Snackers looking to cut down on total fat
If the fat content of the snack itself is your main concern, compare chestnuts and nuts using the nutrition information for the exact product. The preparation method alone won’t answer that question.
Who is this buying guide for?
Nut lovers who want to manage their portions
If you want to keep eating regular nuts but be more mindful of how much you have, weigh your portion. The portion changes how much you eat, not the fat content per 100 g.
Shoppers who assess preparation and added ingredients separately
If you’re choosing between unroasted and roasted nuts, check the preparation method, ingredients and salt content separately. No added oil does not automatically mean unsalted.
What should you look for when choosing?
First compare the fat content on the same basis, then decide whether you’d prefer a different type of product or to weigh out a portion of regular nuts.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Total fat | Compare the nutrition information for the exact product per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low-fat’ claim; the NVWA confirms that these EU rules apply in the Netherlands. | If I mainly want to reduce my total fat intake, I compare the nutrition information per 100 g for the product I’m buying. Around 36% of consumers put total fat content at the top of their list. |
| Portion | Weigh the amount you want to eat and check the nutrition information for that portion as well as the values per 100 g. | I want to keep eating regular nuts but decide for myself how much I have. Around 29% of consumers make portion control their top priority. |
| Preparation and added ingredients | Check the preparation method, ingredients list and salt content separately; ‘unroasted’, ‘roasted’ and ‘unsalted’ don’t mean the same thing. | If I’m mainly choosing based on preparation and added ingredients, I check these separately from the total fat content. Around 21% of consumers put this first. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the pack weight and follow the storage instructions for the option you choose. | I want to buy an amount that suits how I’ll use it and store any leftovers conveniently. Around 14% of consumers start with packaging and everyday use. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming no added oil means low in fat
Nuts also contain fat naturally. Duyvis describes Cashews Original as oven-roasted without added oil, but its nutrition table also lists 49 g of fat and 1.5 g of salt.
Check the total fat and ingredients as well as the preparation method.
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Confusing a smaller portion with a different product
Eating less changes the amount you consume, not the nutrition information per 100 g.
Use portion control to decide how much you eat, and the nutrition table to compare products.
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Treating category figures as values from a product label
Voedingscentrum figures are reference values for product categories and don’t automatically match a specific supermarket product.
Use category figures as a general guide and check the current label on the pack you choose.
Brands for reference
Duyvis
Cashews Original is worth considering if you’re looking for oven-roasted cashews with no added oil.
- Duyvis describes how this product is prepared and provides its ingredients and nutrition information.
- The manufacturer lists 49 g of fat and 1.5 g of salt, so no added oil does not mean low in fat or unsalted.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand options reviewed are unsalted cashews and chestnuts.
- Albert Heijn provides storage instructions for its cashews: store in a cool, dark, dry place and seal the pack tightly after use.
- The product name alone doesn’t tell you whether an option is low in fat; check the current label.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unsalted Cashews 200 g is an option to consider if unsalted is important to you.
- The product listing identifies the unsalted option and its 200 g pack size.
- Unsalted does not prove that a product has less total fat or qualifies as ‘low fat’.
Lidl
Alesto is Lidl’s nuts and dried fruit range; the product range mentioned includes Way To Go cashews.
- The brand page helps you identify the relevant product range.
- Fairtrade positioning is a separate consideration from fat content. The features of one product don’t automatically apply to the whole range.
ALDI
The product information reviewed describes an unsalted nut mix containing almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and Brazil nuts.
- The product page lists the ingredients in the mix.
- Unsalted says nothing by itself about total fat; check the nutrition table on the pack.
PLUS
PLUS Unsalted Unroasted Cashews 200 g is worth considering if you’re looking for both of these preparation and flavour characteristics.
- The product listing confirms that this option is both unsalted and unroasted.
- These descriptions don’t prove that the product is low in fat. PLUS advises checking the label, as product information can change.
Products at Joybuy
This selection focuses on chestnuts as an alternative product and a portion-packed nut mix. Check the nutrition information and ingredients for the exact pack before choosing.
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Titiz Roasted Chestnuts 125 g
Could suit you if you’d like to try chestnuts as an alternative to regular nuts; the product information says they’re peeled and ready to eat.
The description lists 100% chestnuts and a 125 g pack. Check the current nutrition information on the pack.
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Three Squirrels New & Unique Sweet Chestnut Kernels 400 g
Could suit you if you’re looking for chestnut kernels in individual packs; the product information describes them as ready to eat.
The product information lists 1.3 g of fat per 100 g, chestnut kernels and individually wrapped portions. Check the details on the pack you receive.
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J.ZAO S++ Grade Whole Chestnuts 1 kg (10 sachets)
Could suit you if you’d like to divide chestnuts into smaller packs; the product information describes whole, peeled chestnuts that are ready to eat.
The product information lists 1.7 g of fat per 100 g and 10 sachets of 100 g. Check the nutrition information on the pack.
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Be&Cheery Smiling Chestnuts 120 g
Could suit you if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat chestnut snack in individual packs; the product information describes the chestnuts as steamed and pre-cut.
The product information lists 1.2 g of fat per 100 g and chestnuts and sugar as ingredients. Check the ingredients and nutrition information on the pack.
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ChaCha Daily Nuts 115 g (5 × 23 g)
Could suit you if you want to take regular nuts with you in measured portions; the product information lists five 23 g portion packs.
The nutrition information lists 38.0 g of fat per 100 g. The product information names walnuts, cashews, almonds and hazelnuts as ingredients; the desiccant is not for consumption.
Frequently asked questions
Are unsalted nuts automatically low in fat?
No. ‘Unsalted’ describes the salt content, not the fat content. Voedingscentrum lists 14.9 g of fat per 25 g of unsalted nuts as a reference; compare the nutrition table and your portion separately.
When can a product be called ‘low fat’?
In the EU, solid foods must contain no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g to carry a ‘low-fat’ claim. The European Commission sets out this condition, and the NVWA confirms that EU rules apply in the Netherlands. A smaller portion does not change the composition per 100 g.
What should I check if I have a nut or peanut allergy?
Check the allergen information on the packaging of the exact product. The NVWA states that allergens must be listed on the label of prepacked products and clearly identifiable in the ingredients list. A lower fat content tells you nothing about whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
How should I store the AH cashews reviewed here after opening?
Albert Heijn advises storing these cashews in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the pack tightly after use. For other options, follow the storage instructions on the pack.
What should I do with the cashews mentioned in the NVWA warning?
The NVWA says not to eat the 170 g pack of Trader Joe’s Unsalted Cashews with barcode 2003020120930, as it may contain metal particles. The stated best-before date, 23 September 2026, has passed; the warning applies to this specific product description and should not be extended to other products or batches.