Snackers prioritising calories
You want to enjoy nuts on King’s Day while keeping a close eye on how much energy you consume. Compare equal weights and weigh your portion rather than relying on the packaging or the idea of a handful.
Who is this comparison for?
Those looking for an unsalted option
You’re looking for nuts without added salt and also check the ingredients and salt content. For you, the difference between plain, unsalted nuts and party nuts matters more than simply choosing the lowest energy figure.
Sharing a celebratory snack
You’re buying snacks for a get-together or to take with you, and want to make serving sizes and packaging practical. If any guests have allergies, check the information for the exact variety you’re serving.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with a weighed portion, then compare the ingredients and nutritional information that matter for your snacking occasion.
Plain, unsalted cashews
Choose this option: if you want a simple, unsalted snack that you can weigh out yourself.
The trade-off: The AH and Jumbo labels both list 622 kcal per 100 g. AH lists 0 g of salt and Jumbo 0.02 g of salt per 100 g, so the energy content gives you no reason to choose between these two varieties. Sources: Albert Heijn and Jumbo.
Unroasted, unsalted nut mix
Choose this option: if you want a mix of different types of nuts in one pack.
The trade-off: The PLUS nut mix lists 641 kcal per 100 g, compared with 622 kcal per 100 g for the cashews mentioned above. The label information is from PLUS, Albert Heijn and Jumbo, so a mix isn’t automatically lower in energy for the same quantity.
Coated party nuts
Choose this option: if the savoury flavour and crunchy coating are important for your get-together.
The trade-off: Voedingscentrum lists general category figures of 133 kcal per 25 g of party nuts and 164 kcal per 25 g of unsalted nuts. These figures don’t apply to every brand or variety; party nuts are also not included in the Wheel of Five.
Unsalted pistachios
Choose this option: if you want pistachios and can weigh out the quantity yourself.
The trade-off: Voedingscentrum lists 118 kcal per 20 g serving of unsalted pistachios. This is general category information, not the nutritional value of Lidl’s pistachios.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g, then calculate the figure for the same weighed quantity. AH and Jumbo list 622 kcal per 100 g; PLUS lists 641 kcal per 100 g. Sources: Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS. | If you mainly want to know how much energy you’re actually eating, weigh your portion and compare the same quantity. Around 31% of consumers prioritise calories per portion. |
| Unsalted ingredients | Read the ingredients and salt content on the exact pack; assess added salt and any listed salt values separately. Source for the Wheel of Five classification: Voedingscentrum. | If you’re looking for an unsalted option, you’ll also want to know which ingredients are listed and how much salt the packaging shows. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these details. |
| Flavour and coating | Check the flavour variety, ingredients, salt and allergens. Duyvis describes Cocktail as savoury and Oriental as having a crunchy coating with a curry flavour. | If you’re mainly after a savoury flavour and crunchy texture for a get-together, choose based on the variety, not just the calorie count. Around 19% of consumers prioritise party flavours. |
| Taking and sharing | Check the net weight, how much you want to serve and the storage instructions; portion the snack in advance if needed. | If you want to take nuts with you or share them with others, choosing a suitable quantity and storing any leftovers are important. Around 13% of consumers prioritise practical sharing and storage. |
| Allergens | Check the current packaging for both the allergens present and warnings about possible traces. Keep this information available if you’re serving the nuts in bowls. | If you’re choosing nuts for yourself or guests with known allergen restrictions, check the exact variety before serving. Around 12% of consumers prioritise suitability for people with allergies. |
Common pitfalls
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Confusing unsalted with low-calorie
The unsalted cashews and nut mix mentioned above list 622 to 641 kcal per 100 g. Being unsalted doesn’t change the requirements for making a low-calorie nutrition claim.
Assess energy, salt and ingredients separately. Calculate the amount you actually want to eat rather than assuming that unsalted means low in calories.
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Comparing handfuls of different weights
The Voedingscentrum figure for pistachios is based on 20 g, while the general figures for unsalted nuts and party nuts use 25 g. The difference in serving size affects the comparison.
Compare per 100 g first, then calculate the figures for each option using the same edible portion weight.
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Assuming a coating always means more calories
The general Voedingscentrum figures list fewer kcal per 25 g for party nuts than for unsalted nuts. However, party nuts aren’t included in the Wheel of Five, so one fact doesn’t cancel out the other.
Check the nutritional information for the exact flavour variety and consider energy, salt and nutritional category separately.
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Applying a recall to an entire brand, or ignoring it
The NVWA and Albert Heijn warnings concern specific products and best-before dates, not all nuts sold by ALDI or Albert Heijn.
Check the product name, packaging, best-before date and, where listed, the barcode. Don’t eat an affected pack and follow the instructions in the relevant warning.
Brands and supermarket options to compare
Duyvis
An option to compare if you’re looking for coated peanuts with a party flavour.
- Duyvis describes Cocktail as savoury and lists several pack sizes for this variety.
