First, compare cocktail nuts by fat and energy per 100 grams; a smaller portion does not make the product lower in fat. The checked AH, Jumbo, PLUS and Duyvis varieties contain 32,7 to 34 grams of fat per 100 grams, so don’t treat these small differences as proof of a reduced-fat claim. According to the Netherlands Bakery Centre, a ‘reduced’ level means at least 30% less of the nutrient in question than in comparable products. Claims must also meet the applicable definition and must not be misleading.
For shoppers who want to know whether a variety contains demonstrably less fat for the same quantity. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 grams of fat per 100 grams for a ‘low-fat’ claim on solid foods; the Netherlands Bakery Centre describes ‘reduced’ levels as a comparison with similar products.
For shoppers who want to keep eating regular cocktail nuts and choose an amount in advance. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list a 25-gram portion for their Cocktail varieties; Albert Heijn lists 30 grams for Duyvis Cocktail. So, compare portions using the same weight in grams.
For shoppers who want to match pack size to how quickly they get through their supplies. Duyvis lists Cocktail packs ranging from 125 to 1000 grams. Albert Heijn advises closing the pack securely after use; a larger pack size says nothing in itself about the fat content.
Start with the nutrition claim and the values per 100 grams. Then decide which portion size, allergen information and packaging suit the way you’ll use them.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Demonstrably less fat | Compare the exact variety per 100 grams and check what the claim and comparison are based on. | If I want less fat in the same quantity, I look beyond a small difference between regular varieties. Around 36% of shoppers put demonstrable fat reduction first. |
| Fat and energy per portion | First compare per 100 grams, then calculate using the same chosen weight in grams. | I want to be able to limit how much I eat at each snack time, without mistaking a smaller portion for a different recipe. Around 29% of shoppers give portion control top priority. |
| Allergens | Check the current packaging for allergens and warnings about possible cross-contamination. | If I have a food allergy, the ingredients and allergen information must take priority, even if another variety appears to have less fat. Around 14% of shoppers put allergen suitability first. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the pack weight, best-before date, whether it can be resealed and the storage advice for the exact variety. | If I use my supplies slowly, I want a pack size and storage routine that suit how quickly I get through them. Around 21% of shoppers give convenience when storing supplies top priority. |
The checked product values apply to specific varieties: Albert Heijn lists 33 grams of fat and 532 kcal per 100 grams for AH Cocktail; Jumbo lists 32,7 grams of fat and 527 kcal for Jumbo Cocktail; PLUS lists 32,7 grams of fat and 528 kcal for PLUS Mild; and Albert Heijn lists 34 grams of fat and 541 kcal for Duyvis Cocktail. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 grams of fat per 100 grams for a ‘low-fat’ claim.
The checked varieties contain 32,7 to 34 grams of fat per 100 grams. That difference alone does not support a comparative claim.
When you see a claim, check the exact variety, the stated reduction and the products it is being compared with. The Netherlands Bakery Centre describes a ‘reduced’ level as at least 30% less than comparable products.
Albert Heijn lists a 25-gram portion for AH Cocktail and a 30-gram portion for Duyvis Cocktail. Different portion sizes can skew the values per portion.
First compare per 100 grams, then use the same quantity for every variety.
PLUS Mild lists 32,7 grams of fat per 100 grams. Here, ‘Mild’ describes the flavour and does not prove a lower fat content.
Let the nutrition table and a substantiated claim guide you, not the flavour name.
A larger pack does not make cocktail nuts lower in fat and may not suit supplies that you use slowly.
Choose a pack size that matches how quickly you get through it, and follow the storage advice on the exact packaging. Albert Heijn advises closing the pack securely after use.
Duyvis is a product brand with a range of coated peanut varieties and pack sizes.
AH Borrelnoten Cocktail from Albert Heijn is a useful own-brand reference for nutrition values and portion size.
Jumbo Borrelnoten Cocktail is a retailer reference with values per 100 grams and per portion.
PLUS Borrelnoten Mild is a retailer reference for a mild-flavoured variety with product-specific allergen information.
Lidl is a retailer, not a cocktail nuts brand; the relevant product reference is Duyvis cocktail nuts.
ALDI Netherlands lists Trader Joe’s Borrelnoten as a retailer reference.
No. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 grams of fat per 100 grams for a ‘low-fat’ claim. The Netherlands Bakery Centre describes a ‘reduced’ level as at least 30% less of the nutrient in question than in comparable products. A variety with reduced fat can therefore still contain well over 3 grams of fat per 100 grams.
First compare the nutrition values per 100 grams, then calculate using the same quantity for every variety. Albert Heijn lists a 25-gram portion for AH Cocktail and 30 grams for Duyvis Cocktail.
Check the current packaging for your allergens and any warnings about their possible unintended presence. The checked PLUS Mild variety lists celery as well as peanuts, wheat and milk; this does not automatically apply to other varieties. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information for prepacked products must be shown on the label.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging for the exact variety. For AH Cocktail, Albert Heijn advises storing it in a cool, dark and dry place and closing the pack securely after use; PLUS also advises storing Mild in a cool, dry and dark place.
Bear in mind the choking hazard warning for young children. The checked product pages from Albert Heijn, Duyvis and PLUS warn of the risk of choking on peanuts or nuts.
