For regular use, an unsalted option fits the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice. Choose a pack size based on how much you actually use and the storage instructions. Compare both protein and energy per portion: according to PLUS, PLUS Cashewnoten ongezouten fairtrade contains 5.2 grams of protein and 156 kcal per chosen 25-gram portion. The amount of protein alone does not prove that a product can be described as ‘high in protein’ or ‘high protein’; the NVWA says the relevant claim criteria must be met.
For people who want to fit cashews around their exercise and compare the protein and energy in their own portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that most people who exercise do not need special protein shakes or bars.
For people who eat nuts regularly and are considering a larger pack. Compare the pack weight with how much you use, and follow the storage instructions for your chosen product. For example, Albert Heijn lists a 500-gram pack of AH Terra Ongebrande cashewnoten.
For people looking for an unsalted option who want to assess salt, preparation method and ingredients separately. Unsalted does not automatically mean unroasted or made without added oil.
First, compare the nutritional values for the exact product per 100 grams, then work them out for your own portion. Next, check the salt, ingredients, pack size and storage instructions.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | Compare protein and energy on the label of the exact product, then calculate both values for your own portion. The number of grams of protein alone does not confirm a protein claim; the NVWA sets relevant criteria for this. | If you eat cashews around your workout, you’ll want to know what a portion contributes without overlooking its energy content. Around 36% of consumers put protein per portion first. |
| Pack size | Compare the contents of each pack and the total amount you’re buying. Choose a quantity that suits how much you use and check the shelf-life information on the packaging. | If you eat cashews regularly, you’ll want a supply that suits your needs and won’t sit around for too long. Around 29% of consumers choose pack size as their first consideration. |
| Salt and ingredients | Check the salt per 100 grams, the ingredients list and whether you’re choosing the unsalted option. Unsalted, unroasted and made without added oil are different properties. | If you want to limit salt, you’ll want to distinguish the exact product from salted cashews and products with added oil. Around 21% of consumers check this first. |
| Storage and product information | Follow the instructions for your chosen product and keep the product name, best-before date and batch information, even if you transfer the nuts to a storage jar. | If you transfer nuts to a storage jar, you’ll want to be able to find the information again when checking your supplies. Around 14% of consumers put practical storage first. |
The NVWA says protein claims must meet the relevant legal criteria. A nutrition table showing the amount of protein does not, by itself, confirm that a product can be described as ‘high in protein’ or ‘high protein’.
Use the nutrition table to compare your portion, and check the requirements for the specific claim before using it.
PLUS Cashewnoten ongezouten fairtrade contains sunflower oil. Duyvis describes Cashews Original as roasted without added oil, but that product description does not automatically apply to other Duyvis varieties.
Check the salt content, ingredients and preparation method separately for the exact product.
If you store your cashews in a jar, you could lose the product information. The NVWA warning issued on 20 May 2026 applied only to 170-gram packs of Trader Joe’s ongezouten cashewnoten with barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026. The NVWA warned against eating these specific packs because they could contain metal fragments.
Keep the original label or make a note of the product name, best-before date and batch information. Always check a warning against the exact pack.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for smaller packs of cashews, including different preparations and flavours.
AH Terra Ongebrande cashewnoten are an option if you’re looking for a larger pack of unroasted cashews.
Jumbo lists unsalted cashews in smaller packs, including 130- and 200-gram options.
Lidl lists cashews under Alesto and describes Way To Go cashews as a fairtrade option.
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s cashews in a range of pack sizes and varieties.
PLUS offers, among other options, 200-gram packs of unsalted fairtrade and unroasted cashews.
For PLUS Cashewnoten ongezouten fairtrade, that works out at 5.2 grams of protein and 156 kcal, based on the values listed by PLUS: 20.7 grams of protein and 624 kcal per 100 grams. The 25 grams is a chosen portion for calculation, not personalised nutritional advice.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who exercise do not need special protein shakes or bars if they eat a varied diet. Protein requirements are higher for strength training and endurance sports than for people who don’t exercise, but that does not make a particular cashew product a proven standalone recovery product.
Follow the instructions for the exact product. For the 130-gram option reviewed, Jumbo says to store it in a cool, dry and dark place. The product page for Duyvis Cashews Zeezout says to keep the pack tightly closed after opening. These instructions do not set a fixed shelf life in months for all cashews.
Check the allergen information on the pack of the exact product. The NVWA says allergens must be clearly listed on the label. The PLUS fairtrade variety reviewed states that it may contain peanuts; Duyvis Cashews Zeezout states that it may contain cereals containing gluten and wheat.
It could, if you still have the specific pack. The NVWA warning issued on 20 May 2026 concerns 170-gram packs of Trader Joe’s ongezouten cashewnoten, barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026, because they could contain metal fragments. The warning applies to that pack; the NVWA advised consumers not to eat it.
