Buying a mixed nut selection: how to choose one to suit your taste and needs

A mixed nut selection might seem simple to choose, but packaging can give a misleading impression. For example, a prominent picture of macadamia nuts doesn’t mean macadamias are the main ingredient. Terms such as ‘daily’, ‘premium’ or ‘natural’ also tell you little unless you check the ingredients list and nutritional information.

Look out for these common pitfalls:

• The name doesn’t match what’s inside: a macadamia nut mix may consist mainly of peanuts, almonds or cashews.
• Sugar and salt can be hidden in the flavouring: roasted nuts, trail mix and mixes of nuts and dried fruit may contain added sugar, oil or salt.
• A large pack isn’t always better value: a 500 or 750 gram bag is handy to keep at home, but less practical if you want to take portions with you or use the mix slowly.
• Allergens can be overlooked: always check the current packaging, especially for products made on shared production lines and mixed snack selections.

What should you look for in a mixed nut selection?

1. Check the order of the ingredients

Under European labelling rules, ingredients are generally listed in descending order by weight. If peanuts, maize or sugar come first in a mix, they make up a larger proportion than the ingredient mentioned in the product name.

For example, g'woon Macadamia Mix contains 26.1% peanuts, 18.8% almonds, 18.4% cashews and 15.8% macadamia nuts. The mix also contains maize, pecans, salt and sunflower oil, among other ingredients. So this isn’t a product made exclusively with macadamia nuts.

The difference is clearer with an unsalted mixed nut selection. According to the product information, g'woon Unroasted Mixed Nuts contains 30% hazelnuts, 30% walnuts, 20% almonds and 20% cashews, with no added salt. Always check the packaging when your order arrives, though.

2. Compare the nutritional information per 100 grams

A portion may seem small, but the nutritional values per 100 grams can vary considerably. Check the:

• salt, especially in a salted nut mix or aperitif mix;
• sugars, particularly in trail mix and nuts with dried fruit;
• saturated fat and added oil;
• protein and fibre, if you’re looking for a filling snack;
• energy, to help you choose a suitable portion.

For example, g'woon Nut Mix Unsalted lists 0 grams of salt per 100 grams and contains peanuts, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts. A mix with cranberries has a higher sugar content: g'woon Cashew Nut Cranberry Mix consists of 50% cashews and 50% sweetened dried cranberries.

3. Choose the right packaging for the occasion

Individual portions are practical for your desk, cycle bag or school bag. J.ZAO Classic Daily-Nut Mix comes in 30 sachets of 25 grams. A resealable tub or bag is better for everyday use at home, for example with yoghurt, porridge or salad.

For drinks and nibbles, roasted nuts or a salted mix are often a better fit. Pay extra attention to the amount of salt and flavourings. A mix with dried fruit is handy for eating on the go, but check whether sugar or oil has been added to the fruit.

Our recommendations for different types of shopper

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Unroasted Mixed Nuts - 500g

Why it suits this shopper: A generous pack with four familiar types of nuts, ideal for keeping at home, serving with breakfast or dividing into portions yourself.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The percentages of each ingredient are clearly listed, and the product information states that it contains 0 grams of salt per 100 grams. No flavourings or dried fruit are listed.

Main benefit & highlights

500 grams; unroasted and unsalted according to the product description; contains hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Three Squirrels Daily Nuts (All-Nut Pure Enjoyment Edition) 500g

Why it suits this shopper: For anyone who wants several types of nuts in one multipack, without dried fruit in the mix.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The listed percentages show how much walnut, cashew, almond, pecan and macadamia the mix contains. The product information states that it is low in salt.

Main benefit & highlights

Five types of nuts; 500 grams; resealable tub according to the product information; suitable for snacking, baking and adding to salads.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent snackers

J.ZAO Classic Daily-Nut Mix 750g / 30 sachets

Why it suits this shopper: Handy for work, travelling or sport, and for anyone who wants to take pre-portioned snacks without opening a large bag.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The 30 individual sachets reduce the chance of opening the whole pack at once. Do check the sugar content of the cranberries, though.

Main benefit & highlights

750 grams in total; 30 portions of 25 grams; a mix of nuts and dried fruit; easy to take with you.

Suitable for: Sociable get-togethers

Duyvis Dry-Roasted Mixed Nuts - 125 g

Why it suits this shopper: The small pack is ideal for a sharing platter, a film night or a snack when you don’t need a large tub.

How this product avoids the pitfalls

The product information says the nuts are oven-roasted and contain no added fat or oil. The salt content is still worth checking, though.

Main benefit & highlights

39% cashews, 34% peanuts and 24% almonds; oven-roasted; 125 grams; crunchy texture according to the product description.

Frequently asked questions about mixed nuts

What’s the difference between an unsalted and a salted nut mix?

An unsalted nut mix contains no added salt according to the label, or lists a very low salt content. A salted variety contains extra salt or a seasoned coating. Always compare the nutritional information per 100 grams, as roasted nuts may also contain seasonings, oil or flavourings.

Is trail mix the same as nuts and dried fruit?

Not quite. Trail mix usually combines nuts with raisins or other dried fruit, but the proportions vary by brand. Check the order of the ingredients. If a mix contains a lot of dried fruit, its sugar content may be higher than that of a plain cashew or macadamia nut mix.

How should you store a mixed nut selection once opened?

Keep the pack tightly sealed in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and away from heat and moisture. A resealable bag or tub helps preserve its quality. Also check the best-before information on the packaging, and don’t use a damaged pack.