Who is this choice relevant to?

Party hosts who make a conscious choice to buy organic

You want to serve organic peanuts and distinguish between a verified organic claim and words such as ‘natural’ or ‘pure’. The Dutch government describes ‘organic’ as a protected term.

Fans of unsalted snacks

You’re looking for an unsalted organic option for your birthday and don’t want to end up with salted cocktail peanuts by default. Albert Heijn uses separate product names for salted and unsalted peanuts.

Party hosts who consider their guests’ needs

You’re organising a party where a peanut allergy or the choking risk posed by whole peanuts to young children affects what you serve. The NVWA provides information about allergens, while the Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns about the risk of choking on whole peanuts.

What should you look for when buying?

First check the organic claim, then choose whether you want salted or unsalted peanuts, and match the form and quantity to your guests and the occasion.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this most relevant to?
Organic status Check the organic claim on the packaging. For pre-packed foods produced in the EU and sold there as organic, the European Commission specifies the EU organic logo, the control code and the origin of the agricultural ingredients. I want to buy organic for the party and not rely solely on words such as ‘natural’; around 36% of consumers prioritise organic certification.
Salted or unsalted, and ingredients Choose the salted or unsalted option that suits your preference and read the ingredients list for the exact product. ‘Unsalted’ on its own says nothing about the oil, herbs or preparation method. I’m looking for an unsalted option and want to know what else it contains; around 29% of consumers prioritise this choice.
Suitability for guests Check the label for allergens and separately consider whether whole peanuts are suitable for any young children who will be there. Organic status does not change the fact that the product contains peanuts. If guests with a peanut allergy or young children are coming, I want to take that into account beforehand; around 21% of consumers prioritise suitability for guests.
Quantity and storage Choose an amount that suits the party and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists rancidity, a tough texture and mould as signs that salted peanuts have spoiled. I want to buy enough and know how to store any leftovers; around 14% of consumers prioritise quantity and storage.

Common pitfalls

  • Confusing ‘natural’ or ‘unsalted’ with organic

    A description such as ‘natural’ or ‘unsalted’ does not prove that a product is organic. The Dutch government says that ‘organic’ is a protected claim.

    Consider organic status separately from the salt content and ingredients. For pre-packed products, check the labelling and the requirements that apply to the product.

  • Assuming an organic product is suitable for someone with a peanut allergy

    Peanuts remain an allergen, regardless of any organic claim. The NVWA and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlight the importance of allergen information.

    Check the label on the exact product and choose a different snack for any guest with a peanut allergy.

  • Serving whole peanuts without separately considering young children

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists whole peanuts as a food that children can choke on.

    First consider whether whole peanuts are suitable for the young children who will be there; only then choose based on the brand or organic claim.

  • Assuming leftovers will keep for a long time

    For salted peanuts, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists rancidity, a tough texture and mould as signs of spoilage. So if you’re buying a supply for a party, you’ll also need to think about what to do with any leftovers.

    Buy an amount that suits the party and any later use, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.

    A larger pack calls for a plan for any leftovers after the party.

Relevant brands for reference

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn uses the product names AH Organic Peanuts Unsalted and AH Organic Peanuts Salted.

  • The two names make it clear which salt option the retailer is describing.
  • A product name is no substitute for checking the current packaging. Albert Heijn advises customers to read the packaging before consuming a product, as product information may change.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s peanut range includes different types and pack sizes, including salted and unsalted peanuts, value packs and peanuts in their shells.

  • The range shows a variety of product types and pack sizes.
  • A category listing on its own does not prove that a particular option is organic.

Duyvis

Duyvis describes peanut products made in a variety of ways, including fried, roasted, marinated and coated options.

  • The range includes several preparation methods for sharing with drinks.
  • A preparation method or product description on its own says nothing about organic status.

PLUS

For PLUS Extra Large Peanuts (salted), a 275 g tub, PLUS lists 0,78 g of salt per 100 g.

  • The product information states the salt content and identifies peanuts as an allergen.
  • PLUS warns that the product may contain other nuts. This information applies to this specific product and does not prove organic status.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does every pack of organic food have to display the European organic logo?

Not without taking the applicable conditions into account. The European Commission says the logo is compulsory for pre-packed foods produced in the EU and sold there as organic. The control code and origin of the agricultural ingredients must also be shown. Don’t automatically apply this requirement to every imported product.

How can you check whether a business has a valid organic certificate?

Skal refers people to TRACES to check organic certificates for businesses. Also check that the certificate covers the relevant activity and the product you want to buy.

Can you serve organic peanuts to someone with a peanut allergy?

Don’t treat organic peanuts as a suitable snack for someone with a peanut allergy. Peanuts are an allergen, and an organic claim doesn’t change that. Discuss a suitable alternative snack for that guest and check the information on the label.

Are whole peanuts an obvious choice for a children’s party?

No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that whole nuts and peanuts can cause choking. So consider separately whether whole peanuts are suitable for the young children who will be there. This is dietary advice, not a general sales ban.

How can you tell if leftover salted peanuts have gone off?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists rancidity, a tough texture and mould as signs that salted peanuts have spoiled. Follow the use-by date and storage instructions on the packaging; general guidance is no guarantee that leftovers from a shared party bowl are still safe to eat.