Who is this choice relevant to?

Lunch planners who train

You want to know how much protein a weighed portion of cashews adds to your lunch. Consider the other parts of your meal too; according to the Voedingscentrum, people who do strength or endurance sports may need more protein.

Those looking for an everyday unsalted snack

You regularly take cashews to the office and want to tell unsalted, roasted and unroasted varieties apart. Unsalted doesn’t automatically mean that no oil has been added.

Those planning ahead for several working days

You want to divide a larger pack between several packed lunches. Pack size, portioning it yourself and storage instructions are all worth considering.

What should you look for when buying?

First, compare the nutritional values with the amount you’ll actually take with you. Then check the ingredients and how the cashews are prepared, and choose a pack size to suit how often you eat them.

The labels for unsalted varieties checked at Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list protein per 100 g; converted to a 25 g serving, that works out at around 4.6–5.4 g. The European Commission states that nutrition claims are only permitted if they are included in the annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. So check the claim for the exact variety rather than looking only at the protein figure.

What to consider What to look for Who should pay particular attention?
Protein per serving Weigh the amount you’re taking with you, then work out the protein and energy values from the nutritional information per 100 g. If I want to tailor my training-focused lunch to my protein needs, I look at the whole meal; around 42% of consumers prioritise the protein contribution of their lunch serving.
Ingredients and preparation Check the ingredients list and salt content for the exact variety; don’t assume that ‘unsalted’ means no oil has been added. If I regularly take cashews with me and deliberately choose an unsalted product, I also compare the ingredients; around 33% of consumers prioritise the ingredients in their everyday choice.
Portioning and storage Check the net weight and storage instructions, and decide how you’ll divide the pack between working days. If I prepare packed lunches in advance, I want to be able to portion and store my supply easily; around 25% of consumers prioritise this.

Common buying mistakes

  • Mistaking the figure per 100 g for the amount in your lunch serving

    Nutritional values per 100 g don’t tell you how much protein you’re actually taking with you. A larger serving also increases your energy intake.

    Weigh your serving and compare nutritional values on the same weight basis.

  • Assuming unsalted means no added oil

    The checked unsalted varieties from Albert Heijn and Jumbo contain sunflower oil; the unroasted PLUS variety checked lists cashews as its ingredient.

    Check the ingredients and salt content separately, and look at the preparation method on the pack.

  • Using the nutritional values from one pack for another

    Jumbo lists 21.5 g of protein per 100 g for its 200 g unsalted pack and 21 g per 100 g for its 500 g pack. Jumbo’s product information shows that figures can vary between packs.

    Use the nutritional information for the exact variety you’re buying.

  • Buying a large pack without a plan for using and storing it

    Cashews can go rancid, turn tough or become mouldy, as the Voedingscentrum explains for unsalted cashews.

    Choose a pack size to suit how quickly you’ll use it, seal it properly and follow the storage instructions.

Brands and varieties to compare

Duyvis

Cashews Original is a savoury, oven-roasted variety in a 125 g pack.

  • Duyvis describes this variety as roasted without added oil.
  • The preparation method alone says nothing about protein or salt content; check the nutritional information on the exact pack.

Albert Heijn

The 170 g pack of unsalted AH Cashewnoten gives a 25 g serving as a comparison amount.

  • Albert Heijn lists 19 g of protein per 100 g for this variety.
  • This variety contains sunflower oil; the figures don’t automatically apply to other cashews from Albert Heijn.

Jumbo

The checked unsalted packs in 200 g and 500 g sizes offer options for different storage needs.

  • Jumbo lists 21.5 g of protein per 100 g for the 200 g pack and 21 g per 100 g for the 500 g pack.
  • Both varieties checked contain sunflower oil; use the nutritional information on the pack you choose.

Lidl

Lidl Nederland lists unsalted cashews as a product type.

  • The product information confirms that these are unsalted cashews.
  • For protein, ingredients and salt, check the nutritional information on the exact pack.

ALDI

ALDI Nederland lists roasted, unsalted Trader Joe’s cashews in a 250 g pack.

  • The product information confirms the roasting method and net weight.
  • These details don’t prove a protein benefit; check the nutritional information for the specific pack.

PLUS

PLUS Cashewnoten ongezouten ongebrand is available in a 200 g pack that was checked.

  • PLUS lists 18.5 g of protein per 100 g and cashews as an ingredient for this variety.
  • Unroasted doesn’t mean that this variety has any extra benefit for sport or recovery.

Cashew products at Joybuy

This selection includes cashews for packed lunches, with unsalted, dry-roasted and salted varieties in a range of pack sizes.

Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour cashews 160 g

Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour cashews 160 g

An option for your packed lunch if you’re looking for cashews in a 160 g pack.

The product name specifies Original Flavour and 160 g.

Contains cashews; bear in mind that it may not be suitable for anyone with a nut allergy.

View at Joybuy
g’woon roasted unsalted cashews 200 g

g’woon roasted unsalted cashews 200 g

A good fit for your packed lunch if you’re looking for roasted, unsalted cashews.

The product name specifies roasted, unsalted cashews and 200 g.

Contains cashews; bear in mind that it may not be suitable for anyone with a nut allergy.

View at Joybuy
Duyvis dry-roasted cashews 125 g

Duyvis dry-roasted cashews 125 g

An option if you’re looking for a savoury, seasoned, dry-roasted variety for your packed lunch.

The product name specifies dry-roasted cashews and 125 g.

The allergen information lists cashew, gluten, wheat and peanuts. Check the pack before sharing with others.

View at Joybuy
Verse Klassenoten salted cashews 150 g

Verse Klassenoten salted cashews 150 g

A good fit for your packed lunch if you’re looking for a salted variety.

The product name specifies a 150 g pack.

Contains cashews, sunflower oil and salt; bear in mind that it may not be suitable for anyone with a nut allergy.

View at Joybuy
Xue Ji Chaohuo salted cashews with skins 120 g

Xue Ji Chaohuo salted cashews with skins 120 g

An option for a packed lunch if you’re looking for salted cashews with their skins on.

The product name specifies a 120 g pack.

Contains cashews and added salt; bear in mind that it may not be suitable for anyone with a nut allergy.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are cashews enough as the only source of protein in a lunch planned around training?

Consider the whole meal, not just the cashews. The checked 25 g servings provide around 4.6–5.4 g of protein according to product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS. The Voedingscentrum lists foods such as quark, yoghurt, milk, chicken breast, tofu, nuts and beans as ways to get protein from everyday foods; your needs will vary depending on your sport and goals.

How should you store cashews for packed lunches?

First, follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal it properly after use. For the variety checked, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark, dry place. As general storage guidance for opened unsalted cashews, the Voedingscentrum gives six months in a kitchen cupboard and one year in the freezer; watch out for signs of loss of quality or spoilage, such as rancidity, toughness or mould.

What should you look for if you have a nut allergy or are packing lunch for colleagues?

Check the allergen information on the exact pack, and keep it available if you’re sharing food. Cashews are among the nuts that need to be considered when checking allergen information. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, any allergen present must be clearly distinguished in the ingredients list; check the label for any other allergens too.

What does the ALDI warning mean if you still have cashews at home?

The warning issued by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority on 20 May 2026 concerns 170 g packs of Trader Joe’s unsalted cashews with barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026; do not eat products from the affected batch because they may contain metal fragments. The best-before date has now passed. The warning does not automatically apply to all ALDI cashews or to the separately listed 250 g pack.