A nut mix might seem simple to pick, but packaging can paint a different picture to what’s actually inside. A large jar doesn’t automatically mean lots of different nuts. And terms like “cocktail”, “oriental” or “premium” tell you very little about the exact ingredients.
So, watch out for these three common pitfalls:
The name promises more than the ingredients list
Some party nuts are mostly peanuts, starch, oil and spices. That’s a far cry from a mix with cashews, walnuts, almonds and macadamias.
A large pack can be less practical
A 300g bag is handy for a party, but less suitable when you’re looking for portions to take on the go. Individual sachets or a resealable jar help reduce waste and keep nuts crunchy.
Salt, sugar and allergens are easily overlooked
Spiced nuts, party nuts and cocktail nuts often contain extra salt, sugar, flour or flavourings. Always check the nutrition table and allergen information on the pack, especially if you have a food allergy.
Ingredients are listed in descending order. If the label says, for example, 50% peanuts, then half the product is peanuts. For a simple nut mix, the ratio of different nuts also matters.
The g'woon Nut Mix Raw & Unsalted contains, according to the product information, 30% hazelnuts, 30% walnuts, 20% almonds and 20% cashews. The g'woon Unroasted Mixed Nuts has the same ratio and comes in a 500g pack. That makes these options a good choice if you’re mainly after a mix of whole nuts, without any coating.
With a mix that includes dried fruit, also pay attention to the ratio. The g'woon Cashew Nut Cranberry Mix contains 50% cashews and 50% sweetened dried cranberries. The nutritional information shows 32.5g of sugars and 0g of salt per 100g. That profile is clearly different from salted nuts or spiced party nuts.
Salted nuts are often intended as a snack for drinks. However, the amount of salt varies from product to product. The available product information shows, for example:
These are verifiable values from the product information; the final pack remains the authority. If you want to choose less salt, you can specifically look for unsalted nuts or a raw nut mix. If you’re after flavour for a party, you might prefer roasted nuts with a Provençal, barbecue or spicy taste.
A portioned format is also practical. ChaCha Daily Nuts 115g consists of five 23g sachets. The mix contains walnuts, raisins, cranberries, cashews, almonds and hazelnuts. That’s handy for work, travel or a pre-measured snack.
Nut mixes can contain peanuts, various tree nuts, milk, soya, gluten, sesame or mustard. The statement “may contain traces” is also important. So read the allergen information on every pack, even if you’ve bought the same brand before.
Store an opened nut mix in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and tightly sealed. This usually helps preserve the flavour and texture. Throw away the pack if it’s damaged and check the best-before information on the label.
Why it fits this profile: A 300g bag offers a practical amount for a film night, guests or drinks without having to buy several small packs.
The product information clearly lists the ingredients and nutritional values. Just make sure you’re after a spiced snack and not an unsalted nut mix.
300g; Provençal herbs; suitable as a snack for drinks.
Why it fits this profile: This mix combines macadamia nuts with peanuts, almonds, cashews, corn and pecans for different textures and flavours.
The product description states the percentage of each ingredient, so you can see that macadamia makes up 15.8% of the mix and isn’t the entire contents.
200g; macadamia, pecan and cashew; salted for immediate snacking.
Why it fits this profile: Six separate nut varieties, including cashew, macadamia, pistachio and walnut, offer multiple flavour choices for sharing occasions.
The varieties and ingredients are described separately. Do note the allergens present, such as wheat, milk and sesame, as well as the added sweeteners in some flavours.
242g; six flavour varieties; individually packed according to the product information.
Why it fits this profile: For anyone looking for a simple, unsalted base for snacking, adding to yoghurt or using in a dish.
According to the product information, the mix contains only hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews, with no added herbs or sweeteners.
200g; raw and unsalted; 0.01g salt per 100g according to the stated nutritional information.
We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
For drinks, party nuts, cocktail nuts or spiced nuts with a crunchy coating are usually a good fit. A Provençal, BBQ paprika or Oriental mix gives more flavour than unsalted nuts. Do check the salt content and allergens before serving.
No. Unsalted nuts can be raw or roasted. “Unsalted” only means that little or no salt has been added. For the preparation method, look for terms like “raw”, “unroasted”, “geroosterd” or “roasted” on the label.
That depends on the best-before date, packaging and storage. Seal the bag or jar tightly after each use and store the nut mix in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. The date on the pack and any instructions after opening are your best guide.