If you’re choosing cocktail nuts and watching your calorie intake, start by comparing the nutritional information per 100g, then weigh your own portion. The four varieties compared contain between 527 and 541 kcal per 100g; none meets the European requirement for a ‘low energy’ claim. Measuring out a portion helps you keep track of how much you’re eating, but it doesn’t change the energy value per 100g.
You want to take cocktail nuts with you and know in advance how many calories are in your portion. Compare products at the same weight, and don’t assume the serving size on the pack is automatically right for you.
You’re looking for cocktail nuts with a lower energy value and don’t want to rely on a brand name or flavour description. Check the kcal per 100g, and distinguish ‘lower in calories’ from a ‘low energy’ claim.
You’re sharing snacks and choosing the packaging, storage and ingredients to suit your group. If anyone has a food allergy or there are young children, allergen information and choking warnings are important in their own right.
First compare the nutritional information per 100g, then decide on your own portion and finally check that the packaging and ingredients are suitable for your picnic.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Calories in your portion | Compare kcal per 100g, then weigh your own portion. Calculate it as follows: kcal per 100g × portion weight ÷ 100. | If I want to know in advance how many calories are in the portion I’m taking with me, I check the weight I’ve measured out. Around 36% of consumers prioritise portion control. |
| Energy value per 100g | Compare the same type and flavour of product on the same weight basis. Don’t use ‘low calorie’ as a synonym for a slightly lower value. | If you’re looking for a lower energy value at the same weight, you’ll want to compare the labels directly. Around 29% of consumers give this top priority. |
| Taking it with you and storage | Check whether the packaging is resealable and follow the storage instructions for your chosen variety; take an airtight container if needed. | If I want to keep an opened bag after the picnic, I check how to seal and store it according to the label. Around 21% of consumers consider ease of taking snacks with them the most important factor. |
| Suitable for your group | Check the ingredients, allergens and any warnings on the current packaging. Also bear in mind the warning for young children. | If you’re sharing snacks with someone for whom an allergen or warning is relevant, check this information before comparing calories. Around 14% of consumers prioritise suitability for their group. |
The stated values for the four varieties compared range from 527 kcal per 100g for Jumbo Cocktail to 541 kcal for Duyvis Cocktail. A 25g portion works out at 131.75 and 135.25 kcal respectively: a difference of 3.5 kcal based on the label values. Jumbo, PLUS, Albert Heijn and Duyvis list the values for their own varieties; for solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal per 100g for a ‘low energy’ claim.
A smaller portion reduces the total amount you eat, but not the energy value per 100g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 133 kcal as a general reference for 25g of cocktail nuts; for a specific variety, use the nutritional information on the packaging.
Calories per serving depend on the serving weight. Duyvis lists a 30g serving for Cocktail, while Albert Heijn and Jumbo use 25g. This means the serving values aren’t directly comparable.
First compare the kcal per 100g, then calculate the amount you’ve weighed out for yourself.
For PLUS, ‘Mild’ describes the flavour. The nutrition table lists 528 kcal per 100g; the flavour name alone doesn’t indicate a lower energy value.
Use the nutrition table to compare calories and the flavour description to choose what you’ll enjoy.
A pack can contain several portions. Albert Heijn lists 10 portions of 25g in its 250g pack; Jumbo lists 12 portions in its 300g pack.
Decide at home how much you want to take with you, and set the rest aside to share or store.
Allergens vary between varieties. The ingredients listed for these products include peanuts, wheat and milk, and, in PLUS Mild, celery.
If a food allergy is relevant, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging before choosing a product to share.
Duyvis sells cocktail nuts in a range of flavours and pack sizes.
The own-brand range includes Cocktail nuts in a 250g pack.
Jumbo’s own-brand range includes Cocktail nuts in a 300g pack.
The PLUS own-brand range includes Mild cocktail nuts in a 300g pack.
Lidl lists cocktail nuts and also has the Alesto range of nuts and party snacks.
ALDI lists TRADER JOE'S Cocktail Nuts, 300g, among other flavour varieties.
For solid foods, a ‘low energy’ claim requires a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100g. The European Commission sets out this requirement for nutrition claims. The four varieties compared contain between 527 and 541 kcal per 100g, so they don’t meet it; this is a claim requirement, not personal dietary advice.
Multiply the kcal per 100g by the weight of your portion, then divide by 100. For AH Cocktail, based on 532 kcal per 100g and a 25g portion: 532 × 25 ÷ 100 = 133 kcal. Nutritional values are averages; this calculation isn’t a measurement of your portion.
Not if a food allergy is relevant. Ingredients and allergens vary between varieties: PLUS Mild, for example, also lists celery, while Jumbo Cocktail lists peanuts and wheat. Check the current packaging for the guest concerned.
The Albert Heijn, Duyvis and PLUS product pages warn that young children could choke on peanuts. Treat this as a separate consideration when choosing snacks; a lower energy value doesn’t change the risk.
Follow the instructions for your chosen variety. Albert Heijn recommends storing the product in a cool, dark and dry place and closing the pack securely after use. Duyvis recommends storing an opened bag in a lightproof, airtight container.
