For a children's party, only choose peanuts after considering the ages of the children attending and whether any of them have a peanut allergy. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts to children under 4; a child with a peanut allergy should not eat any peanut products. Then check the organic labelling, product format and ingredients separately: peanut butter may work for a sandwich, but it is not a snack of whole peanuts.
You want to choose a product format that suits the children's ages and the occasion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts or nuts to children under 4. Older children should also eat calmly and be supervised.
You’re looking for organic peanuts and want to distinguish organic labelling from terms such as ‘natural’ or ‘100%’. The European Commission explains which organic labels to look for on certain pre-packed products.
For breakfast or a sandwich, you may be looking for peanut butter with no added salt or sugar. Product format and allergens are separate considerations: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 100% peanut butter with no added sugar or salt as a spread that fits within the Dutch Wheel of Five guidelines.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Age and allergies | Ask parents about allergies and check the product format. Do not give whole peanuts to children under 4. | If young children or a child with a peanut allergy are coming, I first want to know whether peanuts can be served at all. That’s why around 36% of consumers put age and allergies first. |
| Organic labelling | Check the EU organic logo, the code of the control body and the indication of agricultural origin. The European Commission describes this labelling for certain products, including pre-packed foods produced in the EU and sold as organic. | If I want to buy organic, I want to be able to check the label on the product rather than relying on its name alone. Around 29% of consumers give verified organic status top priority. |
| Ingredients and product format | Check the ingredients list for added salt and sugar. For peanut butter, also check whether it’s smooth or contains pieces. | For a snack or sandwich, I want to know whether the ingredients and texture suit what I plan to serve. Around 21% of consumers put ingredients and product format first. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare the net weight with the amount you need and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a sealed container in a dry place. | For a single party, I want to buy the right amount and store any leftovers properly. Around 14% of consumers prioritise quantity and making good use of leftovers. |
Organic farming says nothing about whether a product is suitable for a particular age or for a child with a peanut allergy. Whole peanuts are not suitable for children under 4; a child with a peanut allergy should not eat any peanut products.
Ask about allergies before choosing, and consider each guest’s age and the way the food will be eaten.
These labels answer different questions. For example, an organic option may be salted, while ‘100%’ on its own says nothing about whether it was organically grown.
Check the organic label, then look at the ingredients and product format too.
The pack size doesn’t tell you how many guests can eat the product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a sealed container in a dry place.
Decide in advance who can eat the product, choose a suitable quantity and follow the storage instructions on the packaging for any leftovers.
Albert Heijn lists both AH Biologisch Pinda's ongezouten and AH Biologisch Pinda's gezouten.
Jumbo lists Jumbo's 100% Biologische Pindakaas Naturel 350 g as another option for sandwiches.
PLUS lists BioToday Pindakaas fijn biologisch in 250 g jars. BioToday is the brand of this product.
Duyvis describes snack formats such as fried, roasted, marinated and coated peanuts, including Borrelnootjes and Tijgernootjes.
Lidl lists Alesto Cruspies, among other products: peanuts with a savoury coating.
ALDI lists HELAES 100% pindakaas in a 350 g jar, available smooth or with pieces.
No. Do not give whole peanuts or nuts to children under 4. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that they can cause choking; older children should also eat calmly and be supervised.
No. A child should not eat any product they’re allergic to; the way it was produced organically doesn’t change that. Agree on the party food and any arrangements for the child with their parents.
Certain pre-packed foods produced in the EU and sold as organic must carry the EU organic logo on the packaging. The European Commission also specifies the code of the control body and an indication of whether the product comes from EU agriculture, non-EU agriculture or EU/non-EU agriculture. This information relates to organic labelling, not allergies or whether a product is suitable for every guest.
No. Organic labelling and the ingredients list answer different questions. Check the ingredients: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 100% peanut butter with no added sugar or salt as a spread that fits within the Dutch Wheel of Five guidelines.
Store peanuts in a sealed container in a dry place, preferably somewhere cool. For nuts, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a cool storage place, for example at 10 to 15 °C. Also follow the instructions and use-by date on the packaging.
