Whole nuts and peanuts are not a suitable snack for children under 4. Ground spreads also require you to check the child’s age, allergy arrangements and the childcare setting’s policy. Compare the energy content of spreads per 100 g or for the same weighed amount, but don’t assume that a lower figure is automatically a better choice for a child. Base the amount on their overall diet and growth, not on a general weight-loss goal.
If you’re buying for a child under 4, start by considering the form: the Dutch Nutrition Centre advises against whole nuts and peanuts for this age group. Assess ground products separately, taking their texture and suitability for the child into account.
If the child has a known allergy or there are arrangements with their childcare setting, the ingredients and warnings on the current packaging are what matter. A product listing just one ingredient is not necessarily free from cross-contact with other allergens.
If you want to compare the energy content of sandwich spreads, use the same amount as your basis. The Dutch Nutrition Centre emphasises that a child’s energy needs are personal; nutritional values are not a standard portion recommendation.
First check that the form and ingredients are suitable for the child and the childcare setting. Then compare nutritional values and instructions for use.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Is the product whole, ground or spreadable, and is its form suitable for the child’s age and eating ability? | If I’m preparing lunch for a child under 4, I want to choose a suitable form first. Around 36% of consumers facing this choice prioritise texture. |
| Allergens and childcare setting | Read the ingredients and relevant warnings, and check the arrangements for the child and their childcare setting. | If the child has a known allergy or the childcare setting has a nut policy, I want to know whether this particular product is allowed. Around 29% of consumers prioritise allergens and childcare arrangements. |
| Energy and portion | Compare the same type of product per 100 g or for the same amount; don’t treat a label portion as advice for children. | If I want to compare energy without assuming a standard diet for a child, I look at equal amounts. Around 21% of consumers prioritise energy and portion size. |
| Use and storage | Check whether the spread needs stirring and read the storage and use instructions on the exact packaging. | For preparing lunch regularly, I want clear instructions that I can follow and share with the childcare setting. Around 14% of consumers prioritise everyday convenience. |
Leaving out the salt doesn’t change the texture. The Dutch Nutrition Centre advises against whole nuts and peanuts for children under 4.
Check the form and age suitability first; compare nutritional values afterwards.
The peanut butter and almond spread varieties checked range from 602 to 639 kcal per 100 g. These labels don’t prove that a product is low in calories.
Compare the nutritional information for the exact variety using the same amount. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) notes that nutrition claims must comply with European rules.
AH Terra almond spread lists almonds as an ingredient and warns that the product may contain peanuts and other nuts.
Follow the individual allergy arrangements and check the current packaging, including any relevant warnings.
Foodies published a taste test in March 2024; the Consumentenbond reference for Lidl is from May 2023. These references alone say nothing about current calorie content or suitability for a childcare setting.
Assess the current variety, texture, allergens and nutritional values separately.
AH Terra 100% almond spread is a ground option for sandwiches; the details given apply to the 340 g variety.
Jumbo’s 350 g 100% Pindakaas Naturel is a ground peanut option for sandwiches.
PLUS 100% pindakaas, in a 350 g jar, is a peanut spread for anyone who wants to check the ingredients and instructions for use.
Vita D’or 100% pindakaas naturel is a supermarket option sold in a 600 g jar.
HELAES 100% pindakaas is available plain or with pieces; the product information given relates to the range and specific packaging.
Duyvis Pinda’s Ongezouten shows that unsalted whole peanuts are not the same as a low-calorie choice.
These products are peanut butters and peanut spreads for sandwiches. Compare the stated energy content per 100 g and check the ingredients, allergens and childcare arrangements before use.
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A spreadable peanut option to compare if peanut spreads are allowed under the arrangements for the child and their childcare setting.
The product information lists 100% peanuts and an energy content of 576 kcal per 100 g. Traces of other nuts may be present.
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This type of peanut butter could be considered for sandwiches if peanuts are allowed and the variety is suitable for the child.
The product information lists 100% peanuts, with no added sugar or salt, and an energy content of 598 kcal per 100 g. It does not specify suitability for any particular allergy arrangement.
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A peanut butter for sandwiches; check the exact packaging and allergens before choosing it for a childcare setting.
The product information lists an energy content of 639 kcal per 100 g.
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This variety with peanut pieces is only an option if the texture is suitable for the child and peanuts are allowed.
The product information lists 79% peanuts and an energy content of 608 kcal per 100 g. The product contains peanuts and may contain nuts.
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The extra-crunchy texture makes this variety suitable only if pieces are appropriate for the child and allowed under the childcare arrangements.
The product information lists 85% peanuts and an energy content of 664 kcal per 100 g. The product contains peanuts and may contain traces of nuts, milk, cereals containing gluten and soya.
No. The 15 g shown on the product pages checked is a labelled portion, not universal advice for children. A suitable amount depends on the child’s overall diet and individual needs; the adult reference intake on Jumbo’s page is not a guideline for children.
No, don’t assume that from terms such as ‘100%’ or ‘natural’ alone. The spreads checked list varying amounts of energy per 100 g; the NVWA notes that nutrition claims must comply with European rules.
Follow the instructions on the exact packaging. According to Albert Heijn, AH Terra almond spread should be stirred and stored in a cool, dark, dry place; PLUS advises stirring and storing in a cool, dry place. Don’t infer a general use-by period after opening from this.
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, businesses that offer food to consumers must provide information about the allergens it contains. For lunches served professionally, keep information about the products and recipes used readily available.
The Dutch Nutrition Centre advises against whole nuts and peanuts for children under 4. So, when choosing sandwich spreads, consider the form first, while also taking the child’s individual eating ability, allergy arrangements and childcare setting policy into account.
