If you want to eat less energy-rich food when having drinks, it helps to serve a measured portion and compare the kcal per 100 g on the exact product packaging. Among the uncoated options examined, Jumbo Unsalted Pistachios contain 594 kcal per 100 g, compared with 598 kcal for the PLUS cashew nuts examined. This small difference is no reason to overlook the taste, ingredients or suitability for your guests. None of the varieties examined meets the EU requirement for a ‘low energy’ claim on solid food: a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g.
You want to keep serving nuts, but would like to know in advance how much energy your chosen portion contains. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 25 g as a handful of unsalted nuts, containing 164 kcal. Weigh your own portion and check the nutritional information on the packaging you buy.
You compare products using the same quantity and bear in mind that ‘unsalted’, ‘unroasted’ and a crunchy coating describe different characteristics. The product pages for Jumbo, PLUS and Albert Heijn provide nutritional information for specific varieties; these values don’t automatically apply to every product from the same brand.
You choose the flavour, packaging and quantity to suit your guests, and check the allergens on the latest packaging. The NVWA explains that pre-packed products must show allergen information on the label.
First decide how much you want to serve, then compare products on the same basis. Next, check that the ingredients, flavour and allergen information suit your drinks gathering and your guests.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy in your portion | Check the kcal per 100 g on the exact packaging and weigh the amount you serve. | If I want to know how much ends up on my plate, I’d rather weigh it out beforehand than keep topping up the bowl. Around 31% of consumers put portion control first. |
| Energy for the same weight | Compare kcal per 100 g for the same type of product and check the exact variety. | If I want to serve roughly the same number of grams, I compare the energy per 100 g. Around 25% of consumers prioritise relatively fewer kcal for the same weight. |
| Flavour and ingredients | Check the ingredients, preparation method, salt content and, where relevant, the different types of nuts in a mix. | If I’m mainly looking for a particular flavour or combination of ingredients, I look beyond the calorie count. This reflects the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Suitability for guests | Check the allergens and warnings on the latest packaging for the variety you’ve chosen. | If a guest has a known allergy, I want to know exactly what’s in the snack. Around 13% of consumers put suitability for guests first. |
| Packaging and storage | Match the net weight to the number of portions and follow the storage instructions after opening. | When I’m planning for a group, I want to choose packaging that suits how it’ll be used and makes it easy to store any leftovers properly. Around 12% of consumers start with pack size and usage planning. |
A smaller portion contains less energy than a larger amount of the same product, but it doesn’t change the kcal per 100 g. For solid food, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g for a ‘low energy’ claim.
Weigh the portion you serve and calculate its energy using the nutritional information table. Don’t use ‘low energy’ as a product claim for the nuts and snacks examined.
These words describe the salt content or preparation method, not the amount of energy. The uncoated varieties examined still contain hundreds of kcal per 100 g.
Compare energy, ingredients and salt separately on the label for the variety you’ve chosen.
A coating or nut mix may contain allergens that you can’t identify from the product name alone. The Duyvis cocktail variety examined contains peanuts, wheat and milk ingredients, among other things. Product information for the varieties examined also warns that young children may choke on nuts or peanuts.
Check the latest allergen information and warnings on the packaging. Take your guests’ specific allergies and ages into account.
Net weight and portion weight aren’t the same. A 500 g pack contains twenty 25 g portions, mathematically speaking; that doesn’t mean you’ll want to serve the whole pack at one gathering.
Choose an amount that suits your guests, weigh out the portions and follow the storage instructions after opening. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a sealed container in a dry place.
Duyvis offers coated Borrelnootjes, among other products. The cocktail variety examined is aimed at those looking for a savoury snack with a crunchy coating.
The AH Unsalted Cashew Nuts examined are a roasted variety in a 170 g pack.
The Jumbo Unsalted Pistachios 200 g examined are roasted pistachios with no added salt.
Lidl’s product description is for roasted and salted cashew nuts in 250 and 500 g packs.
The ALDI pack examined is TRADER JOE’S Roasted Unsalted Cashew Nuts, 250 g.
The PLUS products examined are unroasted, unsalted cashew nuts and an unroasted, unsalted mix of four types of nuts.
Joybuy picks for drinks, including chestnuts, nut mixes and individual types of nuts.
No image available
A ready-to-eat chestnut snack for anyone who wants to serve something that’s already prepared when having drinks.
The product information lists 100% chestnuts, a 125 g pack and 170 kcal per pack.
No image available
The individual sachets are a handy option if you want to portion out snacks for drinks in advance.
The product information lists five 23 g portions and 540 kcal per 100 g. The ingredients list includes walnuts, raisins, cranberries, cashew nuts, almonds and hazelnuts. The desiccant in the pack is not edible.
No image available
An unsalted almond option for anyone who wants to compare ingredients and energy for the same quantity.
The title and product information describe raw, unsalted almonds; the pack is 200 g and the product information lists 591 kcal per 100 g.
No image available
According to the product information, these shelled pistachio kernels can be enjoyed as a snack or used as an ingredient or topping.
The pack contains 100 g. The product information describes the kernels as soft in texture; check the nutritional information on the pack if you want to compare energy per 100 g.
No image available
A roasted, unsalted cashew option to compare with other nuts by preparation method and energy content.
The pack is 200 g and the nutritional information table lists 596 kcal per 100 g. The ingredients list includes cashew nuts.
Not the varieties examined: their declared values are above the EU limit for a ‘low energy’ claim on solid food. The European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g. It’s better to discuss the nutritional value of a weighed portion without calling the product itself low energy.
Multiply the kcal per 100 g by the number of grams you’ve weighed out, then divide by 100. For 15 g of PLUS cashew nuts at 598 kcal per 100 g, the calculation comes to 89,7 kcal. This is a calculation example, not personal dietary advice.
No. For the unsalted pistachios examined, Jumbo lists 0,21 g of salt per 100 g and explains that it comes from naturally occurring sodium. Check the nutritional information table for the variety you buy.
Check the allergen information on the exact pack and choose something that’s suitable for your guest’s allergy. The Duyvis cocktail variety examined contains peanuts, wheat and milk ingredients. The NVWA states that pre-packed products must show allergen information on the label.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal the nuts properly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a dry place in a well-sealed container. The product information for Duyvis Cocktail recommends storing them in a cool, dry place and, after opening, using a light- and airtight tin.
