Who is this choice relevant to?

Parents who want to check the organic credentials

You want to be able to check the organic certification on the packaging rather than rely on words such as ‘natural’. The European Commission explains which labels are used for organic products.

Parents taking school rules or allergies into account

First, check whether peanuts are allowed under your school’s rules and whether the product meets your child’s allergy requirements. The NVWA explains the allergen information shown on prepacked products; school policies can vary.

Parents who prepare a lunchbox every day

You’re looking for a practical addition to your child’s lunch and want to consider the ingredients, storage and how your child will eat it. Whole peanuts and peanut butter are different product formats; the Voedingscentrum also warns about the risk of choking on whole peanuts.

What should you look for in organic peanuts for school?

First check that peanuts are suitable for your school’s rules and your child’s needs. Then decide which product format and ingredients will work best.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Organic credentials Where applicable, check the EU organic logo, the code of the control body, the agricultural origin and the ingredients of the exact product variant. I want to check that the organic claim applies to the product, rather than relying on its name alone. For around 31% of consumers, verifiable organic credentials are the top purchasing priority.
Suitability for your child and their school Check the school’s rules, the allergen information and whether your child can eat the chosen format safely and calmly. I need to take any allergy requirements or school rules into account before putting peanuts in my child’s lunchbox. Around 31% of consumers prioritise suitability for their child and their school.
Ingredients and salt Compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the exact variant; ‘unsalted’ doesn’t tell you what the other ingredients are. I want to know whether the product contains only peanuts or, for example, oil as well. Around 25% of consumers prioritise an unsalted product.
Use and storage Choose a pack size that suits your needs, seal the packaging properly and follow the storage and usage instructions. I want to choose a pack I can use in time and store properly. Around 13% of consumers give top priority to everyday use and storage.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming organic means suitable for someone with a peanut allergy

    Organic peanut butter still contains peanuts. A product may also contain other allergens or carry a warning about them.

    Assess organic credentials and allergen suitability separately. Check the information on the exact product and follow the school’s rules.

  • Assuming ‘unsalted’ or ‘natural’ means organic

    A description such as ‘unsalted’ does not, by itself, say anything about organic certification. A product may also contain ingredients other than peanuts.

    Check the organic claim and the ingredients of your chosen variant separately.

  • Buying a large pack without a storage plan

    The Voedingscentrum advises storing peanuts in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place.

    Choose a pack size that suits how often you use the product, and seal any remaining peanuts properly.

  • Taking the serving size on the label as advice for children

    The serving size shown on a pack is not personalised nutritional or safety advice. The risk of choking also needs to be considered when it comes to whole peanuts.

    Take your child’s eating skills and the circumstances at school into account; don’t rely on the serving size alone.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Worth considering for an organic whole-peanut option and organic peanut butter as a separate product format.

  • The product information for AH Terra biologische 100% pindakaas identifies it as peanut butter and provides separate ingredient and allergen information.
  • Albert Heijn says that AH Biologisch Pinda’s ongezouten has been discontinued. Don’t treat this variant as a current buying option.

Jumbo

Worth considering for unsalted whole peanuts and organic peanut butter as a spread.

  • The product information for Jumbo’s 100% Biologische Pindakaas Naturel states that it contains ground roasted peanuts of organic origin.
  • The ‘unsalted’ label on Jumbo Kingsize-pinda’s is not, by itself, proof of organic certification.

Duyvis

Worth considering as an example of unsalted whole peanuts; the product information does not automatically make an organic claim.

  • Duyvis lists a 235 g pack of Ongezouten, containing peanuts and sunflower oil.
  • According to the manufacturer, the pack may contain traces of different types of nuts; check the information on the packaging.

ALDI

Worth considering for the specific Trader Joe’s pack of roasted, unsalted peanuts.

  • The product information lists a 250 g pack and says the peanuts are roasted and unsalted.
  • These features do not, by themselves, prove organic certification.

PLUS

Worth considering for an unsalted whole-peanut option with product information on allergens and nutritional values.

  • The product information lists unsalted roasted peanuts in a 300 g stand-up pouch.
  • The product format and ‘unsalted’ label do not prove that the product is organic.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Which organic labels should I check on the packaging?

Where applicable, check the EU organic logo, the code of the control body and the agricultural origin. The European Commission states that the logo is compulsory for prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic; this requirement does not automatically apply to all imported or unpackaged products.

What allergen information should I check for peanuts?

Check the label of the exact product for peanuts and any other allergens. According to the NVWA, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products; peanuts and tree nuts are separate allergens.

Does every school have the same rules about peanuts?

No, check your own school’s rules. For example, OBS De Venen sets its own rules about nuts and peanuts in early-years classes because of allergies; this is an example of a school-specific policy, not a general rule for all schools.

At what age are whole peanuts automatically suitable?

Age alone does not guarantee that a child won’t choke. The Voedingscentrum warns about whole nuts and peanuts; Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter instead of whole nuts for children under 4 because of the risk of choking. Take your child’s eating skills and the circumstances at school into account, too.

How should I store an opened pack of peanuts?

The Voedingscentrum advises storing peanuts in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place. For an unopened pack, follow the storage instructions and best-before date on the product; mouldy or rancid peanuts are not suitable for a lunchbox.