Parents who want to serve peanuts safely
For children under 4, the form of the product is crucial: don’t give them whole peanuts. If peanuts are suitable, choose a smooth spread with no pieces.
Who is this advice for?
Parents who want to manage portions carefully
Compare the ingredients and energy per 100 grams. ‘100%’ or ‘unsalted’ doesn’t automatically mean low in calories; the amount you serve matters too.
Parents dealing with allergies or childcare restrictions
Check whether peanuts are suitable in light of any diagnosed allergy and the rules at the school or childcare setting where the food will be eaten.
What should you look for when choosing?
First consider the form of the product and any allergy or setting-related restrictions. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the exact pack; a calorie claim means something different from the salt or sugar content.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Safe product form | Check that the peanut butter is smooth and contains no pieces; don’t give whole peanuts to children under 4. | If I want to give peanuts to my toddler, I first want to know whether the form is suitable. Around 36% of consumers put the product form first. |
| Ingredients and portion size | Compare the ingredients, added salt and sugar, kcal per 100 grams, and the amount you actually serve. | If I want to manage portions carefully, I compare the nutritional information without assuming that ‘100%’ or a small portion means a product is low in calories. Around 29% of consumers give ingredients and portion size top priority. |
| Allergens and setting rules | Read the allergen information on the exact pack and check the school or childcare setting’s rules. | If a peanut allergy or our childcare setting’s policy is a factor, I need to know whether peanuts are allowed there before choosing. Around 21% of consumers put these considerations first. |
| Packaging and use | Compare pack sizes and follow the storage and usage instructions on the packaging. | If the peanut butter is used regularly, I want to choose a pack that suits our needs and make sure I can follow the instructions. Around 14% of consumers focus mainly on practical use and pack size. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming unsalted whole peanuts are a suitable snack for toddlers
Being unsalted doesn’t change the advice against giving whole peanuts to children under 4. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends smooth peanut butter with no pieces for toddlers.
If peanuts are suitable for your child, choose a smooth variety and don’t give them whole peanuts.
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Confusing ‘100%’ or a small portion with low in calories
The European Commission sets a limit of no more than 40 kcal per 100 grams for the ‘low-calorie’ claim on solid foods. The product information for the AH, Jumbo and PLUS peanut butters mentioned lists 597, 602 and 639 kcal per 100 grams respectively.
Compare the kcal per 100 grams on the packaging. A smaller portion doesn’t change the energy per 100 grams or make the claim applicable.
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Assuming natural peanut butter is automatically suitable for someone with an allergy or for school
A smooth texture doesn’t remove peanuts from the product. For example, Het Avontuur Primary School also asks parents to leave peanut butter at home; that’s the policy at that setting, not a national rule.
Read the allergen information on the exact pack and ask the school or childcare setting what rules apply there.
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Using an old taste test as a current toddler ranking
The Consumentenbond taste tests from 2023 and Foodies test from 2024 assess flavour, not whether a product is low in calories or suitable for toddlers.
First assess the product form and any relevant restrictions. Then consider taste as a preference when choosing.
Brands to consider
Duyvis
According to Duyvis, its Pinda’s Ongezouten range is an example of whole peanuts with no added salt.
- Duyvis describes this variety as peanuts with no salt.
- Being unsalted doesn’t make whole peanuts suitable as a snack for children under 4.
Albert Heijn
The AH Terra Plantaardig 100% pindakaas naturel checked is a variety made with peanuts as its ingredient.
- The product information lists 0 grams of added salt and sugar and 597 kcal per 100 grams.
- The stated energy content doesn’t meet the EU low-calorie limit. AH also notes that several other nut allergens may be present; check the packaging.
Jumbo
The Jumbo 100% Pindakaas Naturel checked is a peanut butter variety with its own nutritional information.
- The product page lists 602 kcal and 0.00 grams of salt per 100 grams.
- The stated energy content doesn’t meet the EU low-calorie limit. The reference intake shown on the page is for an average adult, not a recommendation for toddlers.
Lidl
The own-brand range reviewed is Vita D’or 100% pindakaas naturel.
- Lidl describes this variety as having no additives and no added sugar.
- The ‘Best Getest & Goedkoopste’ accolade refers to May 2023 and says nothing about the current price or suitability for toddlers.
ALDI
According to the product page, the HELAES 100% pindakaas reviewed is available as a smooth variety and with pieces.
- ALDI describes the ingredients as peanuts only.
- ‘100%’ doesn’t tell you whether the texture is smooth. Check the variety and, for a toddler, don’t choose the version with pieces.
PLUS
The PLUS 100% pindakaas checked is worth considering when comparing ingredients, nutritional information and usage instructions.
- The product page lists 100% peanuts, 0 grams of salt and 639 kcal per 100 grams, and recommends stirring before use.
- The product information notes that cashew nuts may be present. The stated energy content doesn’t meet the EU low-calorie limit and applies to this product variety.
Peanut butter at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are peanut butter varieties you can compare. Check the texture and ingredients of each variety before choosing it for a toddler.
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PCD Peanut Butter 350g
The product description says it can be used as a spread; for a toddler, check whether this variety is smooth and contains no pieces.
The description states that it contains 100% peanuts and no added salt or sugar.
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Calve Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter - 350 g
This variety contains coarsely ground peanuts and isn’t the smooth texture recommended for toddlers by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
The product description lists peanuts, vegetable oil and salt, with no added sugar. Don’t choose this version as a smooth spread for a toddler.
Frequently asked questions
Is low-calorie peanut butter the same as peanut butter with no sugar or salt?
No. According to the European Commission, a solid food must contain no more than 40 kcal per 100 grams to make the ‘low-calorie’ claim. The product information for the AH, Jumbo and PLUS peanut butters checked lists 597 to 639 kcal per 100 grams. Having no added salt or sugar describes different qualities.
Is 75 kcal a fixed limit for all toddler snacks?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives this guideline for a small amount of sweets, biscuits or ice cream. For everyday snacks, it recommends options such as vegetables, fruit or suitable wholegrain products. Don’t treat the guideline for treats as a general maximum for everything your toddler eats.
How often should you offer a snack?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends offering extra food or drink no more than twice a day, if possible, so your child is hungry for their main meals. This is nutritional advice, not a legal requirement; water can be offered at any time.
What does allergen information on a Dutch food label mean?
According to the NVWA, allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products. Peanuts and tree nuts are separate allergens. Since 1 January 2026, the NVWA has also been checking precautionary cross-contamination warnings; any such warning must be based on a risk assessment.
Should you throw away the oil on top of peanut butter?
The PLUS product page notes that a natural layer of oil may form and recommends stirring before use. Follow the storage and usage instructions on the specific pack; the AH product page recommends storing it in a cool, dark and dry place.