.
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An unsalted option if you want to calculate the protein in your portion at coffee time.
The label states 18,67 g of protein per 100 g.
The ingredients list contains cashews only. The pack contains 200 g; seal it tightly after opening.
Contains cashews; not suitable for anyone with a cashew or tree nut allergy.
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A ready-to-eat option for snacking or adding to yoghurt or muesli.
The ingredients list states 100% cashew kernels; the label states 19,8 g of protein and 0,028 g of salt per 100 g.
The pack contains 160 g. Reseal it after opening.
Contains cashew kernels, a tree nut; not suitable for anyone with a cashew or tree nut allergy.
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A savoury, oven-roasted option if flavour matters more to you than choosing an unsalted product.
The label states 18 g of protein and 0,92 g of salt per 100 g.
The pack is described as containing 4–5 portions; seal it tightly after opening.
The allergen information lists cashews, gluten, wheat and peanuts. Check the packaging if allergens are relevant to you.
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A roasted, salted option if you fancy a savoury flavour with your coffee.
The label states 21,0 g of protein and 1,0 g of salt per 100 g.
The product description recommends resealing the pack after opening.
Contains cashews; not suitable for anyone with a cashew or tree nut allergy.
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A ready-to-eat, salted option if you’re looking for a savoury cashew to enjoy with your coffee.
The label states 16,4 g of protein and 1,2 g of salt per 100 g.
Store the cashews in a cool, dry place, following the instructions on the pack.
Contains cashews, a tree nut; not suitable for anyone with a cashew or tree nut allergy.
A 25-gram portion of unsalted cashews contains an average of 5.3 grams of protein. This can vary between brands and products, so calculate the amount in your own portion using the nutritional information per 100 grams on the label.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, recreational exercisers do not need special protein shakes or bars. Look at your overall diet first. If you exercise intensively, a higher protein requirement may be a reason to consider ordinary foods as an additional source of protein.
Follow the instructions on the pack for the exact product. Albert Heijn recommends storing the cashews reviewed in a cool, dark and dry place and closing the pack tightly after use. Jumbo also advises storing them in a cool, dry and dark place.
Check the allergen information on the pack for the exact product. The NVWA states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods; the products reviewed list cashews as an allergen, and some also mention other allergens. ‘Unsalted’ and ‘unroasted’ are not indications that a product is safe for people with allergies.
The NVWA warning dated 20 May 2026 concerns Trader Joe’s unsalted cashews, 170 grams, barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026. The NVWA warned that metal fragments may be present and advised people not to eat the cashews. The warning has not been extended to all ALDI cashews.
