Choose a larger pack if you use the contents regularly and the types of nuts suit your preferences. Choose a smaller bag if you eat fewer nuts or want to try a mix first. Start by deciding whether you’re looking for unsalted nuts to enjoy regularly, a single favourite type of nut or a savoury snack to serve with drinks. Then compare the ingredients, net weight and storage advice: a larger bag isn’t automatically the best choice.
A larger pack may suit regular use. Make sure the types of nuts and the ingredients match what you actually want to eat. Information from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre and product ranges at Albert Heijn, Jumbo, ALDI and PLUS can help you narrow down your options.
If you don’t eat many nuts or want to try a mix first, a smaller pack may be a better fit. Albert Heijn and Lidl list unsalted options in 200 g packs. Once opened, follow the storage advice on the pack you choose.
If you’re looking for a savoury snack, compare peanuts and borrel nuts by flavour, ingredients and pack size. Jumbo offers several snack varieties, which aren’t the same as an unsalted nut mix for regular use.
First decide which type of nuts or snack you’re looking for. Then choose a quantity to suit how much you eat, and finally check the ingredients, allergen information and storage instructions.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Comparing pack contents | Compare the net weight and the same product type; don’t treat a nut mix as equivalent to a bag of peanuts or a single type of nut. | When stocking up, I want to know that I’m comparing the same type of contents, not just two different bags; around 33% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
| Unsalted mixes | Check that the nuts are unsalted and read which types are in the mix. | If I eat nuts regularly, I want an unsalted mix with types I enjoy alternating between; around 27% of consumers put this first. |
| Choosing the right quantity | Choose the net weight to suit how much you eat, and check the storage advice for after opening. | If I don’t eat nuts often or in large amounts, I don’t want to buy more than I can finish in time; around 20% of consumers say the right quantity is most important. |
| Snacks to serve with drinks | Compare the exact flavour, ingredients and pack within the peanut or borrel nut range. | For drinks and nibbles, I’m mainly looking for the savoury flavour and type of snack I want; around 13% of consumers give this preference top priority. |
| Allergen information | Read the ingredients and warnings on the current pack; peanuts and tree nuts are listed as separate allergens to check. | If someone eating with me has a relevant allergy, I want to check the allergen information carefully, whatever the product variety; around 7% of consumers put this check first. |
Unsalted nut mixes, cashews, peanuts and borrel nuts can differ in their varieties, preparation and ingredients. Comparing only the packs could mean you’re comparing products that don’t offer the same thing.
First choose the product category and ingredients you want. Then compare only packs that match your choice.
A larger pack contains more, but that alone doesn’t tell you whether it suits your preferences or how much you eat.
Check both the weight and the ingredients, and choose a quantity to suit how often you eat nuts.
For mixed unsalted nuts, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises that after opening they can be kept for 6 months in a kitchen cupboard or 1 year in the freezer. Their quality may deteriorate after that; this general advice isn’t a guarantee for every pack.
Choose a quantity that suits how much you eat, and follow the storage advice and use-by information on the pack.
A label such as ‘unsalted’ doesn’t tell you anything about allergens. For its specific Gezouten Pinda’s (Salted Peanuts), Duyvis states that the pack may contain traces of different types of nuts.
If you have a relevant allergy, always check the current label and warnings, regardless of the salt label. The NVWA states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products.
A good option for unsalted nut mixes in different pack sizes.
The range includes unroasted nut mixes, unsalted cashews and snacks to serve with drinks.
The option listed is a 200 g unroasted, unsalted nut mix.
The TRADER JOE’S Notenmelange listed is a 500 g unsalted mix.
A good option for the listed 500 g unroasted, unsalted nut mix in a stand-up pouch.
A good option for peanuts and borrel nuts as savoury snacks.
This selection of Joybuy products includes larger and smaller packs, including unsalted nut mixes, individual types of nuts and salted pistachios.
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A 500 g pack containing 8 packs, for anyone looking for walnuts.
The walnuts are in a hard shell that needs to be opened before eating; storage at 0–4 °C is recommended.
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An unroasted, unsalted mix for anyone looking for several types of nuts in one pack.
The mix contains 30% hazelnuts, 30% walnuts, 20% almonds and 20% cashews.
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A pack for anyone looking specifically for macadamia nuts.
The listed ingredients are 100% macadamia nuts, with no added salt, sugar or spices.
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A smaller pack for anyone who eats fewer nuts or wants to try a mix.
The mix is raw and unsalted, and contains hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews.
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A 1 kg pack for anyone looking for pistachios.
The product information lists 99% pistachios and 1% salt; the nuts are roasted with salt.
No, it depends on how much you eat and what you’re looking for. A larger bag is more suited to regular use; if you eat nuts occasionally, a smaller pack may be a better fit. Also check that the ingredients are what you want.
For mixed unsalted nuts, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises that after opening they can be kept for 6 months in a kitchen cupboard or 1 year in the freezer. Their quality may deteriorate after that; this general storage advice isn’t a guarantee for every specific pack. Follow the instructions on the label too.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a best-before date relates to quality; a product may still be fine after that date. Check it by looking, smelling and tasting, and follow the instructions on the pack. Don’t eat nuts that are visibly mouldy.
Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the current pack; don’t rely on the ‘unsalted’ label. The NVWA states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products, and lists peanuts and tree nuts separately. This information doesn’t automatically mean a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
No, take the warning on the pack into account. Jumbo warns that young children could choke on the cashews described; this warning doesn’t specify an age limit.
