If you portion them yourself
You want to split packs across several snack breaks and can weigh out portions at home. The net weight helps you work out how many portions you can get from a bag; Jumbo, for example, lists its unsalted nut mix as 200 g.
Who are nut snacks suitable for?
If you want something to take with you straight away
You’re looking for a sealed pack to pop in your bag, without having to fill containers at home. Check that the product really does come in individual packs, and distinguish the convenience of the packaging from the amount you want to eat.
If you pay attention to the ingredients
You want to know whether a variety is unsalted and what ingredients and allergens are listed on the pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists peanuts and nuts separately as allergens.
What should you look for when choosing?
When choosing nut snacks to enjoy around a student evening meal, the main things to consider are portioning, portability, ingredients and variety.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portions from one pack | Check the net weight and think about how many snack breaks you want it to cover. | I want to split a pack across several occasions rather than reach for a new one each time. Around 34% of consumers mainly want to weigh out their own portions. |
| Taking them with you straight away | Check how many individual packs there are and the weight of each one. FOOX lists 20 packs of 60 g for the Duyvis portion pack. | If I want to put something in my bag without any preparation, I look for individual packaging. Around 33% of consumers mainly want something they can take with them straight away. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety; also check whether the nuts are salted or unsalted. | I want the ingredients to suit my diet and take account of any allergens I need to avoid. Around 20% of consumers prioritise ingredients. |
| Flavour and variety | See which types of nuts and any other ingredients are in the mix. | If I want some variety, I check whether the pack contains different nuts or dried fruit too. Around 13% of consumers mainly look for variety. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a portion pack is a recommended serving
A pack may contain individual bags, but their weight doesn’t determine how much you want to eat at one time. The Duyvis variety reviewed comes in 60 g bags.
Consider the convenience of the packaging separately from the amount you choose to eat.
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Comparing packs with different quantities like for like
A box of individual bags and a bulk bag don’t have the same type of packaging or quantity per pack.
Compare the net weight and choose an amount you can store and use up.
A larger bag needs more storage space; if you portion it yourself, you may also need containers or bags.
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Treating salted, unsalted and fruit mixes as the same
These varieties can differ in their ingredients and composition; the product name alone doesn’t always tell you exactly what’s inside.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes unsalted nuts in its Wheel of Five dietary guidelines.
Brands to consider
Duyvis
The Duyvis variety reviewed is a portion pack of salted peanuts in individual bags.
- FOOX lists 20 bags of 60 g in the box.
- According to the product information, this variety contains peanuts and the packaging may contain traces of other nuts. The weight of each bag isn’t personal dietary advice.
Albert Heijn
AH Unsalted Nut Mix is a specific option if you’re looking for unsalted nuts.
- The product name identifies it as an unsalted nut mix.
- Albert Heijn advises customers to check the packaging, as ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unsalted Nut Mix is available in a 200 g pack, a size you can portion out yourself.
- The net weight gives you a clear starting point for dividing it into your own portions.
- It comes in one pack, not in individual bags to take with you.
Lidl
Lidl lists unsalted Californian pistachios for anyone looking for a specific type of nut.
- The product name makes the type of nut and the unsalted variety clear.
- Check the current packaging for the quantity, ingredients and allergen information.
ALDI
At ALDI, the nut products reviewed are sold under the product name TRADER JOE'S.
- The 500 g unsalted nut mix lists almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and Brazil nuts.
- It comes in a bulk bag, not a selection of individually packed portions to take with you. ALDI also lists a 200 g nut and fruit mix.
PLUS
PLUS has a category page for unsalted nuts and offers delivery or collection.
- The category gives you a way to shop if you’re looking for unsalted nuts.
- Check the portion size, ingredients and allergen information for each product.
Joybuy products for portioning yourself
This Joybuy selection includes unsalted peanuts and nut mixes in packs you can portion out yourself.
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g'woon unsalted peanuts 250 g
Ideal if you want to weigh out your own portions from an unsalted pack.
Contents: 250 g. The product description lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil.
Contains peanuts and may contain cashew nuts.
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g'woon roasted unsalted cashew nuts 200 g
A single type of nut that you can portion out yourself.
Contents: 200 g. The product description lists roasted cashew nuts with no added salt.
Contains cashew nuts.
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g'woon unroasted unsalted nut mix 500 g
Ideal for regular use if you want to weigh out your own portions from a larger pack.
Contents: 500 g. The mix lists hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashew nuts.
May contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
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g'woon raw unsalted nut mix 200 g
Ideal if you want to weigh out your own portions from an unsalted nut mix.
Contents: 200 g. The product description lists hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashew nuts.
May contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
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g'woon unsalted nut mix 200 g
A mix you can portion out for snack breaks or use in recipes.
Contents: 200 g. The product description lists peanuts, almonds, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts, with sunflower oil.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 60 g bag automatically a suitable portion to eat?
No. In the Duyvis portion pack reviewed, 60 g is the weight of an individually wrapped bag, not personal dietary advice. Decide for yourself how much you want to eat at one time.
What’s the difference between individual bags and portioning them yourself?
You can take individual bags with you without weighing them out at home; portioning them yourself takes preparation, but lets you divide a larger pack as you like. FOOX lists 20 individual bags of 60 g for the Duyvis portion pack. A pack such as Jumbo Unsalted Nut Mix, 200 g, doesn’t contain individual bags.
Can nuts replace my entire evening meal?
In this buying guide, nuts are intended as a snack or part of a meal, not as a complete evening meal. The size of a pack alone doesn’t mean its contents make up a complete meal.
How should I store nuts after portioning them?
Seal the remaining nuts well and follow the storage and best-before information on the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says mixed salted nuts can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for six months; this doesn’t automatically apply to every mix or pack. Nuts that are rancid, chewy or mouldy may be spoiled or have deteriorated in quality.
Where can I check allergen information for nuts and peanuts?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack for the exact variety. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products; peanuts and nuts are listed separately. Also read any warnings about allergens that may be present unintentionally.