Party host comparing pack sizes
You want enough to share from a bowl and are looking at the net weight and ingredients of the cocktail nuts. Jumbo and Albert Heijn product information lists the contents and ingredients of their cocktail varieties.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Household looking for unsalted nuts too
You choose an unsalted mix based on the types of nuts it contains and consider how to use any leftovers at home. PLUS and ALDI list the ingredients of the nut mixes reviewed.
Host catering for different preferences
You want to offer a choice of flavours or product types, while keeping the ingredients and allergen information on each pack easy to identify. Duyvis and Albert Heijn, for example, describe coated cocktail nuts.
What should you look for in nuts for a neighbourhood get-together?
First decide which type of product you want to serve. Then check the quantity, ingredients and information on the label.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Contents and ingredients | Compare the net weight and ingredients of the same product type; coated cocktail nuts are not the same as plain nuts. | If you want to know exactly what’s in the pack, compare the net weight with the ingredients and the proportion of peanuts or coating. Around 29% of consumers put contents and ingredients at the top of their list. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Choose an amount to suit your guests and the other snacks; once opened, follow the storage instructions on the pack. | If you want to get the quantity right for your guests and other snacks, the net weight can help you decide how much to open. Around 22% of consumers prioritise suitable quantities and avoiding leftovers. |
| Unsalted mix | Read the ingredients and compare the nutritional information for the exact variety, including salt per 100 g if listed. | If you want to offer an unsalted mix, check which types of nuts it contains and whether the ingredients suit your needs. Around 21% of consumers prioritise an unsalted mix. |
| Flavour and variety | Check the flavour description and product type; several packs can cater for different preferences. | If you want to offer a choice of flavours or product types, you can serve smaller packs separately. Around 14% of consumers prioritise flavour choice and variety. |
| Allergen information | Read the ingredients and warnings on every pack, including statements about the possible presence of allergens. | If guests have specific allergies, keep products and labels easy to identify, and check every pack. Around 14% of consumers put allergen information at the top of their list. |
Common purchasing mistakes
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Assuming unsalted means allergen-free
An unsalted nut mix may still carry a warning about the possible presence of peanuts or other allergens.
Read the ingredients and warnings on the exact pack. Keep different products easy to identify when serving them.
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Assuming the weight of cocktail nuts is the weight of plain nuts
Jumbo lists 49,4% peanuts in its 500 g cocktail nuts; Duyvis lists 50% peanuts in its 450 g Provencale variety. So the product does not consist entirely of peanuts.
Compare the ingredients and product type before comparing packs.
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Automatically choosing the largest bag
A large pack gives you more of one product, but it may not suit the amount your guests will eat or their different flavour preferences.
Estimate how much you want to serve and consider a selection of smaller packs if you’d like more variety. Follow the storage instructions on the label for any leftovers.
Brands and product ranges to help you choose
Duyvis
Represented here by Borrelnootjes Provencale VALUE PACK 450 g, described as having a crunchy coating with onion and garlic flavour.
- PLUS lists 50% peanuts and provides storage and allergen information for this variety.
- Descriptions of flavour and crunch are product claims, not independent taste assessments. This is not an unsalted plain nut mix.
Albert Heijn
AH Borrelnoten cocktail 300 g is a smaller pack option for sharing from a bowl.
- Albert Heijn lists the net weight and recommends sealing the pack tightly after use.
- This bag contains 300 g, which is a different quantity from the 450 g and 500 g bags reviewed. A claim about crunch is not proof of a general flavour preference.
Jumbo
Jumbo Cocktail Borrelnoten Voordeelverpakking 500 g is a large bag of cocktail nuts for sharing from a bowl.
- Jumbo lists 49,4% peanuts and provides nutritional values and allergen information for this variety.
- The pack does not contain only peanuts; check the label if the ingredients or allergens matter to your guests.
Lidl
The Alesto range includes nuts and snacks; the unroasted, unsalted nut mix reviewed comes in a 200 g pack.
- Lidl product information lists the net weight and describes the product as an unroasted, unsalted mix.
- Information about the Alesto range does not automatically tell you what every variety contains.
ALDI
Trader Joe’s Unsalted Nut Mix 500 g is a large mix of almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and Brazil nuts.
- ALDI lists the net weight and the types of nuts in this pack.
- Its ingredients differ from those of other mixes; check the ingredients on the specific pack.
PLUS
PLUS Unroasted Unsalted Nut Mix 500 g lists the proportions of its four types of nuts.
- PLUS lists 30% walnuts, 30% blanched hazelnuts, 20% almonds and 20% cashews.
- The product information says the mix may contain peanuts and other nuts. Read the warning on the pack.
Joybuy products for a neighbourhood get-together
This Joybuy selection includes plain nut mixes, seasoned cocktail nuts and a mix of nuts with dried fruit. When comparing them, also check the pack size and any allergen information.
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Wolong Assorted Pure Nuts, tin, 500 g
This mix is a good choice if you want to serve a selection of plain nuts in one bowl.
The pack contains 500 g. The product description lists almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans and pistachios.
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g'woon Unroasted Mixed Nuts, 500 g
This mix is a good choice if you’re looking for an unroasted, unsalted blend with listed proportions of each type of nut.
The pack contains 500 g: 30% hazelnuts, 30% walnuts, 20% almonds and 20% cashews. The product description lists 0 g salt per 100 g. The mix may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
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BE&CHEERY Mixed Nuts, 458 g (7+0)
This larger mix is a good choice if you want to combine several types of nuts on a sharing platter.
The pack contains 458 g. The product description lists cashews, almonds, macadamias, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts and walnuts.
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Duyvis Bran Nuts Provencale, 125 g
This smaller pack is a good choice if you want to serve seasoned cocktail nuts alongside other products.
The product description lists 50% peanuts and a crunchy coating with onion and garlic flavour. The pack contains 125 g and lists peanuts and wheat; milk, nuts, soya and mustard may also be present.
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J.ZAO Classic Daily-Nut Mix, 750 g, 30 sachets
This box is a good choice if you want to serve or open portions individually.
The multipack contains 30 individually wrapped 25 g portions. The product description lists a mix of nuts and dried fruit, along with other snacks, so it does not contain nuts alone.
Frequently asked questions
How many guests will a 500 g bag serve?
It depends on how many people are eating and what else you’re serving. For its 500 g cocktail nuts, Jumbo lists twenty 25 g servings. That’s a serving size on the label, not a guarantee that the bag will be enough for twenty guests.
Do I need to prepare nuts for drinks?
The cocktail nuts reviewed are sold as a snack; follow the instructions on the specific pack. ‘Unroasted’ describes a type of nut mix and does not, in itself, mean you need to roast the nuts at home.
How should I store an opened pack?
Follow the instructions for the particular variety. For Duyvis Provencale 450 g, the product information recommends storing it in a cool, dry place and using a light-proof, airtight container after opening. Albert Heijn recommends sealing its 300 g cocktail pack tightly. These instructions do not set a universal storage period for all nut mixes.
Is an unsalted mix suitable for someone with a peanut allergy?
You can’t tell from the word ‘unsalted’. PLUS product information says the unsalted mix reviewed may contain peanuts. Check the pack for the specific allergen and don’t present this mix as allergen-free.
What should I bear in mind if young children are coming?
Duyvis Provencale product information warns that young children can choke on peanuts and nuts. Bear this warning in mind when putting out the bowl, and serve the product according to the instructions on the pack.