Choose unroasted organic cashews if you want to avoid added oil; choose a roasted, unsalted variety if you want them prepared that way without added salt. Organic, unsalted and oil-free are different qualities, so check the description and ingredients on the exact pack you’re buying. The European Commission explains what information must accompany use of the EU organic logo.
You take cashews to the office and want a verifiable organic label, not just a natural-looking product. Check the certification mark, code and exact variety; the European Commission explains what information must accompany use of the EU organic logo.
You’re looking for unsalted cashews and also want to know whether they’re unroasted or prepared with oil. Albert Heijn lists a single ingredient for its 400 g pack of unroasted cashews; the roasted, unsalted varieties from Albert Heijn and BIO+ included in this review contain sunflower oil.
You divide a pack across several office days and want to store it properly. Albert Heijn lists eight and sixteen 25 g portions for its 200 g and 400 g packs respectively; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a well-sealed container.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic labelling | Check the organic certification mark, control code and agricultural origin on the exact pack. | I want to be able to verify the label on the right variety when buying organic. Around 31% of consumers prioritise verifiable organic origin. |
| Ingredients and salt | Read the ingredients list and check whether salt or oil has been added. | If I want to avoid added salt or oil, I look beyond the word ‘unsalted’. Around 25% of consumers give the highest priority to ingredients and salt content. |
| Portions and storage | Check the net weight, stated portion size and storage advice; use a well-sealed container for portions you’ve divided up yourself. | I prepare several lunches and want to know how much to portion out and how to store the rest. Around 19% of consumers prioritise portioning convenience and storage. |
| Cost per quantity | Compare current prices per kilogram or for the same portion size, keeping the organic labelling and processing method the same. | I want to compare costs within my organic choice on the basis of the same quantity. Around 13% of consumers give affordability the highest priority. |
| Allergen information | Read the full allergen information for the exact pack; BIO+ unsalted cashews list cashews and may contain peanuts. | If I’m buying for someone with a relevant allergy or providing lunch catering, I check the information for that specific situation. Around 12% of consumers prioritise allergen information. |
An organic label doesn’t tell you whether cashews are unroasted, unsalted or oil-free. The roasted, unsalted varieties from Albert Heijn and BIO+ included in this review contain sunflower oil, while Albert Heijn lists cashew nuts as the only ingredient in its 400 g pack of unroasted cashews.
First check the organic label, then look separately at the preparation method and ingredients list.
An organic label doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with a relevant allergy. The BIO+ variety at PLUS lists cashews and may contain peanuts.
Check the allergen information on the exact pack before choosing.
Nuts can absorb odours and are susceptible to mould. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing them in a cool, dark, dry place in a well-sealed container.
If needed, divide the nuts between sealable containers and follow the storage advice on the pack too.
The organic varieties included in this review offer different options for processing and ingredients.
The BIO+ listings include 200 g packs of roasted cashews in unsalted and salted varieties.
The listing for 175 g of Organic Unroasted Cashews is an example of a product, not a current online buying option.
Lidl has a product listing titled Organic Cashews.
Duyvis describes its 125 g Cashews Original as oven-roasted and made without added oil.
The Trader Joe’s listing is for 250 g of roasted, unsalted cashews.
Not in every case. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo is compulsory for pre-packed foods produced in the EU and sold as organic; for imported organic products, the logo is optional. When the logo is used, it should be accompanied by a control code and information about agricultural origin.
Not necessarily. The roasted, unsalted varieties from Albert Heijn and BIO+ included in this review contain organic sunflower oil. Albert Heijn’s 400 g pack of unroasted cashews lists cashew nuts as the only ingredient.
Yes. The Albert Heijn packs included in this review list multiple portions: eight 25 g portions for the 200 g pack and sixteen 25 g portions for the 400 g pack. These are the portions listed for those products, not a personal dietary recommendation. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a cool, dark, dry place in a well-sealed container; follow the label on your product too.
Read the allergen information on the pack of the exact variety. The NVWA states that allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label. The BIO+ variety at PLUS lists cashews and may contain peanuts.
For unpackaged catering, consumers must be able to get allergen information in the appropriate way before buying, according to the NVWA. This is different from bringing a lunch just for yourself.
