First choose a selection that suits your guests, then work out how much you expect to use during and after the Christmas party. A large pack may be a good fit if you’ll use it all; choose smaller packs if you want to offer a variety of snacks or would rather open some later. Always check the ingredients, allergen information and storage instructions for the exact product.
You want to have enough nuts for your guests, while keeping an eye on the net weight and ingredients. A large bag is only practical if you expect to use it all. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Duyvis offer packs in different sizes.
You’re looking for an unsalted option and want to know which nuts are in the mix. Compare the description and ingredients on the specific pack, rather than relying on the product name alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes unsalted nuts in its Wheel of Five healthy eating guidelines.
You want to offer a range of snacks and check the ingredients if any guests have allergies. Peanuts and tree nuts are separate allergens; coated snacks may also contain wheat or milk ingredients. Check the packaging of every product you choose.
First decide what you want to serve, then match the quantity to how much you expect to use, and finally check the ingredients and storage instructions.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Contents and ingredients | Compare the net weight in grams and the ingredients of products you plan to use for the same type of snack. | If you want to know exactly what you’re serving and avoid comparing different types of nut snacks, make this a priority; around 25% of consumers put this comparison first. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Take into account the number of guests, other snacks and how many packs you can open separately. | If you want to buy enough without having lots of opened packs left over, match the quantity to how much you expect to use; around 25% of consumers make this their main priority. |
| Party snack style | Decide whether you’re looking for an uncoated nut mix or peanuts with a crunchy coating, and check the ingredients for your chosen flavour. | If you want to serve a strongly savoury snack with a crunchy coating, the flavour and texture you’re after matter most; around 19% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Unsalted options | Look for the ‘unsalted’ description and read the ingredients list for the exact mix. | If you want an unsalted option and prefer to assess the ingredients yourself, choosing the right product is key; around 19% of consumers put this first. |
| Allergen information | Read both the ingredients and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens, including in coatings. | If you’re considering a guest’s known allergy, you need to be able to check all the product information; around 12% of consumers say this is their most important purchasing consideration. It’s important to check regardless of this figure. |
A coating may contain ingredients you wouldn’t expect from the word ‘nuts’ alone. Warnings about possible cross-contamination may also matter to guests with allergies.
Read the current label for each product, and distinguish between ingredients and precautionary warnings.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives different category-specific storage advice for opened coated peanuts and mixed salted nuts. This advice isn’t a guarantee for every product.
Only open what you expect to use, and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
Packs can differ in weight and product type. A larger quantity won’t necessarily suit your guests or their snack preferences.
Match the pack size to how much you expect to use, and check the ingredients before choosing a large pack.
The own-brand range includes unsalted nut mixes in different pack sizes, including 200 g and 500 g.
Jumbo describes its 500 g unroasted nut mix as a value pack.
PLUS lists a 500 g bag of unroasted, unsalted nut mix.
According to the manufacturer, the Cocktail range consists of coated peanuts with a crunchy coating and is available in several pack sizes.
The range listed includes a 500 g pack of unsalted TRADER JOE'S nut mix.
Alesto is Lidl’s relevant range for nuts, dried fruit and party snacks.
This Joybuy selection includes unsalted nut mixes, individual types of nuts and a nut and fruit mix in a range of pack sizes. Check the ingredients, portion packaging and any added ingredients for each product.
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Ideal if you’re looking for an unsalted nut mix to serve with drinks and want to check the proportion of each type.
500 g; unroasted and unsalted. The mix contains 30% hazelnuts, 30% walnuts, 20% almonds and 20% cashews. May contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
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Ideal if you want to serve one type of nut in a larger pack.
500 g; 100% macadamia nuts. The product description doesn’t list any added salt, sugar or seasoning.
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Ideal if you want to open portions individually and serve dried fruit too.
750 g in 30 sachets of 25 g. The mix contains walnuts, cashews, almonds and hazelnuts, as well as raisins, cranberries and blackcurrants.
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Ideal if you want to serve a large quantity of one type of pistachio.
1 kg; the description lists 99% pistachios and 1% salt. The pistachios are in their shells, so this isn’t an unsalted option.
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Ideal if you want to serve pecans as a standalone snack and take any added ingredients into account.
500 g; the ingredients list 87.6% pecans, with maple syrup, lime, sugar and salt. Contains a desiccant in the pack; do not eat it.
Decide how many grams you want to serve, taking the number of guests and other snacks into account. Divide the total by the net weight of each pack and round up. This is a planning calculation, not a standard party portion.
No, the name alone doesn’t prove that. Compare the pack sizes and choose products intended for the same use. An unsalted nut mix and coated peanuts are different snacks, so they aren’t directly comparable.
Don’t use the same storage period for every type. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s category guidance is 2–5 days in a kitchen cupboard for opened coated peanuts and 6 months for mixed salted nuts. Follow the label and storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen; this guidance isn’t a guarantee for every product.
Read both the ingredients and any precautionary warnings on the exact pack. Peanuts and tree nuts are separate allergens, so a product without one isn’t automatically suitable for someone with an allergy to the other.
For products past their best-before date, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises checking, smelling and tasting them. Products with a use-by date should be eaten or frozen on or before that date. When shopping for your party, follow the shelf-life information on the actual packaging.
