Choose a pack that clearly displays its organic certification and ingredients. Organic, unroasted, roasted and unsalted describe different qualities. If you want cashews to be the only ingredient, check the ingredients list; among the products reviewed, Albert Heijn states this for its 400 g unroasted variety. Choose a pack size that suits how much you eat, and use the stated serving size to measure out your evening snack.
You’re looking for organic cashews and want to distinguish certification from preparation methods and taste claims. Check the label and ingredients on the pack. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo may only be used on products that have been certified as organic.
You want to use the same pack for an evening snack and, for example, with yoghurt. An unroasted variety containing only organic cashews is a good fit if you prefer a simple ingredients list. Albert Heijn suggests using its unroasted variety in yoghurt and smoothies.
You want to measure out a portion rather than eat straight from the pack. The AH packs reviewed state a serving size of 25 grams; according to Albert Heijn, the 200 g and 400 g packs contain eight and sixteen servings respectively. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container.
First check the organic certification and ingredients, then choose the salt level, serving size and pack to suit how you plan to use the cashews.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Check for the EU organic logo, the inspection code and the indication of origin. The European Commission links use of the logo to recognised organic certification. | If I want demonstrably organic cashews for my evening snack, the information on the pack is decisive. Around 36% of consumers say organic certification is their top purchasing priority. |
| Ingredients and salt | Read the ingredients list: the 400 g unroasted AH variety lists only cashews, while the 200 g AH variety also lists sunflower oil (Albert Heijn). | If I want to avoid added oil or salt, I look beyond the words ‘unsalted’ or ‘organic’. Around 29% of consumers give ingredients and salt top priority. |
| Serving size | Check the serving size and number of servings. The AH varieties reviewed state 25 grams per serving (Albert Heijn). | If I want to measure out my evening snack in advance, a clear serving size makes it easier to portion. Around 21% of consumers prioritise portion control. |
| Packaging and storage | Choose a net weight that suits how much you eat, and seal the pack securely after use. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container. | If I also want to use the nuts at breakfast, I want a pack that suits how much I eat. Around 14% of consumers place the greatest importance on pack size and using up the contents. |
Preparation method and organic certification are different things. The European Commission states that the EU organic logo is for products certified as organic by a recognised control authority or control body.
Check the organic certification separately from terms such as ‘unroasted’ or ‘no added oil’.
The unsalted varieties from Albert Heijn and BIO+ that were reviewed also contain sunflower oil. The 200 g AH variety lists 96% cashews; the 200 g BIO+ unsalted variety lists 99% cashews.
Read the ingredients list if you want to avoid added oil. The product name ‘unsalted’ doesn’t tell you whether oil has been added.
The organic BIO+ salted variety contains cashews, sunflower oil and salt. PLUS states that this variety contains 0.7 grams of salt per 100 grams.
Check both the organic certification and salt content, and compare salt levels for the same quantity.
The 400 g unroasted AH pack contains sixteen 25-gram servings. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container.
Choose an amount that suits how much you expect to eat, and seal the pack securely after every snack.
The AH Biologisch varieties reviewed include 400 g packs of unroasted cashews and 200 g packs of roasted, unsalted cashews.
The BIO+ cashews reviewed are available in unsalted and salted varieties, both in 200 g packs.
The organic range included 175 g packs of unroasted cashews, with cashews as the only ingredient.
No, not in every case. According to the European Commission, the logo is compulsory for pre-packed food produced in the EU and sold as organic. Its use is optional for imported products that meet the organic import requirements. If the logo is used, the inspection code and indication of origin must also be shown.
Store cashews in a dry place in a tightly sealed container. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage guide recommends keeping opened unsalted cashews in a kitchen cupboard for six months or in the freezer for one year. Also follow the instructions on the pack and look out for a rancid smell or taste, a chewy texture or mould.
Check the allergen information on the pack for the specific variety. Cashews are themselves a tree-nut allergen; the AH products reviewed state that they may contain peanuts and other nuts, while the BIO+ products reviewed state that they may contain peanuts. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly listed on the label. Organic or unsalted labelling doesn’t change this information.
Bear in mind the warning on the Albert Heijn and PLUS packs reviewed that young children can choke on nuts. Organic labelling doesn’t remove this risk.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority’s warning was for Trader Joe’s unsalted cashews, 170 grams, barcode 2003020120930 and best-before date 23-09-2026, due to possible metal fragments. It does not automatically apply to ALDI cashews. Do not eat the Trader Joe’s pack. The stated best-before date has passed, but that doesn’t make a recalled pack safe.
