Who are nuts at coffee break for?

People who exercise and have a short coffee break

You’re looking for a small snack to add protein to your daily diet, without relying on a ‘protein’ label alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that people who do strength or endurance training need more protein than those who don’t exercise; your portion size and overall diet still matter.

Everyday fans of unsalted snacks

You want nuts with your morning coffee and pay attention to portion size, salt and variety. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, unsalted nuts fit within the Wheel of Five, and variety is part of its advice.

Taking them with you and portioning them yourself

You take a measured portion with you and save the rest for future coffee breaks. A resealable pack or a well-sealed storage container can work well for this; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container.

What should you look for when buying?

Start with the protein in the portion you actually eat, then consider how important energy, salt, storage and pack size are to you.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Protein per portion Check the protein value per 100 g and calculate it for your weighed portion. If you want to know how much protein your small coffee-break portion provides, look at the value for that portion. Around 36% of consumers prioritise protein per portion.
Portion, energy and salt Compare energy and salt on the same basis, and check whether the variety is salted or seasoned. If you’re looking for an everyday snack with a portion size and salt content that suit you, you’ll also want to consider the energy. Around 29% of consumers say this is their top buying priority.
Taking them with you and storage Check the packaging and storage instructions, and decide how much you want to save for future breaks. If you take portions with you and save the rest for later, a handy closure and proper storage matter. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this convenience.
Pack size and ingredients Check the net weight and ingredients, and choose a pack size that suits how often you eat nuts. You want to choose a pack that suits the way you use it, rather than relying on the brand name alone. Around 14% of consumers prioritise a suitable pack size and ingredients.

Common buying mistakes

  • Taking a ‘protein’ label as proof

    The product name doesn’t tell you how much protein your portion provides. Protein values alone also say nothing about improved sports performance.

    Check the nutrition table for the exact variety and first decide how much you want to have with your coffee.

  • Confusing values per 100 g with those for a handful

    The nutritional value per 100 g isn’t the same as that of a 25 g portion. A larger portion provides more protein, but also more energy.

    Weigh your portion and calculate the protein and energy values for that same amount.

  • Assuming products with similar names are the same

    Ingredients and nutritional values can vary between varieties. The possible presence of other nuts also depends on the product.

    Compare the ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information on the pack you’re buying.

  • Buying a large bag without a storage plan

    Nuts should be stored in a dry place in a tightly sealed container. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that nuts are susceptible to mould.

    Measure out what you’re taking with you in advance, then seal the rest properly in line with the pack instructions.

Brands to compare

Duyvis

The 235 g Pinda’s Ongezouten variety is a specific option you can compare by checking the label.

  • The product information lists 27 g of protein, 614 kcal and less than 0.01 g of salt per 100 g.
  • These values apply to this variety and don’t, by themselves, tell you anything about taste or sports recovery.

Albert Heijn

AH Ongezouten pinda’s, 300 g, is a supermarket own-brand option that you can portion out for several coffee breaks.

  • The product information lists 25 g of protein and 620 kcal per 100 g; the ingredients are 96% peanuts and sunflower oil.
  • These ingredients and values apply to this variety, not to all AH nuts.

Jumbo

Jumbo Pinda’s Ongezouten, 250 g, has ingredient and nutritional information to help you assess this specific variety.

  • The product information lists 99.5% peanuts, 26.4 g of protein, 602 kcal and 0.01 g of salt per 100 g.
  • The warning says the product may contain nuts; check the pack if you have allergies.

Lidl

Lidl sells nuts, dried fruit and savoury snacks under Alesto, giving you a range of product types to compare.

  • The range description confirms Alesto as a product line.

ALDI

TRADER JOE’S includes a protein nut mix and an unroasted nut mix, among other products; features vary by variety.

  • ALDI lists a 150 g salted or seasoned protein nut mix. According to the product information, the 200 g unroasted mix contains hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts and almonds, and comes in resealable packaging.
  • The name ‘protein nut mix’ is no substitute for checking the nutrition table for the exact salted or seasoned variety.

PLUS

PLUS Pinda’s ongezouten, 250 g, is an own-brand variety with its own ingredients and nutritional values.

  • The product information lists 99% peanuts, 27 g of protein, 625 kcal and 0.02 g of salt per 100 g.
  • The pack notes that it may contain cashews; unsalted doesn’t necessarily mean salt-free.

Joybuy products

These products are suited to a coffee break with unsalted peanuts or nuts; the nut mix is an option if you’re looking for variety.

g'woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g

g'woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g

An option for anyone looking for unsalted peanuts to enjoy with their coffee.

The product description lists 99% peanuts, sunflower oil, 27 g of protein and 0.02 g of salt per 100 g. The product may contain cashews.

View product
Verse extra large roasted peanuts, 210 g

Verse extra large roasted peanuts, 210 g

A good fit for anyone looking for unsalted peanuts with peanuts as the only listed ingredient.

The product description lists 100% peanuts, 26 g of protein, 626 kcal and 0.02 g of salt per 100 g.

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g'woon peanuts in shells, 500 g

g'woon unsalted peanuts in shells, 500 g

A larger pack for anyone who wants peanuts for several coffee breaks; bear in mind that you’ll need to shell them before eating.

The product description lists 29 g of protein and 0.12 g of salt per 100 g. Store the pack tightly sealed.

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g'woon unsalted nut mix, 200 g

g'woon unsalted nut mix, 200 g

A mix for anyone who wants to enjoy different types of nuts at coffee break.

The product description lists hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews, 20.1 g of protein and 0 g of salt per 100 g. The mix may also contain peanuts and other nuts.

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Bon Appétit unsalted walnuts, 110 g

Bon Appétit unsalted walnuts, 110 g

An option if you’d like walnuts with your coffee; the product description says they’re in their shells and need to be shelled before eating.

The product description lists 15.9 g of protein, 674 kcal and 0 g of salt per 100 g.

View product

Frequently asked questions

Do you need special protein nuts for a regular day of exercise?

Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, most people who exercise don’t need special protein shakes or bars if they eat a healthy, varied diet. Consider what your overall diet provides; a general figure for unsalted peanuts is 6.3 g of protein per 25 g handful.

Does a ‘protein’ label mean my portion contains a lot of protein?

No, the product name doesn’t tell you how much protein your portion provides. Check the nutrition table for the exact variety and calculate the values for the amount you eat. The NVWA explains that nutrition claims are covered by Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006; a claim doesn’t prove improved sports performance.

Where can I check allergens in packaged nuts?

Check the ingredients and warnings on the specific pack. According to the NVWA, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods; if you have a relevant allergy, don’t rely on the product name alone.

How should I store an opened bag of nuts?

Store nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container, preferably somewhere cool, and follow the instructions on your pack. Duyvis product information advises storing an opened bag in a light- and airtight tin.

Which specific recall warnings are relevant to these shops?

Do not eat the AH Pinda’s extra groot gezouten tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026; Albert Heijn issued a warning on 20 May 2026 about possible metal fragments in that specific pack. On 20 May 2026, the NVWA also warned about TRADER JOE’S unsalted cashews, 170 g, barcode 2003020120930, with a best-before date of 23-09-2026. That date has passed, but the warning is still relevant if you still have that pack at home. These warnings apply to the products named and not to the entire range.