Who is this guide for?

Parents looking for a suitable nut butter

You want to include nuts in a snack and are looking for a suitable product format rather than individual nuts. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving children under 4 whole nuts or peanuts.

Parents who want to assess protein claims

You’re comparing nutritional values, but don’t want to mistake a sports-focused claim for advice on everyday toddler nutrition. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses extra protein in relation to strength and endurance sports; this is not advice specifically for toddlers.

Parents packing food for their child

You take allergens and the school or childcare setting’s rules into account. Local policies may also cover peanut butter or nut butter as a sandwich filling.

What should you look for when choosing?

First check the product format and any allergy-related rules. Then compare the nutritional information and practical details for the exact jar.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Product format Check that you’re buying a spread, not whole nuts or peanuts to serve directly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving children under 4 whole nuts or peanuts because of the risk of choking. When choosing a snack for a toddler, I want to know which product format is suitable for the occasion. Around 33% of consumers prioritise product format.
Protein and ingredients Compare the values per 100 g and check the ingredients. Jumbo lists 26 g of protein per 100 g for the peanut butter it reviewed; PLUS lists 27 g. The NVWA stresses that nutrition claims must comply with European rules. When comparing protein values, I want to know what’s in the product without applying sports claims to toddler food. Around 27% of consumers prioritise ingredients.
Allergens and venue policies Read the ingredients and any warnings about possible traces. The NVWA says allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products. Ask the school or childcare setting whether its policy also covers peanut butter and nut butter. When packing food for my child, I want to make sure it meets allergy requirements and the venue’s rules. Around 27% of consumers prioritise these requirements.
Packaging and storage Compare the net weight and follow the instructions on the specific jar. PLUS advises stirring before use and storing in a cool, dry place; Jumbo advises storing in a cool, dry, dark place. When the jar is used regularly at the table, I want to know how much it contains and how to store it. Around 13% of consumers prioritise practical everyday use.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming unsalted whole nuts are a suitable snack for toddlers

    Not adding salt does nothing to reduce the choking risk whole nuts or peanuts pose to children under 4. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against serving them in this form.

    For this occasion, choose a suitable spread instead of whole nuts or peanuts.

  • Taking a sports claim or adult serving size as advice for toddlers

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s sports information is about strength and endurance sports. The reference intake on Jumbo’s product page is for an average adult; it is not a guideline for toddlers.

    Compare nutritional values objectively, and don’t infer any sports recovery benefits for toddlers.

  • Assuming ‘100%’ or a different type of nut means allergen-free

    A product containing only peanuts as an ingredient may still carry a warning about the possible presence of other nuts. For example, PLUS states that its product may contain cashews.

    Check the ingredients and warnings, and compare them with the agreed allergy requirements.

  • Using an old test or a discontinued product as current buying information

    An old test doesn’t tell you which version is available now. The separate AH almond butter is listed as discontinued.

    Check the exact product variant and current product information before relying on an old listing.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

The AH Terra variant reviewed is a jar of peanut butter intended as a sandwich spread.

  • Albert Heijn lists 27 g of protein per 100 g for AH Terra 100% peanut butter, natural, with no added sugar or salt; the jar contains 1 kg.
  • The almond butter reviewed is listed as discontinued. This information does not apply to Albert Heijn’s entire range.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s 100% Pindakaas Naturel is a peanut spread reviewed for its ingredient, nutritional and storage information.

  • Jumbo lists 26 g of protein per 100 g and 3,9 g per labelled 15 g serving; the ingredient is peanuts.
  • The reference intake on the product page is for an average adult, not a recommendation for toddlers.

PLUS

The 100% peanut butter from PLUS reviewed here comes in a 350 g jar and includes information about its ingredients and use.

  • PLUS lists 27 g of protein and 0 g of salt per 100 g, with 100% peanuts as the ingredient.
  • PLUS warns that the product may contain cashews. The product information advises stirring before use.

Lidl

Lidl’s product information describes a 600 g jar of natural peanut butter.

  • Lidl describes the variant reviewed as peanut butter with no added ingredients.
  • The product page says it is sold in store; this does not indicate availability at a specific location.

ALDI

According to ALDI, the HELAES product range includes natural peanut butter and a crunchy version.

  • ALDI describes the ingredients as peanuts only and lists a 350 g jar.
  • Check the texture shown for the variant you choose; the product range name alone doesn’t tell you which it is.

Duyvis

Duyvis’s official range includes loose peanuts in salted and unsalted varieties, among others.

  • The range information distinguishes between different varieties of loose peanuts.
  • Loose peanuts are not suitable for serving directly to a toddler under 4; this range is not evidence of a relevant spread range.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does a high protein value per 100 g prove that a spread is a high-protein snack for toddlers?

No. A protein value on the label does not, by itself, prove that a product meets the requirements for a nutrition claim or offers a specific benefit to a toddler. The NVWA points out that nutrition claims must comply with European rules.

What allergen information should I check on a prepacked product?

Check the allergen information on the label. According to the NVWA, this information must appear on prepacked products; peanuts and tree nuts are listed as distinct allergens. Also check for warnings about possible traces.

Does a nut-free policy also apply to sandwich fillings?

That depends on the school or childcare setting’s policy. The policy at OBS Brinkschool specifically mentions peanut butter and hazelnut spread, and applies to the lunchtime and after-school care services based there; it is not a rule for all settings in the Netherlands.

Is a layer of oil on 100% peanut butter a product fault?

Not according to PLUS’s product information: a layer of oil can form naturally in peanut butter made from peanuts alone. PLUS advises stirring before use.

Should you store every nut butter in the same way?

No, follow the instructions for the exact variant. Jumbo says to store its product in a cool, dry, dark place; PLUS says to store it in a cool, dry place.