Flavour-focused travellers
If flavour is what guides your choice, you can pick from varieties such as Duyvis Cocktail, Poesta and Provencale. The name of a flavour is not an objective indication of how it tastes or how spicy it is.
Who are these options for?
Travellers who like to portion snacks in advance
A 125 g bag contains less than the 300 g bags reviewed here, but the total contents of a bag are not automatically a recommended portion. For Duyvis Cocktail 125 g, the advice is to store the opened bag in an airtight, light-proof container.
Ingredient-conscious snackers
If allergens or dietary information affect your choice, check the exact variety. The PLUS Oriental Style variety reviewed here is labelled vegan, but its ingredients list includes peanuts and wheat.
What should you look for when buying?
If you have an allergy or dietary requirement, let that guide your choice first. Then choose a flavour and decide how much you want to take with you.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour variety | Compare the exact flavour name and ingredients list; a mild or chilli flavour name is not an objective measure of heat. | If you mainly want to take something you’ll enjoy the taste of, let the variety itself guide your choice. Around 36% of consumers prioritise flavour over other factors when buying. |
| Bag size and storage | Compare the net weight and check the storage advice for an opened pack. | If you want to take some with you and keep the rest at home, bag size and whether it can be resealed are worth considering. Around 36% of consumers focus on what’s practical to take with them and how to store any leftovers. |
| Ingredients and dietary requirements | Check the exact packaging for allergens, possible traces and any dietary information. | If an ingredient or dietary requirement limits your options, check it before deciding based on flavour. Around 28% of consumers give the most weight to ingredients or suitability for their diet. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming mild or vegan means allergen-free
The PLUS Mild variety reviewed here contains peanuts, wheat, celery and milk, among other ingredients. The vegan label for PLUS Oriental Style applies to that specific variety; its ingredients list includes peanuts and wheat.
If you have an allergy, read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact packaging. Don’t use a dietary label as a substitute for checking these details.
-
Assuming the bag contains one portion
The 125 g shown on the Duyvis Cocktail pack reviewed here is the total contents of the bag, not a recommended amount for one sitting. The product page advises storing an opened bag in an airtight, light-proof container and does not confirm that the bag is resealable.
Decide for yourself how much you want to take with you, and follow the storage advice for the exact variety when storing any leftovers.
-
Treating an old taste test as a verdict on the current variety
Libelle reported on an editorial taste test of cocktail nuts, judging flavour, crunchiness and colour. A historical test like this doesn’t tell you what a current pack will taste like.
When choosing now, use current product information and check the label on the exact variety.
Brands and varieties to help you choose
Duyvis
The range includes several flavoured Borrelnootjes varieties.
- The official range information includes Cocktail, Provencale and Poesta.
- The variety names don’t provide an independent ranking of quality or flavour. Storage advice for Cocktail 125 g doesn’t automatically apply to other flavours.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn sells its own AH Cocktail Borrelnoten variety and also lists Duyvis products.
- The Dutch product page confirms the AH Cocktail variety.
- Albert Heijn notes that product and allergy information can change, so check the current label.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists its own Cocktail Borrelnoten, among other products, in a 300 g bag.
- The variety reviewed here is described as peanuts with a crunchy coating.
- The product information doesn’t demonstrate that it tastes better or is more suitable for travelling than other varieties.
Lidl
Lidl lists Duyvis Borrelnootjes as a product; this doesn’t make Lidl the manufacturer of this variety.
- The product listing confirms that Duyvis products are sold through Lidl.
- The listing doesn’t confirm a specific Lidl own-brand variety, exact flavour or current in-store availability.
Aldi
Aldi lists cocktail nuts under the TRADER JOE’S product brand.
- The product page lists Bacon Cheese, Poesta and paprika varieties in 300 g bags.
- An older taste test doesn’t prove that the current recipe is better than other varieties.
PLUS
PLUS sells its own cocktail nut varieties, including Mild, Ham Cheese and Oriental Style.
- The Oriental Style variety is labelled vegan on the product page reviewed here.
- The dietary label applies only to that variety. Mild doesn’t mean free from pepper or allergens.
Cocktail nuts at Joybuy
These product options focus on flavoured cocktail nuts and a snack mix for anyone weighing up flavour and bag size for a journey.
No image available
Duyvis Poeta Cocktail Nuts 275 g
An option if you’re looking for a savoury, spiced variety and want to decide for yourself how much to take with you.
The bag contains 275 g. The product description lists cardamom, cayenne pepper, cloves and cumin, among other ingredients.
Contains peanuts, milk, wheat and celery; may contain soya, mustard and other nuts.
No image available
Duyvis Oriental Cocktail Nuts 275 g
An option if you’re looking for a savoury, curry-style flavour in a larger bag that you can portion yourself.
The bag contains 275 g; the product description mentions a mild curry flavour.
Contains peanuts, gluten (wheat and barley) and soya; may contain milk, nuts and mustard.
No image available
Duyvis Bran Nuts Provencale 125 g
A smaller bag if you want to take less overall and are looking for an onion and garlic flavour.
The bag contains 125 g; the product description lists 30 g portions and advises sealing an opened bag well and storing it in a cool, dry place.
Contains peanuts and wheat; may contain milk, nuts, soya and mustard.
No image available
Duyvis Coated Peanuts Provençal 275 g
An option if you’re looking for a savoury onion and garlic flavour and want to portion a larger bag yourself.
The bag contains 275 g; the product description mentions peanuts with onion and garlic seasoning.
Contains peanuts and wheat; may contain milk, nuts, soya and mustard.
No image available
Chio Borrel Bites Paprika Sweet Chilli 240 g
An option if you’re looking for paprika and sweet chilli flavours in a snack mix with a variety of textures.
The pack contains 240 g and is described as eight 30 g portions. It’s a mix of seasoned nuts, peanuts and snacks, not just cocktail nuts.
Contains peanuts and gluten (wheat); may contain other nuts.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 125 g bag meant to be eaten in one train journey?
No. The 125 g is the total pack size of the Duyvis Cocktail variety reviewed here, not a recommended amount for one sitting. Decide for yourself how much you want to take with you and eat.
How should you store leftover cocktail nuts?
For Duyvis Cocktail 125 g, the advice is to store it in a cool, dry place and, preferably, keep an opened bag in an airtight, light-proof container. Follow the label for other varieties; this advice doesn’t specify how long the product will keep once opened.
What information can you find on the label of pre-packed cocktail nuts?
According to EU guidance, mandatory food information includes the product name, ingredients, allergens, net quantity, best-before date and nutritional information, as well as any special storage or usage instructions where relevant. Allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list.
Can you give these cocktail nuts to young children during a journey?
The Duyvis Cocktail product page warns that young children can choke on peanuts and nuts. So don’t assume this variety is suitable as a snack for children; the product information doesn’t specify an age limit.
Are flavoured cocktail nuts the same as the unsalted nuts recommended in dietary guidance?
No, don’t assume they are. The Voedingscentrum specifically lists unsalted nuts in its Wheel of Five; according to the ingredients list, Duyvis Cocktail 125 g contains salt and a crunchy coating, among other ingredients. The recommendation for unsalted nuts doesn’t automatically apply to this snack variety.