Who is this choice relevant to?

Those looking to eat less fat

You want to keep the crispy coating, but first check the total fat per 100 g and what a lower-fat claim is based on. ‘Low fat’ and ‘less fat’ don’t mean the same thing.

Portion-conscious snackers

You want to stick with your usual snack for drinks and are mainly keeping an eye on how much you eat. Compare portion values using the same quantity.

Label-conscious shoppers

You’re shopping for your household or a group and, as well as checking the nutritional information, you look at the ingredients and allergens for the specific flavour.

What should you look for when choosing?

If your main aim is to eat less total fat, start with the value per 100 g and the basis for the claim. If you mainly want to limit how much you eat, also consider your own portion size.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this for?
Less fat Compare the fat per 100 g and check what the claim is based on. ‘Less fat’ does not automatically mean ‘low fat’. If I want to keep the crispy coating, I compare the fat content on a like-for-like basis. Around 40% of consumers say eating less total fat is their top priority when buying.
Energy and portion size Compare products using the same quantity and weigh out the portion you plan to eat. If I’m mainly watching the energy content of my snack, I compare the same portion size and check how much I actually serve myself. Around 30% of consumers put portion size and energy content first.
Packaging Check the current ordering status and net weight; choose a bag size to suit the amount you’re planning to serve. For a get-together, I want a pack that suits the number of people and what I plan to serve. Around 20% of consumers put convenience when shopping and packaging first.
Allergens Read the current label for the exact flavour, paying particular attention to peanuts, wheat and any milk ingredients. The NVWA states that prepacked products must carry allergen information. If someone has an allergy, I check the ingredients and allergens for that exact flavour and pack. Around 10% of consumers put allergen suitability first when buying.

Pitfalls to watch out for

  • Assuming oven-baked means low fat

    ‘No added frying fat’ describes how a product is made; it doesn’t automatically mean it has a low total fat content. Duyvis describes Oven Baked Peanuts Original as made without adding oil or fat.

    Choose based on the nutrition table and the exact product, not just the name of the cooking method.

  • Comparing different portion sizes directly

    The Albert Heijn page for Duyvis Sweet Paprika listed a 30 g portion and said ‘No longer available’; AH Cocktail and Jumbo Provençaals use a 25 g portion. Differences in portion values may therefore be down to the quantity.

    Compare per 100 g first, then work out the values for the same amount you plan to eat.

  • Assuming a larger pack is nutritionally better

    The 500 g Jumbo Provençaals pack lists 20 portions. Pack size alone tells you nothing about the fat content.

    Choose a bag size to suit the amount you plan to serve.

    A 500 g pack may be more than you need for a planned get-together.

  • Assuming all flavours from a brand have the same allergens

    The product information for AH Cocktail and PLUS Ham Kaas lists milk, peanuts and wheat; ingredients and allergen warnings can vary by product.

    If someone has an allergy, always check the current label for the exact flavour and pack.

Brands to compare

The product information below applies to the flavour and pack mentioned. It doesn’t necessarily apply to the entire range or reflect current availability.

Duyvis

Sweet Paprika coated peanuts are an example of a product with a crispy coating and an explicit less-fat claim.

  • The Albert Heijn product page stated that they contain 30% less fat than the average amount in ordinary peanuts with a crispy coating, and listed 21 g of fat per 100 g.
  • That page also said ‘No longer available’, so this product information doesn’t represent a current buying option.

Albert Heijn

AH Cocktail is a supermarket own-brand option for comparing the nutritional information, portion size and allergens of a specific flavour.

  • Albert Heijn lists a 25 g portion, 33 g of fat per 100 g and allergens including milk, peanuts and wheat.
  • The product page doesn’t position the Cocktail variety as a less-fat option.

Jumbo

Jumbo Provençaals is a supermarket own-brand option with nutritional information per 100 g and per 25 g.

  • For the 500 g pack, Jumbo lists 32.3 g of fat per 100 g and 8.1 g per 25 g.
  • Calling it a value pack is not a claim about its fat content.

Lidl

Coated peanuts are a category to look out for during your regular supermarket shop.

  • Lidl’s product information covers the coated peanuts category.
  • Check the label of the flavour you choose for its fat content and any claims.

Aldi

The ALDI product page lists Trader Joe’s coated peanuts in several flavours.

  • The page lists a 300 g pack and the Poesta, paprika and bacon-cheese flavours.
  • Check the label for the flavour you choose; the flavour name and pack size don’t tell you whether it has a less-fat claim.

PLUS

PLUS Ham Kaas is a supermarket own-brand option where the nutritional information and ingredients depend on the flavour.

  • PLUS lists 33.3 g of fat per 100 g and names milk, peanuts and wheat as allergens for this variety.
  • This product information applies to Ham Kaas and not necessarily to other PLUS flavours.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can you call coated peanuts with 30% less fat ‘low fat’?

No, not on the basis of that relative claim alone. For solid foods, the European Commission defines ‘low fat’ as a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. The Duyvis Sweet Paprika product described by Albert Heijn listed 21 g per 100 g, so it doesn’t meet that limit.

How do you compare products with different manufacturer portion sizes?

Start with the nutritional information per 100 g, then work out the values for the same amount of each product. The European Commission uses per 100 g as the basis for nutrition information; portion values can also be provided.

How should you store coated peanuts after opening?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack. For AH Cocktail, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the pack tightly after use.

Is a less-fat option suitable for someone with a peanut or wheat allergy?

It depends on the ingredients and allergens listed on the exact pack; a less-fat claim doesn’t replace that check. The product information for Duyvis Sweet Paprika lists peanuts and wheat. The NVWA states that prepacked products must carry allergen information, so check the current label for the person concerned.