Who is this choice for?

Organisers with children

You’re organising an Easter egg hunt and want to check first which participants whole peanuts are suitable for. Age, eating calmly and any known peanut allergy matter more than the pack size. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts to children under 4.

Households sharing a snack

You’re looking for a bag for a separate snack occasion with several people who can eat peanuts. Compare the pack size and storage instructions; Albert Heijn, Jumbo, PLUS and ALDI, among others, list 500 g packs.

Smaller snack groups

You want to avoid having too much left over, or you’re looking for an unsalted option. Smaller packs and larger unsalted bags are both available; the right amount depends on how much will actually be eaten.

What should you look for in a peanut pack?

First check whether peanuts are suitable for the people taking part. Then decide what quantity and type are right for your snack occasion.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Suitability for participants Check the allergen information and consider people’s ages and when they’ll be eating. When I’m considering peanuts for children, I first want to know who whole peanuts are suitable for. Around 33% of consumers put suitability for participants first.
Right-sized quantity Match the net weight to the number of people who can eat them and how much you expect to use. For me, it matters that I don’t have more left over than I can use at home. Around 27% of consumers put quantity and their own expected use first.
Salted or unsalted Check which type it is and read the ingredients on the pack. When I’m looking for an unsalted snack, I don’t want to mistake it for a salted bag. Around 20% of consumers focus mainly on the salt content of the type they choose.
Storage after opening Follow the storage instructions on the specific pack and seal the bag securely after use. I want to know how to store an opened bag if there’s anything left after the gathering. Around 20% of consumers focus mainly on stock and storage.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Treating whole peanuts as an ordinary hunt reward

    A larger pack doesn’t make peanuts suitable for the participants. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts to children under 4; peanut products are not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.

    Don’t give whole peanuts to children under 4. Have older children eat them calmly at the table and supervise them. If anyone has a peanut allergy, keep peanuts off the snack menu.

  • Assuming a large or XXL bag is automatically the right choice

    A larger pack won’t necessarily suit how much you’ll use at the gathering. If you have any left over, you’ll need a plan for using and storing it.

    Compare the pack size with how much you expect to use, and decide in advance what you’ll do with an opened bag.

    A bag that’s bigger than you need leaves more to store or use later.

  • Comparing portions without checking the weight in grams

    The stated serving size varies from pack to pack. Albert Heijn lists 20 servings of 25 g for its 500 g salted bag; Jumbo bases its figures for the 500 g unsalted bag on 30 g and lists around 17 servings.

    For your planning, compare the same amount per person. The serving sizes on the label are not dietary advice for children.

  • Treating an opened bag as if it were still sealed

    Storage instructions after opening can vary by product. A statement on the pack about a protective atmosphere doesn’t automatically tell you how to store it after use.

    Seal the pack securely after use and follow the storage and shelf-life information on the specific bag.

    Any leftover peanuts need to be sealed and stored appropriately after the gathering.

Brands to consider

Duyvis

A peanut brand with confirmed salted packs in several sizes, as well as a 235 g unsalted option.

  • The manufacturer lists salted packs of 60 g, 100 g, 235 g and 370 g.
  • For the 235 g unsalted bag, Jumbo advises storing it in a light- and airtight container after opening.
  • Claims about flavour and crunchiness come from the brand; they are not independent product reviews.

Albert Heijn

The retailer lists a 500 g salted bag under its AH own-label range.

  • The product information lists the ingredients, 20 servings of 25 g and instructions for storage after opening.
  • Check the size of the exact product; the own-label name alone doesn’t tell you the pack weight.

Jumbo

The retailer lists 500 g salted and unsalted bags under its own label.

  • The product pages provide information about ingredients, salt levels and storage.
  • For the unsalted option, Jumbo lists around 17 servings based on 30 g.
  • The term ‘value pack’ doesn’t tell you whether the quantity suits how much you plan to use.

Lidl

Lidl Netherlands lists an unsalted peanut product.

  • The range listing confirms that an unsalted option is available.

ALDI

ALDI lists roasted, salted TRADER JOE’S peanuts in a 500 g pack.

  • The product information confirms the pack size and that the peanuts are roasted and salted.
  • ALDI is the retailer; TRADER JOE’S is the product brand. The XXL label on its own says nothing about whether the product is suitable for children.

PLUS

PLUS lists 500 g salted and unsalted own-label bags, as well as a 250 g unsalted bag.

  • The different pack sizes give you a clear choice between a smaller and a larger unsalted option.
  • Always compare the exact type and pack size; information about the salted bag won’t necessarily apply to the unsalted one.

Peanuts at Joybuy

These Joybuy products are smaller, unsalted packs for a separate snack after the hunt.

g’woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g

g’woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g

This smaller pack could be a good choice if you’re looking for an unsalted snack for a small group.

The product information lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil. Store the opened pack tightly sealed. Contains peanuts and may contain traces of cashew nuts; not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy. Don’t give whole peanuts to children under 4.

View at Joybuy
Verse Extra Large roasted unsalted peanuts, 210 g

Verse Extra Large roasted unsalted peanuts, 210 g

The 210 g pack could be a good choice if you’re looking for a smaller amount for a separate snack occasion.

The product information lists 100% peanuts and advises sealing the pack securely after opening. Contains peanuts and is not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy. Don’t give whole peanuts to children under 4.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can you give whole peanuts to children as a reward during an egg hunt?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts or nuts to children under 4. Have older children eat them calmly at the table and supervise them. A separate snack occasion is therefore a different option from handing out peanuts during the hunt.

Are unsalted peanuts suitable for someone with a peanut allergy?

No. Products containing peanuts are not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy; whether they’re salted or unsalted makes no difference. Check the allergen information on the exact pack.

Why do different bags list different numbers of servings?

The stated servings may be based on different quantities. Albert Heijn lists 20 servings of 25 g for its 500 g salted bag; for its 500 g unsalted bag, Jumbo lists around 17 servings based on 30 g. For your own planning, use the same amount per person; this isn’t dietary advice for children.

How should you store an opened bag of peanuts?

Follow the instructions on the specific pack. For Duyvis 235 g unsalted peanuts, Jumbo advises using a light- and airtight container. Albert Heijn advises sealing its salted bag securely after use and storing it in a cool, dark and dry place. Check the shelf-life information too.

What information about peanut allergens must a Dutch seller provide?

According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, peanuts are one of the 14 allergens that must be declared. For pre-packed products, allergen information appears on the label; for unpackaged products, the seller must inform customers. This concerns information provided by sellers and does not automatically establish a labelling requirement for every private gathering.