If you want to be sure you’re choosing a product with less fat, compare the nutritional information for the exact variety with that of a similar product. Oven-baked or unsalted does not, in itself, mean that peanuts contain less fat. Duyvis says its Oven Baked Original is made without added oil or fat, but this describes how it is prepared and does not prove that it has a lower fat content.
You want to know whether the exact variety really has a lower fat content, and you don’t confuse a preparation method with a nutritional claim. The European Commission and EUFIC explain different types of claims. Duyvis’s product information also shows why preparation method and fat content should be assessed separately.
You want to keep eating peanuts but pay close attention to portion size and composition. Unsalted peanuts are a different choice from peanuts with a reduced fat content. The Voedingscentrum provides general nutritional information about unsalted peanuts and nuts.
You want to add a variety to your grocery order and check whether it’s available to order online or only in store. The product listings we reviewed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo, PLUS and Lidl, among others, illustrate the difference.
First decide whether a proven reduction in fat is essential. Then consider the preparation method, flavour and ease of ordering.
The percentages below give an approximate breakdown of the priorities of consumers who want to order peanuts online for a lighter snack.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Actual fat reduction | Compare the fat per 100 g and check what any claim is based on. | If having less fat is your top priority, you’ll want to compare the exact variety with a similar product. Around 36% of consumers give a proven reduction in fat top priority. |
| Portion size and nutritional composition | Check the portion size, saturated fat and other nutritional values; unsalted does not mean low in fat. | If you mainly want to keep track of how much you eat, portion size is just as relevant to you as the product variety. Around 29% of consumers prioritise portion size and nutritional quality. |
| Flavour and ingredients | Check the flavour variety, ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging. | If flavour and ingredients determine your choice, you’ll want to know exactly what the variety contains and which flavour you’re ordering. Around 21% of consumers prioritise these points. |
| Ease of ordering online | Check whether the variety is available to order online, and review the pack size and ordering conditions. | If you want to add peanuts to your groceries, it matters whether they’re available through your chosen delivery service. Around 14% of consumers say ease of online ordering and the conditions of the order are their top priorities. |
For solid foods, the European Commission defines ‘low fat’ as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. EUFIC describes ‘reduced fat’ as containing at least 30% less fat than a similar product. This is general guidance, not an assessment of a specific pack of peanuts. For a 25 g handful of ordinary unsalted peanuts, the Voedingscentrum lists 12.9 g of fat, including 1.9 g of saturated fat. This is category-level information, not a value that applies to every variety.
Preparation method, salt content and total fat content are different properties. The Voedingscentrum lists 12.9 g of fat per 25 g portion of ordinary unsalted peanuts.
Check the nutritional information for the exact variety and compare the fat per 100 g with a similar product. Don’t use ‘oven-baked’ or ‘unsalted’ as a substitute for making that comparison.
A lower fat content alone doesn’t tell you about the overall nutritional composition. EUFIC notes that reformulated products may contain more sugar or salt; this is not an established feature of any specific peanut variety.
Check the energy, sugars, salt and portion size on the packaging too before choosing a variety.
The Lidl listing we reviewed for roasted and salted peanuts says they’re sold in store. So an online product listing doesn’t automatically mean you can have the product delivered.
Check the sales channel and the terms of your chosen grocery service before completing your order.
If a product is only available in store, you may need to make a separate trip. Delivery orders may also be subject to conditions relating to the total order.
Worth considering if you want to take the preparation method of Oven Baked Peanuts Original into account. The manufacturer says this variety is roasted without added oil or fat, but that doesn’t prove it’s a reduced-fat variety.
The own-brand range offers an unsalted option if that’s what you’re looking for in your grocery shop.
The product listings we reviewed include Jumbo Dry Roasted Peanuts and Duyvis Oven Baked Original.
The own-brand listing we reviewed is for unsalted peanuts in a 250 g bag.
The Dutch listing we reviewed is for 500 g of roasted and salted peanuts.
The listing we reviewed is for Trader Joe’s Dry roasted peanuts, 225 g, with herbs or black pepper.
These Joybuy products are peanut snacks to compare by product type, ingredients and stated nutritional values. A preparation method or an unsalted variety does not, in itself, prove a reduction in fat.
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A good choice if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat savoury peanut snack.
The product description lists 70% peanuts and 38.3 g of fat per 100 g.
According to the product description, the snack contains peanuts, wheat and soya.
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A good choice if you’re looking for unsalted peanuts; being unsalted says nothing about whether the fat content has been reduced.
The product description lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil.
According to the product description, the product may contain cashew nuts.
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A good choice if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat peanut snack with garlic and spareribs flavour.
The product description lists 30.0 g of fat per 100 g.
The ingredients description includes wheat, vegetable oil, sugar and salt, among other things.
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A good choice if you’re looking for a classic salted peanut snack, but not if your choice is based solely on a lower fat content.
The product description lists peanuts, sunflower oil and salt, and 52 g of fat per 100 g.
The product description warns that these peanuts are not recommended for children under 5 due to the risk of choking.
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A good choice if you’re looking for a roasted peanut snack with a tea aroma to share.
The product description lists peanuts, salt, tea and flavourings as ingredients.
No. For the ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. EUFIC describes ‘reduced fat’ as containing at least 30% less fat than a similar product. So compare the full claim and the nutritional information on the exact pack.
No. The preparation method alone does not prove a reduced fat content. Duyvis says Oven Baked Peanuts Original is made without added oil or fat; you should also compare the nutritional information for the exact variety.
Check the ordering options on the specific product listing and the terms of your chosen delivery service. The Lidl listing we reviewed for roasted and salted peanuts says they’re sold in store; a product page alone doesn’t confirm that delivery is available.
Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergen information on the exact packaging. Business.gov.nl says that food information in the Netherlands must be in Dutch and available online; the NVWA says that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products.
Don’t eat that specific pack. Albert Heijn has recalled the tub with this best-before date because it may contain metal fragments. The warning applies to this pack and date only, not automatically to all AH peanuts.
