Who might consider nuts as a holiday snack?

Active snackers keeping an eye on protein

You want to know how much protein an everyday snack provides on an active day during the holidays, without automatically opting for specialist sports nutrition. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre offers general information about food and sport; this is not individual recovery advice for children.

Parents looking for a safe snack to pack

You check for allergens and make sure the texture is suitable for the child who’ll be eating the snack. A protein figure doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy, so always read the latest product information and warnings.

Families who portion snacks themselves

You want to divide a pack between several snack breaks. Compare the pack weight with the portion information, and follow the storage advice on the specific pack.

What should you look for when choosing?

The table gives a general indication of what consumers considering nut snacks for the school holidays may prioritise when buying. These figures are not nutritional guidelines.

What matters What to look for Who may care most about this?
Protein per portion Compare protein and energy per 100 g, then calculate the figures for the same portion size. For the varieties mentioned, Jumbo, PLUS and Albert Heijn list 26–27 g of protein and 613–625 kcal per 100 g. If I want to know how much protein my snack portion provides on an active day, I look at the amount I actually plan to pack. Around 36% of consumers prioritise protein per portion.
Suitability for children Read the allergen information on the pack and check any warnings about texture. The NVWA states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products. When choosing for a child, I want to check the allergens and make sure the texture is suitable before looking at the protein figures. Around 29% of consumers give suitability for children top priority.
Unsalted options Check the ingredients and salt content of the exact variety; don’t rely on words such as ‘protein’ on the front of the pack. If I’m looking for a plain, unsalted snack, I want to be able to assess the ingredients myself rather than rely on sporty product language. Around 21% of consumers prioritise an unsalted option.
Portioning and storage Compare the pack weight with the stated portion size and follow the storage advice once opened. Jumbo lists a 30 g portion for Duyvis; Albert Heijn gives a 25 g portion for AH Terra. When I use one bag for several snack breaks, measuring portions and sealing the bag properly are important for planning. Around 14% of consumers give portioning and storage top priority.

Product values per 100 g are not the same as the amount in a portion. The calculation above using 25 g is for comparison only and is not general portion advice for children.

Pitfalls to avoid when choosing

  • Taking a protein figure as proof of better recovery

    A stated protein value tells you how much protein the product contains, but it doesn’t prove that the snack speeds up recovery. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says most people who take part in sport do not need special sports nutrition.

    Choose based on the portion and the situation; don’t infer a recovery benefit from the nutrition table alone.

  • Comparing portions of different sizes directly

    Jumbo lists an average portion of 30 g for Duyvis, while Albert Heijn gives 25 g for AH Terra. A higher figure per portion may therefore simply be due to the larger portion size.

    First compare the same weight in grams. Use 25 g as a basis for calculation only, not as general advice for children.

  • Looking only at nutritional values for a snack shared with a group

    Peanuts and various types of nuts are relevant when considering allergies. Duyvis and AH Terra product information also warns of the risk of choking for young children.

    Check who you’re buying the snack for, read the allergen information and take any warnings about texture into account when choosing.

  • Assuming a protein mix is the same as an unsalted nut mix

    ALDI describes TRADER JOE’S Protein Nut Mix as salted or seasoned, and lists the unsalted nut mix as a separate product.

    Compare the exact variety, ingredients and nutrition table rather than relying on the product name alone.

Brands and product ranges for reference

Duyvis

Duyvis unsalted peanuts are an example of a product for anyone wanting to compare the nutritional value of an everyday snack.

  • For Duyvis Unsalted Peanuts 235 g, Jumbo lists 27 g of protein and 614 kcal per 100 g.
  • The product information warns that it may contain nuts and that young children may choke on it.

Albert Heijn

AH Terra Unroasted Almonds are a specific unroasted variety that hasn’t been fried in oil.

  • For the 200 g pack, Albert Heijn lists almonds as an ingredient and 26 g of protein per 100 g.
  • The product information says it may contain other nuts and warns that young children may choke on it.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s range includes its own unsalted peanut variety in a 350 g pack.

