If you want to snack mindfully in student accommodation, start by weighing out a portion and comparing nutritional values per 100 g. A smaller portion doesn’t make coated peanuts low in calories. The PLUS Mild and Oriental Style varieties reviewed list 528 and 526 kcal per 100 g respectively – a difference of just 0.5 kcal per 25 g portion. So choose based on flavour, ingredients and what suits your housemates, too.
You want to keep eating coated peanuts, but be more mindful of how much you have. Weigh out your portion and check the energy per 100 g, too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 133 kcal for a typical 25 g handful; nutritional values can vary between products.
You want to choose a pack that suits how much you can store and use. Compare the net weight and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
You’re choosing snacks for drinks or a housewarming and want to take flavour preferences, dietary requirements and allergies into account. Check the ingredients of the exact variety before sharing.
Start by comparing portion size and nutritional value, then consider which flavour, ingredients and pack suit the way you’ll use them.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay extra attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Check the kcal per 100 g, weigh your portion and compare products at the same weight. | If I want a smaller snack portion, I look at both the weight and the nutritional value. Around 42% of consumers put the amount of energy per snacking occasion first. |
| Pack size | Check the net weight and think about how much you can use over several snacking occasions. | If I choose a large bag to keep in stock, I want the contents to suit what I can store and finish. For around 25% of consumers, having the right amount comes first. |
| Flavour and ingredients | Check the ingredients and allergens for the specific flavour variety. | If I share snacks with housemates, I want to take their flavour preferences and dietary requirements into account. Around 17% of consumers put this at the top of their list. |
| Storage after opening | Follow the storage advice on the packaging and seal the bag properly after use. | If I want to enjoy a bag over several occasions, I check the storage instructions. Around 16% of consumers say practical storage is their main consideration. |
A smaller portion may provide less energy, but it doesn’t change the nutritional value per 100 g. According to the European Commission, a solid food can only be described as low in energy if it contains no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g.
Treat regular coated peanuts as a snack you can portion out. Always compare nutritional values for the same amount.
PLUS lists 528 kcal per 100 g for Mild and 526 kcal per 100 g for Oriental Style. For a 25 g portion, that works out to a difference of 0.5 kcal; the flavour name doesn’t indicate a low energy value.
Choose based on flavour and suitable ingredients. Don’t let a small difference in energy outweigh your portion size.
PLUS describes Oriental Style as vegan, but according to the product information, it contains peanuts and wheat/gluten. Mild lists milk and celery, among other ingredients.
Check dietary requirements and allergies separately against the label for the exact variety. Keep the packaging by the snack bowl when sharing.
Duyvis describes its Borrelnootjes Provencale as peanuts with a crunchy coating and an onion and garlic flavour.
AH Borrelnoten cocktail is an own-brand option sold by Albert Heijn.
Jumbo describes its Borrelnoten Cocktail 300 g as peanuts with a crunchy dough coating.
The official product pages for the PLUS varieties reviewed provide nutritional values, ingredients and allergen information.
Lidl presents Alesto as a range of nuts, dried fruit and party snacks.
This selection includes coated peanuts in a range of flavours and pack sizes. If you want to snack mindfully, weigh out your portion and compare the nutritional information for the exact variety.
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A savoury, seasoned coated peanut for a snack break; the product description says it’s ready to eat, with no preparation needed.
Pack size: 275 g.
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An option if you’re after a crunchy coating and mild curry flavour; the product description says they’re peanuts with a crunchy coating.
Pack size: 275 g.
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An onion and garlic variety with crunchy-coated peanuts; the product description gives a portion size of 30 g.
Pack size: 125 g. The description says there are 4–5 portions per pack.
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A savoury snack for anyone who likes BBQ and paprika flavours; the product description mentions a double coating.
Pack size: 275 g.
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A Provençal onion and garlic variety with crunchy-coated peanuts. Joybuy’s product information lists 542 kcal per 100 g.
Pack size: 275 g. The stated nutritional value doesn’t justify describing this product as low in calories.
No, not just because the pack or portion is small. According to the European Commission, a solid food can only be described as low in energy if it contains no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. A smaller portion may contain less energy, but it doesn’t change the nutritional value per 100 g.
The difference between the PLUS varieties reviewed is small: Mild lists 528 kcal and Oriental Style 526 kcal per 100 g. For a 25 g portion, that works out to a difference of 0.5 kcal. Compare the exact labels and choose based on flavour and ingredients, too.
Follow the instructions on the specific pack. For the varieties reviewed, PLUS advises storing them in a cool, dry, dark place. Joybuy’s product information for Duyvis Provençal 275 g advises keeping the pack tightly sealed after opening; this isn’t a general storage-life recommendation for all varieties.
Not necessarily. PLUS describes Oriental Style as vegan, but the product information lists peanuts and wheat/gluten. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) provides information on allergen labelling; always check the label on the exact pack before buying or sharing.
Ask about any relevant dietary requirements and allergies, and check the ingredients of the flavour you choose. The PLUS product information reviewed shows that Mild and Oriental Style list different ingredients and allergens; a vegan label doesn’t mean a product is allergen-free.
