Who are these options for?

Christmas drinks without added salt

Looking for cashews you can serve straight away, but without added salt? A roasted unsalted variety could be a good fit; check whether it contains oil too. Albert Heijn and PLUS list oil in the relevant varieties.

Preparing them yourself and Christmas breakfast

If you’d like to decide how they’re prepared – by seasoning or roasting the nuts yourself, for example – an organic unroasted option could be a good base. You can also serve it at Christmas breakfast. Albert Heijn lists a 150 g unroasted variety.

Christmas gatherings with dietary requirements

If ingredients, allergens or young children affect your choice, check the packaging and make sure the product is suitable for your guests. Organic certification doesn’t replace an allergen check. Albert Heijn and PLUS also warn in their product information that whole nuts can pose a choking risk for young children.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking the organic product information, then choose the preparation and quantity that suit your drinks or breakfast. Check the ingredients and any allergen information on the pack too.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Organic certification Check the organic labelling and, where applicable, the EU organic logo, control code and country of origin. The European Commission explains that the logo can only appear on certified organic products. For a Christmas gathering, I want to be able to check the organic credentials before serving. Around 28% of consumers put verifiable organic certification first.
Preparation and salt Read the product description and ingredients separately: unroasted, roasted, unsalted and salted don’t mean the same thing. Check whether oil has been added too. For my drinks or Christmas breakfast, I want to choose between a variety that’s ready to serve and one I can prepare myself. Around 28% of consumers give preparation and salt their highest priority.
Suitability for guests Check the ingredients, allergens and warnings on the specific pack. Also consider whether whole nuts are suitable for young children. If I’m hosting guests with specific allergen or dietary requirements, I check the packaging before putting the nuts on the table. Around 22% of consumers put their guests’ requirements first.
Quantity and leftovers Compare the net weight with how much you’ll need for the gathering, and follow the storage instructions after opening. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a well-sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place. For my buffet, I want to buy enough and store any leftovers properly. Around 22% of consumers consider quantity and whether leftovers can be used later their main priority.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing unsalted with unroasted or oil-free

    A roasted unsalted variety may contain oil. Albert Heijn’s unroasted variety is a different preparation option.

    Check the preparation method and ingredients separately before choosing a variety for drinks or breakfast.

  • Assuming a natural appearance proves a product is organic

    Organic is a protected term. Unroasted, unsalted or oven-roasted doesn’t in itself prove organic certification.

    Check the organic product information and the EU organic logo on the packaging. The European Commission sets out the conditions for using the logo.

  • Assuming an old product listing means it’s currently available online

    The Jumbo listings reviewed for organic unroasted cashews say that they’re no longer part of the online range.

    Check the latest availability information before relying on a product listing. An older page doesn’t prove that you can order the product online now.

    You may need to spend extra time arranging an alternative purchase.

  • Opening a large pack without a storage plan

    Nuts can go rancid, turn soft or develop mould, and they can absorb odours.

    Store leftovers in a sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place, and follow the instructions on the pack, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.

    Poor storage could mean you can’t use the leftovers.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Albert Heijn

The AH Biologisch varieties mentioned are a 200 g pack of roasted unsalted cashews and a 150 g pack of unroasted cashews.

  • The product information lists organic certification details for these varieties, including the EU organic logo and control codes.
  • The roasted unsalted variety contains oil; the unroasted variety is listed as available in store only. These details apply to the varieties mentioned.

PLUS en BIO+

PLUS is the retailer; BIO+ is the product name for the roasted cashews mentioned, available in 200 g packs.

  • The product information describes both the unsalted and salted varieties as being made with organic ingredients.
  • The unsalted variety contains sunflower oil; the salted variety contains added salt. Check the latest ingredients and allergen information too.

Lidl

Lidl lists organic unroasted cashews in a 175 g pack.

  • The product listing mentions an unroasted option available in store.
  • The listing says the product is available in store only. Check the latest availability information and the packaging.

Jumbo

The Jumbo product listings mentioned describe organic unroasted cashews in 175 g and 150 g packs.

  • The product descriptions mention organic origin and unroasted cashews.
  • The listings reviewed say these products are no longer part of the online range. Check the latest availability information.

Duyvis

Duyvis describes Cashews Original as an oven-roasted snack range for drinks, in a 125 g pack.

  • Duyvis describes the preparation method as roasting without added oil; this is a claim made by the manufacturer.
  • Oven-roasting is a preparation method and doesn’t in itself prove organic certification.

ALDI en Trader Joe’s

The Dutch ALDI product listing mentioned is for Trader Joe’s roasted unsalted cashews, 250 g.

  • The product description mentions how the cashews are prepared and that they’re unsalted.
  • Roasted and unsalted doesn’t prove organic certification.

Cashews at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can any product in the Netherlands simply be labelled organic?

No. Organic is a protected term for products that meet organic standards and are subject to checks. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo is compulsory for pre-packed food produced in the EU and sold as organic; its use is optional for compliant imported products. Also check the organic information on the packaging.

What’s the difference between unroasted and roasted unsalted cashews?

Unroasted describes how the cashews have been prepared; unsalted means no salt has been added. A roasted unsalted variety may still contain oil, as is the case with the Albert Heijn and BIO+ products mentioned. So check the ingredients list too.

Can I serve organic cashews to guests with allergies without checking first?

No. Check the specific packaging for cashews and any other listed allergens. The NVWA explains the allergen information that must appear on labels; an organic label doesn’t replace this check.

Are whole cashews suitable for young children at a party?

Albert Heijn and PLUS product information warns that young children can choke on nuts. So don’t assume whole cashews are suitable for a children’s buffet.

How should I store leftover unsalted cashews?

Store them in a well-sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place, and follow the instructions on the packaging. For opened unsalted cashews, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing them in a kitchen cupboard for six months. This is general storage advice, not a product-specific guarantee.