What should you look for when choosing?
Start by comparing the same quantity, then decide on your serving size. After that, choose based on whether the nuts are unsalted, their flavour and the pack size.
| What to consider |
What to look for |
Who is this important for? |
| Energy for the same quantity |
Compare kcal per 100 g and, if you like, calculate the values for the same edible serving. Use the label for the exact product. |
If I want to compare different types or products by energy, I look at the same quantity rather than just the figure for a handful. Around 29% of consumers prioritise energy per equal weight. |
| Serving size |
Decide how many grams you want to serve and use the nutrition information per 100 g to calculate the amount. Don’t mistake the pack size for a serving. |
If I want to decide in advance how much to put out for drinks, measuring a portion is more helpful than using the whole bag as a guide. Around 29% of consumers prioritise portion control. |
| Unsalted ingredients |
Check the product name, ingredients and nutrition information. Also check the allergen information for the recipient. |
If I’m looking for an unsalted option, I want that to be clear from the product information and the gift to suit the recipient. Around 18% of consumers prioritise unsalted ingredients. |
| Flavour and variety |
Compare the types of nuts and any added flavourings. Oven-roasted without added oil does not, on its own, tell you anything about the energy content. |
If I’m choosing something for savoury snacks with drinks, favourite flavours and the ingredients in a mix both matter. Around 12% of consumers make their choice mainly based on flavour or variety. |
| Pack size and storage |
Choose a pack size that suits how you plan to use the nuts and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. |
If I’m buying nuts for several occasions, I want to be able to divide them up and store them as instructed. Around 12% of consumers focus mainly on quantity and choice of purchase. |
Relevant brands
These product ranges offer different options for flavour, type of nut and preparation. The brand names alone don’t indicate a lower calorie content.
Duyvis
The Cashews Original and Cashews, Peanuts & Almonds Original ranges covered here are savoury options to serve with drinks.
- Duyvis describes both ranges as oven-roasted without added oil.
- According to the ingredients list, Cashews Original contains salt, among other ingredients; the mix contains cashews, peanuts and almonds. This method of preparation does not prove that a product is low in calories.
Albert Heijn
The unsalted almonds and cashews covered here give you a choice between two individual types of nut.
- The product names make the type of nut and the unsalted option clear.
- Use the nutrition information for the exact product. General category data is not the label information for these products.
Jumbo
The Jumbo Unsalted Cashews covered here are a cashew option in a stated pack size of 130 g.
- The product information specifies the type of nut, that it is unsalted and the pack size.
- The 130 g refers to the pack size, not a recommended snack serving. Jumbo advises storing the product in a cool, dry, dark place.
Lidl
The product page covered here lists unsalted cashews.
- The product description helps you identify this type of unsalted cashew.
- The retailer’s name doesn’t tell you the specific calorie content, who made the product or whether it’s suitable for someone with an allergy.
ALDI
ALDI lists TRADER JOE’S Unsalted Nut Mix, with almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and Brazil nuts.
- The mix combines several named types of nut in one product.
- General nutrition information for mixed nuts isn’t automatically the nutrition information for this specific mix.
PLUS
The PLUS Unsalted, Unroasted Cashews covered here are available in a stated 200 g pack.
- The product name makes clear that the cashews are both unsalted and unroasted.
- These features alone don’t prove a lower calorie content. Check the current product information for the exact option.
Nut product on Joybuy
This product is an option if you’re looking for a savoury snack to serve with drinks, made with oven-roasted cashews. The product information doesn’t allow you to compare its calorie content with other nuts.
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Duyvis Dry Roasted Cashews, 125 g
An option for savoury snacks with drinks; the product description says the cashews are oven-roasted.
They’re prepared without added fat or oil. The product description states that the pack contains 4–5 servings; this isn’t a recommendation for your personal portion size.
The savoury flavouring contains salt. Check the allergen information, which lists cashews, gluten, wheat and peanuts.
View on Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
Can you call regular nuts low in calories?
Not simply because you serve a small portion. According to the European Commission, the low-calorie claim can only be used for solid foods containing no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. A smaller portion doesn’t change the amount per 100 g.
How do you calculate the energy content of your own portion?
Multiply the kcal per 100 g on the label by the weight of your portion in grams, then divide by 100. Compare types using the same edible quantity: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s examples use 20 g for pistachios and 25 g for cashews, so those servings aren’t directly comparable.
What allergen information should you check when buying a nut gift?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, and take account of any known allergies the recipient has. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) says that allergen information for prepacked products appears on the label. A mixed bag may contain different types of nuts and possibly peanuts.
What rules have applied to cross-contamination warnings since 1 January 2026?
According to the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), warnings about allergens that may be unintentionally present must be based on a risk assessment. Permitted wording may include “May contain X” or “Not suitable for people with an X allergy”. The absence of such a warning is not a general guarantee that a product is allergen-free.
How should you store nuts bought for Father’s Day?
Follow the storage instructions on the exact pack. For the Jumbo Unsalted Cashews covered here, Jumbo advises storing them in a cool, dry, dark place. If you buy the nuts in advance, also check the best-before date on the packaging.