For introducing peanuts, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends smooth peanut butter with no pieces and no added salt or sugar. You can mix it with mashed fruit or cooked vegetables. Whole peanuts and crunchy peanut butter are not suitable ways to introduce peanuts to your baby. If your baby has severe eczema or a food allergy, speak to their doctor or dietitian first.
You’re looking for a suitable first taste of peanut and want to know how to offer it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides advice on introducing peanuts. If your baby has severe eczema or a food allergy, speak to their doctor or dietitian first.
Your baby is exploring solid foods and you want to include peanut butter without offering whole peanuts as finger food. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts or nuts to children under 4.
You want to consider allergies and possible traces of other nuts. The NVWA says that allergen information for prepacked products must be shown on the label, so check the packaging of the exact variant.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is it most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Texture and how to serve it | For introducing peanuts, choose peanut butter with no pieces; mix it with mashed fruit or cooked vegetables. | If you’re mainly looking for a suitable texture and way to serve it, make those your priorities; around 29% of consumers prioritise texture when buying. |
| Introduction and allergens | Read the ingredients and warnings about other allergens on the exact product packaging. | If you want to know when to start and what an allergen warning means, these are the key questions; around 23% of consumers give introduction and allergens top priority. |
| Protein content | Compare nutritional values on the same basis, such as per 100 grams; don’t read an adult reference intake as advice for your baby. | If you mainly want to understand what the protein value on the label means, check the nutritional information rather than sports or recovery claims; around 18% of consumers prioritise protein information. |
| Ingredients | Check the ingredients list to see whether salt or sugar has been added; don’t rely on words such as ‘natural’ or ‘100%’ alone. | If you want a simple ingredient list without added salt or sugar, the ingredients list is what matters; around 18% of consumers make ingredients their main buying consideration. |
| Jar size and storage | Choose a size that suits how you’ll use it and follow the storage instructions on the exact packaging. | If you’re looking for a jar that suits repeated use and your family’s needs, size and storage are worth considering; around 12% of consumers prioritise everyday use and jar size. |
Having no added salt doesn’t change the shape. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts or nuts to children under 4 because of the risk of choking.
For introducing peanuts, choose peanut butter with no pieces or a suitable ground form; don’t offer whole peanuts directly to your baby.
Jumbo’s product information says that the reference intake is based on an average adult. This information doesn’t provide serving-size advice for your baby.
Use protein per 100 grams to compare products, and choose a way of serving it that follows guidance for feeding babies.
The AH variant reviewed warns that other nuts may be present; PLUS warns that cashew nuts may be present.
Read the allergen information on the exact jar, especially if you need to take a known allergy into account.
In 2023, the Consumentenbond tested the taste of smooth and crunchy peanut butter. The test did not assess whether the products were suitable for introducing peanuts to babies.
Check the current variant and its texture; don’t let a taste rating replace the requirements for introducing peanuts.
The unsalted peanuts reviewed come in a 235-gram pack; the manufacturer suggests using them as a snack or cooking ingredient.
AH Terra Plantaardig 100% pindakaas naturel is the 350-gram Dutch variant reviewed.
Jumbo’s 100% Pindakaas Naturel is the 350-gram Dutch variant reviewed.
The smooth variant reviewed comes in a 600-gram jar, which Lidl associates with its Vita D’or range.
The 350-gram HELAES listing reviewed covers both a smooth variant and one with pieces.
The PLUS 100% pindakaas reviewed is the 350-gram Dutch variant.
These Joybuy products are peanut butters you can compare by product name and ingredients. Before using one for your baby, check the exact packaging: peanut butter for introducing peanuts should be smooth and contain no pieces.
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For anyone comparing peanut butters; use this variant to introduce peanuts to your baby only if the exact packaging confirms that it is smooth and contains no pieces.
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The product name says 100% peanut butter. Before using it to introduce peanuts to your baby, also check that the exact packaging confirms it is smooth and contains no pieces.
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The product name says 100% peanut butter. Before using it for your baby, check the exact variant and texture; choose peanut butter with no pieces when introducing peanuts.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes introducing peanuts by mixing peanut butter with mashed fruit or cooked vegetables. Eating larger pieces independently is a separate step: your child needs to be able to sit upright and swallow and chew well.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s general schedule recommends half a teaspoon of peanut butter with no pieces on day 1, one teaspoon on day 2 and three teaspoons on day 3. If all goes well, the schedule then recommends three teaspoons a week, which can be divided across several days. If you have a personalised medical introduction plan, follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
Speak to your baby’s doctor or dietitian before introducing peanuts. General buying advice is not a substitute for individual medical advice.
The protein value on a jar describes its nutritional composition, but it doesn’t mean your baby needs a sports or recovery product. Choose based on suitable texture and ingredients; don’t read an adult reference intake as a nutritional guideline for babies.
Check the ingredients and warnings about possible traces of other allergens on the exact packaging. According to the NVWA, allergen information for prepacked products must be shown on the label.
