If you’re keeping an eye on calories, it’s best to choose a portion first, then compare the nutritional values for that exact product. A smaller portion contains less energy, but that doesn’t make the product itself low in calories. Also check the salt, ingredients and allergen information.
You want to take peanuts with you or buy some, and weigh out how much you’ll eat in advance. Compare the energy per 100 g, then decide on your own portion. The Voedingscentrum lists 157 kcal for a 25 g handful of unsalted peanuts.
You’re looking for peanuts with no added salt and want to know how much energy and salt are listed on the exact pack, too. The Voedingscentrum includes unsalted nuts in the Wheel of Five; that doesn’t mean they’re low in energy.
You might be looking for a curry flavour, a crunchy coating or a honey variety. If so, compare the ingredients, salt content and allergen information for the variety you’ve chosen.
Choose your portion size first, then compare the exact recipe and finally check that the pack and place of purchase suit your plans.
The breakdown below covers consumers looking for peanuts to enjoy as a calorie-conscious snack at a Christmas market. Each row describes a different primary buying priority.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g, then calculate the values for the same portion weight. | If I want to decide in advance how much energy my snack will provide, I compare the exact varieties using equal portions. Around 42% of consumers prioritise calories per portion. |
| Unsalted ingredients | Check the ingredients list and the declared salt and energy values. | If I don’t want added salt, I check the recipe as well as the front of the pack. Around 25% of consumers give unsalted ingredients top priority. |
| Festive flavour | Check the energy, sugar, salt, peanut content and allergen information. | If I choose a savoury or sweet variety, I want to know what’s in the coating besides peanuts. Taste is the top priority for around 17% of consumers. |
| Easy to take with you and store | Check the net weight, storage instructions and where you can buy it. | For a snack on the go, I want to be able to divide the pack into portions and store the rest as instructed. Around 16% of consumers consider ease of purchase and storage most important. |
Compare declared values per 100 g when looking at the nutritional content of different products. To compare portions, multiply the kcal per 100 g by your chosen number of grams, then divide by 100. This lets you compare, for example, a 25 g portion with a manufacturer’s 30 g portion without treating them as equal portions.
Unsalted peanuts can be a good choice if you want to reduce added salt, while still providing a lot of energy per gram.
Check energy and salt separately, and decide on your portion before you start snacking.
A 30 g portion contains more peanuts than a 25 g portion of the same product. This means a comparison based on the pack’s portion size may give a different impression from a comparison of equal portions.
Compare per 100 g first, then calculate the values for all varieties using the same portion weight.
Duyvis describes Oven Baked Peanuts Honey as oven-baked without oil. However, the ingredients information for Honey with a Hint of Salt does list sunflower oil. A description of how a product is made is not the same as its ingredients list.
Check the ingredients list for the exact variety you’re buying.
The Dutch product ranges reviewed include unsalted peanuts, Borrelnootjes Oriental and Oven Baked Peanuts Honey.
The AH Unsalted Peanuts reviewed are roasted and come in a 300 g pack.
Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts are a roasted variety in a 250 g pack.
The Lidl page reviewed describes roasted, unsalted peanuts in a 200 g pack.
The Dutch ALDI page reviewed describes Trader Joe’s roasted, unsalted peanuts in a 250 g pack.
PLUS Unsalted Peanuts are a roasted variety in a 250 g pack.
Joybuy’s selection of packaged peanuts, from unsalted peanuts to seasoned and flavoured varieties.
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This unsalted variety is a good fit if you’re looking for peanuts with no added salt and want to weigh out your own portion.
The product description lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil. May contain cashew nuts.
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This variety is for anyone looking for a seasoned peanut snack with a crunchy coating, rather than plain unsalted peanuts.
Makro lists 539 kcal and 1.4 g salt per 100 g. The product information lists peanuts, wheat, barley and soya; it may also contain milk, nuts and mustard.
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A honey and salt-flavoured variety for anyone who’d like to consider a sweet-and-savoury option alongside plain peanuts.
The product information lists 69% peanuts. Contains peanuts and wheat; may contain other nuts. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack for the exact variety.
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A flavoured peanut snack for anyone looking to compare an alternative to plain peanuts.
The product information lists 2420 kJ per 100 g. The ingredients list includes peanuts, sugar, salt and walnut flavouring; the product contains peanuts and soya.
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This roasted variety is an option if you’re looking for a different flavour in peanuts.
The product information lists peanuts in their shells and an oolong tea flavour. Check the product information and portion size before choosing.
Calculate both products for the same weight: kcal per 100 g × your chosen number of grams ÷ 100. Jumbo lists 181 kcal per 30 g for its unsalted peanuts; for 25 g, that works out at 150.5 kcal. The Voedingscentrum uses 25 g as a portion in its calorie checker.
Yes. According to the NVWA, allergen information for non-prepacked food must be available before purchase. It can be provided verbally, as long as customers are told somewhere that they can ask for it. Ask about the ingredients in the exact snack you’re considering; this information doesn’t guarantee that a product is suitable for everyone with an allergy.
No. Don’t rely on roasting or an unsalted recipe as a safety measure if you have a peanut allergy. According to Stichting Voedselallergie, the peanut allergen remains stable when heated. Other allergens may vary depending on the recipe.
Follow the instructions on the pack for your variety. For the unsalted peanuts reviewed, Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a cool, dark and dry place and sealing the pack well after use. For Oriental, Makro advises storing an opened bag in a light- and airtight container.
No. ‘Unsalted’ describes the salt content, not the amount of energy. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g for the exact variety, then choose the portion you want to eat.
