Who is this buying guide for?

Organic-conscious late-night snackers

You want to identify organic nuts from verifiable product information, not just words such as ‘natural’ or ‘pure’. Skal Biocontrole explains that the organic label is protected by law.

Unsalted snackers

You’re looking for unsalted nuts and want to tell the difference between unroasted and roasted. Voedingscentrum recommends unsalted nuts; a late-night snack isn’t automatically an extra portion on top of what you have already eaten that day.

Mix and bulk buyers

You want a selection of nuts or a pack size that suits how much you use. So check the ingredients and storage advice; Voedingscentrum recommends storing nuts in a sealed container in a dry place.

What should you look for when buying?

Start by checking the organic label on the exact pack, then compare the salt content, processing, ingredients and pack size.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important to?
Verifiably organic Check the EU organic logo and organic information on the exact product variant’s packaging. When I buy organic nuts, I want the label to apply to the product itself, not just to the brand’s wording. Around 36% of consumers prioritise verifiably organic origins.
Unsalted and mindful of portions Read the information about added salt and the stated serving size; bear in mind what you have already eaten that day. When I have nuts in the evening, I want to choose unsalted ones without automatically adding another portion to my day. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this combination.
Processing and ingredients Check whether the nuts are unroasted or roasted, and read the ingredients and percentages for a mix. If I want a particular preparation or a variety of nuts, I want to know what’s in the pack. Around 21% of consumers focus mainly on processing and ingredients.
Suitable pack size Compare the net weight with how much you use, and follow the storage advice on the packaging. If I don’t eat nuts often, I want a quantity I can store properly and finish. Around 14% of consumers prioritise a suitable pack size and usage.

Common buying mistakes

  • Mistaking ‘natural’ for proof that a product is organic

    A general product description or a word such as ‘natural’ doesn’t provide the same information as the organic label on the exact pack. Skal Biocontrole explains that ‘organic’ is a protected label which requires a valid organic certificate.

    Check the EU organic logo and the associated product information. Assess other claims separately.

  • Confusing unsalted with unroasted

    AH Organic Unsalted Cashews are a roasted variety made with sunflower oil. AH’s unroasted cashews are a different product.

    Read the preparation description and ingredients before choosing.

  • Choosing a large pack without thinking about storage

    Nuts should be stored in a sealed container in a dry place. So choose a pack size that suits how much you use and how you’ll store the contents.

    Follow the storage advice and best-before information on the packaging.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists two different organic cashew varieties: unroasted and unsalted, roasted.

  • The product information for AH Organic Unroasted Cashews 150 g shows the EU organic logo and inspection code IT-BIO-009.
  • For AH Organic Unsalted Cashews 200 g, Albert Heijn lists the EU organic logo and inspection code NL-BIO-01. The ingredients include cashews and sunflower oil.
  • Albert Heijn lists the 150 g unroasted pack as available in-store only; for the other variety, unsalted doesn’t mean unroasted or oil-free.

PLUS

Biologisch PLUS Nut Mix 150 g is an option if you’re looking for several types of nuts in one pack.

  • PLUS describes the mix as unroasted and unsalted, with almonds, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews and walnuts.
  • The ingredients are fixed and include several nut allergens. Check the organic product information and allergens on the exact pack.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists organic nut mixes containing unroasted nuts as part of its product range.

  • The product information for the variants reviewed describes organic ingredients.
  • Jumbo lists both variants reviewed as no longer available online. Ingredients vary by product.

Duyvis

Duyvis describes product ranges that include borrel nuts, tiger nuts, peanuts and mixes.

  • The brand website helps you distinguish between different types of snacks and nut mixes.
  • For an organic purchase, check the EU organic logo and product information on the exact pack. For allergens and possible traces, consult the label and Duyvis product information.

Lidl

Lidl presents Alesto as its range of nuts, dried fruit and party snacks.

  • The brand page provides context about the Alesto range name.
  • Check organic labels on each product sold in the Netherlands; information about another product or another country doesn’t automatically apply to this variant.

ALDI

ALDI lists nut and fruit products under Trader Joe’s, and also features an organic range.

  • ALDI’s product information describes a 200 g Trader Joe’s Nut & Fruit Mix.
  • Being listed in the organic range doesn’t automatically mean that every nut and fruit mix is organic. Check the label on the exact pack.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a product need to be certified to be called organic?

Yes. Skal Biocontrole explains that organic labels are protected and their use requires a valid organic certificate. Check the EU organic logo and organic information on the exact pack.

Does unsalted also mean that no oil has been used?

No. According to Albert Heijn, AH Organic Unsalted Cashews are roasted and contain sunflower oil. The separate AH variety described as unroasted isn’t roasted in oil.

What should I look out for if I have a nut or peanut allergy?

Check the ingredients and any warnings on the exact pack. The NVWA explains that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed foods; an organic label doesn’t replace this check.

How should I store nuts once they’re open?

Store nuts in a sealed container in a dry place. Voedingscentrum recommends keeping them cool; PLUS advises storing its nut mix in a cool, dry and dark place. Also follow the storage advice and best-before information on your own pack.

Is a serving size on the pack automatically an extra recommended late-night snack?

No. For the cashew products reviewed, Albert Heijn lists a product serving of 25 g. Voedingscentrum recommends a handful of unsalted nuts each day, so consider what you have already eaten that day rather than automatically treating a late-night snack as an extra portion.