Choose nuts that you can weigh out in advance, and compare the energy content for the same quantity. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a 25 g handful of unsalted nuts contains 164 kcal; a smaller portion contains fewer calories in proportion, but that doesn’t make the nuts themselves low in calories. Then let the ingredients, type of nut and quantity you want to take with you guide your choice.
You want to pick up some nuts on a small grocery top-up and decide for yourself how much to eat. In that case, a weighed portion and its energy content matter more than the impression created by a general snack description.
You’re looking for unsalted nuts and want to know what’s in them. You’re choosing between a single type of nut and a mix, without assuming that unroasted automatically means fewer calories.
You only want to take home what you’ll use soon. So think not just about the size of the bag, but also about weighing out portions and storing the rest in a tightly sealed container.
First decide how much you want to eat, then compare the nutritional values and ingredients. Also check that the packaging and allergen information suit your needs.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare the values per 100 g and weigh the amount you actually eat. | If I want to limit calories, I look at my weighed portion, not the whole bag. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the energy content of each snack portion. |
| Ingredients and flavour | Check the type of nut, ingredients and preparation separately; unsalted or unroasted doesn’t tell you how much energy the product contains. | When I’m looking for a particular type of nut or preparation, I want to know exactly what’s in the bag. Around 29% of consumers prioritise ingredients and flavour. |
| Bag size and stock | Check the net weight and whether the quantity suits the snack occasions you have in mind. | For a small top-up, I want a bag that suits the occasions when I plan to eat nuts, without treating the entire contents as one portion. Around 21% of consumers focus on a suitable bag size and quantity. |
| Allergen information | Check both the ingredients and any warnings on the current packaging. | If I’m buying nuts for someone with a food allergy, I check the ingredients and warnings first. For around 14% of consumers, suitable allergen information is the top priority. |
These descriptions aren’t the same as the energy content per 100 g. The Jumbo and PLUS nut mixes reviewed list 641 kcal per 100 g. According to the European Commission, the ‘low energy’ claim for solid foods has a limit of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g.
Compare the energy content for the same quantity, and consider salt, preparation and portion size as separate factors.
A 200 g bag of AH Unsalted Pistachios lists approximately four portions of 25 g of shelled pistachios. So the total weight of the pack isn’t the same as the quantity of edible nuts in one portion.
Weigh the shelled nuts when you want to calculate the energy content of your portion.
Jumbo lists eight portions in its 200 g bag of nut mix; the ALDI nut mix reviewed contains 500 g. A larger pack doesn’t change how much you weigh out each time.
Choose an amount that suits how you plan to use the nuts, divide them into portions in advance and seal the rest tightly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing mixed unsalted nuts in a cool, dark and dry place.
The range reviewed includes Duyvis Unsalted Peanuts in a 235 g bag.
AH Unsalted Pistachios are an option if you’re specifically looking for roasted pistachios rather than a mix.
The Jumbo Unroasted Nut Mix reviewed is worth considering if you’re looking for an unsalted mix that hasn’t been fried in oil.
Lidl’s Alesto range includes nuts and dried fruit, among other products.
The TRADER JOE’S Nut Mix reviewed is an unsalted blend for anyone who wants to take several types of nut with them.
The PLUS Unroasted Unsalted Nut Mix reviewed is a blend of four types of nut in a 200 g bag.
These product options range from unsalted peanuts and roasted cashews to almonds, a seasoned peanut snack and an unroasted nut mix. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and weigh out your own portion.
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An option if you’re looking for unsalted peanuts to weigh out for a snack portion.
Bag: 250 g. Energy: 2690 kJ per 100 g. Ingredients: 99% peanuts and sunflower oil. Contains peanuts and may contain cashews.
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A good choice if you want to weigh out roasted, unsalted cashews as a single type of nut.
Bag: 200 g. Energy: 596 kcal per 100 g. Ingredients: cashews. Contains cashews.
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An option if you’re looking for almonds and want to divide the larger pack into portions in advance.
Bag: 500 g. Energy: 578 kcal per 100 g. Product information lists 100% almonds. Contains almonds.
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This seasoned peanut snack is an alternative to unsalted nuts, so check that its ingredients suit your preferences.
Bag: 125 g. Product information lists 30 g portions and 4–5 portions per pack. Energy: 527 kcal per 100 g. Contains peanuts and wheat; may contain milk, nuts, soya and mustard.
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A mix for anyone who wants several types of nut in one pack; you’ll need to divide it into portions for separate snack times.
Bag: 500 g. Energy: 663 kcal per 100 g. Product information lists 0 g salt per 100 g and hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews. May also contain peanuts and other nuts.
No. A small portion doesn’t change the product’s energy content per 100 g. According to the European Commission, the ‘low energy’ claim for solid foods is limited to a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. So describe the calculated energy content of your portion separately from any claim about the product.
No. According to the European Commission, this claim requires a reduction of at least 30%, and the characteristic responsible for the reduction must be stated. Simply weighing out a smaller portion doesn’t show that a product meets this requirement.
Check both the ingredients and any warnings about possible cross-contamination on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that rules for precautionary allergen warnings have applied since 1 January 2026. The product information remains important for the person you’re buying for.
No. Whole nuts aren’t necessarily suitable for young children, as they can choke on them. The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS product pages reviewed include this warning; it’s separate from the energy content.
Store mixed unsalted nuts in a tightly sealed pack in a cool, dark and dry place. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that shelf life depends partly on the product and storage conditions. Follow the label instructions for an unopened pack.
