Who is this guide for?

Parents looking for a lower-fat option

You want to pack peanuts for after school and find out what ‘low-fat’, ‘reduced-fat’ and ‘no added oil’ mean. The European Commission defines the threshold for low-fat solid foods, while Duyvis product information makes clear that a claim about how a product is prepared doesn’t, on its own, mean it’s low in fat.

Parents who choose unsalted snacks every day

You’re looking for a snack for a child aged 4 to 12 and want to assess the ingredients, portion size and packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists unsalted nuts as one possible choice. Whole peanuts are only suitable if your child can chew them properly and doesn’t have a relevant allergy.

Parents packing snacks for school or childcare

You need to consider allergens, safe eating and the rules at the relevant setting. The NVWA provides information about allergen labelling on food packaging; schools may also have their own rules about peanuts.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by asking yourself whether you’re really looking for a low-fat product or simply an unsalted snack. Then check the ingredients, whether it’s safe for your child and the rules at the place where the snack will be eaten.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most important for?
Fat content and claims Check the fat per 100 grams and, for a ‘reduced-fat’ claim, see what it’s being compared with. For solid foods, the European Commission defines ‘low-fat’ as no more than 3 grams of fat per 100 grams. If I’m mainly looking to reduce fat, I check the nutrition table and the exact claim, not just how the product is made. Around 31% of consumers prioritise reducing fat.
Allergies and safe eating Read the ingredients and any relevant warnings, and check the rules at the school or childcare setting. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts to children under 4; older children can also choke on them. If I’m packing the snack for a place with its own rules, I check those in advance and take allergies and chewing ability into account. Around 25% of consumers prioritise safety or permission at the location.
Unsalted ingredients Check that the variety is unsalted, and read the ingredients and salt content per 100 grams. Unsalted doesn’t automatically mean low-fat. For a regular snack, I mainly want to be able to assess whether it’s unsalted, without assuming that it’s reduced-fat. Around 25% of consumers prioritise the everyday ingredients.
Packaging and storage Compare the net weight with how you plan to portion out the peanuts, and follow the storage instructions on the exact packaging once opened. If I want to take portions with me or open a larger bag more than once, I check the pack size and how to store the rest according to the label. Around 19% of consumers prioritise portioning, taking snacks along and storage.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming oven-baked means low-fat

    ‘No added oil’ describes how a product is made, not its total fat content. Duyvis lists 47 grams of fat per 100 grams for Oven Baked Original.

    Read the nutrition table alongside the preparation claim and check the fat per 100 grams.

  • Comparing a reduced-fat claim with the wrong product

    A comparative claim is only useful if it’s clear which type of product is used as the reference. A comparison with peanuts in a crunchy coating doesn’t automatically tell you anything about plain peanuts.

    Check the full claim, the product used for comparison and the snack’s ingredients.

  • Using an adult portion as a guide for children

    A portion size shown on a label isn’t automatically right for every child. For example, Jumbo lists a 30-gram portion alongside reference information for an average adult.

    Use the portion size on the label as product information, not as personalised advice for a child.

  • Looking only at the pack size

    A larger bag contains more peanuts, but you’ll also need to store it once opened and portion it out if you want to pack smaller servings.

    Compare the net weight with how you’ll use the product, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.

Brands to compare

Duyvis

The unsalted and oven-baked varieties mentioned have different ingredients and preparation methods, making them useful for comparing labels side by side.

  • Duyvis lists 52 grams of fat per 100 grams for Pinda’s Ongezouten. For Oven Baked Original, the manufacturer lists 47 grams of fat per 100 grams and says it’s made without added oil or fat.
  • Being oven-baked doesn’t make this variety low-fat. For solid foods, the European Commission defines low-fat as no more than 3 grams of fat per 100 grams.

Albert Heijn

AH Pinda’s ongezouten is described as a 500-gram pack, which may be useful if you want to divide it between several occasions.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information lists 97% peanuts, sunflower oil, 0 grams of salt and 51 grams of fat per 100 grams for this variety.
  • The unsalted version isn’t proof of reduced fat; assess the fat content separately.

