For children under 4, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends nut butter with no added sugar or salt instead of whole peanuts, because of the risk of choking. If peanuts are allowed under the childcare setting’s food policy, 100% peanut butter may be another option for lunch, but that doesn’t automatically make it a low-fat product. Consider a preference for lower-fat products separately from age and allergy requirements.
You’re buying lunch products for children under 4 and want to check which product form is suitable for their age. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends nut butter with no added sugar or salt instead of nuts.
You want to pack a lunch that follows the child’s individual allergy plan and the childcare setting’s requirements. A lower-fat claim doesn’t remove the peanut allergen. Leef Kind recommends asking the childcare setting about its specific allergy protocol.
You’re looking for lower-fat options, but don’t want to confuse party snacks, low-fat products and 100% peanut butter. The European Commission sets out the conditions for a ‘low fat’ claim; also compare nutritional values per 100 g on a like-for-like basis.
When this matters: Not as a whole snack for children under 4; a fat claim doesn’t change the advice on product form.
Consider: Duyvis Oven Roasted party nuts are compared with ordinary peanuts in a crunchy coating, not plain peanuts, and the claim doesn’t prove that the product is low in fat.
When this matters: Consider this as a bread spread if peanuts are allowed under the child’s dietary requirements and the childcare setting’s policy.
Consider: This is a different product form, not an automatically low-fat alternative. PLUS lists 53 g of fat per 100 g for its 350 g variant.
When this matters: Don’t choose a peanut product if the child’s individual allergy plan or the childcare setting’s current policy excludes peanuts.
Consider: Choose another lunch option that’s allowed under the childcare setting’s requirements.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should take this into account? |
|---|---|---|
| Age and product form | Check the child’s age and choose a texture in line with the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s advice. For children under 4, it recommends nut butter instead of nuts. | If I’m buying lunch for a child under 4, I want to choose a suitable product form first because of the choking risk. Around 36% of consumers prioritise an age-appropriate texture. |
| Allergies and childcare requirements | Read the ingredients and allergen information, and make sure your choice follows the child’s individual allergy plan and the childcare setting’s protocol. | If I’m catering for an allergy, I want to know whether peanuts and any other allergens are allowed under the requirements. Around 29% of consumers prioritise allergy requirements. |
| Comparing lower-fat options | Check what the product is being compared with and compare nutritional values per 100 g. For a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. | If I want to buy lower-fat products, I want to compare product categories and nutritional values on a like-for-like basis. Around 21% of consumers prioritise making an informed choice about lower-fat options. |
| Everyday use and packaging | Check the pack size and follow the usage and storage instructions on the label. Also take the childcare setting’s hygiene requirements into account. | If I’m buying lunch products for a group, I want a pack size and instructions that suit everyday use. Around 14% of consumers prioritise practical lunch use. |
For children under 4, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends nut butter instead of nuts because of the risk of choking. The fat content doesn’t change the choice of product form.
Check the child’s age and the product’s texture first, then compare nutritional values.
Duyvis Oven Roasted party nuts are compared with ordinary peanuts in a crunchy coating, based on the average in the Netherlands. This is not the same as comparing them with plain peanuts.
Check what the claim is compared with and compare products per 100 g within the right category.
For its 350 g peanut butter variant, PLUS lists 53 g of fat per 100 g, peanuts as an ingredient and a possible presence of cashew nuts.
Check nutritional values and allergens separately; don’t use the 100% label as a substitute for these checks.
A brand of peanuts and party snacks; a lower-fat claim applies to a specific snack product.
AH 100% Pindakaas naturel is a different product form from peanuts sold as a snack.
Jumbo’s 100% Pindakaas Naturel is a bread spread, not a proven low-fat peanut product.
The 100% pindakaas naturel range is another type of bread spread.
HELAES is the product brand name for ALDI’s 100% peanut butter range.
PLUS has product pages for 100% peanut butter in different pack sizes.
No. A lower-fat claim depends on what the product is compared with; the Duyvis claim refers to ordinary peanuts in a crunchy coating. For the separate ‘low fat’ claim, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for solid foods.
No. The NVWA lists peanuts and tree nuts separately as allergens. So read the allergen information and any precautionary statements. For its 350 g peanut butter variant, PLUS states that it may contain cashew nuts.
According to the NVWA, allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products. Since 1 January 2026, the NVWA has also been checking during inspections that warnings about possible cross-contamination are used correctly. Labelling doesn’t automatically mean a product is allowed at every childcare setting; follow its requirements too.
Follow the usage instructions on the packaging, and don’t treat peanut butter as low in fat just because a layer of oil forms. For its 350 g variant, PLUS says to stir before use and notes that the layer of oil can form naturally.
Follow the instructions on the specific pack. PLUS says to store its 350 g peanut butter variant in a cool, dry place. The RIVM advises washing your hands before and after preparing food. At the childcare setting, also follow its current hygiene requirements.
