Holiday snackers keeping an eye on fat
You’re looking for nuts to enjoy as a snack and want to know whether a product genuinely makes a comparative lower-fat claim, or has simply been prepared without added fat.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Parents who offer snacks regularly
As well as any fat claim, you consider unsalted options, the ingredients and how safely children can eat the snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes unsalted nuts in its Wheel of Five.
Families sharing a pack
You consider how much you’ll need for several snack breaks, any allergens that could affect those eating with you, and the storage instructions on the pack.
What should you look for when choosing nuts for the school holidays?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Which consumers does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| A genuine fat comparison | Read the full claim and check which reference product it names. SPAR’s claim for Duyvis Sweet Paprika compares it with ordinary peanuts in a crispy coating; also compare the nutritional values on a like-for-like basis. | If I’m choosing specifically to reduce fat, I want to know what the product is compared with and exactly what the claim covers. Around 33% of consumers put reducing fat first. |
| A regular snack | Check whether the nuts are unsalted, look at the ingredients and choose a portion to suit the occasion. | If I regularly offer nuts during the holidays, I look beyond fat to the ingredients and the amount per serving. Around 27% of consumers focus primarily on the nutritional quality of everyday foods. |
| Allergens and eating safely | Read the allergen information on the pack. For young children, also consider the texture of the snack and make sure they eat calmly, sitting down and under supervision. | If children or other family members will be eating too, I want to check first that the snack is suitable for them and what allergens it contains. For around 27% of consumers, suitability and safety are the main concern. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare the pack size with the number of snack breaks and follow the storage instructions on the pack. | If I’m buying a bag for several days, I want an amount that suits how we’ll use it and to know how to store it. Around 13% of consumers focus primarily on pack size and storage. |
Common pitfalls
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Confusing ‘no added fat’ with ‘lower fat’
The description ‘prepared without adding oil or fat’ tells you how the product was made. On its own, it doesn’t prove that the total fat content is lower than that of another variety.
Compare the labels of the exact products and look at total fat separately from the ingredients and preparation method.
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Comparing a claim with a different type of snack
SPAR’s claim for Duyvis Sweet Paprika compares it with ordinary peanuts in a crispy coating. That comparison doesn’t tell you how the product compares with all unsalted nuts.
Use the stated reference and, when making your own choice, also compare the serving size, energy and salt on the label.
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Prioritising a nutrition claim over suitability for the person eating it
A fat claim doesn’t change the allergens or the choking risk posed by hard nuts. The NVWA states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products. Jumbo warns that its nut mix may pose a choking risk to small children.
Check the allergen information and consider whether the snack is suitable for everyone eating with you. VeiligheidNL advises that children sit calmly while eating and that an adult stays with them.
Brands to consider
Duyvis
The product ranges reviewed include oven-baked peanuts made without added fat and party nuts with a specific lower-fat claim.
- Duyvis describes Oven Baked Peanuts Original as prepared without adding oil or fat.
- SPAR states that Sweet Paprika has 30% less fat than ordinary peanuts in a crispy coating. This is a product claim, not an independent measurement or a comparison with unsalted nuts in general.
Albert Heijn
AH Unsalted Nut Mix is a supermarket own-brand option if you’re looking for an unsalted nut mix.
- The product page describes it as unsalted.
- The name doesn’t prove that it has less fat. AH advises checking the pack, as product information can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unroasted Nut Mix 200 g is an unroasted, unsalted mix containing walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews and almonds.
- The product information distinguishes between unroasted nuts and nuts fried in oil.
- The product information doesn’t support a claim that the mix is low in fat. Jumbo warns that small children may choke on this mix.
Lidl
Alesto is the brand Lidl uses for nuts, dried fruit and snacks.
- The range makes the brand a useful starting point when exploring nut snacks.
- The brand’s range doesn’t prove that every variety is unsalted or lower in fat. Check the exact pack.
ALDI
Trader Joe’s Unsalted Nut Mix is one own-brand option to consider.
- The product page describes an unsalted mix of almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and Brazil nuts.
- The ingredients alone don’t prove that it has less fat; check the nutritional information for the exact variety.
PLUS
PLUS Unroasted Unsalted Nut Mix 500 g is an own-brand unsalted option in a stated pack size of 500 g.
- The product page lists the name, preparation method and pack size.
- The pack size doesn’t prove that the product has a lower fat content. Check the pack for the latest product information.
Unsalted nuts at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are unsalted nut options for snack breaks. If you’re choosing based on fat content, check the nutritional information for the exact variety.
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g'woon unsalted peanuts - 250 g
An option if you’re looking for an unsalted portion of peanuts for a snack break.
The product name specifies unsalted peanuts and a pack size of 250 g. The listed product information names peanuts and says the product may contain cashews.
There is a choking risk for young children; make sure they eat calmly, sitting down and under supervision.
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g'woon raw unsalted almonds - 200 g
An option if you’re specifically looking for unsalted almonds for a snack break.
The product name specifies raw, unsalted almonds and a pack size of 200 g. The product information lists almonds.
There is a choking risk for young children; make sure they eat calmly, sitting down and under supervision.
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g'woon roasted unsalted cashews - 200 g
An option if you’re looking for roasted, unsalted cashews for a snack break.
The product name specifies roasted cashews with no added salt and a pack size of 200 g. The product information lists cashews.
There is a choking risk for young children; make sure they eat calmly, sitting down and under supervision.
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g'woon unroasted nut mix - 500 g
An option if you’re looking for a mix of different nuts for snack breaks.
The product information describes an unsalted mix of hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews; the product name specifies 500 g. The mix may contain traces of peanuts.
There is a choking risk for young children; make sure they eat calmly, sitting down and under supervision.
No image available
g'woon unsalted nut mix - 200 g
An option if you want a mix of different nuts in one unsalted snack.
The product name specifies an unsalted nut mix and a pack size of 200 g. The product information lists peanuts, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts.
There is a choking risk for young children; make sure they eat calmly, sitting down and under supervision.
Frequently asked questions
How should I store a nut mix for several days of the holidays?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack. For the unroasted nut mix reviewed, Jumbo advises storing it in a cool, dry, dark place; this guidance doesn’t necessarily apply to every other variety.
Does allergen information have to appear on a prepacked bag of nuts?
Yes. The NVWA states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products. Check the pack for everyone eating with you; peanuts and tree nuts are separate allergens.
What should I consider if children are sharing the same bag?
First check the allergen information and consider whether the texture of the snack is suitable. Small children can choke on nuts; VeiligheidNL advises that children sit calmly while eating and that an adult stays with them.
What does ‘no added fat’ mean for nuts?
This describes how the product was prepared; it doesn’t automatically mean that its total fat content is lower than that of another variety. Duyvis describes Oven Baked Peanuts Original as made without adding oil or fat. To compare products, check the nutritional information for the exact varieties.
What should I do if the online product information differs from the pack?
Use the pack as your guide before eating the product. Albert Heijn advises checking the pack, as product information such as ingredients, nutritional values and allergen details can change.