Choosing a nut mix: how to compare taste, ingredients and pack sizes

A nut mix might seem like a simple purchase, but there are big differences between mixed nuts, cocktail nuts and nuts with dried fruit. A bag may consist mostly of peanuts, while a name such as macadamia or cashew mix might suggest a wider variety. Terms such as ‘natural’, ‘premium’ or ‘no added ingredients’ only tell you so much, so check the ingredients list.

The main pitfalls when buying nuts are:

• The product name doesn’t tell you how much of each nut is included. Always check the percentages. A mix containing macadamia nuts, for example, may contain 15.8% macadamias, alongside peanuts, almonds and cashews.
• A coating can significantly change the product. Cocktail nuts often contain starch, oil, sugar, herbs, flavourings and salt. They’re quite different from an unsalted nut mix or plain roasted nuts.
• Pack size and portion size can be confused. A large bag is handy for a party, but individual bags are more practical for taking out and about, and can help you stick to a set portion.
• Check the allergen information for each product. Look for peanuts, nuts, milk, wheat, soya, mustard and possible traces. If you have an allergy, always follow the information on the current packaging.

What should you check when choosing a nut mix?

1. Ingredients and proportions

Don’t just look at the front of the pack. Ingredients are generally listed in order of quantity. According to the product information, g’woon Unroasted Mixed Nuts contains 30% hazelnuts, 30% walnuts, 20% almonds and 20% cashews. That’s more informative than a general description such as ‘mixed nuts’.

It’s also useful to check the proportions in a mix of nuts and dried fruit. According to the stated ingredients, J.ZAO Classic Daily-Nut Mix contains 36% walnuts, 28.8% raisins and 11.9% dried cranberries, among other ingredients. The fruit generally increases the sugar content. ChaCha Daily Nuts, for example, lists 28 grams of sugar per 100 grams.

2. Unsalted, salted or seasoned

An unsalted nut mix contains no added salt, or lists a salt content of 0 grams per 100 grams, as with g’woon Nut Mix Unsalted. Its nutritional information also lists 20.1 grams of protein per 100 grams and 0 grams of salt.

A salted nut mix or cocktail mix is better suited to a drinks party. Check the extra ingredients. According to the product description, Duyvis Dry-Roasted Mixed Nuts contains 39% cashews, 34% peanuts and 24% almonds, with a savoury flavouring and 1.1 grams of salt per 100 grams. g’woon Spicy Cocktail Nuts lists 2.1 grams of salt per 100 grams, as well as starch, sugar, herbs and flavour enhancer E621.

‘Roasted’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘oil-free’. Duyvis says its dry-roasted variant contains no added oil or fat; other roasted nuts may contain sunflower oil or a coating.

3. Weight, portions and storage

Compare the price per 100 grams, not just the price of the bag. Pack sizes in this selection range from 115 grams to 750 grams. A 750-gram pack containing 30 bags of 25 grams is handy if you want to take portions to work, school or on the go.

According to the product information, store a nut mix in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Seal the pack tightly after opening and don’t use it if the packaging is damaged. Always check the best-before date on the pack. Products containing dried fruit or a coating may lose their crunch more quickly once opened.

Our recommendations for different occasions

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Nut Mix Unsalted - 200g

Why it suits this profile: A straightforward mix for anyone looking to start snacking every day without strong seasonings or extra salt.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists the nut types and percentages: 29% peanuts, 29% almonds, 16% cashews, 13% Brazil nuts and 10% hazelnuts.

Key benefit & highlights

Five types of nuts, 0 grams of salt per 100 grams and a 200-gram pack.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

g'woon Unroasted Mixed Nuts - 500g

Why it suits this profile: A larger pack for anyone looking for a simple blend of several classic nuts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product information, the mix contains only hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews, with no herbs or sweet coatings listed.

Key benefit & highlights

A 500-gram pack, unroasted and unsalted according to the product description, with 0 grams of salt per 100 grams.

Suitable for: Specific needs & regular users

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

Why it suits this profile: Handy for work, travelling, breakfast or regular snack breaks, with 30 individual 25-gram bags.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The individual portions mean you don’t have to take a whole opened bag with you when you’re out and about. Be sure to check the full ingredients list when you buy it.

Key benefit & highlights

750 grams in total, split into 30 portions, with walnuts, raisins, cranberries, almonds, cashews and hazelnuts.

Frequently asked questions about nut mixes

What’s a good nut mix for everyday snacking?

It depends on what you prefer. An unsalted nut mix with a short ingredients list is a practical choice if you don’t want an extra flavour coating. Be mindful of your portion size and check the nutritional information per 100 grams. A mix with dried fruit often contains more carbohydrates and sugars than one made with nuts alone.

Are cocktail nuts the same as mixed nuts?

No. Mixed nuts are usually made up of several types of nuts, while cocktail nuts often have a crunchy coating, salt, sugar, oil and herbs. Products such as bacon and cheese, spicy or BBQ paprika mixes are mainly intended as snacks for drinks parties or celebrations. If you have allergies, always check the current ingredients list.

How should I store an opened nut mix?

Store the pack in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Seal the bag or jar tightly to limit moisture and odour transfer. Use a clean, dry spoon to serve the mix and follow the best-before information on the pack.