Who is this choice relevant to?

Buyer sourcing organic catering

You want to be able to verify a product’s organic status, and not mistake ‘natural’ or ‘unroasted’ for organic.

Organiser planning a varied breakfast

You’re looking for unsalted nuts to serve as a topping and want to know which varieties and any added ingredients you’ll be serving.

Caterer managing portions and allergens

You plan quantities, store opened packs and make sure guests are given information about allergens in the finished dish.

What should you look for when buying?

First, check the organic status and allergen information. Then choose the ingredients and packaging that suit the breakfast menu and how you plan to use them.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Verifiably organic Check the product’s organic status and, where applicable, the EU organic logo, control body code and agricultural origin. If I need to be able to substantiate organic purchasing for my event, I check the product’s organic status. Around 28% of consumers prioritise verifiably organic purchasing.
Allergen information Read the ingredients and cross-contamination warnings on the current packaging, and check the other ingredients in the dish too. If I’m responsible for the information guests receive, I want it to reflect the products actually used. Around 28% of consumers prioritise allergen management.
Ingredients for breakfast Compare the types of nuts and any added ingredients. Check that the mix is unsalted if that suits your menu. If I’m looking for a neutral topping for yoghurt or another breakfast dish, I check the ingredients and flavour profile. Around 22% of consumers prioritise breakfast ingredients.
Quantity and storage Compare the net weight with the amount you’ve planned, and follow the storage instructions after opening. If I’m buying for a group, I want to plan the quantity needed and store any leftovers appropriately. Around 22% of consumers prioritise quantities and cost control.

Prepacked organic food produced in the EU and sold as organic is subject to rules on the EU organic logo, the control body code and agricultural origin. The European Commission distinguishes between product labels and catering services: the logo is not intended to present a catering service as a whole as organic.

Albert Heijn lists AH Organic Unroasted Nut Mix as 350 g, with 14 portions of 25 g. This is product-specific information to help with planning, not a prescribed portion for every guest. PLUS’s product information describes a 150 g tub.

Common purchasing mistakes

  • Mistaking an organic logo for an allergen certification

    Organic status doesn’t mean a product is allergen-free. The mixes reviewed contain several types of nuts, and product information may also include warnings about possible cross-contamination.

    Check organic status, ingredients and warnings separately. Record the allergen information for the dish you’re actually serving.

  • Buying a large pack without a plan for leftovers

    Pack sizes vary, and opened nuts need to be stored according to the product instructions. Without a plan, some may be left over and stock will need managing after opening.

    First work out how much you need, then follow the product’s storage instructions after opening.

  • Mistaking a product page for current online availability

    Jumbo’s organic nut mix listing says ‘No longer in the online range’. The product information alone therefore doesn’t confirm that it’s currently available to order online.

    Check availability separately before basing your purchasing on a product listing.

Brands and product ranges for reference

Albert Heijn

The product information for AH Organic Unroasted Nut Mix describes an organic mix that can be used as a topping for yoghurt, among other things.

  • Albert Heijn lists a 350 g pack, four types of nuts, organic status and 14 portions of 25 g.
  • The mix contains several types of nuts. Check the packaging for warnings about possible cross-contamination too.

PLUS

The product information describes a 150 g tub of organic nut mix that is unroasted and unsalted.

  • PLUS lists the percentages of five types of nuts and provides storage instructions.
  • The fixed mix contains several types of nuts. Make sure the allergen information matches the current packaging and the dish.

Lidl

Lidl has a Dutch product listing called ‘Organic cashew nuts’, offering a single type of nut alongside nut mixes.

  • The product listing identifies the cashew nuts as organic.
  • Check the actual packaging, ingredients and organic status before buying them for a catering event.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s product information describes an organic, unroasted and unsalted nut mix containing almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and walnuts.

  • The product information describes the organic ingredients and mix.
  • The listing says ‘No longer in the online range’. Check availability separately from the product information.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do ‘natural’ or ‘unroasted’ mean the same as organic?

No. ‘Natural’ and ‘unroasted’ don’t replace a product’s organic status. The European Commission sets out the requirements for the EU organic logo. Where the rules apply, also check that the packaging carries the required control body code and agricultural origin.

Can you use the EU organic logo to describe your entire conference catering service as organic?

No. The European Commission excludes catering services from using the EU organic logo. Distinguish between the organic status of the products you buy and a claim about the catering service as a whole.

How do you provide allergen information at an unpackaged breakfast buffet?

The NVWA says information can be provided in writing or verbally. If it’s provided verbally, guests must be clearly told that they can ask for it. Make sure the information reflects the nuts and other ingredients in the finished dish.

What should you look for in cross-contamination warnings?

Read the current packaging and distinguish between ingredients and warnings about possible unintended presence. The NVWA says new Dutch labelling rules for these warnings come into force on 1 January 2026, and that it will monitor compliance from 2026.

How should you store opened nuts for another breakfast?

Follow the instructions for the specific pack. For the mix it reviewed, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark and dry place and closing the pack securely after use. PLUS recommends cool, dry and dark storage. The Voedingscentrum advises keeping nuts in a tightly sealed container in a dry place.