Less fat at lunchtime
You want to compare the fat content of the exact peanut variant, without assuming that oven-baked or unsalted means lower in fat. The European Commission defines ‘low fat’ for solid foods as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g.
What matters to different shoppers?
A measured lunch-time snack
You want to know how much energy you’re adding alongside your sandwich, so you check the nutrition information as well as the amount you actually eat.
An unsalted lunch-time snack
You’d rather choose an unsalted variety and assess salt separately from fat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses unsalted nuts in its dietary guidance; that doesn’t mean the nutrition values of different peanut variants are the same.
Compare what to look for
| What to look for | What should you check? | Which shoppers is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content | Compare per 100 g, and check the exact variant and the basis for any comparative claim. | If I want less fat, I look at the nutrition information, not just how the peanuts are prepared. Around 36% of shoppers put a proven reduction in total fat first. |
| Energy and portion size | Work out the value per 100 g for the amount you actually eat. | If I want to limit the extra energy alongside my sandwich, I weigh out my snack. For around 29% of shoppers, managing energy intake is the top priority. |
| Salt | Check the salt in the nutrition table; ‘unsalted’ alone says nothing about fat. | If I’d rather have an unsalted snack, I assess salt separately from the other values. Lower salt is the main consideration for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Packaging | Check the net weight, any portion information and storage advice once opened. | For lunch on the go, I want to take an amount that suits the occasion and store any leftovers. Convenience for taking it with you comes first for around 14% of shoppers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming oven-baked means low fat
Duyvis describes Oven Baked Peanuts Original as made without added oil or fat, but lists 47 g of fat per 100 g on the same manufacturer’s page. The European Commission defines ‘low fat’ for solid foods as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g.
Read the total fat and energy on the packaging alongside the description of how the product is made.
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Choosing unsalted and assuming it also means less fat
PLUS lists 0 g of salt and 51.3 g of fat per 100 g for its 300 g pack of unsalted peanuts. ‘Unsalted’ is a choice about salt, not an automatic indication of lower total fat.
Assess salt, fat and energy separately in the nutrition table.
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Applying a claim about a mix to plain peanuts
Albert Heijn’s listing for Duyvis Japanese Party Mix refers to a mix with rice crackers and is marked as discontinued. A claim about that mix isn’t a comparison for plain peanuts.
When comparing labels, make sure you’re looking at the exact product category and the stated basis for comparison.
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Treating the whole pack as one portion
A Joybuy listing for a 235 g pack of Duyvis salted peanuts gives 7–8 servings, with an average serving of 30 g. That’s not the same as eating the whole bag.
Decide in advance how much you want with your sandwich, and follow the storage advice on the packaging for any leftovers.
Brands and where to shop for comparison
Duyvis
The manufacturer lists both salted peanuts and its separate Oven Baked Peanuts Original range.
- The manufacturer’s page for Oven Baked Peanuts Original provides preparation information and nutrition values, which can help you assess the exact variant.
- The manufacturer lists 47 g of fat per 100 g. A PLUS listing for Oven roasted Original gives different nutrition values; the product names don’t prove that they use the same recipe.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists its own unsalted peanut variant as well as separate Duyvis products.
- The listing for AH Unsalted Peanuts gives you a specific option to look for if you want to assess salt.
- Duyvis Japanese Party Mix with rice crackers is marked as discontinued; a product claim for that mix isn’t proof about plain peanuts.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists 250 g Unsalted Peanuts as one of its own products.
- The product listing gives the unsalted description and pack size.
- ‘Unsalted’ doesn’t indicate a lower total fat content; compare the nutrition table on the exact pack.
Lidl
Lidl lists unsalted peanuts as an option if you want to assess salt separately.
- The product listing makes the unsalted variety easy to identify.
- The product name alone doesn’t tell you how its fat content compares.
ALDI
The Dutch store listing features TRADER JOE’S Roasted Unsalted Peanuts, 250 g.
- The listing gives you a specific variant, preparation method and pack size.
- Roasted and unsalted doesn’t prove a lower fat content; check the nutrition information on the exact pack.
PLUS
PLUS lists its own unsalted peanut variant with nutrition values per 100 g.
- The PLUS product page lists 51.3 g of fat and 0 g of salt per 100 g for its 300 g pack of unsalted peanuts.
- These values describe the specific PLUS variant listed and don’t support claims about other brands or products.
Peanuts at Joybuy
These product choices help you compare variants, nutrition values per 100 g and pack sizes. The product name or preparation method alone isn’t proof of a ‘reduced fat’ claim.
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g'woon Unsalted Peanuts 250 g
This unsalted variety suits you if you want to assess salt separately from fat.
Per 100 g: 50 g fat, 2690 kJ energy and 0.02 g salt. Pack contains 250 g.
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Duyvis Roasted Peanuts 225 g
A roasted peanut variety to assess using the information on the exact pack.
Per 100 g: 606 kcal, 50 g fat and 1.4 g salt. Pack contains 225 g.
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Dahaoda Walnut-Flavoured Peanuts 258 g
This walnut-flavoured variety is an option if you’re looking for a flavoured peanut snack.
Per 100 g: 46.2 g fat and 2420 kJ energy. The ingredients list includes sugar, salt and soya. Pack contains 258 g.
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Lao Jie Kou Yashi Xiang Tea-Infused Roasted Peanuts 500 g
These tea-infused roasted peanuts offer a flavoured option to compare with plain peanuts.
Per 100 g: 544 kcal, 35.6 g fat and 1.37 g salt. Pack contains 500 g.
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g'woon Peanuts in Shell 500 g
These peanuts are in their shells, so bear that in mind when working out how much to have with your lunch.
Per 100 g: 49 g fat and 2515 kJ energy. Pack contains 500 g.
Frequently asked questions
Do ‘reduced fat’ and ‘low fat’ mean the same thing?
No. The European Commission defines ‘low fat’ for solid foods as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g; this is an absolute limit. A ‘reduced fat’ claim is based on a comparison, so check which product variant and reference it relates to.
Does ‘no added oil’ mean oven-baked peanuts contain less fat?
No. That description of how the product is made doesn’t tell you how much total fat the finished product contains. Duyvis lists 47 g of fat per 100 g for Oven Baked Peanuts Original on its manufacturer page. A PLUS listing for a similarly named Oven roasted Original product gives 50 g of fat per 100 g; the information doesn’t prove that the listings refer to the same product version.
How do I work out the nutrition values for my portion?
Multiply the value per 100 g by the number of grams you’re having, then divide by 100. PLUS lists 623 kcal and 51.3 g of fat per 100 g for its 300 g pack of unsalted peanuts. For example, a 25 g portion would contain around 156 kcal and 12.8 g of fat. This is a calculation based on the product listing, not personalised portion advice.
Does unsalted mean lower in fat?
No. ‘Unsalted’ refers to salt, while total fat is listed separately in the nutrition table. PLUS lists 0 g of salt and 51.3 g of fat per 100 g for its 300 g pack of unsalted peanuts, so check both values separately.
What should I look for in the allergen information on a pack of peanuts?
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) lists peanuts as one of the allergens that must be declared on prepacked products. Also check the packaging of the exact variant you’re buying for information about other allergens.