Choose an organic nut mix if you want several varieties in one snack or topping; opt for almonds or shelled walnuts if you want to portion out a single variety. Match the pack size to how much you expect to use, and check the ingredients, allergens and any cross-contamination warnings as well as the organic labelling. If nuts are served loose in a canteen, the provider should be able to identify the specific varieties.
You’re looking for nuts for lunch and want to distinguish certification from terms such as natural or unroasted. Check the organic labelling and details on the label of the exact product; the European Commission explains when the EU organic logo may be used.
You want to use nuts as a snack or topping and make an informed choice between a mix, almonds and shelled walnuts. Check the ingredients list to see which varieties you’re adding; Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS provide product-specific information about their nuts.
You’re buying for several people or lunch occasions, so you need to consider pack size, storage and allergen information together. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the food safety obligations for providers that prepare, process or sell food.
First, decide which factor matters most for your canteen lunch: organic certification, ingredients, allergens, quantity or ease of serving.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Verifiably organic | Check the organic labelling and certification details on the label. The European Commission links use of the EU organic logo to certification by a recognised control authority or control body. | I want the label to show that the nuts are certified organic, rather than simply described as natural. Around 29% of consumers put verifiable organic certification at the top of their list when buying. |
| Ingredients and salt | Check which varieties are included and whether salt has been added. Choose a mix for several varieties, or a single variety if you want to decide what goes into your lunch. | I want to choose which nuts to add to my lunch, so I check the ingredients and added salt. Around 23% of consumers prioritise an unsalted option. |
| Allergens | Read both the ingredients and any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. If nuts are served loose, ask which varieties are included and what allergen information is available. | I need to know which nuts may be present before choosing, even when the product is mainly made up of one variety. Around 18% of consumers put allergen information at the top of their list when buying. |
| Packaging and portioning | Choose a net weight that suits the number of lunch occasions or people. After opening, store nuts in a cool, dark, dry place in an airtight container, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. | I want a pack that suits how much I use, so there isn’t too much left over after portioning. Around 18% of consumers prioritise the quantity and number of uses per pack. |
| Ready to use | Choose according to the variety you want and whether you plan to add it straight to a snack or topping. Shelled does not guarantee that the product is entirely free from occasional shell fragments. | I want to portion out my nuts without having to shell them first. Around 12% of consumers prioritise ease of serving. |
Certification and allergen information answer different questions. Even a product containing just one variety of nut may carry warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging. If nuts are served loose in a canteen, ask which varieties are included.
Pack sizes vary, and nuts need to be stored appropriately once opened.
Choose an amount that suits expected use, and store any leftovers in a cool, dark, dry place in an airtight container.
Jumbo warns that, despite checks, a piece of shell, stalk or stone may occasionally remain.
Follow the product warning and check the walnuts when portioning them.
Albert Heijn lists organic certification details for a 350 g unroasted nut mix and 150 g unroasted almonds.
Jumbo describes its 110 g Organic Unroasted Walnuts as organic, shelled and unsalted, and lists NL-BIO-01 as the certification detail.
PLUS describes its 150 g organic nut mix as unroasted and unsalted.
No. According to the European Commission, the requirements are the EU organic logo, the control body’s code and the agricultural origin; the code does not have to be Dutch. For example, the AH almonds reviewed list IT-BIO-009.
The provider must state which specific varieties of nuts are present. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information given verbally must be available directly before purchase. Staff and inspectors must also have access to written or electronic information, and a clear notice must be displayed where the food is sold.
Yes, if it is a business that prepares, processes or sells food. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, such a business must follow an HACCP food safety plan; using an appropriate, approved hygiene code is one way to meet this requirement. This is an obligation for the provider, not a condition of purchase for the student.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a cool, dark, dry place in an airtight container. Follow the product instructions too; household storage advice does not replace a canteen’s food safety plan.
