If you want to share a larger amount
You’re travelling with several people and weighing up the quantity, ingredients and how much you’re likely to eat. A larger pack is most practical if you can store any leftovers properly.
Who these pack sizes suit
If you want to reseal the pack on the go
You’d rather take a manageable amount and be able to close the bag again after a snack. Check whether it’s resealable, and whether it’s suitable for the stated storage conditions.
If you’re considering ingredients and fellow travellers
Think about whether you want unsalted nuts, peanuts or a mix with fruit. For allergies and young children, the current label information and product warnings matter more than the pack size.
What to look for when choosing
First decide which ingredients you want, then choose an amount that suits your group and finally check how to store the pack while you’re travelling.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and ingredients | Check the net weight and ingredients. Only compare packs if their contents match what you’re looking for. | I want to take enough for the group without having more left over than we can store. Around 31% of consumers prioritise a suitable quantity and value for money. |
| Taking it with you and storing it | Look for an explicit statement that the pack is resealable, and read the storage instructions for after opening. | If we’re snacking at several points during the journey, I want to be able to close the pack again and store the contents as instructed. Around 25% of consumers prioritise taking it with them, resealing and storage. |
| Unsalted ingredients | Read the ingredients and nutritional information on the current pack, and distinguish between salted and unsalted varieties. | I’m looking for nuts with no added salt and want to be able to identify the variety from its ingredients. Around 19% of consumers prioritise unsalted ingredients. |
| Type of mix | Check which nuts it contains and whether the mix also includes peanuts, seeds or dried fruit. | I’d rather decide in advance between a pure nut mix and one with fruit than choose based on the packaging alone. Around 13% of consumers mainly choose based on flavour and variety in the mix. |
| Suitability for fellow travellers | Read the allergen information and follow the warnings on the pack, particularly those for young children. | I want to check before setting off that the contents are suitable for everyone who’ll be eating them. Around 12% of consumers prioritise suitability for fellow travellers. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming a larger bag is automatically better value
A larger pack may contain a different mix from a smaller one. You’re then comparing not just the quantity, but also different ingredients and types of nuts.
Check the net weight and ingredients, and think in advance about how much your group is likely to eat.
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Assuming resealable means airtight
The ALDI nut mix 200 g is described as resealable. For Duyvis Salted Peanut Nuts 370 g, the product information recommends storing the contents in a light-proof, airtight container after opening. The packs therefore have different storage instructions.
Follow the storage instructions for the variety you choose, rather than relying on the shape of the bag.
You may need a separate container for the Duyvis pack to follow the storage advice after opening.
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Treating all nut snacks as if they have the same ingredients
An unsalted nut mix, salted peanuts and nuts with dried fruit are different products. One variety isn’t necessarily a straightforward substitute for another.
First choose the ingredients you’re looking for, then check the specific pack.
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Sharing one bag with everyone without checking first
Peanuts and nuts may be relevant to allergies, and there are warnings about whole nuts for young children. A pack that suits most travellers won’t automatically be suitable for everyone.
Check the current label for everyone who’ll be eating them, and follow any relevant warnings for children.
Brands to consider
Duyvis
Worth considering if you’re looking for peanuts: the product information lists a 370 g salted pack and a 235 g unsalted variety.
- The Jumbo product information lists the ingredients and storage instructions for the 370 g salted variety.
- This variety contains added salt and may contain other nuts. After opening, the product information recommends storing it in a light-proof, airtight container.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes unsalted nut mixes in 500 g and 200 g packs.
- The different pack sizes give you a clear choice between more and less contents.
- It hasn’t been confirmed that the two sizes have the same ingredients. Albert Heijn recommends checking the current pack, as ingredient and allergen information can change.
Jumbo
The product information lists a 500 g mix of unroasted, unsalted nuts, as well as a 500 g pack of unsalted peanuts.
- The nut mix is listed as containing walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews and almonds; storage instructions say to keep it in a cool, dry and dark place.
- The peanuts and mixed nuts have different ingredients. The term ‘value pack’ alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for your group.
Lidl
Lidl lists Alesto nuts and dried fruit; one product page describes a 200 g mix of unroasted, unsalted nuts.
- This size is an option if you want to take less than you would in a large pack.
- The product page states that it’s sold in store; check the product information and availability at your local shop.
ALDI
TRADER JOE’S product information lists, among other things, a 500 g unsalted nut medley, a 200 g mix of unroasted nuts and a 200 g nut and fruit mix.
- The 200 g mix of unroasted nuts is explicitly described as being in a resealable pack.
- The product varieties have different ingredients. The resealable feature of the 200 g bag doesn’t automatically apply to the other packs.
PLUS
The product information lists a 500 g stand-up pouch of unroasted, unsalted nut mix.
- The size and description make this pack worth considering if you’re looking for a larger unsalted mix.
- A stand-up pouch isn’t automatically resealable or airtight, so check the pack and storage instructions.
Nut snacks at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are suitable for snacking on the go, from a larger nut mix to whole almonds, seasoned peanuts and portions with dried fruit.
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g’woon unroasted mixed nuts 500 g
A good fit if you’re looking for a larger pack of mixed nuts to share.
The product information mentions possible traces of peanuts and other nuts. Follow the stated storage instructions and seal the pack securely after opening.
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J.ZAO Classic Daily-Nut Mix 750 g, 30 sachets
An option if you want to take individual portions for several snack breaks.
The pack contains 30 sachets of 25 g. The mix contains nuts and dried fruit; store it in a cool, dry place as instructed.
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NUTS Deal Mix with seeds and chickpeas
A good fit if you want seeds and chickpeas in your snack mix as well as nuts.
The product information lists pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and chickpeas. This isn’t a pure nut mix. Check the allergen information and follow the storage instructions.
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Duyvis Tiger Nuts Flaming Hot 275 g
A peanut snack for anyone who prefers a spicy flavour to a plain nut mix.
The product information describes seasoned peanuts with a crunchy coating. Peanuts and wheat are listed as allergens; also check the information about possible traces. Seal the pack securely after opening.
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g’woon Raw & Unsalted almonds 200 g
A good fit if you’re looking for a smaller pack of almonds rather than a mixed nut selection.
The product name describes raw, unsalted almonds. Store in a cool, dry place and seal the pack securely after opening.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if a value pack is right for you?
Compare the net weight and read the ingredients on the pack. A nut and fruit mix, a bag of peanuts and a mixed nut selection are different products, so first decide which ingredients you want and how much your group is likely to eat.
Can you keep an opened bag in the car?
Follow the storage instructions for the specific pack. For its 500 g nut mix, Jumbo recommends storing it in a cool, dry and dark place; for Duyvis Salted Peanut Nuts 370 g, the product information recommends using a light-proof, airtight container after opening. These instructions don’t guarantee that the product can be stored in a warm car.
Is a resealable bag the same as a portion pack?
No. Resealable means the pack can be closed again, not that the contents are divided into individual portions. The ALDI nut mix 200 g is described as being in a resealable pack, but you decide how much to take for each snack break.
Can young children eat the same whole nuts?
Follow the warnings that apply to the child and the specific pack. The MDL Fonds warns against whole nuts for children under four because of the risk of choking. Joybuy’s product information for Duyvis Salted Peanuts 370 g advises against giving that particular product to children under five; these different wordings don’t mean that whole nuts are safe for every child from the age of four.
Where can you find allergen information for a nut mix?
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must be shown on the label of pre-packed foods. Peanuts and nuts are separate allergens, so read the information on the pack you’ve chosen, even if you’re considering a mix with other ingredients.