Jumbo

Jumbo Pinda’s Ongezouten is described as a 250-gram pack.

  • Jumbo’s product information lists 99.5% peanuts, sunflower oil, 48 grams of fat and 0.01 grams of salt per 100 grams.
  • These figures alone don’t confirm a claim that the product has less fat than another.

PLUS

PLUS Pinda’s ongezouten is described as a 250-gram variety whose ingredients and nutritional values can be compared.

  • PLUS product information lists 99% peanuts, sunflower oil, 50 grams of fat and 0.02 grams of salt per 100 grams.
  • The unsalted version isn’t necessarily low-fat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also warns that whole peanuts can cause choking, even in older children.

Lidl

Lidl Netherlands lists unsalted peanuts as a product type in its own range.

  • The product listing confirms that these are unsalted peanuts.
  • The listing doesn’t provide a basis for describing the variety as low-fat or reduced-fat.

ALDI

ALDI Netherlands lists Trader Joe’s Peanuts, 250 grams, as an unsalted product.

  • The product information confirms the product name, 250-gram pack size and unsalted variety.
  • This information doesn’t support a claim that the variety is low-fat or reduced-fat.

Peanuts at Joybuy

These are standard peanuts for anyone looking for an unsalted variety, roasted peanuts or peanuts in their shells. They aren’t a low-fat option: the figures listed are well above the European Commission’s threshold for ‘low-fat’ solid foods.

g'woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g

g’woon Unsalted Peanuts - 250g

An unsalted variety for anyone focused on salt and ingredients, rather than low fat content.

The product information lists 99% peanuts, sunflower oil, 0.02 grams of salt and 50 grams of fat per 100 grams. The description also mentions possible traces of cashews. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts to children under 4; older children can also choke on them.

View at Joybuy
g’woon peanuts in their shells, 500 g

G’woon Peanuts in Shell - 500 g

This variety is for anyone specifically looking for peanuts in their shells; the product name makes no claim that they’re unsalted or low-fat.

The product information lists 49 grams of fat and 0.12 grams of salt per 100 grams. The fat content is above the threshold for ‘low-fat’ solid foods. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts to children under 4; older children can also choke on them.

Purchase link unavailable
Verse roasted peanuts, 210 g

Verse Extra Large Roasted Peanuts - 210 g

A roasted variety for anyone looking for a snack made with unsalted peanuts, rather than specifically seeking a low-fat option.

The product information lists 100% peanuts, 0.02 grams of salt and 50 grams of fat per 100 grams. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts to children under 4; older children can also choke on them.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘low-fat’ mean the same as ‘reduced-fat’?

No. According to the European Commission, ‘low-fat’ for solid foods means no more than 3 grams of fat per 100 grams. A claim such as ‘reduced-fat’ depends on the comparison with another product, so check which product is used as the reference.

Can my child eat whole peanuts?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts or nuts to children under 4. Older children can also choke on them. Make sure your child eats calmly at the table and stay with them; if you’re unsure whether they can chew properly, follow the advice of the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.

Is there a general ban on peanuts at schools in the Netherlands?

Schools and childcare settings may have their own rules, so check the policy at the place where your child will eat the snack. For example, OBS De Venen publishes its own ban on peanuts and nuts at the school; this isn’t a nationwide rule.

Are peanuts and tree nuts the same when checking for allergies?

No. Peanuts are legumes, while tree nuts are a separate group. Check the ingredients and any relevant warnings on the label; the NVWA explains which allergenic ingredients must be declared.

Has there been a recall of AH peanuts?

On 20 May 2026, Albert Heijn issued a warning about AH Pinda’s extra groot gezouten in a tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026, due to possible metal fragments. The warning applies to that specific variety and date, not all AH peanuts. Check that your pack exactly matches the product and date details in the warning.