- The brand’s description of a flavour and coating doesn’t in itself mean that a variety is low in calories.
Albert Heijn
The 170 g pack of unsalted cashews is a specific option to compare if you’re looking for plain cashews.
- Albert Heijn lists 622 kcal and 0 g of salt per 100 g for this variety; the ingredients are cashews and sunflower oil.
- This information applies to the pack and variety mentioned, not to all nuts sold by Albert Heijn.
Jumbo
The 200 g pack of unsalted cashews is an option to compare if you’re looking for a single-nut cashew variety.
- Jumbo lists 622 kcal and 0.02 g of salt per 100 g, with 99% cashews and sunflower oil. Jumbo attributes the salt content to naturally occurring sodium.
- Unsalted doesn’t mean these cashews contain less energy than another variety.
Lidl
Lidl has a product page for unsalted Californian pistachios, for anyone specifically looking for pistachios.
- The product name clearly identifies it as an unsalted pistachio option.
- When comparing energy, salt or allergens, use the nutritional information on the packaging of the exact variety.
ALDI
The unsalted Trader Joe’s nut mix described is an option if you’re looking for several types of nuts in one product.
- ALDI lists almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and Brazil nuts in the mix.
- Before serving, check the packaging of the exact variety for its ingredients and allergen information.
PLUS
The 200 g pack of unroasted, unsalted mixed nuts is an option if you want to combine several types of nuts.
- For this mix, PLUS lists 641 kcal, 8.6 g of fibre and 0.01 g of salt per 100 g.
- The energy content doesn’t automatically make this a low-calorie option; consider the portion size and ingredients too.
Nut options at Joybuy
These Joybuy options include cashews, a nut mix and pistachios. Compare the listed energy per 100 g and also check the salt, ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the exact product.
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Jiazhouyuanye Original Flavour Large Cashew Nuts 160 g
A good fit if you want to weigh out cashews and compare the energy content for equal quantities.
The product information lists 604 kcal per 100 g and a pack size of 160 g.
Contains cashews.
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g’woon Cashew Nuts Roasted & Unsalted 200 g
A good fit if you’re looking for roasted, unsalted cashews and want to weigh out your own portion.
The product information lists 596 kcal per 100 g and a pack size of 200 g.
Contains cashews.
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g’woon Unroasted Mixed Nuts 500 g
A good fit if you want to combine several types of nuts in one unroasted mix.
The product information lists 663 kcal and 0 g of salt per 100 g.
Contains hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews; may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
The pack contains 500 g.
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Jiazhouyuanye Pistachios 160 g
A good fit if you want to weigh out pistachios; check the salt content if you’re looking for an unsalted variety.
The product information lists 602 kcal and 1.5 g of salt per 100 g.
Contains pistachios.
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LYFEN Original Flavour Pistachios 125 g
A good fit if you’re looking for pistachios and want to weigh out your own portion.
The product information lists 626 kcal per 100 g and a pack size of 125 g.
The ingredients include salt and sugar; the product contains pistachios.
Frequently asked questions
Can a small portion of nuts be described as low-calorie?
No. A smaller portion doesn’t change the energy content per 100 g. In the Netherlands, the EU requirement for a ‘low calorie’ nutrition claim on solid foods is a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. So describe the energy content of the weighed portion without calling the product itself low-calorie. Source: European Commission.
How can I compare different handfuls of nuts fairly?
Compare the same quantity in grams. Voedingscentrum lists a 20 g portion for unsalted pistachios, while the general figures for unsalted nuts and party nuts use 25 g. Calculate kcal per 100 g × portion weight ÷ 100; the word ‘handful’ alone doesn’t tell you that the portions are equal.
How should I store nuts after opening the pack?
Store nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container and follow the instructions on the exact pack. The PLUS nut mix says to store in a cool, dark place; Albert Heijn advises resealing the pack securely after use. Sources: Voedingscentrum, PLUS and Albert Heijn.
What should I check when buying nuts for someone with an allergy?
Check the current packaging for both the allergens present and warnings about possible traces. According to the NVWA, allergen information for pre-packed food must be shown on the label. If you’re serving the nuts in bowls, keep the information from the relevant pack available.
Can you serve plain nuts to young children without any special considerations?
The product information for the AH, Jumbo and PLUS nuts mentioned warns that young children may choke on nuts. Bear this warning in mind when putting together a snack table; the general product choice isn’t specific advice for young children.
What should I do if my pack is affected by a product recall?
Don’t eat the affected pack and follow the instructions in the relevant warning. The NVWA warning of 20 May 2026 concerns ALDI Trader Joe’s unsalted cashews, 170 g, with a best-before date of 23-09-2026 and barcode 2003020120930. The Albert Heijn warning issued on the same date concerns AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts in a tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026. The fact that the best-before date on the ALDI pack mentioned has passed doesn’t invalidate the warning if you still have that pack.