When choosing nuts for your working-from-home lunch, look at the energy in a weighed portion and check the ingredients, rather than relying on the ‘unsalted’ label alone. The nutritional values listed for four specific products from PLUS, Duyvis, AH and Jumbo range from 598 to 622 kcal per 100 grams. That is above the European threshold for a ‘low-calorie’ claim: no more than 40 kcal per 100 grams for solid foods. Choosing a smaller portion does not change this claim threshold.
You want to enjoy nuts with your working-from-home lunch and know how much energy a weighed portion provides. Compare products using the same quantity and weigh your portion. Voedingscentrum gives 25 grams as an example of a handful of nuts, not as personal daily advice.
You’re looking for unsalted nuts and want to assess ingredients such as added oil separately. Product information from PLUS, Albert Heijn and Jumbo shows that unsalted varieties can differ in their ingredients.
You want to divide nuts between several working-from-home lunches and reseal the pack properly after use. Voedingscentrum recommends storing nuts in a dry, tightly sealed container.
First compare the energy per 100 grams, then calculate it for the same weighed portion. Next, check the ingredients and packaging.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 grams and calculate the figures for the same weighed quantity. A smaller portion does not change the threshold for a ‘low-calorie’ claim. | For my working-from-home lunch, I want to know how much energy my portion provides, not just what’s listed per 100 grams. Around 50% of consumers put managing their energy intake first. |
| Ingredients | Check the ingredients and nutritional information separately. ‘Unsalted’ alone tells you nothing about added oil or allergens. | When I choose unsalted nuts, I also want to know what else they contain. Around 30% of consumers prioritise simple ingredients. |
| Portioning and storage | Check the net weight and storage instructions. Store nuts in a dry, tightly sealed container and follow the label instructions too. | For several working-from-home lunches, I want a pack I can divide up and seal carefully afterwards. This is the main practical consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
‘Unsalted’ describes the salt added, not the energy content. The European Commission sets a limit of no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 grams for a ‘low-calorie’ claim on solid foods.
Check the kcal and salt as separate characteristics, and weigh your portion.
Nutritional information per 100 grams and a smaller portion refer to different quantities, which can make a comparison misleading.
First compare products per 100 grams, then calculate the figures for the same portion size.
Nuts should be kept dry and in a tightly sealed container, as they can be susceptible to mould. Voedingscentrum therefore recommends paying attention to how you store them.
Choose an amount that suits how you use them, and seal the pack carefully after portioning.
A simple ingredients list does not rule out a warning that other allergens may be present. ‘Unsalted’ tells you nothing about allergens.
If you have a relevant allergy, check both the ingredients and the warnings on the packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products.
The 235-gram pack of unsalted peanuts is a specific option for comparing ingredients and nutritional values.
AH Unsalted Cashews are available in a 100-gram pack included in the research, with portion information provided.
The 200-gram pack of unsalted cashews is a variety that includes oil in its ingredients list.
Alesto is Lidl’s nuts and dried fruit range, which includes products such as cashews and walnuts.
The 500-gram Trader Joe’s nut mix combines several types of nuts in one pack.
PLUS unroasted, unsalted cashews are a specific option if a short ingredients list matters to you.
This selection includes chestnuts, cashews, almonds and peanuts for snacking. Compare products using the same quantity, and check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
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The listed energy value is above the European threshold for a low-calorie claim; compare the nutritional information for the same quantity.
The product name specifies 1 kg, split into 10 bags, of peeled chestnuts that are ready to eat.
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This is a good option if you’re looking for cashews; the listed energy value is above the European threshold for a low-calorie claim.
The product name specifies a 160-gram pack. Check the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging before choosing.
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This variety is a good option if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds; unsalted does not mean the product is low-calorie.
The product name specifies raw almonds in a 200-gram pack. Check the nutritional information and ingredients when comparing portions.
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This roasted, unsalted cashew variety is a good option if that’s how you like your cashews; the ‘unsalted’ label says nothing about its energy value.
The product name specifies a 200-gram pack. Compare the nutritional information for the same quantity.
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This is a good option if you’re looking for raw peanuts with their skins on. Peanuts are an allergen, so check the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging.
The product name specifies a 500-gram pack. Compare the nutritional information for the same quantity.
No. A smaller portion does not change the conditions for the product claim. For solid foods, the limit is 40 kcal per 100 grams. So describe the energy in the portion without calling the product itself ‘low-calorie’.
No. Here, 25 grams is a portion for comparison, not personal dietary advice. Voedingscentrum gives 25 grams as an example of a handful of unsalted nuts. Use this quantity only as a consistent basis for comparing products.
Store nuts in a dry, tightly sealed container and follow the instructions on the packaging. Voedingscentrum gives 10 to 15 °C as a cool storage temperature. The packaging for the Duyvis peanuts included in the research recommends storing them in a light- and airtight container after opening.
This type of warning indicates possible cross-contamination and is separate from allergens present as ingredients. If you have a relevant allergy, check both the ingredients and the warnings on the packaging. Don’t let the ‘unsalted’ label or portion size take the place of this information.
No. Peanuts and tree nuts are separate allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists them separately, so check the ingredients and warnings for the possible presence of other allergens.
