Choose packets of nuts only if they’re suitable for the children and comply with the school or childcare setting’s rules. If nuts are prohibited or a child has a relevant allergy, don’t choose a nut-based treat. A factory-sealed packet makes handing treats out easier, but it isn’t automatically a suitable portion for a child. So check the ingredients, the weight per packet and the warnings on the exact product packaging.
First, you’ll want to know whether nuts are allowed under the school’s rules and are suitable for children with allergies. The Association for Public Education explains that schools can set rules about treats, while the NVWA explains what allergen information must appear on pre-packed products.
You’re looking for individually wrapped snacks so you don’t have to weigh everything out yourself. The Duyvis portion pack described by Foods & Goods contains 20 packets of 60 g. The packaging makes handing them out easier, but doesn’t tell you whether that weight is suitable for every child.
You want to decide the quantity yourself and check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions after opening. AH, Jumbo and PLUS describe larger packs and provide product information you can refer to when portioning them out.
Suitable when: you want to hand out individual packets and nuts are suitable for the children and the setting.
Bear in mind: the quantity in each packet is fixed. The confirmed Duyvis portion pack contains packets of 60 g, according to Foods & Goods.
Suitable when: you want to decide the quantity yourself and have time to prepare the treats.
Bear in mind: keep the original packaging so the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions remain available.
Suitable when: school rules, a relevant allergy or a child’s age make nuts unsuitable.
Bear in mind: this means choosing something other than nuts; follow the setting’s rules for celebrations.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Age, allergies and school rules | Check the setting’s rules and the allergens listed on the label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole nuts or peanuts to children under 4. | When I’m choosing something for a school treat, I first want to know whether it meets the rules and is suitable for the children’s ages and any relevant allergies. Around 31% of consumers prioritise suitability for children and school rules. |
| Individual packets | Compare the number of packets and the weight per packet. Foods & Goods lists 20 packets of 60 g for the Duyvis portion pack. | When I want to fill party bags quickly, I check how many individual packets I’ll get and what they contain. Around 25% of consumers prioritise individual packaging and minimal portioning. |
| Quantity and ingredients | Read the ingredients and allergen information, and check the weight per packet or the contents of the larger pack. A serving size shown on a label isn’t automatically a recommendation for children. | When I’m making portions myself, I want to be able to tailor the quantity and ingredients to my plans. Around 25% of consumers prioritise control over quantity and ingredients. |
| Packaging and preparation | Choose a pack size that suits the number of treats you want to make, and follow the storage instructions on the exact packaging after opening. | When I’m portioning the snacks myself, I want to know how many treats I can make and how to store any leftovers. Around 19% of consumers focus mainly on preparation and making use of what’s left in the pack. |
Each Duyvis packet in the portion pack contains 60 g. The word ‘portion pack’ doesn’t, by itself, tell you what age group or serving size a packet is intended for.
Check the weight and serving information separately. Don’t treat it as age-specific nutritional advice.
According to the product information, Jumbo’s unsalted nut mix contains peanuts and several types of nuts, among other ingredients. Choosing an unsalted product doesn’t remove the allergens.
Check the ingredients and warnings on the exact packaging for allergens relevant to the recipients.
The original packaging lists ingredients, allergens and storage instructions. This information won’t automatically be included on party bags you’ve made yourself.
Keep the packaging and make sure parents or carers can check the relevant information.
Worth considering if you’re looking for ready-to-hand-out packets of salted peanuts. Foods & Goods describes a portion pack containing 20 packets of 60 g.
AH Unsalted Nut Mix 500 g is an option if you want to portion the snacks yourself. Albert Heijn’s product information describes the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions.
Jumbo Unsalted Nut Mix 200 g is worth considering for treats you’ll portion yourself. Jumbo lists less than 0.01 g of salt per 100 g, as well as several types of nuts and peanuts.
Lidl’s Alesto range includes nuts and dried fruit, according to Lidl Netherlands’ range information.
ALDI Netherlands describes Trader Joe’s Unsalted Nut Mix as a mix of almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and Brazil nuts.
PLUS Unsalted Nut Mix 200 g is worth considering if you want to weigh out portions yourself. PLUS’s product information lists the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions.
These products are suitable if you’re looking for individually wrapped nut snacks or nuts to portion into party bags yourself. Always check the ingredients, allergens and the rules of the school or setting.
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The individual packets are handy for filling party bags.
The product title lists 25 packets of 20 g containing pistachios. Bear in mind any relevant allergies and the rules of the school or setting.
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This larger pack is suitable if you want to weigh out the snacks and decide the quantity for each treat.
The product information lists 250 g of unsalted peanuts with sunflower oil; cashews may also be present. Check the allergen information on the packaging and follow the storage instructions.
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This larger pack is for anyone who wants to portion out the quantity for party bags themselves.
The product information lists hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews. Peanuts and other nuts may also be present, so check the information on the exact packaging.
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The product description says the hickory nut kernels are individually portioned, making them an option if you’re looking for individual portions.
The title lists 300 g. The ingredients information lists hickory nut kernels, sugar and salt. Check for allergens and check the school’s rules before choosing these as a treat.
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The individual packets are an option if you want to hand out or take packaged portions with you.
The product information lists 30 packets of 25 g containing walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts and dried fruit. Bear in mind any relevant allergies and school rules.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole nuts or peanuts to children under 4 because of the risk of choking. This is food safety advice, not a legal minimum age.
Yes. Schools can set rules about what children may and may not hand out, according to the Association for Public Education. So check the school’s current rules; a product label doesn’t mean a treat complies with the school’s policy.
Read the label on the exact packaging and check for allergens relevant to the recipients. The NVWA states that allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products; peanuts and nuts are separate categories.
No. The contents of a packet don’t automatically make it a suitable portion for a child. The Duyvis box described by Foods & Goods contains packets of 60 g; Sligro lists two portions for that pack. Don’t use this information as age-specific nutritional advice.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging you bought. AH says to store the product in a cool, dry place and seal the packaging well after use; PLUS says to store it in a cool, dry, dark place.
