Choosing nuts and peanuts: how to find the perfect party snacks for every taste

A bag of nuts and peanuts might seem like a simple choice. Yet products vary greatly in flavour, ingredients, packaging and when you might eat them. A sweet snack for on the go calls for different qualities than party nuts for a gathering or a spicy bite to enjoy with a drink.

Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

• The flavour name doesn’t tell the whole story. “Barbecue”, “Oriental” or “maple lime” can refer to a coating made with sugar, starch, oil, flavourings and salt. Always check the ingredients list.
• The packaging can give a misleading impression of the contents. A large bag of cocktail nuts doesn’t automatically contain lots of different nuts. Check what percentage is peanuts and whether cashews, almonds, pecans or macadamias have actually been added.
• Allergens are sometimes overlooked. Peanuts and tree nuts are different allergen categories. What’s more, coatings can contain wheat, milk, soya or other ingredients. Read the label, even if you’ve bought the same brand before.

What features should you check before buying?

1. Look at the ratio of nuts to coating

With ordinary salted peanuts, the product is often mostly peanuts. For example, g'woon Salted Peanuts contains 99% peanuts and 0.7% salt according to the product information. That’s a very different snacking experience from coated peanuts, where a crispy layer of, say, wheat, starch, sugar and oil surrounds the peanut.

For a pure, savoury flavour, salted peanuts, pistachios or roasted almonds are a good fit. If you’re after more variety, you can choose a nut mix that includes cashews, hazelnuts, pecans and macadamias. Check the percentages on a mix: with g'woon Macadamia Mix, for instance, the composition includes peanuts, almonds, cashews, macadamias, pecans and maize, in varying proportions.

2. Compare sugar, salt and energy per 100g

The nutritional values per serving are handy, but per 100g makes products much easier to compare. For example, g'woon Sugar Peanuts contains 33% sugar and 38g of sugars per 100g according to the label. That suits someone deliberately looking for sweet nuts, but is less appropriate for anyone who wants a savoury snack without a sugary coating.

With spicy snacks, the salt content is also important. Verse Spicy Peanuts lists 1.6g of salt per 100g. g'woon Spicy Cocktail Nuts lists 2.1g of salt per 100g. The exact amount of spices, sugar and salt therefore varies from recipe to recipe.

3. Pay attention to size, packaging and storage instructions

A pack of 70 to 140g is practical for one or a few snacking occasions. Bags of 220 to 300g are more convenient for sharing during a drinks party, but need to be sealed properly after opening. For larger groups, a 500g pack, such as roasted almonds or hazelnuts, can work out better value per gram.

Store nuts and peanuts according to the pack instructions in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Seal the bag well to keep them crunchy and tasty for longer. With imported products, also check whether a desiccant sachet is included. For example, ChaCha Pecan Kernels states that the desiccant is not edible.

Recommendations by buyer type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

g'woon Salted Peanuts - 250g

Why this suits the profile: A straightforward choice for anyone who wants to compare plain salted peanuts without any spiced or sweet coating.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states 99% peanuts and 0.7% salt, so the composition is clear and simple.

Key benefit & highlights

250g; short ingredients list; suitable for a simple party platter.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

ChaCha Pecan Kernels with Maple Syrup & Lime 70g

Why this suits the profile: For anyone looking for a smaller portion with a distinctive combination of sweet and lightly tangy flavours.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The label states 80% pecans, so you can see that the flavour additions don’t make up the whole product.

Key benefit & highlights

70g; roasted pecans; maple-lime flavour; individually wrapped according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent snackers

KOH-KAE Coated Peanuts BBQ 230g

Why this suits the profile: For fans of coated peanuts and Asian snacks who want a larger pack for sharing or multiple occasions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description explicitly mentions peanuts with a crispy BBQ coating. The ingredients also list wheat and soya, so you can check for allergens.

Key benefit & highlights

230g; sweet, salty and smoky BBQ flavour; resealable packaging according to the product information.

Suitable for: Lovers of spicy snacks

Verse Spicy Peanuts Katjang Pedis - 220 g

Why this suits the profile: A targeted choice for anyone looking for chilli, pepper and a spiced coating in their party snacks.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description mentions a spicy coating and the ingredients list pepper powder and chilli powder. This makes the flavour direction much clearer than a generic snack name would.

Key benefit & highlights

220g; seasoned with pepper and chilli; 20.7g of protein per 100g according to the product information.

Frequently asked questions about nuts and peanuts

Which nuts are suitable for a drinks party?

That depends on the variety you’re after. Salted peanuts are an accessible and easy choice to pair with drinks. Cocktail nuts, pistachios and a nut mix with almonds, cashews and pecans offer more variety. For a more distinctive flavour, you can go for spiced peanuts, coated peanuts or Asian snacks such as coconut and BBQ varieties.

How should you store nuts and peanuts after opening?

Keep the pack well sealed in a cool, dry place, away from heat, sunlight and moisture. Ideally, use a resealable bag or an airtight container. Always check the best-before information on the packaging and don’t use the product if the pack is damaged.

Are nuts and peanuts suitable for people with an allergy?

Not without checking. Peanuts, pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, macadamias and cashews can all be allergens. What’s more, party nuts and coatings can contain wheat, milk or soya. Always check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific product. If in doubt, it’s best not to serve the product to anyone with a known allergy.