Who is this relevant to?

Organisers keeping an eye on costs

You’re buying cocktail nuts for a group of guests and want to match the quantity to your planned drinks reception, without automatically assuming that a larger pack is the better choice.

Organisers hosting several drinks receptions

You’re splitting your stock across tables or events and want to choose between smaller bags, larger bags and a case.

Caterers who need to provide allergen information

You’re serving cocktail nuts to guests and need to keep the information for the chosen variety available, even when you’ve put the contents into bowls.

What should you consider when buying?

First work out how much you’ll need for the planned drinks receptions. Then choose the bag size and flavour, and decide how you’ll make allergen information available at the buffet.

Consideration What to look for Most relevant to
Quantity needed Plan the total quantity based on your own estimate, then round the number of bags up. I want to buy enough for the planned drinks reception without ending up with more stock than I need. Around 25% of consumers focus mainly on the quantity required.
Portioning your stock Check the weight per bag and whether you’re ordering individual bags or a case. I want to split my stock across several drinks receptions and open only what I need for each one. Around 25% of consumers prioritise stock that can be portioned out.
Allergen information Use the information for the exact variety and keep it available when serving the cocktail nuts in bowls. I want to be able to inform guests, even if the original packaging isn’t at the buffet. Around 25% of consumers put allergen information first.
Flavour Check the variety you want to serve: Cocktail, Mild and Provençal are not necessarily the same product. I want to choose a flavour that suits my catering plans first, then decide on the packaging. Around 25% of consumers focus mainly on their preferred variety.

Common purchasing mistakes

  • Assuming a multipack is automatically the right choice

    A larger bag may contain more than you need for your planned drinks receptions. A low price per kilo, where stated, doesn’t on its own tell you how much stock to order.

    Work out the quantity you need first, then match the number of bags to the weight per pack.

  • Mistaking a case for one large bag

    Sligro lists Duyvis Cocktail in a case of six 1-kilo bags. That’s a total order quantity of 6 kilos, split across six bags.

    Check both the weight per bag and the number of bags in the case before ordering.

  • Putting the packaging away without making the information available at the buffet

    Even when cocktail nuts are served loose in bowls, guests must be able to get information about the allergens they contain. The NVWA explains that this information should be provided where the product is offered.

    Note down the details from the label and make the information accessible where guests pick up the cocktail nuts.

Brands and shops to consider

Duyvis

For Borrelnootjes Cocktail, Duyvis lists packs of 125 g, 275 g, 500 g and 1000 g. Sligro also lists a case of six 1-kilo bags.

  • The pack sizes listed offer different quantities for planning each drinks reception.
  • A case of six bags is a larger total order quantity; pack size alone doesn’t tell you which option suits your needs.

Albert Heijn

The Dutch product page lists AH Borrelnoten cocktail.

  • The product is clearly identified as a Cocktail variety.
  • Albert Heijn warns that ingredient and allergen information may change. Check the information on the pack you’ll actually be serving.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Cocktail Borrelnoten in a 300 g pack and a 500 g value pack.

  • The two bag sizes offer a choice of smaller or larger quantities of the Cocktail variety.
  • Choose the pack based on how much you expect to use; the quantity doesn’t tell you what flavour your guests will prefer.

Lidl

Lidl’s Dutch range page lists cocktail nuts as a product category.

  • It’s a relevant product category to consider when buying.
  • Check the exact flavour, net weight and product information on the bag available.

ALDI

ALDI’s Dutch product page lists TRADER JOE'S Borrelnoten cocktail in a 300 g pack.

  • The stated bag weight can help you plan smaller order quantities.
  • This isn’t an individually portioned pack, so match the quantity to the number of drinks receptions planned.

PLUS

PLUS lists Borrelnoten Mild in 300 g bags. The product page advises storing them in a cool, dry, dark place.

  • The stated quantity is an option if you want to build up your stock in smaller amounts.
  • Mild is a different variety from Cocktail, so check the product information for the one you choose.

Product option at Joybuy

This product option is intended as a set amount of snacks for one drinks reception. Check for yourself whether the variety suits what you want to serve.

Verse Class Nuts Cocktail Nuts, 235 g

Verse Class Nuts Cocktail Nuts, 235 g

The product description mentions gatherings and parties as suitable occasions to enjoy it.

The pack contains 235 g.

Check the ingredient and allergen information on the exact pack before serving the product at a catered event.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do I work out how many bags I need for a conference?

Use your own estimate of how much each guest will have, along with the number of guests, to work out the total quantity needed. Divide the total number of grams by the weight per bag, then round up. Also check whether the supplier sells individual bags or a case; Sligro lists Duyvis Cocktail in a case of six 1-kilo bags.

Does allergen information need to be available if I serve cocktail nuts in bowls?

Yes. The NVWA says guests must be able to get information about any allergens present when unpackaged products are offered. Make this information available where the cocktail nuts are served. The NVWA describes options including written or electronic information, as well as a system where guests can ask for allergen information in person.

Can I use the ingredients list for a different flavour or an older pack?

Use the information for the exact variety you’re serving and check the current label. Albert Heijn and Sligro warn that ingredient and allergen information may change.

How should I store cocktail nuts between drinks receptions?

Follow the instructions on the pack for the variety you’ve chosen. For 500 g packs of Cocktail Borrelnoten, Jumbo advises storing them in a cool, dry, dark place. PLUS gives the same advice for 300 g packs of Borrelnoten Mild. These instructions don’t specify a fixed shelf life once opened.

Do I need a food safety plan as a professional caterer?

According to the NVWA, businesses that prepare, process or sell food must work with an HACCP food safety plan. You can draw up your own plan or follow an applicable hygiene code. This is a business requirement, not a certification for an individual bag of cocktail nuts.