Who are these options suitable for?

Film fans who care about organic produce

You want to be able to check the organic label rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’. The European Commission describes the EU organic logo as a label for products certified as organic.

Anyone looking for mixed nuts to share

You want to serve different types of nuts in one pack instead of mixing individual varieties yourself. The organic PLUS mix is unroasted and unsalted and contains five types. Check that the ingredients are suitable for everyone sharing the film-night snacks.

Snackers avoiding added salt

You’re looking for an unsalted option, but also want to know how the nuts have been prepared. AH cashews are roasted with sunflower oil, so unsalted doesn’t mean that no oil has been added.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether you want to share an unroasted mix or prefer a single type of roasted nut. Then check the organic label, allergens and pack size.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important to?
Verifiable organic label Check the EU organic logo, the inspection code and the indication of the agricultural origin. The European Commission also describes exceptions where the logo is optional for certain imported organic products. If you buy organic so you can verify the certification, you’ll want to see more than a general claim on the front of the pack. Around 20% of consumers prioritise being able to verify it.
Preparation and added ingredients Read the preparation details and ingredients: the PLUS mix we looked at is unroasted, while AH cashews are roasted and contain sunflower oil. If you’re specifically looking for unroasted nuts or prefer roasted cashews, the ingredients list makes all the difference. Around 20% of consumers give preparation and added ingredients top priority.
Allergens Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack of the exact product. The PLUS mix contains several types of nuts; the NVWA explains that allergen information must be provided on prepacked products. If you or someone sharing your film-night snacks has a food allergy, the allergens present and any warnings must be suitable for that situation. Around 20% of consumers put this check first.
Pack size and leftovers Compare the net weight with the amount you want to serve. The PLUS mix we looked at contains 150 g and the AH cashews 200 g; the Voedingscentrum recommends storing nuts in a sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place. If you only want to open what you’ll use during the film night and save any leftovers for later, choose a pack size that suits how you’ll use it. Around 20% of consumers prioritise pack size and reducing leftovers.
Types and mix Check which nuts are in the mix and compare them with the single type you might prefer to serve; the AH variety we looked at consists of cashews. If you want to serve one favourite nut or would rather have a selection in one bowl, the mix will determine whether the pack suits your preference. Around 20% of consumers choose mainly according to the variety they want.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming organic means the nuts are suitable for everyone

    Organic certification doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy. A nut mix can contain several types of nuts.

    Check the organic label and allergen information separately. If there’s a specific allergy, don’t rely on the organic label alone.

  • Confusing unsalted with unroasted or oil-free

    The AH cashews we looked at are unsalted, but they are roasted and contain sunflower oil.

    Read the preparation details and ingredients if you’re specifically looking for unroasted nuts or a product with no added oil.

  • Overlooking the pack size

    A pack that doesn’t suit the amount you’ll use during the film night could leave you with leftovers to store.

    Choose an amount that suits how you’ll use the nuts, and store any opened pack in a sealed container. The Voedingscentrum recommends keeping it in a cool, dark and dry place.

Brands with relevant product information

Albert Heijn

The AH Organic Unsalted Cashews we looked at are an option if you’re after one type of nut that’s roasted.

  • Albert Heijn lists a 200 g pack, 96% cashews, sunflower oil and the organic label with its inspection code.
  • This variety is roasted and contains oil, so unsalted doesn’t mean unroasted or made from nuts alone.

PLUS

The organic mixed nuts we looked at are unroasted and unsalted, with five types in one pack.

  • PLUS lists a 150 g pack with 40% almonds, 35% hazelnuts, 12% Brazil nuts, 7% cashews and 6% walnuts.
  • You get a set ratio in the mix, so check the ingredients if you need to avoid a particular type of nut.

Jumbo

The organic unroasted mixed nuts we looked at are a useful product reference if you’re after a combination of nuts.

  • The product information describes a mix of cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and pecans.
  • The product page says this specific variety is no longer part of the online range; this doesn’t apply to other Jumbo products.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does every pack of organic nuts have to display the EU organic logo?

The EU organic logo is compulsory on prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic, but optional for certain imported organic products. The European Commission says that when the logo is used, the inspection code and agricultural origin must also be shown. So check which labels apply to the product on the pack.

Does unsalted mean cashews are unroasted or contain no oil?

No, these are different things. The AH cashews we looked at are roasted and contain sunflower oil, even though they’re unsalted. Check the preparation details and ingredients if you’re looking for unroasted nuts.

What should you check when serving nuts to someone with a food allergy?

Check the ingredients, allergens present and any warnings on the pack of the exact product. An organic label doesn’t tell you whether someone with an allergy can eat the product. The NVWA outlines the requirements for allergen information on prepacked products.

How should you store nuts left over after the film night?

Store them in a sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place, and follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the pack. The Voedingscentrum says that a rancid smell or taste, a tough texture and mould can be signs that nuts have gone off.

Is an organic nut mix always the easiest option to share?

A mix is a good fit if you want to serve different types in one pack and its set combination suits everyone sharing. If you’d rather have one type or are looking for roasted nuts, the AH cashew variety we looked at may better suit your preference; check the ingredients and allergens too.