Sports enthusiasts who count their snacks
You want to know how much protein a serving of cashews adds to your diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that recreational athletes don’t automatically need special protein products.
Who are these options relevant to?
Fans of unsalted snacks
You’re looking for a snack with no added salt and want to choose between unroasted nuts and varieties prepared with oil. Ingredients vary from product to product.
Savoury snack lovers
You want a savoury snack to enjoy in front of the TV, while keeping an eye on the protein and salt content and how much you put in your bowl. The salted Duyvis variety combines a savoury flavour with added salt.
What should you look for in cashews as a TV snack?
Start with the portion you plan to serve, then compare the nutritional values, ingredients and preparation method of the exact variety.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per serving | Compare the protein value per 100 grams and calculate it for the same serving size. The labels for the specific varieties from Jumbo, PLUS, AH Terra and Duyvis list 18 to 21.5 grams per 100 grams. | If you exercise and want to know what a bowlful actually adds, look at the serving size rather than just the value per 100 grams. Around 36% of consumers prioritise protein content. |
| Serving size and nutritional profile | Check the energy and salt per 100 grams, and bear in mind how much you serve. Unsalted varieties aren’t automatically low in energy. | If you want to measure out a portion for a TV night and keep an eye on energy and salt too, the values per serving matter. Around 29% of consumers give this nutritional profile top priority. |
| Flavour and preparation | Read the ingredients list and preparation details for the exact variety, and check for added salt too. No added oil doesn’t mean fat-free. | If you’re mainly looking for a savoury snack, factor in the flavour you want and check the salt content at the same time. Around 21% of consumers choose primarily based on flavour and preparation method. |
| Packaging and storage | Choose a net weight that suits how much you serve, and follow the storage instructions after opening. Store nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container. | If you’re choosing a pack for several snack occasions, consider how you can store it after opening. Around 14% of consumers prioritise pack size and storage. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing the protein value per 100 grams with the amount in one serving
A 25-gram serving contains a quarter of the stated amount per 100 grams.
Weigh or measure the amount you serve and compare products using the same serving size.
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Assuming ‘no added oil’ means fat-free
The Duyvis variety is described as prepared without added oil or fat, while its label lists 43 grams of fat per 100 grams.
Read the preparation details and the nutrition table separately.
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Applying a warning about one pack to every product from the same brand
The NVWA warning issued on 20 May 2026 concerns a specific 170-gram pack of Trader Joe’s unsalted cashews, with barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026.
Check the brand, weight, barcode and best-before date. Do not eat a pack that matches the warning.
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Choosing a pack without thinking about storage
Nuts are susceptible to mould if they aren’t stored properly.
Store them in a dry place in a tightly sealed container, and reseal the pack after serving.
Brands and varieties for reference
Duyvis
Oven Roasted Cashews Salted is a savoury, oven-roasted cashew variety for a snack break.
- Albert Heijn’s product information lists 18 g of protein and 0.92 g of salt per 100 g for this variety.
- The description says it is prepared without added oil or fat; the label also lists naturally occurring fats and added salt.
Albert Heijn
AH Terra Unroasted Cashews is an unsalted option for anyone looking for unroasted nuts with no added oil.
- Albert Heijn’s product information lists cashews as the only ingredient.
- The stated 19 g of protein per 100 g applies to this variety; the product line name alone doesn’t prove a protein claim.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unsalted Cashews is an unsalted variety containing cashews and sunflower oil.
- Jumbo’s product information lists 21.5 g of protein per 100 g for this variety.
- The ingredients include sunflower oil, so ‘unsalted’ doesn’t mean there are no other ingredients.
Lidl
Lidl lists a variety described as ‘unsalted cashews’.
- The ‘unsalted’ product description may be relevant if you’re specifically watching your added salt intake.
- Compare the nutritional values and ingredients on the pack you choose.
ALDI
Trader Joe’s Roasted Unsalted Cashews is described as a 250 g pack.
- The product description specifies roasted, unsalted cashews.
- The NVWA warning concerns a specific 170 g pack. If there’s a warning, always check the full product identification details.
PLUS
PLUS Unsalted Unroasted Cashews is a variety with cashews as its only ingredient.
- PLUS’s product information lists 18.5 g of protein per 100 g for the unprepared product.
- The allergen information states that it may contain peanuts; check the label on the pack.
Cashews on Joybuy
This selection includes cashews for a TV snack, including salted, roasted and plain varieties. Compare the stated protein and salt values per 100 grams, and check the exact product description.
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Xue Ji Chaohuo Salted Cashews with Skin 120g
A salted cashew option for anyone who wants to count the protein in their TV snack.
The product information lists 16.1 g of protein and 0.9 g of salt per 100 g. The pack contains 120 g.
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Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour Large Cashew Nuts 160g
An option for anyone who wants to weigh up the protein content and is looking for a simple ingredients list.
The product information lists 19.8 g of protein and 0.028 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients list states 100% cashew kernels.
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Duyvis Dry Roasted Cashews 125 g
A roasted option for anyone who wants to compare the protein content and preparation method.
The product information lists 18 g of protein and 0.92 g of salt per 100 g. The description says it is prepared without added oil or fat.
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Verse Klassenoten Salted Cashew Nuts 150 g
A cashew option to compare for protein and salt; check the variety details on the pack.
The product information lists 21.0 g of protein and 0.067 g of salt per 100 g. The product title includes ‘Salted’.
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Be&Cheery Cashews with Purple Skin 180 Grade 500 g
A larger pack for anyone who wants to serve cashews on several snack occasions.
The product information lists 16.4 g of protein and 1.2 g of salt per 100 g. The pack contains 500 g.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need special protein products if you exercise recreationally?
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, recreational athletes don’t need special protein shakes or bars. The situation may be different if you exercise very intensively, for example if your usual diet doesn’t provide enough protein or it isn’t practical to have a full meal.
Can you share cashews with someone who has a food allergy?
Choose according to the allergy in question and read the current packaging. The cashews discussed here contain cashews; some product information states that they may contain peanuts, other nuts or wheat. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly listed on the label. ‘Unsalted’ or ‘unroasted’ doesn’t mean a product is allergen-free.
How should you store an opened bag of cashews?
Store nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container. Follow the instructions on the pack too; for the Duyvis variety, the advice is to store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in a light- and airtight container.
Which ALDI cashews are covered by the safety warning?
The NVWA warning issued on 20 May 2026 concerns 170 grams of Trader Joe’s unsalted cashews, barcode 2003020120930, with a best-before date of 23-09-2026, because of possible metal fragments. Do not eat a pack that matches these details; the fact that the best-before date has passed doesn’t change the warning.
Are whole cashews suitable for young children during a TV night?
Whole nuts can pose a choking risk for young children. Albert Heijn, PLUS and Jumbo’s product information warns about this, so don’t assume a bowl of whole cashews is a suitable snack for children.