If you want a low fat content per 100 g, compare the nutritional information for chestnuts with that for regular nuts. If you’re looking for a snack to serve with drinks that claims to contain less fat, check what it’s being compared with too. The European Commission sets the threshold for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods at no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. Choosing a smaller portion of regular nuts changes how much you eat, but not the fat content of the product. If children under four are joining in, don’t give them whole nuts and check the allergen information on each pack.
You’re looking for a nut snack with less fat and want to know exactly what the claim compares and how much you’ll eat per portion. The European Commission sets the threshold for a ‘low fat’ claim; a historical Albert Heijn product listing shows why it’s also important to check what a claim is based on.
You’re buying snacks for an Easter egg hunt and want to choose an appropriate format if children under four or guests with a relevant allergy are joining in. MDL Fonds advises against giving whole nuts to children under four; the NVWA explains where to find allergen information.
You want to serve unsalted nuts in measured portions and choose a pack that suits your needs. Nutritional information and the pack size help you compare portions; unsalted doesn’t automatically mean low in fat.
Distinguish between fat per 100 g, the amount you eat per portion and the snack format that’s right for your guests. For solid foods, the European Commission sets the threshold for a ‘low fat’ claim at no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Less fat or low fat | Read the full claim and what it’s based on; compare fat per 100 g. | If I want less fat, I check what the claim is based on and how much fat the product contains. Around 36% of consumers prioritise reducing the fat content of products. |
| Suitable for your guests | Choose an appropriate format for children under four; check the ingredients and allergen information. | If young children or guests with a relevant allergy are coming along, I want to choose a snack that’s suitable for them. Around 29% of consumers prioritise suitability for their guests. |
| Portion size and salt | Compare fat and salt per 100 g and per weighed portion; unsalted isn’t a claim about fat. | If I want to serve regular unsalted nuts, I prefer to weigh out the portion myself rather than mistake ‘unsalted’ for ‘low fat’. Around 21% of consumers prioritise portion control and unsalted snacks. |
| Packaging and preparation | Check the pack size and portioning; follow the storage instructions after opening. | If I want to serve or prepare snacks in advance, I check whether there are individual portions and how much preparation is needed. Around 14% of consumers prioritise serving convenience and practical preparation. |
A historical Albert Heijn product listing for Duyvis Oven Roasted Borrelnoten Herbs&Onion stated that it contained 30% less fat than the Dutch average for regular peanuts in a crunchy coating. The same listing gave a fat content of 21 g per 100 g. The claim is therefore based on a comparison; it doesn’t mean the product meets the threshold for ‘low fat’.
Read the claim and its stated reference category alongside the nutrition table. For solid foods, the European Commission sets the threshold for ‘low fat’ at no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g.
The checked PLUS product Cashewnoten ongezouten ongebrand lists 46,5 g of fat per 100 g. Joybuy’s product listing for Duyvis Drooggeroosterde Gemengde Noten says no fat or oil has been added; on its own, this wording doesn’t compare the product’s total fat content.
Check total fat and portion size separately from salt and added oil.
MDL Fonds advises against giving whole nuts to children under four because of the risk of choking. Allergens are a separate consideration too.
Choose a suitable treat for young children and, where there are relevant allergies, check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack, as advised by the NVWA.
Albert Heijn’s historical product instructions for chestnuts say to score, roast, cool and peel them. The nutritional value of the uncooked product isn’t necessarily the same as that of a prepared portion with additional ingredients.
Choose this preparation method only if it suits your snack occasion, and check the packaging of the product you actually buy.
Preparation takes time; extra ingredients can change the nutritional value of the finished portion.
Duyvis has product ranges covering coated nuts, peanuts and mixes. A historical variant shows that a ‘less fat’ claim can be linked to a specific reference category.
The product information included, among other things, unroasted cashews and a historical listing for sweet chestnuts.
The product range includes different types of snacks, such as unsalted nut mixes, cashews and coated nuts to serve with drinks.
A Lidl listing describes Way To Go! unsalted cashews in a multipack of 3 × 25 g.
Aldi’s product listing features TRADER JOE’S roasted, unsalted cashews, 250 g.
The checked product information is for PLUS unsalted, unroasted cashews in a 200 g bag.
These ready-to-eat chestnuts are an alternative to regular nut snacks. Compare the stated fat content per 100 g and see which pack size suits your snack occasion.
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Peeled, roasted chestnuts are a good choice if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat chestnut snack.
The product information lists 1,4 g of fat, 170 kcal and 0,01 g of salt per 100 g. Ingredients: 100% chestnuts. Pack size: 125 g.
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Chestnut kernels are a good option if you want to portion a ready-to-eat snack into individual servings.
The product information lists 1,5 g of fat, 178 kcal and 0 g of salt per 100 g. Ingredient: chestnut. Pack size: two 110 g portions.
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These chestnut kernels are a good choice if you’re looking for a ready-to-eat snack and want to portion it yourself.
The product information lists 0,0 g of fat, 185 kcal and 0,0 g of salt per 100 g. Pack size: 300 g.
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According to the product name, these peeled chestnuts are ready to eat and come in individual bags.
The product information lists 1,7 g of fat, 191 kcal and 0 g of salt per 100 g. Pack size: ten 100 g bags.
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These pre-cut chestnuts are individually packed, making them a good choice if you want to serve ready-to-eat portions.
The product information lists 1,2 g of fat, 196 kcal and 0,01 g of salt per 100 g. Ingredients: chestnut and sugar. Pack size: 120 g.
No. For solid foods, the European Commission sets the threshold for a ‘low fat’ claim at no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. The checked PLUS product lists 46,5 g of fat per 100 g, so ‘unsalted’ describes a different quality.
No. ‘No added fat or oil’ doesn’t in itself mean that the total fat content is lower than that of a comparable product. Compare the nutritional information and read the full claim.
MDL Fonds advises against giving whole nuts to children under four because of the risk of choking. Choose a different format that suits the ingredients the child can eat; any allergies should be checked separately.
Read the allergen information on the specific pack. The NVWA states that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products; if there’s a relevant allergy, check the ingredients for the specific variant too.
First, compare products using the same basis shown on the label, then weigh the portion you want to serve. The value per 100 g describes the product; the amount of fat, energy and salt in a portion depends on how much you eat. Also check whether the values apply to the product before or after preparation.
