Regular lunch planners
You regularly prepare packed lunches and want to divide a larger bag up at home. The pack size, portion information and storage instructions can help you decide whether 500 g suits the way you use nuts.
A 500 g bag is a good fit if you regularly prepare lunch portions and can store the nuts properly after opening. If you take different nuts with you from day to day, or would rather not open so much at once, a smaller pack may be more practical. Always check the ingredients, how the nuts are prepared and how the pack seals for the specific product.
You regularly prepare packed lunches and want to divide a larger bag up at home. The pack size, portion information and storage instructions can help you decide whether 500 g suits the way you use nuts.
You’re looking for unsalted nuts and want to know which types are in the exact mix and how they have been prepared. Compare the ingredients rather than relying on the brand name or pack description alone.
You don’t take the same lunch to work every day and may prefer to open less stock at once. If you choose a smaller bag, check whether that particular pack is resealable.
When comparing nuts for an office lunch, consider the pack size and ingredients, how easy it is to portion them, storage instructions and allergen information.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this more important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size and ingredients | Compare the weight and ingredients of the specific product. | If I choose a large bag, I want to know exactly which nuts I’ll be taking with me and whether they suit my lunch. Around 31% of consumers prioritise pack size and ingredients. |
| Unsalted or unroasted | Read the product description and ingredients list; unsalted does not automatically mean unroasted. | If I’m specifically looking for unroasted nuts, I also check how they are prepared and whether anything has been added. Around 23% of consumers prioritise ingredients and preparation method. |
| Taking portions with you | Check how many portions are listed and whether the bag contains individual portions or needs to be divided up yourself. | If I prepare lunches in advance, I want to know how much preparation the pack involves. Around 23% of consumers prioritise portioning convenience. |
| Storage after opening | Follow the storage and sealing instructions on the specific pack. | If my use varies from week to week, I want to choose an amount that suits how I can store the opened pack. Around 15% of consumers prioritise storage and freshness. |
| Allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the person who will be eating the nuts. | If the lunch is for someone else or will be shared, I want to check the allergen information for that exact product. Around 8% of consumers make suitability for the intended eater a key condition before buying. |
A large pack doesn’t tell you which nuts it contains or how they have been prepared. For example, the AH and PLUS mixes reviewed here have different ingredients.
Compare the weight and ingredients of the specific product before deciding whether it suits your lunch.
According to the ingredients information, AH Unsalted Nut Mix also contains roasted almonds and sunflower oil.
If you’re specifically looking for unroasted nuts, check both the preparation method and the full ingredients list.
A large bag that lists portions does not necessarily contain individually wrapped portions. Once opened, it’s important to seal it properly and follow the storage instructions.
Choose an amount that fits your lunch routine and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
The types of nuts and warnings about possible other allergens can vary from product to product. A mix’s name or category does not tell you whether it is suitable for a particular person.
Check the current allergen information on the pack of the exact product, even if you have bought it before.
The 500 g AH Unsalted Nut Mix is an example for anyone who wants to divide a pack into lunch portions at home.
The 500 g Unroasted Nut Mix Value Pack is a useful reference when comparing larger packs with listed portions.
The 500 g PLUS Unroasted, Unsalted Nut Mix is an example for anyone who wants to divide a pack into lunch portions themselves.
Two different TRADER JOE'S products in the range are worth considering: a 200 g unroasted nut mix and a 500 g unsalted nut mix.
Lidl describes a 200 g unroasted, unsalted nut mix; the Alesto range also includes dried fruit and party snacks, among other products.
Duyvis groups its products into categories such as peanuts, mixes and coated party nuts. These categories can help you identify the type of snack you’re looking at.
This Joybuy selection includes nut mixes, a peanut snack, in-shell walnuts and a nut and fruit mix for packed lunches. Compare the pack size, ingredients and preparation method of each product.
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This pack may suit anyone looking for a larger quantity of nut mix to portion out for lunches. The product information lists hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews; the mix may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
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The individual sachets may suit anyone who wants to prepare lunch portions in advance. According to the product information, the mix also contains raisins, cranberries and blackcurrants, so it is not made up of nuts alone.
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This peanut snack may suit you if you’re looking for peanuts for your packed lunch rather than a mixed nut selection. The product information warns that it may contain traces of cashews.
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The product title states that the 500 g is split across 8 packs. The walnuts are in their shells, which you’ll need to crack before eating, so bear in mind this extra step when choosing a lunch snack.
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The 200 g pack may suit anyone who wants to buy a smaller quantity of nut mix at a time. The product information lists possible traces of peanuts and other nuts.
No. For the AH and Jumbo products reviewed, this means 20 listed portions of 25 g in a 500 g pack. The number of portions is not the same as the number of individual sachets.
No. According to the ingredients information, AH Unsalted Nut Mix also contains roasted almonds and sunflower oil. If you’re specifically looking for unroasted nuts, check the ingredients and how they have been prepared.
Follow the instructions on the pack and seal it properly. Albert Heijn says to store the mix in a cool, dry place; Jumbo says to store it in a cool, dry, dark place. The general storage advice from the Voedingscentrum for mixed unsalted nuts is six months in a kitchen cupboard and one year in the freezer. This does not guarantee the quality of every individual pack.
A best-before date relates to quality; the Voedingscentrum advises checking the product’s appearance, smell and taste. A use-by date relates to safety: do not use the product after this date. The stated shelf life applies while the pack is unopened; after opening, also check the storage instructions and look for signs of spoilage.
Check the current label for the ingredients, allergens present and any warnings about possible cross-contamination for the exact product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that prepacked products must include allergen information. The relevant rules and their enforcement do not automatically make a particular mix suitable for someone with an allergy.