Who is this relevant to?

People packing lunches who keep an eye on portions

You want to include an extra snack and consider how much is in the bag, and whether you can store the rest properly after opening.

People packing lunches with allergy requirements to consider

Your choice needs to suit a known food allergy and any school rules on peanuts or nuts. Check the label for other allergens too.

Careful snack planners

You want to weigh up the flavour and portion size against the nutritional values, without automatically applying advice about unsalted nuts to cocktail peanuts.

What should you look for when choosing?

First choose a variety that meets any allergy requirements and school rules; then consider the ingredients, quantity and flavour.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Allergens and school rules Read the information on the pack for the exact flavour and note the difference between ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’. Check how the school handles peanuts, nuts and possible traces. If I need to take an allergy or school rule into account, I check the full ingredients and allergen information before choosing a variety. Around 30% of consumers put these requirements first.
Nutritional values Compare values per 100 g or calculate them for the same quantity. For example, check the salt content and the stated peanut percentage. If I want to know what the snack adds to the lunch, I look at the ingredients and the amount being eaten. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this when making their food choices.
Portioning and storage Check the net weight, stated serving size and storage advice after opening. Manufacturer serving sizes are not personal recommendations. If I want to divide the contents between several lunches, I consider how I can reseal the pack after opening. Around 20% of consumers prioritise portioning and storage.
Flavour and variety Check the exact flavour name and variety; product ranges with several flavours do not necessarily have the same ingredients or nutritional values. When I’m looking for a particular flavour, I compare the variety description rather than relying on the brand name alone. Around 20% of consumers make flavour their first consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Checking only for peanuts and nuts

    A variety may also contain other allergens, such as milk, wheat or celery. Ingredients and the possibility of cross-contamination can vary by flavour.

    Read the allergen information on the pack for the exact variety and note the difference between what the product contains and what may be present.

  • Taking a flavour name as nutritional information

    ‘Mild’ describes the flavour and, by itself, says nothing about the salt content. A claim about colourings does not tell you anything about allergens or nutritional values either.

    Use the ingredients list and nutrition table for that information; treat flavour descriptions and brand claims as separate product information.

  • Comparing different serving sizes directly

    An AH Cocktail pack lists a serving size of 25 g, while the Duyvis Cocktail nutrition table uses 30 g. Comparing the values per serving therefore also means comparing different weights.

    Compare the nutritional values per 100 g or calculate them for the same quantity.

Brands to compare

Duyvis

The Cocktail variety is a specific option if you’re looking for this flavour; the label information applies to that particular pack.

  • The product information lists ingredients, allergens, nutritional values and storage instructions for the Cocktail variety.
  • Duyvis describes the variety as made without artificial colourings; this is a brand claim, not an independent quality assessment.

Albert Heijn

The AH Cocktail pack is a supermarket own-brand variety with information about its ingredients and a manufacturer serving size.

  • The product information includes the peanut percentage, nutritional values and a serving size reference of 25 g.
  • The serving size reference is not personal dietary advice; product information may change.

Jumbo

The Cocktail variety comes in separate 300 g and 500 g packs, offering different quantities to keep at home.

  • The product information describes the snack as peanuts with a crunchy batter coating.
  • Pack weights and product features apply to specific varieties; check the pack you choose and its storage advice.

Lidl

The retailer lists a range of cocktail nuts, with several varieties available in 300 g packs.

  • The varieties listed give you a starting point if you want to look at cocktail nuts while doing your usual shop.
  • Check the flavour and label information on the specific pack; features of another variety do not necessarily apply.

ALDI

The range includes TRADER JOE’S Borrelnoten Cocktail, as well as Oriental and Provençal varieties.

  • The varieties listed are easy to distinguish by their flavour names.
  • Ingredients and flavour can vary by variety; don’t treat a claim on an ALDI page as an independent test result.

PLUS

PLUS offers a cocktail nut variety described as mild; this refers to the flavour.

  • The product information lists ingredients, allergens and nutritional values for the Mild variety.
  • The product information lists peanuts, wheat, milk and celery, among other ingredients; always check the label on the pack.

Cocktail peanuts on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are 25 g or 30 g servings a recommended amount for a packed lunch?

No. The values for AH Cocktail and Duyvis Cocktail are manufacturer references for serving sizes or nutritional values, not personal advice for a schoolchild. The Duyvis nutrition table also links the percentages to the reference intake of an average adult.

How should I store cocktail peanuts after opening?

Store AH Cocktail in a cool, dark and dry place, and seal the pack properly after use. For Duyvis Cocktail, the advice is to store it in a cool, dry place; after opening, you can transfer the contents to a lightproof, airtight container.

What allergen information must appear on a prepacked product?

According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label. Peanuts and nuts are separate allergen categories; wheat and milk may also be relevant, for example. This labelling rule does not determine the policy of any individual school.

Does ‘mild’ mean that cocktail peanuts are low in salt?

No. For PLUS Borrelnoten Mild, ‘mild’ describes the flavour; the nutrition table lists 1,438 g of salt per 100 g. Check the nutrition table and compare products for the same quantity.