For young children, nut butter or peanut butter with no added sugar or salt is a more suitable lunch option than serving whole nuts. First check that the ingredients meet the nursery’s requirements. Then compare the pack size and price per kilogram with how much you’ll actually use, as larger packs also need to be stored appropriately.
You want to know which forms and ingredients the nursery accepts before choosing a pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends nut butter or peanut butter with no sugar or salt for children up to and including four years old. Amsterdam UMC highlights the choking risk posed by whole nuts.
You regularly buy sandwich fillings for several children and want to make sure pack sizes, ingredients and allergen information meet the nursery’s requirements.
You want to buy an appropriate amount and manage opened packs carefully. The price per kilogram helps you compare products, but storage instructions and how much you use also matter.
First choose a form and ingredients that suit the children and meet the nursery’s requirements. Then compare pack sizes and prices per kilogram.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable texture | For young children, choose a suitable spread rather than serving whole nuts. | If you’re packing lunch for young children, you’ll want a form that’s right for their age and the nursery setting. Around 28% of consumers prioritise a suitable texture. |
| Allergens and nursery policy | Read the ingredients and warnings, and check with the nursery before choosing a product. | If allergy arrangements or nursery policy are a deciding factor, you’ll want to know which nuts or peanuts the product contains. Around 28% of consumers prioritise allergens and nursery policy. |
| Price per kilogram | Compare the same product by weight and take into account how much you’ll actually use. | If you use it regularly, you’ll want to know whether you can make practical use of a larger pack. Around 22% of consumers focus primarily on the price per kilogram for the amount they’ll use. |
| Ingredients | Check the ingredients list, the types of nuts and any added ingredients. | If you’re looking for a particular sandwich filling or a specific mix, you’ll want to know exactly what’s in it. Around 11% of consumers prioritise the ingredients. |
| Stock and storage | Follow the storage instructions for the exact product and choose an amount that suits how much you use. | If you only use it occasionally, you’ll want to avoid leaving a large opened pack unused. Around 11% of consumers prioritise suitable quantities and storage. |
A larger pack doesn’t change the fact that the nuts are whole. Amsterdam UMC warns that whole nuts can cause choking, including in older children.
For young children, choose a suitable spread and make sure it’s appropriate for the nursery setting before considering pack size.
Preparing whole nuts further takes extra time and you’ll need to achieve a suitable final texture.
The PLUS peanut butter reviewed contains peanuts and may contain cashews. A nut mix may contain several named types of nuts.
Check the ingredients and warnings on the current pack, and discuss the product with the nursery.
A smaller pack may cost less at the till but more per kilogram than a larger one.
Compare the same product by weight, then choose an amount that suits how much you use.
If you can’t use the product in time, some of it may go to waste.
Advice for mixed nuts doesn’t automatically apply to nut butter or prepared sandwich fillings.
Follow the instructions on the pack. For food prepared professionally, follow the nursery’s food hygiene code.
Poor stock planning can lead to a loss of quality and waste.
The product information reviewed covers a 500 g unsalted nut mix and distinguishes between whole nuts and nut butter.
The product ranges mentioned include a 500 g nut mix and peanut butter in 350 g and 1000 g packs.
The nut mix value pack reviewed contains 500 g.
The nut mix reviewed is a smaller-pack option alongside the 500 g bags mentioned.
The relevant product range here is Unsalted Peanuts, not party nuts or every product from the brand.
The range mentioned includes cashews, almonds, walnuts and Brazil nuts, both salted and unsalted.
This selection includes nut butter and whole nuts for storing or preparing further; whole nuts aren’t a ready-to-serve lunch for young children.
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Consider this only if peanuts are permitted under the nursery’s allergen arrangements.
The product information lists 100% roasted peanuts, with no added sugar or salt, and says it can be used as a sandwich filling.
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The product description suggests using it as a snack or ingredient, not as a ready-to-serve lunch for young children.
The title lists sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, hazelnuts, almonds and chickpeas.
The product description warns of a choking risk; don’t serve this directly to young children.
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Suitable for adults’ supplies or further preparation, not for serving directly to young children.
The product information lists a pack size of 500 g and describes the mix as unroasted and unsalted.
The mix contains hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews. The product information says it may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts. Amsterdam UMC warns of the choking risk from whole nuts.
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The suggested uses include further preparation, such as pesto and salads; this isn’t a ready-to-serve lunch for toddlers.
The product information lists at least 98% pine nuts and vegetable oil.
Check that pine nuts meet the nursery’s allergen arrangements. Amsterdam UMC warns of the choking risk from whole nuts.
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The suggested uses are baking and desserts, not serving directly to young children.
The product information lists 100% macadamia nuts, with no added salt, sugar or seasoning.
Check that macadamia nuts meet the nursery’s allergen arrangements. Amsterdam UMC warns of the choking risk from whole nuts.
For a nursery lunch, choose a suitable spread rather than whole nuts or randomly chopped pieces. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends nut butter or peanut butter with no sugar or salt for children up to and including four years old. Amsterdam UMC also warns that whole nuts can cause choking in older children.
No, you can’t tell from the 100% label alone. The PLUS products reviewed contain peanuts and may contain cashews. Check the exact label and make sure the product meets the arrangements for the child in question.
A larger pack may be a good choice if you use the spread regularly and can store it properly. Compare the same product by price per kilogram, and first check that peanuts and any warnings meet the nursery’s policy.
RIVM KIDDI recommends following the Hygiene Code for Small Institutions or another approved code that covers all activities. Everyone involved in food handling must follow the relevant code.
Don’t assume it does: follow the instructions for the specific product when storing nut butter and prepared sandwich fillings. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives storage advice for mixed unsalted nuts, but that isn’t necessarily the same as advice for nut butter.