  • For Jumbo Unsalted Kingsize Peanuts, the product information lists 25 g of protein per 100 g and 6.3 g per stated 25 g portion.
  • The word ‘Kingsize’ on its own says nothing about the amount of protein.

Lidl

Lidl describes its roasted unsalted peanuts as a snack and an ingredient for use in dishes.

  • The pack mentioned contains 200 g.

Aldi

ALDI describes several TRADER JOE’S nut products, including an unsalted mix and a separate protein mix.

  • The unsalted mix is described as a blend of almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and Brazil nuts.
  • The protein mix is described as salted or seasoned, so it’s a different product option.

Plus

PLUS Unsalted Peanuts are a specific peanut variety in a 250 g pack.

  • For this variety, PLUS lists 27 g of protein, 625 kcal and 0.02 g of salt per 100 g.
  • These values apply to the pack mentioned and don’t automatically apply to other varieties.

Nut products on Joybuy

These Joybuy products include unsalted peanuts, almonds and a nut mix, as well as peanuts in their shells. Compare the exact variety and nutritional values with the portion you plan to pack and the suitability of the product for the person eating it.

g’woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g

g’woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g

Suitable if you’re looking for a plain, unsalted peanut snack and want to compare nutritional values per 100 g.

Joybuy product information lists 27 g of protein and 0.02 g of salt per 100 g; the ingredients are 99% peanuts and sunflower oil. Contains peanuts and may contain traces of cashew nuts.

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g’woon raw unsalted almonds, 200 g

g’woon raw unsalted almonds, 200 g

Suitable if you’re looking for an unsalted almond snack and want to compare its nutritional values with other nuts.

Joybuy lists 24 g of protein and 0.03 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients list includes almonds, which is relevant if you have an almond allergy.

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g’woon raw unsalted nut mix, 200 g

g’woon raw unsalted nut mix, 200 g

Suitable if you’re looking for a mix of different nuts without added salt.

Joybuy lists 19.1 g of protein and 0.01 g of salt per 100 g. The mix contains 30% hazelnuts, 30% walnuts, 20% almonds and 20% cashew nuts; it may contain traces of other nuts and peanuts.

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Golden Turtle Premium raw peanuts with skins, 500 g

Golden Turtle Premium raw peanuts with skins, 500 g

Suitable if you want to use peanuts as a snack or ingredient and are looking for a raw variety with the skins on.

Joybuy lists 26 g of protein and 567 kcal per 100 g. Contains peanuts, which is relevant if you have a peanut allergy.

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g’woon peanuts in shells, 500 g

g’woon peanuts in shells, 500 g

Suitable if you want to portion peanuts in their shells; remove the shells before eating.

Joybuy lists 29 g of protein and 0.12 g of salt per 100 g. Contains peanuts and may contain traces of nuts.

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Frequently asked questions

Does a child who plays sport during the holidays automatically need special protein snacks?

No, not automatically. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says most people who take part in sport do not need special sports nutrition. General information about sport is not individual recovery advice for a child.

Can you describe any product with a high number of grams of protein as high in protein?

No, the amount of protein per portion is not, on its own, enough to substantiate a nutrition claim. The European Commission states that nutrition claims are only permitted if they are included in the annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

Where can I find allergen information for nuts?

Check the label on the pack you’re buying. According to the NVWA, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products. If you have a food allergy, follow your individual avoidance instructions.

Are whole nuts suitable for every child?

No, not without taking the warnings and texture into account. AH Terra and Duyvis product information warns that young children can choke on nuts and peanuts; the protein value doesn’t change that risk.

How should I store an opened bag of nuts?

Follow the advice for the exact pack. Albert Heijn recommends storing AH Terra almonds in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the pack well; Jumbo product information recommends storing an opened bag of Duyvis in a light-proof, airtight container.