Who is this relevant to?

On your way to a workout

You want to take something with you without treating a large bag as a single snack. A multipack can be convenient, but compare its contents with the stated serving size. For the mix reviewed, Albert Heijn lists six 25 g servings in a 150 g pack.

You’re about to exercise

When you eat and how much you have matter more than the packaging alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating a large portion or food high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise.

You plan set snack portions

You regularly take nuts with you and want to decide how much to have. A larger bag can work for this; measure out a portion in advance and seal the rest well.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you look for? Who does this matter most to?
Timing and portion size How long is it between eating and exercising? How large is the portion, and what does the label say about fat, protein and fibre? If I want to eat something just before my workout, I focus mainly on the timing and amount. Around 29% of consumers prioritise timing.
Portion and portability Compare the net weight, number of packs and stated serving size; also check whether the packaging is resealable. When I want to take a pre-measured portion with me, portion size and convenience are key. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this need.
Ingredients Check the ingredients, any added salt or sugar, and any coating; compare the nutritional values per serving. If I’m choosing between plain nuts, a nut and fruit mix or coated party nuts, I want to be able to tell the ingredients apart. Around 18% of consumers prioritise ingredients.
Allergens Read the ingredients list, check which types of nuts are included and look for any warnings about possible cross-contamination. If I need to avoid an allergen, I want to check the current packaging carefully. Around 12% of consumers prioritise avoiding allergens.
Stocking up and preparation Consider how much you want to measure out in advance and how you’ll store the remaining contents in a sealed container. If I take nuts for several snack breaks, I weigh up how much preparation I’m happy to do. Around 12% of consumers prioritise preparation and managing their supplies.

These percentages are editorial estimates of which needs may carry more weight in these choices; they are not measured shares of consumers.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming a pack to take with you is one serving

    The AH 3-pack reviewed contains 150 g in total and lists six 25 g servings. So the number of packs and the number of servings are not the same.

    Check the net weight, number of bags and serving information separately, and decide in advance how much you want to take with you.

  • Confusing an everyday food choice with a snack just before exercise

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes unsalted nuts in its Wheel of Five, but advises against eating a large portion or foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercising.

    Bear in mind when your workout starts and, if needed, choose another small snack.

  • Assuming unroasted means unsalted

    Unroasted does not, in itself, tell you whether a product is unsalted. Coated party nuts are also a different type of product from plain nuts.

    Check the ingredients and salt information for the exact variety.

  • Checking only the ingredients if you have allergies

    Packaging may include information about possible cross-contamination as well as the ingredients present. For example, the Jumbo mix reviewed warns that it may contain peanuts.

    Read the current ingredients list and any warnings on the packaging. If you have a known allergy, follow your personal medical advice.

Relevant brands to compare

Duyvis

Worth considering if you prefer a savoury flavour and a seasoned coating.

  • Duyvis describes Poesta as peanuts in a crisp, seasoned coating.
  • The Netherlands Nutrition Centre places coated party nuts outside the Wheel of Five. The product type is not evidence of a benefit to sports performance.

Albert Heijn

The date and raisin mix reviewed comes in a multipack, for anyone who wants to take a mix with them without portioning it out of a larger bag.

  • Albert Heijn lists 150 g in total, six servings and 25 g per serving.
  • The mix also contains pumpkin seeds and dried fruit; the multipack is not the same as three servings.

Jumbo

The 200 g unroasted nut mix reviewed comes in a larger bag, so you can measure out your own portions.

  • Jumbo lists almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and walnuts.
  • The packaging also states that the product may contain peanuts. Check the current packaging if this is relevant to you.

Lidl

Lidl describes Alesto as a range of nuts, dried fruit and party snacks.

  • The product groups offer different types of snacks to compare by ingredients and packaging.
  • The range description doesn’t confirm which individual packs contain a measured portion; check the details of the specific variety.

ALDI

The 200 g TRADER JOE’S nut mix reviewed is designed for you to measure out your own portions.

  • ALDI lists this variety as having resealable packaging.
  • The whole bag is not a recommended amount for one snack break; check the current ingredients and storage instructions.

PLUS

The 500 g stand-up pouch of unroasted, unsalted mixed nuts is suited to measuring out portions at home for several snack breaks.

  • PLUS lists walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds and cashews.
  • You’ll need to portion out the contents yourself; the product information does not make the bag a single snack serving.

Nut products at Joybuy to measure out or take with you

These products come in larger packs or a multipack and contain nuts, peanuts or dried fruit. Check the serving size and ingredients for each variety, and consider when you plan to eat your snack.

Dates with walnuts, 208 g

Sihong dates with walnuts, 208 g

A date and walnut combination that you can measure out yourself.

The pack contains 208 g. The product information lists 32.7 g of fat per 100 g; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against foods high in fat just before exercise.

View at Joybuy
Unsalted peanuts, 250 g

g’woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g

A peanut snack you can portion out yourself; according to the product description, the pack can be resealed after opening.

The description lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil, and 50 g of fat per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against foods high in fat just before exercise.

View at Joybuy
Roasted unsalted cashews, 200 g

g’woon roasted unsalted cashews, 200 g

A pack of cashews that you can measure out yourself.

The product information lists roasted cashews with no added salt and 46.67 g of fat per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against foods high in fat just before exercise.

View at Joybuy
Cashew and cranberry mix, 200 g

g’woon cashew and cranberry mix, 200 g

A mix to portion out yourself, with cashews and sweetened dried cranberries.

The product description lists 50% cashews and 50% sweetened dried cranberries, and 32.5 g of sugars per 100 g.

View at Joybuy
J.ZAO nut and fruit mix, 30 sachets of 25 g

J.ZAO Classic Daily-Nut Mix, 30 sachets of 25 g

The individual sachets are designed to take with you; check the serving size if you eat the mix just before your workout.

The pack contains 30 sachets of 25 g. The product information lists walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and dried fruit, with 40.7 g of fat per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against foods high in fat just before exercise.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a small packet of nuts automatically suitable just before exercise?

No. Consider your actual portion and the timing: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating a large portion or foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise. A small pack doesn’t change these properties.

What is one serving of the AH nut mix reviewed?

Albert Heijn lists 25 g per serving and six servings in a total of 150 g. Use the serving information separately from the number of packs when deciding how much to take with you.

How should you store nuts you’ve measured out yourself?

Store them in a sealed container in a dry place and follow the instructions on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a cool place at 10 to 15 °C; the instructions on the specific pack are also important.

What allergen information should you check on a pre-packed bag of nuts?

Check the ingredients and the types of nuts listed, as well as any warnings about cross-contamination. The NVWA states that allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label; check the current packaging too.

Does unroasted mean the same as unsalted?

No. Unroasted describes how the nuts are prepared. To check the salt content, look at the ingredients list and nutritional information for the exact variety.