Who might find these options relevant?

Breakfast before a workout

You want to add cashew nuts to your breakfast and adjust the amount according to how long you have before your workout. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a proper meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise.

Short on time before exercise

You’re looking for something small to eat just before you head out. It’s worth distinguishing between an everyday addition to breakfast and a high-fat snack just before exercise; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that high-fat foods stay in the stomach for longer.

Mindful organic shoppers

You want to check the organic certification and find out whether a variety contains only cashew nuts or also oil. The European Commission explains what information is included with the EU organic logo; product labels show the ingredients in each variety.

What should you look for when buying?

Start by considering how long you’ll leave between eating and exercising. Then check the organic logo and ingredients, and finally choose a portion size and pack that suit how you’ll use them.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who is this important for?
Timing and comfort Consider how long you have before your workout. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a proper meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise; high-fat foods are less suitable just before exercise. If I want to exercise after breakfast, I focus on the time between eating and moving. Around 36% of consumers prioritise timing and stomach comfort.
Organic certification Check the EU organic logo, control code and indication of agricultural origin on the packaging. I want to be able to check the packaging to see whether the cashew nuts are certified organic. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this check.
Ingredients and portion size Compare the ingredients list and nutritional information for the exact variety. A serving size shown on the label is not a proven sports nutrition recommendation. If I mix cashew nuts into my breakfast, I want to know what’s in them and choose my own portion size. Around 21% of consumers prioritise ingredients and portion control.
Packaging and storage Compare the net weight with how often you’ll use them, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. I want to choose a pack that I can use up at the right pace and seal properly. Around 14% of consumers prioritise suitable usage and storage.

Common buying mistakes

  • Having a large portion just before your workout

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, high-fat foods can stay in the stomach for a long time. So a large portion of cashew nuts isn’t necessarily a practical choice just before exercise.

    Consider how long you have before your workout. Use the serving size on the label to compare nutritional information, not as an automatic sports nutrition recommendation.

  • Assuming unsalted means unroasted or oil-free

    The organic unsalted varieties from Albert Heijn and BIO+ included in this review contain sunflower oil. The unroasted Albert Heijn variety lists only cashew nuts.

    Check the ingredients list for the exact variety if you want to avoid oil or are looking for a particular preparation method.

  • Assuming a product page means the item is currently available

    Jumbo says that the organic variety included in this review is no longer part of its online range. Lidl’s product page describes a variety sold in stores only.

    Check your chosen retailer before planning your purchase.

    If you’re counting on a specific variety, you may need to find an alternative or make an extra trip to a shop.

  • Choosing a large pack without a plan to use it

    A larger pack is only practical if you can use the contents at a suitable pace and store the pack properly.

    Choose a quantity based on how often you eat cashew nuts, and follow the storage instructions for the exact product.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The organic varieties included in this review differ in how they’re prepared, their ingredients and pack size.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the 400 g unroasted variety contains only cashew nuts. The 200 g roasted, unsalted variety contains 96% cashew nuts and organic sunflower oil.
  • The roasted variety is unsalted, but not oil-free. Compare the ingredients list and nutritional information for the variety you’re buying.

PLUS

PLUS sells the 200 g BIO+ unsalted cashew nuts included in this review; BIO+ is the product brand.

  • PLUS product information states that the product is certified organic and contains 99% cashew nuts and organic sunflower oil.
  • The product information warns that it may contain peanuts. Check the allergen information on the packaging.

Jumbo

The Jumbo Organic Unroasted Cashew Nuts included in this review are an example of an organic variety with a single ingredient.

  • The product page lists organic cashew nuts and control code NL-BIO-01.
  • Jumbo says this particular variety is no longer part of its online range, so it isn’t currently available to buy online.

Lidl

Lidl’s product page describes 175 g organic unroasted cashew nuts as an in-store product.

  • The page lists an unroasted variety sold in stores.
  • When buying, check the information on the packaging and availability at your chosen store.

Duyvis

Duyvis Cashews Original is a roasted variety with a savoury seasoning, so it differs from plain, unsalted cashew nuts.

  • According to the manufacturer, the cashews are oven-roasted without added oil; the pack contains 125 g.
  • The ingredients include salt and flavourings. Before considering this an organic option, check whether the variety carries an organic logo on the packaging.

ALDI

The TRADER JOE’S variety included in this review is a 250 g product sold by ALDI.

  • The product page describes roasted, unsalted cashew nuts.
  • The organic certification of this variety has not been confirmed. Check the packaging if organic certification is a requirement for you.

Cashew nuts at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How long before my workout should I have breakfast?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a proper meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise. This is general meal-planning advice, not a specific waiting time established for cashew nuts.

Is 25 g a proven portion of cashew nuts to eat before exercise?

No. 25 g is the serving size shown on the Albert Heijn labels included in this review. You can use it to compare nutritional information, but it isn’t a proven optimal sports nutrition recommendation.

Which organic logo should I check for on cashew nuts?

Check the EU organic logo, control code and indication of agricultural origin. According to the European Commission, the logo is compulsory for pre-packed food produced in the EU and sold as organic; this rule does not automatically apply to all products produced and packaged outside the EU.

What should I check if I have a food allergy?

Read the ingredients and allergen warning on the exact pack. Cashew nuts are one of the tree nut allergens; the Albert Heijn products included in this review also warn that they may contain other nuts and peanuts. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that sellers must inform customers about allergens present in their products.

How should I store an opened pack of cashew nuts?

Follow the storage advice on the product packaging. For the 400 g unroasted Albert Heijn variety, the advice is to store it in a cool, dark, dry place and close the pack securely after use.