To offer fewer calories per snack occasion, weigh out a portion and compare the energy in the exact product per 100 g. Plain, unsalted peanuts are a good choice if you’re looking to avoid added salt, but they are not low in calories. Coated peanuts call for extra care when checking ingredients and allergen information.
You want to serve peanuts during conference breaks while keeping the energy per snack occasion under control. Compare nutritional values on the same basis and weigh out portions; peanuts aren’t automatically ‘low calorie’ just because they’re peanuts.
You want to give guests clear information about the allergens present. Plain peanuts and coated peanuts may differ in their ingredients and allergens, so check the information for each variety.
You want to match the pack size to the number of portions you’ll serve and store opened stock according to the product instructions. A larger bag isn’t automatically the most practical choice for your buffet.
First compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then decide on a standard portion. Also check allergens, salt levels and what’s practical when serving.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and weigh out your chosen portion; calculate the energy for the same amount. | If I want to limit the energy served during each break, I need to weigh portions and compare labels on the same basis. Around 33% of consumers who prioritise energy per snack portion pay closest attention to this. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients and warnings on the pack you receive, and make sure the information is available at the buffet. | If I’m welcoming guests with different dietary needs, I want to be able to clearly state which allergens are listed for each variety. Around 27% of consumers who prioritise allergen information consider this the most important factor. |
| Salt and ingredients | Read the ingredients list and compare the salt content per 100 g; ‘unsalted’ says nothing about the energy content. | If I’m looking for a snack with no added salt or a simple list of ingredients, I check the ingredients and nutritional information. Around 20% of consumers who prioritise salt and ingredients pay closest attention to this. |
| Portioning and storage | Match the net weight to the number of portions and follow the storage instructions on the pack once it’s opened. | If I’m planning stock for several serving occasions, I want to know how many portions I can weigh out and how to store what’s left. Around 20% of consumers who prioritise practical considerations pay closest attention to this. |
According to the product information, the plain unsalted products reviewed contain 602–625 kcal per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of no more than 40 kcal per 100 g for a claim such as ‘low calorie’.
Assess salt and energy separately, and state a clear, weighed serving size.
A lower energy value per portion may simply mean that the portion is smaller. AH lists a 25 g portion; Jumbo also gives nutritional values per 30 g.
Compare products per 100 g first, then convert every variety to the same serving size.
According to the manufacturer, Duyvis Borrelnootjes Cocktail contains wheat and milk ingredients as well as peanuts.
Keep a separate allergen record for each variety and make sure guests can get the right information at the buffet.
The contents of a bag determine how many portions you can weigh out, but not how much each guest will actually take.
Plan according to the number of guests and serving occasions, weigh out your chosen portion and follow the storage instructions for opened stock.
For those looking to weigh out plain, unsalted peanuts or choose a seasoned snack with a coating.
The AH Unsalted Peanuts 300 g product reviewed can be divided into serving portions.
The Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts 250 g product reviewed is a plain variety with no added salt.
The PLUS Unsalted Peanuts 250 g product reviewed can be used to make your own weighed portions.
Lidl Netherlands lists roasted, unsalted peanuts in a 200 g pack.
ALDI Netherlands lists 250 g of roasted, unsalted peanuts under the Trader Joe’s pack brand.
This selection includes plain unsalted, roasted, shell-on and salted peanuts that you can portion yourself. Check the nutritional information and allergens on each pack before choosing a variety for the buffet.
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A good choice if you want to weigh out loose peanuts and are looking for an unsalted variety.
Ingredients: 99% peanuts and sunflower oil. Stated energy: 2690 kJ per 100 g. May contain cashew nuts.
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An option if you want to serve roasted, unsalted peanuts in portions you’ve weighed out yourself.
The product information lists 100% peanuts and 626 kcal per 100 g.
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This could work if you want to divide a 500 g pack into portions; bear in mind that guests will need to shell the peanuts first.
Stated energy: 2515 kJ per 100 g. The product information notes that it may contain traces of nuts.
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An option if you want to divide roasted peanuts into your own snack portions.
The product information lists 606 kcal and 1,4 g salt per 100 g, and notes that it may contain traces of nuts.
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An option if a salty flavour suits your catering menu and you want to weigh out portions yourself.
Ingredients: peanuts, sunflower oil and salt. Stated values: 613 kcal and 0,73 g salt per 100 g.
No. A small portion doesn’t change the threshold for a nutrition claim per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g for a claim meaning ‘low calorie’. You can, however, transparently state the calculated energy for a clearly specified portion without calling the product low calorie.
Information about unpackaged products must be available to guests. According to the NVWA, staff can provide it verbally if they can give it directly before purchase, if it is also available to staff and inspectors in writing or electronically, and if there is a clearly visible notice for guests.
‘Contains peanuts’ identifies an ingredient or allergen that is present; ‘may contain’ warns of possible unintended presence. Copy both statements from the pack of the variety you’re serving.
At 15 g per portion, 250 g works out to sixteen full portions, with 10 g left over. This is an example for planning purposes; when buying, also allow for extra consumption and waste.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and seal the remaining stock securely after use. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a sealed container in a dry place; for the AH variety reviewed, Albert Heijn advises storing it in a cool, dark, dry place.
