First, choose an option whose organic status you can verify, then decide whether you want a mix, a single type of nut or walnuts in their shells. The European Commission states that the EU organic logo may only be used on products certified as organic. Also compare the ingredients, allergen information, pack size and storage advice. Organic and unsalted are separate attributes.
You want to be able to identify organic status from the product information and certification marks, not just words such as ‘natural’. The European Commission and Skal Biocontrole explain the marks used on organic products.
You want to decide which types of nuts, and how much of each, to add to your breakfast. The options we looked at include a mix as well as individual almonds and walnuts; Albert Heijn, PLUS and Jumbo provide product-specific information.
You’re looking for a pack that suits how you use it, and want to know whether the nuts are shelled or still in their shells. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a tightly sealed container in a dry place.
Choose this if: you want to add several types to your breakfast without buying separate packs.
The trade-off: the proportions are fixed: the AH mix contains 30% Brazil nuts, 30% cashews, 20% almonds and 20% walnuts.
Choose these if: you want to portion and combine a single type of nut yourself.
The trade-off: the PLUS pack contains almonds as its ingredient. The product information also warns that it may contain other nuts and peanuts.
Choose these if: you want to use walnuts without having to crack the shells first.
The trade-off: the Jumbo pack we looked at contains 110 g. Jumbo warns that the occasional piece of shell, stalk or stone may remain.
Choose these if: you want to crack the walnuts yourself.
The trade-off: cracking takes preparation, and the 400 g pack includes the shells, so it does not contain 400 g of shelled nuts.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic status | For pre-packed organic food from the EU, check for the EU organic logo, the control code and the agricultural origin. The European Commission explains these marks. | If organic certification is your priority, you’ll want to be able to check the marks on the pack. Around 36% of consumers put verifiable organic status first. |
| Ingredients | Read the ingredients list and check for added salt and sugars separately from the organic status. For the mix we looked at, Albert Heijn states 0 g of added salt and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g. | If you want to choose which nuts go into your breakfast, the ingredients list matters. Around 29% of consumers put choosing their own ingredients first. |
| Quantity and storage | Check the pack size and whether the weight includes shells. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a tightly sealed container in a dry place; also follow the label on your chosen product. | If you’re looking for a pack that suits how you use and store it, the quantity and storage advice both matter. Around 21% of consumers put a suitable quantity and storage first. |
| Allergens and use | Read the ingredients and warnings on the exact pack. Jumbo warns that the walnuts we looked at may pose a choking risk for young children. | If you have a relevant allergy or are serving breakfast to young children, check the product warnings in advance. Around 14% of consumers put personal suitability first. |
A natural appearance or the way a product is prepared does not, by itself, prove that it is certified organic. The European Commission says the EU organic logo is for products certified as organic.
Check the marks on the specific product before comparing its ingredients or packaging.
A short ingredients list does not rule out possible cross-contamination. PLUS states that the almonds we looked at may contain other nuts and peanuts.
If you have a relevant allergy, read both the ingredients and the warnings on the pack. An organic label is no substitute for these checks.
The stated 400 g for the Jumbo walnuts in shells includes the shells, while the shelled version is sold in a 110 g pack. These pack weights therefore do not represent the same quantity of edible nuts.
Choose walnuts in shells only if you’re happy to crack them, and allow extra time for preparation.
You’ll need to spend time cracking the nuts before they’re ready for breakfast.
The AH Biologisch nut mix we looked at is an unroasted blend for anyone who wants several types of nuts in one pack.
The organic walnut range we looked at includes both shelled walnuts and walnuts in their shells.
The organic almonds we looked at are a single type of nut for anyone who likes to put their own breakfast together.
The EU organic logo is compulsory for pre-packed food produced in the EU and sold as organic. The European Commission also identifies the control code and agricultural origin as relevant marks. This does not automatically apply to every loose product bought at a market or every imported pack.
No. Check added salt separately. For the mix we looked at, Albert Heijn states 0 g of added salt per 100 g; Jumbo describes the shelled walnuts we looked at as unsalted. This attribute is not automatically implied by an organic label.
Store nuts in a tightly sealed container in a dry place. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping them somewhere cool if possible. Also follow the label on your chosen product. For the products we looked at, PLUS and Jumbo recommend storing them in a cool, dry and dark place.
No. The weight of walnuts in shells includes the shells. The Jumbo packs we looked at state 400 g for walnuts in shells and 110 g for shelled walnuts, so they do not contain the same quantity of edible nuts.
For both walnut products we looked at, Jumbo warns that young children may choke on nuts. Read the warning on the pack and consider when and how the nuts will be eaten.
