Calorie-conscious snackers
You want to keep eating nuts, but weigh your portion and compare the energy values of specific varieties on the same weight basis.
Who is this relevant for?
Everyday shoppers on a budget
You’re looking for an affordable unsalted snack and want to distinguish between the cost of a whole pack and the cost of a portion.
Label-conscious shoppers
You want to check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions for the exact variety before choosing a pack. The NVWA explains that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, weigh the portion you want to eat. Then compare the energy value of the exact variety, and look separately at the cost of a pack and how much you use per portion.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per snack portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and calculate this for the same edible portion weight. | If I want to weigh my snack portion, I check the energy value for that exact variety. Around 34% of consumers prioritise calorie control. |
| Cost per portion | Check the price per kilo as well as the pack size you’ll actually use. | If you’re mainly looking to manage the cost of an everyday snack, compare the cost per portion you use. Around 33% of consumers prioritise snack costs. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, salt information and allergens on the label for the exact variety. | If I’m looking for an unsalted variety with ingredients that suit my preferences, I read the label carefully. Around 20% of consumers prioritise ingredients. |
| Packaging and storage | Check how many portions are in the pack and follow the storage instructions after opening. | If you don’t eat nuts often, choose a quantity that’s easy to portion and store. Around 13% of consumers prioritise managing their supplies. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming unsalted means low in calories
Unsalted describes the ingredients, not the amount of energy. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for the claim ‘low in energy’.
Check the energy value on the label and weigh your portion; don’t take ‘unsalted’ to mean that a product is low in energy.
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Comparing portion figures without matching the weights
The AH peanuts in the products reviewed list a 25 g portion, while Jumbo lists a 30 g portion for the Duyvis variety. This means the figures per portion aren’t directly comparable.
First compare kcal per 100 g, then use the same portion weight for both products. For nuts in shells, use the weight of the edible nuts.
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Mistaking a low pack price for a low-cost snack
A smaller bag may cost less to buy, while having a higher price per kilo than a larger pack. These two prices answer different questions.
Compare the price per kilo with the amount you expect to use, and don’t let a larger supply automatically dictate your snack portion.
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Assuming a best-before date means a warning doesn’t apply
Safety warnings can apply to a specific product and batch. Albert Heijn has issued a warning about AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts in a tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026 due to possible metal fragments. The NVWA warning dated 20 May 2026 concerns Trader Joe’s Unsalted Cashews 170 g, barcode 2003020120930, with a best-before date of 23-09-2026.
Check the product name, packaging and date covered by the warning. Don’t eat a product from an affected batch; these warnings don’t automatically apply to all nuts sold by those retailers.
Brands to consider
The examples below relate to specific product ranges and labels, rather than a general assessment of an entire brand.
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you want to compare own-brand peanuts or another unsalted nut variety by its label and packaging.
- The AH product page lists 620 kcal per 100 g and a 25 g portion for its unsalted peanuts in a 500 g bag.
- The AH product page for unsalted pistachios lists 649 kcal per 100 g. For this variety, portions are based on shelled kernels, not the total weight of pistachios in their shells.
Jumbo
Worth considering for unsalted own-brand peanuts in a smaller pack, as well as a separate cashew variety.
- Jumbo lists 602 kcal per 100 g and 99.5% peanuts with sunflower oil for its 250 g pack of unsalted peanuts.
- Ingredients and energy values vary by product; the information about peanuts does not apply to the cashews.
PLUS
Worth considering if you want to compare smaller and larger packs of unsalted own-brand peanuts.
- The PLUS product pages list 250 g and 500 g packs; the 500 g variety contains 625 kcal per 100 g.
- PLUS notes that prices may vary locally and can change up to the time of delivery; check the terms for your order.
ALDI
A retailer of the Trader Joe’s roasted unsalted peanuts reviewed here, sold in a 250 g pack.
- The product page identifies this variety as roasted unsalted peanuts.
- Use the pack label to check the energy value and ingredients; the product name alone doesn’t tell you how much energy a portion provides.
Lidl
Worth considering for the Alesto range, which includes natural nuts and separate party snacks.
- The range page distinguishes between natural nuts and peanuts with a seasoned dough coating.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information for each variety; the product category alone doesn’t show its energy value.
Duyvis
Worth considering if you want to compare a branded variety of unsalted peanuts with own-brand products.
- The pack reviewed weighs 235 g; Jumbo lists 614 kcal per 100 g for this Duyvis variety.
- The ingredients are peanuts and sunflower oil. The energy value applies to this specific variety and doesn’t mean the product is low in calories.
Joybuy products
This selection includes unsalted peanuts and cashews, alongside individually portioned and seasoned nut snacks. Check the energy value, ingredients and portion size for each variety.
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g’woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g
A good fit if you’re looking for a smaller pack of unsalted peanuts. The product information lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil; the product contains peanuts and may contain cashews.
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g’woon roasted unsalted cashews, 200 g
A good fit if you want to compare an unsalted cashew variety with peanuts. The product information lists 596 kcal and 0.067 g of salt per 100 g; the product contains cashews.
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ChaCha Daily Nuts, 115 g (5 × 23 g)
A good fit if you’re looking for individual portions to take with you. The product information lists five 23 g portions, 540 kcal and 28 g of sugars per 100 g, and sweetened cranberries in the mix. The desiccant in the pack is not intended for consumption.
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Duyvis Bran Nuts Provencale, 125 g
A good fit if you want to assess a seasoned peanut snack, rather than a simple unsalted nut. The product information lists 527 kcal per 100 g, 50% peanuts and 1.2 g of salt per 100 g; portions are 30 g. Contains peanuts and wheat, and may contain milk, nuts, soya and mustard.
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J.ZAO Hickory Nuts, 300 g, Lin’an Small Hickory Kernels, not fried
A good fit if you’re looking for individually wrapped hickory nuts to take with you. The product information lists at least 85% hickory nuts, sugar and salt, and 614 kcal and 1.6 g of salt per 100 g.
Frequently asked questions
Can these nuts be described as low in calories?
Not based on the energy values of the varieties reviewed. According to the European Commission, a solid food can only be described as ‘low in energy’ if it contains no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. So compare the declared value for the exact variety and describe a weighed portion, rather than calling the nuts low in calories.
Is 25 g always the portion size shown on the pack?
No. The AH peanuts list a 25 g portion, while Jumbo lists a 30 g portion for the Duyvis peanuts reviewed. Compare products per 100 g first, then use the same portion weight; 25 g is a basis for comparison here, not personal dietary advice.
What should I check for allergens in prepacked nuts?
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the label for the exact variety. The NVWA says allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products; a description such as ‘unsalted’ tells you nothing about whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
Which safety warnings apply to specific nut products?
Check that the product and date match the warning. Albert Heijn has issued a warning about AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts in a tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026 due to possible metal fragments. The NVWA warning dated 20 May 2026 concerns Trader Joe’s Unsalted Cashews 170 g, barcode 2003020120930, with a best-before date of 23-09-2026. Don’t eat a product from an affected batch; these warnings don’t apply to all nuts sold by either retailer.
Are whole peanuts automatically suitable for young children?
No. The AH and Jumbo packs reviewed warn that young children may choke on peanuts. Follow the product warning, and don’t assume that a portion suitable for adults is automatically suitable for young children.