Choosing a suitable form for a toddler
You want to offer a nut product, so start by considering its form. For children under 4, Voedingscentrum recommends nut butter as an alternative to whole nuts.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Comparing lower-fat options
You’re looking specifically for a lower-fat product, but don’t want to consider the fat content separately from the ingredients and your child’s nutritional needs.
Packing a snack to take with you
You want to take allergen information into account, as well as the rules at your child’s particular nursery or school. These can vary from one location to another.
What should you look for when choosing?
For a toddler, the product’s form comes first. Then you can compare the ingredients, allergens, fat content and practicality.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Product form | For children under 4, choose a suitable smooth paste rather than whole nuts; also check whether the product contains pieces. | When choosing something for my toddler, I want to know first whether its form is suitable for the occasion. Around 36% of consumers put choosing a suitable product form first. |
| Fat content and ingredients | Compare the fat per 100 g, the ingredients and any added salt. For a relative claim, check which reference product is named. | If lower fat is my starting point, I also want to know what else is in the spread and whether it suits my child’s nutritional needs. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Allergens and rules at the location | Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the packaging, and ask the nursery or school about its rules. | When packing a snack, I want to take relevant allergens and the location’s rules into account. Around 21% of consumers put these checks first. |
| Packaging and storage | Choose a pack size that suits how you’ll use the product and follow the storage instructions. PLUS recommends stirring its tested peanut butter before use. | If the spread is a regular feature at the table, I want packaging and a storage routine that fit my shopping habits. Around 14% of consumers value this practical aspect most. |
Common buying mistakes
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Choosing whole nuts because they’re unsalted or labelled ‘light’
A claim about salt or fat doesn’t change the fact that a whole nut is still whole. Voedingscentrum warns against giving young children whole nuts because of the risk of choking.
For children under 4, choose a suitable nut butter instead of whole nuts.
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Assuming ‘no added fat’ means low-fat
Duyvis describes Oven Baked as made without adding oil or fat, but also lists fat and salt in the finished product.
Assess the preparation claim, nutrition table and ingredients separately.
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Assuming an old ‘light’ product page is a current buying option
The Albert Heijn and Jumbo product pages state that the light peanut butter in question is no longer in their range.
Use those pages only as information about a historic product, and check the current packaging and product information.
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Confusing 100% peanuts with no allergen warning
A product that contains peanuts may also carry a warning about the possible presence of other nuts. The NVWA stresses that allergens must be clearly identifiable on the label.
Read both the ingredients list and any additional warnings on the pack you’re buying.
Brands to consider as a point of reference
Albert Heijn
The AH Terra 100% Pindakaas Naturel reviewed here is an example of peanut butter with a simple ingredients list.
- The packaging reviewed lists peanuts as the ingredient, with no added salt or sugar.
- The packaging also warns that other nuts may be present. The AH Pindakaas light page states that the product is no longer in the range.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s 100% Pindakaas Naturel is a plain variety to compare with the historic Light formula.
- The 100% variety reviewed lists peanuts as the ingredient.
- The Light page states that this variety is no longer available online; its formula included added salt and oil.
PLUS
The PLUS 100% pindakaas reviewed here is a peanut butter with information about its ingredients and storage.
- The product information states that it contains 100% peanuts and gives instructions for stirring and storage.
- The packaging states that the product may contain cashew nuts; check the pack you buy.
Lidl
Lidl describes Maribel 100% peanut butter in varieties with and without pieces of nuts.
- According to Lidl, the varieties described contain no added sugar or palm oil.
- Check the texture of the current variety. The cited 2023 test is not a toddler-safety test.
Aldi
Aldi lists HELAES 100% peanut butter in a 600 g pack.
- The product name and pack size make this variety easy to identify.
- Before considering it for a toddler, check the ingredients, allergen warnings and texture on the packaging.
Duyvis
Duyvis describes unsalted and Oven Baked peanuts, but these products are whole peanuts.
- The brand’s Oven Baked page describes a preparation method that involves no added oil or fat.
- Duyvis also lists fat and salt in the finished product. Whole peanuts are not a suitable snack for children under 4.
Joybuy products
This Joybuy selection includes peanut butter and other nut spreads. The products vary in their ingredients and texture, and they’re not all low-fat alternatives.
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A.F.P. Fine Peanut Paste 500 g
Its smooth peanut paste texture fits the choice of a paste rather than whole peanuts. Before giving it to a toddler, check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the packaging.
Pack size: 500 g.
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g'woon Hazelnut Duo Paste 400 g
The ingredients list includes 7% hazelnuts, sugar and vegetable oils. If lower fat is your selection criterion, check the fat per 100 g.
Pack size: 400 g.
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Bonne Maman Peanut Butter With Peanut Pieces 325 g
This peanut butter contains pieces of peanut, so it isn’t a completely smooth paste. Bear this in mind when choosing a product form for a toddler.
The product information lists 18 g of sugars and 0.66 g of salt per 100 g. Pack size: 325 g.
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Bonne Maman Hazelnut Spread 360 g
According to the product information, the spread contains 20% hazelnuts. Before considering it for a toddler, check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the packaging.
The nutrition information lists 51 g of sugars and 34 g of fat per 100 g. Pack size: 360 g.
Frequently asked questions
Is light peanut butter the same as low-fat peanut butter?
You can’t tell just from the words on the packaging. For a relative claim, check which reference product is named and compare the fat per 100 g. A preparation claim such as ‘no added fat’ doesn’t tell you how much fat is in the finished product.
Should a toddler mainly eat less fat?
Don’t make reducing total fat your only selection criterion. Consider the ingredients and your child’s nutritional needs too; if your child has specific dietary needs, discuss them with a healthcare professional.
How should you serve nuts as a snack?
For children under 4, choose a suitable nut butter instead of whole nuts, as recommended by Voedingscentrum. Make sure your child is sitting calmly and stay with them; even with a suitable form, the risk of choking cannot be completely ruled out.
Should you pour off the layer of oil on 100% peanut butter?
PLUS recommends stirring the peanut butter reviewed here before use. Also follow the storage instructions on the jar you’re using.
What should you look for on allergen labels on Dutch packaging?
The NVWA says allergens must be clearly distinguishable from the other ingredients. Read any additional warnings on the specific pack too, as the other nuts that may be present vary from product to product.