Catering buyers looking to get the quantities right
You want the pack size to suit expected use across several conference breaks, without treating brand claims as proof of a product benefit.
Who this buying guide is for
Planners organising several serving times
You want to spread stock across breaks and keep unopened bags separate from opened stock. Pack weight and storage instructions can help you plan.
Organisers looking to offer an unsalted option
You want to check the ingredients and allergens for each variety. Unsalted peanuts are not an alternative for people who need to avoid peanuts.
What to consider when buying
Match the pack size to your serving times, and plan how you will manage allergen information and opened stock.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for each break | Net weight per bag and how much you expect to need for each serving time. | I want the pack size to match the planned breaks, so there isn’t more opened stock than necessary; getting the quantity right is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Allergens when serving | The current label for the exact variety and how attendees can access the information at the serving point. | If I serve loose peanuts, I want to be able to provide allergen information at the serving point; accurate information at the point of serving is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Opened stock | The storage instructions on the packaging and a suitable way to seal opened stock. | I want to be able to seal and store opened stock according to the packaging; suitable storage is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Unsalted variety | Check the exact variety, ingredients and allergens; unsalted does not mean peanut-free or nut-free. | I want to offer an unsalted option without presenting it as allergen-free; choosing an unsalted option is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Common pitfalls
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Confusing unsalted with allergen-free
An unsalted variety still contains peanuts and, according to the product information, may also contain other nuts. Choosing a lower-salt option does not change the main ingredient.
Check the label on the exact pack and manage allergen information separately. Don’t offer peanuts as a peanut-free option.
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Looking only at the weight on the bag
Packs weighing 250 g, 370 g, 400 g and 500 g call for different plans for serving and managing opened stock.
Match the pack size to your planned breaks and decide in advance how you will seal and store opened stock.
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Choosing the largest pack without a plan for leftovers
A large bag is practical only if the quantity suits your needs. Once opened, follow the storage instructions on the exact pack.
Keep unopened stock separate, and follow the label and your food safety procedures for opened bags.
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Treating a brand claim as an independent taste comparison
Duyvis and Albert Heijn describe product qualities relating to taste or preparation. These brand or retailer claims are not an independent comparison of peanuts for conference catering.
Assess the exact variety for its ingredients, size and suitability for serving. Present comments on taste as claims made by the relevant brand or retailer.
Brands and supermarket own-label options
Duyvis
Duyvis describes a range of salted peanuts, including a 370 g pack.
- The product information lists peanuts, sunflower oil and salt.
- Statements about taste and crunchiness are brand claims, not an independent assessment for conference catering.
Albert Heijn
The AH salted peanuts described are a roasted variety in a 400 g pack.
- The product information makes the pack size and product type clear.
- The description of slow roasting and flavour retention is a claim by Albert Heijn and does not automatically apply to other AH products.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a value pack of salted peanuts containing 500 g.
- The product information lists peanuts, salt and sunflower oil.
- Check the label on the variety supplied for the latest allergen information.
Lidl
Lidl describes roasted and salted peanuts in a 500 g pack.
- The product description gives the pack size and states that the peanuts are roasted and salted.
- The product is described as available in store only.
ALDI
ALDI describes TRADER JOE’S roasted and salted peanuts in a 500 g pack.
- The product information gives the pack size and where it is sold.
- The taste description is retailer marketing, not an independent taste assessment or a guarantee of availability on the conference date.
PLUS
PLUS describes salted and unsalted peanuts in 500 g bags, as well as a 250 g salted variety.
- The product pages provide information on ingredients, allergens and storage for each variety.
- Check the details for each pack size and variety; nutritional information for one pack does not automatically apply to another.
Peanuts at Joybuy
These product options range from salted snack peanuts to boiled or flavoured varieties. Check each pack to make sure the flavour, serving method and storage requirements suit your conference breaks.
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Duyvis salted peanuts, 370 g
The 370 g pack may suit you if you’re looking for a smaller quantity of salted peanuts.
The description lists peanuts, sunflower oil and salt. The product information warns that the product may contain other nuts and advises against giving it to children under five because of the risk of choking.
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WITHYOUNG Multiflavor Peanuts, 500 g
This seasoned snack variety may suit you if you want to offer a more distinctive flavour alongside plain peanuts.
The product description lists 33% peanuts and wheat (gluten). Once opened, it recommends consuming the product as soon as possible; check the current packaging for allergen information.
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G’woon peanuts in shells, 500 g
The 500 g pack may suit a serving time when peanuts in their shells work well with your chosen serving style.
The product information lists peanuts as an ingredient and notes possible traces of nuts. Peanuts in their shells may involve extra steps when serving and clearing up.
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Lao Jie Kou Yashi Xiang, tea-flavoured roasted peanuts, 500 g
This flavoured variety may suit you if you want to offer a more distinctive snack alongside plain peanuts.
The description lists peanuts, salt, tea, flavourings and sweetener. According to the product information, the peanuts are roasted in their shells, which may involve extra steps when serving.
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Mooijer whole boiled peanuts, 500 g
This boiled variety may suit you if you can plan for the freezer and chilled storage needed during the conference.
The product information says to keep the product frozen, refrigerate it after defrosting and not refreeze it.
Frequently asked questions about peanuts at conferences
How do you work out how many bags you’ll need for the conference?
First, decide how much you plan to serve per attendee at each serving time. Divide the total number of grams needed by the net weight per pack, then round the number of bags up. This is a calculation method, not a standard catering portion; for example, use 500 g only for packs labelled with that weight.
How do you provide allergen information for loose peanuts?
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about allergens present must be available where loose products are offered. If you provide information verbally, it must be available directly before purchase, ready in written or electronic form for staff and inspectors, and accompanied by a clearly visible notice at the serving point.
Does ‘unsalted’ mean peanuts are suitable for people with a peanut allergy?
No. Unsalted peanuts still contain peanuts. Check the allergen information on the exact pack and don’t present this variety as a peanut-free alternative.
How should you store opened peanuts?
Follow the instructions on the exact pack. For the Duyvis 370 g pack described, an airtight, light-proof container is recommended. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing unsalted peanuts in a cool, dark, dry place and keeping them in a well-sealed container. This is not a guarantee of how long leftovers will keep after they have been on a buffet.
What does ‘may contain nuts’ mean alongside ‘contains peanuts’?
‘Contains peanuts’ lists an ingredient; ‘may contain nuts’ warns that other nuts may be unintentionally present. Use the information on the current label, and don’t treat a precautionary warning as proof that the product is safe for every attendee with an allergy.