Who is this guide for?

Evening exercisers with a protein target

After an evening workout, you may want to know how much a handful of cashews contributes and whether you want to top up your protein with other everyday foods. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that your needs depend in part on your sport and overall diet.

Mindful evening snackers

You’re looking for a simple late-night snack and want to choose unsalted nuts and a suitable portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends eating a handful of unsalted nuts every day.

Regular cashew buyers

You eat cashews regularly and want to choose a bag that suits how quickly you get through it. Jumbo lists different pack sizes; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a cool, dark, dry place in a tightly sealed container.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what portion suits your snack, then compare protein and salt on the same basis. The preparation method shown on the pack is not proof of a higher protein content.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this important for?
Protein per portion Compare the protein value for the exact variety per 100 grams, then calculate it for your portion. Also consider your overall diet after exercise. After an evening workout, I want to know how much protein my portion provides and whether I want to top it up; around 36% of consumers prioritise protein per portion.
Portion and nutritional value Check the energy and protein figures using the same nutritional basis. A 25-gram handful is the reference point in the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s category information. If I want to measure out my evening snack in advance and keep track of its nutritional value, I look at the portion size; around 29% of consumers prioritise portion control.
Salt and preparation Check the variety name, ingredients and salt content. Unroasted, roasted, unsalted and made without added oil are different characteristics. If I’m mainly looking for an unsalted snack or want to keep an eye on my salt intake, the variety matters; around 21% of consumers prioritise salt and flavour.
Packaging and storage Choose a net weight that suits your needs and follow the storage instructions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a cool, dark, dry place in a tightly sealed container. If I snack regularly, I want to finish a bag while keeping the nuts in good condition; around 14% of consumers prioritise packaging and storage.

Avoiding common buying mistakes

  • Confusing the protein in a handful with a high-protein product

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 5.3 grams of protein per 25-gram handful of unsalted cashews. This category figure does not prove that a specific pack meets the requirements for a product-specific nutrition claim.

    Compare the nutrition table for the exact variety. Don’t assume that a claim such as ‘high protein’ is confirmed just because a handful contains a certain amount of protein.

  • Assuming ‘no added oil’ means unsalted

    Duyvis describes Cashews Original as oven-roasted without added oil; the version listed by Jumbo is salted. Oil use and salt content are separate product characteristics.

    Check the variety name, ingredients list and nutritional information separately before choosing.

  • Choosing a large bag without considering how quickly you’ll use it

    A pack may not suit you as well if you won’t get through it quickly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a cool, dark, dry place in a tightly sealed container.

    Choose a bag that suits the number of portions you actually eat, and seal it tightly after use.

  • Confusing a specific warning with a general product warning

    The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority warned about 170-gram packs of Trader Joe’s unsalted cashews with barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026, due to the possible presence of metal fragments. The best-before date has passed, but that does not make this specific pack safe.

    Do not eat this pack. The warning applies to the pack specified and is not a general warning about all ALDI cashews.

Brands and varieties to compare

Duyvis

Duyvis describes Cashews Original as oven-roasted and made without added oil.

  • The manufacturer has described how this product range is prepared.
  • No added oil does not mean unsalted, nor does it prove a protein benefit. Jumbo lists a version as oven-roasted salted cashews.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has a product page for AH Unsalted Cashews.

  • The product name makes it easy to identify the unsalted variety.
  • Check the current nutrition table on the pack for product-specific values; category information is not a measurement of a particular brand.

Jumbo

The range includes unsalted cashews in different pack sizes, alongside unroasted and salted varieties.

  • The choice of pack sizes and preparation methods may suit different preferences.
  • An unroasted variety is not proof that the nuts contain more protein or are better for recovery.

Lidl

Lidl sells cashews under the Alesto brand and lists Way To Go cashews on its Dutch brand page.

  • Lidl describes the Way To Go variety as fair trade.
  • This positioning says nothing about protein content; assess the specific variety using its label.

ALDI

The Dutch product page lists Trader Joe’s roasted, unsalted cashews in a 250-gram pack.

  • The product page confirms that the variety is roasted and unsalted, and gives the pack size.
  • Check the warning about the separate 170-gram pack in the points above; it does not automatically apply to this 250-gram variety.

PLUS

PLUS has a product page for unsalted, unroasted cashews in a 200-gram bag.

  • The product name clearly identifies the variety as unsalted and unroasted.
  • Being unsalted and unroasted does not prove a higher protein content. Check the current pack, as product information may change.

Cashews at Joybuy

This selection at Joybuy includes cashews for a snack or to add to yoghurt. Compare the variety, portion and nutrition table for each pack.

Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour Large Cashew Nuts 160 g

Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour Large Cashew Nuts 160 g

The product information suggests enjoying these as a snack or with yoghurt; compare the nutritional information with the portion you eat.

Pack size: 160 g.

View at Joybuy
Duyvis Dry Roasted Cashews 125 g

Duyvis Dry Roasted Cashews 125 g

The product information describes roasted cashews with sea salt; bear the salt content in mind if you choose this savoury variety.

The product information lists gluten, wheat and peanuts as allergens. Always check the current pack.

View at Joybuy
Verse Klassenoten Salted Cashew Nuts 150 g

Verse Klassenoten Salted Cashew Nuts 150 g

A salted variety for anyone looking for a savoury snack; check the salt content and portion size on the pack.

Pack size: 150 g.

View at Joybuy
g'woon Cashew Nuts Roasted & Unsalted 200 g

g'woon Cashew Nuts Roasted & Unsalted 200 g

The product name describes roasted, unsalted cashews; an option if you’re specifically looking for an unsalted variety.

Pack size: 200 g. Check the current nutrition table and storage instructions.

View at Joybuy
Be&Cheery cashews with purple skin 180 grade 500 g

Be&Cheery Cashews with Purple Skin 180 grade 500 g

The product information describes this variety as lightly salted; bear the salt content in mind if you choose it for an evening snack.

Pack size: 500 g. Consider how quickly you’ll use the bag and how you’ll store it once opened.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How much protein is in a handful of cashews?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 5.3 grams of protein per 25-gram handful of unsalted cashews. Use the nutrition table for the exact variety when buying; the category figure is not a guarantee for every pack.

Should I have extra protein after every evening workout?

Not necessarily. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that many people who exercise get enough protein from a healthy, varied diet; those who do intensive strength or endurance training may need more. Consider your current diet and training goals, and ask a sports dietitian for personalised advice if needed.

What does a claim such as ‘high protein’ on the pack mean?

A product-specific nutrition claim must meet the official definition and requirements. The European Union explains these requirements through Your Europe; the amount of protein in a handful alone does not show that a specific pack meets them.

What should I check if I have a nut allergy?

Before eating, read the current ingredients list and allergen information on the pack, and check for any warnings about cross-contamination. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on labels. If you have a known cashew allergy, do not eat these nuts.

Does the ALDI warning apply to every pack of cashews?

No. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority issued a specific warning about 170-gram packs of Trader Joe’s unsalted cashews with barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026, due to the possible presence of metal fragments. Do not eat this specific pack; the warning should not be extended to all ALDI varieties.