Choose based on the fat per 100 g and the amount you serve: a smaller portion of regular coated peanuts doesn’t make the product low-fat. Albert Heijn describes the Duyvis Oven Roasted varieties as containing 30% less fat, but they still have 21 g of fat per 100 g; the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. Albert Heijn’s pages list these varieties as discontinued. If children are joining in, have them sit down while eating and check the allergens for the exact variety.
You want a peanut with a crunchy coating, but you check the fat content and what the claim actually means first. A relatively lower fat content and a product that meets the threshold for a ‘low fat’ claim are not the same thing. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods.
You’re organising an Easter egg hunt and want to consider the children who’ll be eating too. Having them sit down while eating, keeping an eye on them and checking for peanuts, wheat and other allergens may matter more than a fat claim. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises having children sit calmly while eating.
You want to keep serving regular coated peanuts, but measure out the amount and check the nutritional values per portion. This helps you judge the portion size, but it doesn’t change the product’s composition.
First decide whether you’re mainly looking for a lower fat value per 100 g, want to measure out a portion, or need a snack that suits the people eating it. The percentages below refer to consumers looking for coated peanuts for a lighter snack during an Easter egg hunt; each point highlights their main consideration.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Less fat or low-fat | Check the exact claim, what it is being compared with and the fat per 100 g. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. | If you’re mainly looking for less fat in the same quantity, check both the claim and the nutritional information. Around 33% of consumers put reducing fat first. |
| Suitable for everyone taking part | Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact flavour. Have children sit down while eating and stay nearby. | If children or guests with allergies are eating too, you’ll want to know exactly what’s in the snack and how it should be eaten. Around 27% of consumers put suitability for everyone taking part first. |
| Portion size and nutritional value | Compare values per 100 g first, then look at the same serving size. Jumbo lists 8.1 g of fat and 131 kcal per 25 g portion of Provençal coated peanuts. | If you want to serve a measured amount, check the nutritional value of the portion, not just the packaging. Around 27% of consumers make portion control their main consideration. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the pack weight and follow the storage advice on the label. ALDI lists Trader Joe’s coated peanuts in a 300 g pack. | If you’re buying snacks for a gathering, you’ll want to be able to store and serve a suitable amount. Around 13% of consumers put practical shopping and storage first. |
Portion sizes on labels vary by product: Albert Heijn lists 25 g for AH Oriental, while the Duyvis Oven Roasted pages we checked use a 30 g portion. Don’t compare these values as though the portions were the same size.
A product can contain relatively less fat and still exceed the threshold for a ‘low fat’ claim. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for that claim on solid foods.
Compare the fat per 100 g and check what a claim is being compared with. Don’t use a smaller portion as proof that the product itself is low-fat.
AH Oriental is labelled lactose-free, but according to Albert Heijn it contains peanuts and wheat and may contain other nuts. So a claim on the front of the pack doesn’t mean the product is free from other allergens.
Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variety for everyone who’ll be eating it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on the label.
You may also need to arrange a separate snack for guests with specific food allergies.
The nutritional value listed per portion depends on the portion size. Albert Heijn lists 25 g for AH Oriental; the Duyvis Oven Roasted pages we checked use 30 g.
Compare values per 100 g first, then calculate them for the same serving size. This keeps the difference in portion size separate from the difference in product composition.
Useful for understanding the difference between regular coated peanuts and specific Oven Roasted varieties.
AH Oriental is a practical example for checking the nutritional values, portion size and allergens in regular coated peanuts.
Jumbo Provençal coated peanuts list nutritional values per 100 g and per portion, making it easy to compare quantities.
The Ham and Cheese variety is an example of how specific allergens can matter as well as flavour.
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s coated peanuts in Poesta, Paprika and Bacon Cheese flavours.
Lidl presents Alesto as a range of nuts, dried fruit and party snacks.
No. For a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. The Albert Heijn pages for the Duyvis Oven Roasted varieties we checked list 21 g per 100 g, so a claim of 30% less fat doesn’t make them low-fat.
Have children sit down while eating and stay nearby. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns about choking on whole nuts and peanuts; Albert Heijn also includes a warning about young children on AH Oriental. This is safety advice, not a guarantee that coated peanuts are suitable for every child.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that the allergens required by law must be listed in the ingredients list and distinguished from the other ingredients. Check the specific variety too: PLUS Ham and Cheese, for example, lists milk and lactose as well as peanuts and wheat.
Follow the storage advice on the label. For AH Oriental, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark and dry place and closing the pack securely after use. The Albert Heijn pages for the Duyvis Oven Roasted varieties we checked recommend storing an opened bag in a light- and airtight container.
