Plain, unsalted peanuts aren’t a low-calorie choice: the products from Jumbo, Duyvis and Albert Heijn included in this comparison contain 602, 614 and 620 kcal per 100 g respectively. Weighing out a portion makes it easier to keep track of your energy intake than choosing based only on how the peanuts are prepared or how they taste. According to the European Commission, a ‘low energy’ claim for solid foods is limited to a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g.
You want to enjoy peanuts with a drink, while knowing how much energy your portion provides. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 157 kcal for 25 g of unsalted peanuts as a general guide; the exact nutritional values vary by product.
As well as calories, you check for added salt, ingredients and the type of product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes unsalted nuts in its Wheel of Five healthy eating guidelines; that doesn’t mean peanuts are low in calories.
You’re buying for several guests and want to manage allergens and storage properly. Peanuts are an allergen that must be declared on pre-packed foods. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also warns against giving whole peanuts to young children because of the risk of choking.
Start by comparing the energy per 100 g, then decide how much you want to serve. Whether peanuts are unsalted, roasted or coated in a crispy shell doesn’t, in itself, tell you how much energy an equal-sized portion provides.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Check the kcal per 100 g, weigh your portion and calculate the energy in proportion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses 25 g as an example of a handful of unsalted peanuts. | If you want to know how much energy your portion provides, weighing it helps you keep track of how much you eat. Around 42% of consumers prioritise calories per portion. |
| Salt and ingredients | Check the added salt, total salt content and ingredients for the exact product. ‘Unsalted’ doesn’t mean fewer calories. | If you’re mainly looking for an unsalted product or specific ingredients, you’ll want to make that choice separately from the energy content. Around 25% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Suitability for guests | Keep the pack with its allergen information by the serving bowl. Separately consider whether whole peanuts are suitable if young children are present. | If you’re expecting guests with allergies or young children, you’ll want to consider the ingredients and the form of the snack in advance. Around 17% of consumers put guest safety first. |
| Packaging and storage | Compare the net weight with the number of portions you need. Follow the storage advice after opening; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing unsalted peanuts in a cool, dark and dry place. | If you’re buying for several guests, you’ll want to serve enough without opening more than you need. Around 16% of consumers prioritise portion planning and storage. |
The plain, unsalted products included in this comparison contain 602 to 620 kcal per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a ‘low energy’ claim.
Consider your salt preference and energy intake separately, and weigh the portion you serve.
A nutritional value for 25 g will look lower than one for 30 g, even if the products are similar. Albert Heijn gives a 25 g portion for the product included in this comparison; Jumbo shows values per 30 g and per 100 g.
Compare products per 100 g first, then calculate the values for the same portion weight.
A coating can also add other ingredients and allergens. Duyvis lists milk and gluten, as well as peanuts, in its Borrelnootjes Cocktail.
Read the label for the exact product and keep the packaging by the serving bowl.
The net weight tells you how many portions you can weigh out, but not how much energy each gram provides. Any leftover peanuts will also need to be stored properly.
Plan your portions by weight and follow the storage advice on the pack after opening.
The range includes plain unsalted and salted peanuts, as well as peanuts in a crispy coating. These options are worth considering if you’re weighing up peanut flavour, salt or coating.
AH Ongezouten pinda’s is a supermarket own-brand product in a 300 g pack, with portion sizes provided to help you plan for your party table.
The Jumbo Pinda’s Ongezouten product included in this comparison is a plain peanut product in a 250 g pack.
The Dutch product information lists a 285 g unsalted option.
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s roasted, unsalted peanuts in a 250 g pack.
The Dutch product information lists PLUS Pinda’s ongezouten in a 250 g bag.
This Joybuy selection includes plain and roasted peanuts, including unsalted options. Check the packaging for the energy information and the quantity it applies to, then calculate the value for the portion you want to serve.
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A plain, unsalted option to weigh out and serve if you’re after that classic peanut flavour.
The product information lists peanuts and sunflower oil as ingredients and states an energy value of 2690 kJ. Check the quantity on the label to calculate the value for your portion.
The product information says that the product may contain cashew nuts. Peanuts are an allergen too, so keep the packaging available for your guests.
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A roasted option for anyone looking for this preparation method and savoury flavour to enjoy with drinks at a party.
The product information states an energy value of 606 kcal and 1.4 g of salt; check the packaging to see what quantity these values apply to.
The product information warns that traces of nuts may be present. Peanuts are an allergen, so keep the packaging available for your guests.
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A seasoned, dry-roasted option to consider if you’re looking for a spiced flavour.
The product information states an energy value of 590 kcal and 1.5 g of salt; check the nutrition table to see what quantity these values apply to. The description mentions a resealable bag.
The product information warns that traces of nuts may be present. Peanuts are an allergen, so keep the packaging available for your guests.
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An in-shell option if you want to serve peanuts this way and decide on the portion sizes yourself.
The pack contains 500 g. The product information lists peanuts as an ingredient, an energy value of 2515 kJ and 0.12 g of salt; check the label to see what quantity the nutritional values are based on.
Peanuts are an allergen, so keep the packaging available for your guests.
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A roasted, unsalted option if you’re looking for this combination and want to weigh out your own portion.
The pack contains 210 g. The product information lists peanuts as an ingredient and states an energy value of 626 kcal; check the label to see what quantity this value applies to.
Peanuts are an allergen, so keep the packaging available for your guests.
Not just because the portion is small or the peanuts are described as unsalted. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a ‘low energy’ claim. The plain, unsalted peanuts included in this comparison are well above that limit. So focus on portion-conscious wording and serving, rather than claiming that the product is low in calories.
No, portion sizes can vary. Albert Heijn gives 25 g per portion for the product included in this comparison, while Jumbo shows nutritional values per 30 g and per 100 g. Compare products per 100 g first, then calculate the values for the same portion weight.
Check the packaging for the exact product and keep it by the serving bowl. Peanuts are an allergen that must be declared on pre-packed foods; Duyvis also lists milk and gluten in its Borrelnootjes Cocktail.
Consider this separately from the calorie content: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns against giving whole peanuts to young children because of the risk of choking and suffocation. So don’t assume that a standard party snack is automatically suitable for young children.
Follow the advice on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing unsalted peanuts in a cool, dark and dry place; an airtight container can help.
