Who are these options for?

Breakfast shoppers looking for organic options

You want to choose an organic peanut option for your King’s Day breakfast and distinguish organic labelling from terms such as pure or natural.

Shoppers looking for a simple peanut spread

You’re looking for a spread with a simple ingredient list, rather than whole peanuts.

Hosts catering for different guests

You want to check allergen information before serving and, if young children are eating with you, consider the risks of whole peanuts.

What should you look for when choosing?

First choose between whole peanuts and peanut butter. Then check the organic labelling, ingredients and information relevant to the people who’ll be eating.

The European Commission explains that the EU organic logo is compulsory for prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic. Its use is optional for imported organic products. If the logo appears on the packaging, it should also show the control code and the prescribed indication of agricultural origin.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Organic status Check the organic labelling and, if the EU organic logo is used, the control code and agricultural origin. If I’m looking for organic peanuts, I want to be able to check the labelling on the packaging. This is the main consideration for shoppers who prioritise verifiable organic status; they account for around 31%.
Ingredients Read the ingredients for the exact variety; unsalted and 100% peanuts are product characteristics, not proof that something is organic. Anyone looking for a simple ingredient list or an unsalted product for breakfast should check the label. Around 25% of shoppers prioritise this.
Product form Decide whether you want whole peanuts or a spread; for peanut butter, check whether it contains pieces. If I’m choosing peanuts for a particular occasion, I want the right product form. This is the deciding factor for around 19% of shoppers.
Sharing safely Read the current label and consider the form of whole peanuts if young children will be eating them. Anyone expecting guests with an allergy or sitting down to eat with young children will want to check the relevant information and product form in advance. This is a priority for around 13% of shoppers.
Quantity and waste Choose a pack size that matches how much you expect to use and follow the storage advice on the label. If I only want to buy the right amount for breakfast, I consider how much will be left afterwards. Around 12% of shoppers prioritise this.

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, unsalted nuts and peanut butter made from 100% nuts or peanuts are included in the Wheel of Five. This nutritional guidance does not establish organic status.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘100% peanuts’ or ‘natural’ means organic

    A description of the ingredients does not replace the rules for organic production and labelling.

    Check the organic labelling separately from the ingredients list. The European Commission explains what information should accompany the EU organic logo when it is used.

  • Assuming organic labelling provides safety information

    Organic status doesn’t tell you what allergen information appears on the packaging. Whole peanuts also pose a separate risk to young children.

    Read the current label and, if young children are eating with you, bear in mind the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s warning about choking on whole peanuts, which can lead to suffocation.

  • Treating salted snack peanuts as the same breakfast option

    Duyvis lists peanuts, sunflower oil and salt for the salted variety reviewed. This is a different ingredient list from unsalted peanuts or 100% peanut butter.

    Choose with the occasion in mind, and check the ingredients and organic labelling for each variety separately.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Biologisch Pinda’s ongezouten, a product listing for whole peanuts.

  • The product name specifies that they’re organic and unsalted.
  • A retailer’s listing is not an independent certification check and says nothing about availability on King’s Day.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes Puur Pinda met Stukjes Biologisch & Lekker as peanut butter with one ingredient. The retailer also lists Jumbo’s 100% Biologische Pindakaas met Stukjes Pinda 350 g separately.

  • The product descriptions give examples of organic peanut butter as a spread.
  • Without evidence, the two listings cannot be assumed to refer to the same product; peanut butter is not the same as whole peanuts.

Duyvis

Duyvis describes a salted variety for a separate snacking occasion.

  • According to Duyvis, the variety reviewed contains peanuts, sunflower oil and salt.
  • This ingredient list does not establish organic status or make it equivalent to an unsalted breakfast option.

Lidl

Lidl describes the Maribel range as 100% peanut butter, available with or without pieces.

  • The varieties listed help you recognise the difference in product form.
  • A product description stating 100% peanuts is not a declaration of organic certification.

Aldi

Aldi describes HELAES 100% pindakaas van 350 g as peanut butter made with peanuts alone.

  • The product description makes the stated ingredients clear.
  • The description does not establish organic certification; peanut butter is also a different product form from whole peanuts.

PLUS

PLUS lists BioToday Pindakaas fijn biologisch van 250 g.

  • The listing is an example of organic peanut butter available from this supermarket chain.
  • BioToday is the product brand; this isn’t a PLUS own-brand product or whole peanuts.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is the EU organic logo compulsory on every organic product?

No. According to the European Commission, the logo is compulsory for prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic; its use is optional for imported organic products. If the logo is used, the control code and prescribed agricultural origin must also be stated.

Why might there be oil on top of peanut butter?

Jumbo explains that an oil layer can form in Puur Pinda met Stukjes Biologisch & Lekker because it is made from 100% peanuts. Jumbo recommends stirring this particular variety; don’t assume the same applies to every peanut butter.

What should I look out for if young children are eating with us?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that children can choke on whole nuts and peanuts, which may lead to suffocation. So consider the form of anything you serve; organic labelling does not change this risk.

Where can I find allergen information?

According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information is shown on the label of prepacked products. For unpackaged products, food businesses must provide that information in another way, for example on a card or verbally, with a visible notice pointing to it. This obligation for businesses does not automatically apply to a private breakfast gathering.

How should I store opened peanut butter?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s general advice for opened peanut butter is to keep it in a kitchen cupboard for up to one year; freezing is less suitable. Also follow the instructions on the packaging and watch out for an unusual smell or rancidity. This advice is for peanut butter and does not automatically apply to whole peanuts.