Who are organic nuts for the office for?

Organic-conscious lunch packers

You want to take organic nuts with you and look for a recognisable organic label, rather than treating general sustainability claims as proof.

Those who like to prepare a set portion

You want to prepare a portion to take to the office, so you check the ingredients, allergens, pack weight and storage instructions.

Breakfast and lunch topping fans

You want to add nuts to yoghurt or salad you’ve brought with you, and check which types and preparation methods are suitable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends variety, so a mix containing Brazil nuts calls for a closer look at its composition.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay closer attention?
Organic origin The European Commission reserves the EU organic logo for certified organic products. Alongside the logo, check the control code and the origin of the agricultural ingredients. If I choose organic nuts, I want to be able to verify the label on the pack; around 36% of consumers put verifiable organic origin first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information, and compare added salt, oil and the types of nuts listed. For example, Albert Heijn lists oil in its unsalted cashews. If I choose nuts to suit the occasion, I want to know exactly what they contain; around 29% of consumers make composition their top priority.
Portioning and storage Compare the pack weight with the portion stated on the label, and follow the storage instructions. Albert Heijn lists a 25 g portion for its cashews and nut mix. If I prepare an office portion at home, I want to be able to store the rest of the pack properly; around 21% of consumers prioritise portioning and storage.
Flavour, preparation and variety Check whether the nuts are fried, roasted or unroasted, and which types are in the mix. Albert Heijn lists Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds and walnuts, among others, in its unroasted mix. If I take nuts as a snack or topping, I want to choose a type or preparation method that suits the occasion; around 14% of consumers prioritise flavour and variety.

Common points to watch out for

  • Organic doesn’t automatically mean unsalted or unroasted

    Organic certification and product composition are two different things. Albert Heijn and PLUS organic cashews are unsalted, but contain sunflower oil; the cashews reviewed are fried or roasted.

    Check the organic label first, then read the ingredients, salt content and description of how the nuts are prepared.

  • Unsalted doesn’t mean unroasted

    Albert Heijn’s unsalted cashews are fried, while PLUS’s are roasted. So if you’re looking for unroasted nuts, don’t rely on the word ‘unsalted’ alone.

    Read the product description and ingredients, not just the name on the front of the pack.

  • A large pack isn’t automatically a single portion

    Albert Heijn lists a 25 g portion for its 200 g cashews and 350 g nut mix. Pack weight and stated portion size are therefore two different things.

    Measure out the amount you want to take with you, then seal and store the rest according to the instructions.

  • Brazil nuts aren’t interchangeable with other nuts

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that a handful of Brazil nuts can provide more selenium than the tolerable upper intake level. Albert Heijn’s unroasted nut mix contains 30% Brazil nuts.

    Check which types are in a mix, and vary your choices with other unsalted nuts.

Brands to consider as a starting point

Albert Heijn

The organic cashews and unroasted nut mix are options to compare for a snack portion or topping.

  • For the products mentioned, Albert Heijn lists ingredients, allergens and pack weight, as well as an EU organic logo with control code NL-BIO-01.
  • The cashews are fried in oil. The mix contains 30% Brazil nuts; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends varying your choices with other nuts.

PLUS

According to the product information, BIO+ cashews are available in unsalted and salted 200 g varieties.

  • PLUS lists organic origin and EU Organic Farming for the varieties mentioned.
  • The unsalted variety contains sunflower oil; the salted variety contains added salt. BIO+ isn’t automatically a PLUS own-brand product.

Jumbo

Product information for organic unroasted nut mixes can help you compare their compositions.

  • The 311660ZK and 501935ZK varieties list organic ingredients.
  • Jumbo says both are no longer part of its online range. The varieties have different compositions.

Lidl

Alesto is a relevant range of nuts and dried fruit; check the specific pack for an organic label.

  • Lidl describes its Way To Go cashews as Fairtrade.
  • A Fairtrade label isn’t proof of organic certification.

Duyvis

The product range includes peanuts, mixes and coated snacks, as well as simpler nut products.

  • Duyvis says most of its peanuts are fried and also lists roasted, marinated and coated varieties.
  • Duyvis warns that traces of peanuts and/or nuts may be present. This product information doesn’t substantiate organic certification for the range.

ALDI

The nuts, seeds and kernels and organic products categories offer a starting point for comparing packs.

  • ALDI provides range information for nuts and organic products.
  • Check the specific pack to see whether the nuts are organic and which ingredients and allergens are listed.

Joybuy nuts for an office portion

This Joybuy pick is a raw, unsalted nut mix to take with you as a snack or topping. Check the pack for organic certification before choosing it as an organic product.

g'woon Nut Mix Raw & Unsalted, 200g

g'woon Nut Mix Raw & Unsalted, 200g

This raw, unsalted nut mix is a good choice if you want to take a variety of nuts to the office or use them as a topping.

The product title says raw, unsalted and 200g; check the pack for ingredients, allergens and an organic label.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is Fairtrade the same as organic?

No. A Fairtrade label doesn’t replace organic certification. The European Commission reserves the EU organic logo for certified organic products; Lidl describes its Way To Go cashews as Fairtrade. Check both claims separately on the specific pack.

Are unsalted organic cashews always unroasted and oil-free?

No. Albert Heijn lists fried unsalted cashews with sunflower oil; PLUS’s unsalted BIO+ cashews are roasted and also contain sunflower oil. If you’re specifically looking for unroasted nuts, read the ingredients and product description.

What should I look for if I have a nut allergy?

Read both the ingredients list and any warnings about possible cross-contamination. The cashew products mentioned contain cashews and warn that peanuts may be present; Albert Heijn’s mix contains several types of nuts. An organic label doesn’t automatically mean a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.

How should I store nuts after preparing an office portion?

Follow the product’s storage instructions. For the cashews and nut mix mentioned, Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the pack tightly after use. PLUS recommends storing its unsalted BIO+ cashews in a dry, dark place.

Can I have a handful of plain Brazil nuts as a regular office portion?

Don’t treat plain Brazil nuts as interchangeable with a regular portion of mixed nuts. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that a handful of Brazil nuts can provide more selenium than the tolerable upper intake level; Albert Heijn’s unroasted mix contains 30% Brazil nuts. This information doesn’t determine a specific portion size for the mix.