The peanuts assessed are not low in calories: varieties with comparable nutritional information contain 541–625 kcal per 100 g, well above the threshold for this claim. So start by weighing out a portion and comparing the nutritional values for the same quantity. Unsalted peanuts and a cocktail mix also differ in their salt content and ingredients.
Want to know how much energy your portion contains for Father’s Day? Compare kcal per 100 g, then calculate the amount for the weight you’ll actually serve. The Voedingscentrum lists 157 kcal for 25 g of unsalted peanuts; the value for a particular pack may differ.
If you’re looking for a snack with no added salt, check the nutritional information and ingredients too. The Voedingscentrum includes unsalted nuts in the Schijf van Vijf, but that doesn’t make them low in calories.
If you’re serving a range of flavours, bear in mind that each variety has different ingredients and allergens. The NVWA states that allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label. Keep the packaging so guests can check it.
First decide how many grams you want to serve, then compare the energy and ingredients for that amount. The pack size is not a recommended portion.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and calculate the amount for the number of grams you’ll serve. | If you want to manage your energy intake with a weighed portion, the label value per 100 g is a useful starting point. Around 31% of consumers prioritise keeping track of calories per portion. |
| Unsalted ingredients | Check the salt, ingredients and, where listed, protein and fibre per 100 g. | If you want an unsalted snack and also want to consider its ingredients, look beyond the kcal alone. Around 25% of consumers prioritise unsalted ingredients. |
| Flavour and texture | Check whether you’re looking at plain peanuts or a seasoned or coated snack mix. | For a drinks gathering, a savoury flavour or crunchy coating may matter more than a simple ingredients list. Around 19% of consumers start with flavour and texture. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and check the packaging for allergen warnings and possible traces. | If any of your guests have allergies, check what each variety contains and which warnings apply. Around 13% of consumers put suitability for their guests first when choosing. |
| Packaging and leftovers | Choose a pack size that suits the portions you’re planning, and store any leftovers in a dry, tightly sealed container. | If you want enough for your gathering without opening more than you need, choose a pack size that suits the amount you’ll serve and store afterwards. Around 12% of consumers start with packaging and leftovers. |
The nutritional values assessed vary: Duyvis cocktail peanuts list 541 kcal per 100 g, while the unsalted varieties from Jumbo, Duyvis, Albert Heijn and PLUS list 602–625 kcal per 100 g. These are label values for different products, not a complete assessment of their nutritional qualities. According to the European Commission, the ‘low energy’ claim for solid foods is limited to a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g.
Unsalted tells you about added salt, not energy. The unsalted varieties assessed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Duyvis and PLUS list 602–625 kcal per 100 g.
Consider salt and energy separately, and weigh out the portion you want to serve in advance.
A manufacturer’s 30 g portion is not the same as a 25 g portion. Based on the nutritional information provided, a 30 g portion of Duyvis cocktail peanuts contains 162.3 kcal; 25 g of AH unsalted peanuts contains 155 kcal, calculated.
Compare the products per 100 g first, then calculate the values for the same portion weight.
Duyvis cocktail peanuts list less energy per 100 g than the unsalted varieties assessed, but they also contain 1.4 g of salt, 15 g of protein and 3.1 g of fibre per 100 g. So the products also differ in other ways.
As well as energy, compare the salt content, ingredients and allergens for the specific variety.
A pack may contain several portions. The Voedingscentrum recommends storing nuts in a dry, tightly sealed container.
Choose a pack size that suits your gathering, and seal the pack well after opening.
A useful option if you want to compare unsalted peanuts and savoury snack varieties from the same brand.
AH Unsalted Peanuts 250 g is a supermarket own-brand option with a stated portion size of 25 g.
Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts 250 g is an option you can compare with other supermarket own brands in the same pack size.
Lidl describes its 200 g pack of roasted unsalted peanuts as suitable for snacking or adding to dishes.
ALDI’s product page names Trader Joe’s as the brand for its 250 g pack of roasted unsalted peanuts.
PLUS Unsalted Peanuts 250 g is a supermarket own-brand variety with several nutritional values listed.
These Joybuy products suit a range of Father’s Day gatherings, with unsalted, salted, seasoned and in-shell options.
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A good fit if you’re looking for an unsalted option and want to weigh out your own portion.
The product description lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil; the product may contain cashew nuts.
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In-shell peanuts are a good choice if you’re after a snack that guests can shell at the table.
The pack contains 500 g; the product description mentions possible traces of nuts.
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A good fit if you’re specifically looking for a salted peanut snack; compare the salt content with unsalted varieties.
Per 100 g: 613 kcal, 0.73 g of salt and 26 g of protein. The product information warns of a choking hazard for children under 5.
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A good fit if you’re looking for a seasoned peanut snack rather than plain peanuts.
The product information lists 62% peanuts, 524 kcal and 1.65 g of salt per 100 g. Listed ingredients include cayenne pepper, ginger and garlic; the product contains peanuts, wheat, egg and soya.
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A good fit if you’re looking for a roasted, unsalted peanut snack.
The product information lists 100% peanuts, 626 kcal and 26 g of protein per 100 g. The pack contains 210 g.
No. A smaller portion does not make the product low in energy per 100 g. According to the European Commission, the ‘low energy’ claim may only be used for solid foods containing no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. To claim a reduced energy value, the reduction must be at least 30%, and the feature responsible for the reduction must be stated.
Multiply the kcal per 100 g on the label by the number of grams you’re serving, then divide by 100. For AH unsalted peanuts, which contain 620 kcal per 100 g, 15 g works out at 93 kcal and 25 g at 155 kcal. These figures are calculated from the label value.
Check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the packaging of each variety. The NVWA says that allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label; peanuts are one of the allergens that must be listed. The Duyvis cocktail variety assessed also contains wheat and milk.
Store nuts in a dry, tightly sealed container, and follow the instructions on the packaging too. For the Duyvis variety assessed, the product information recommends transferring an opened bag to a light-proof, airtight container.
Do not eat this specific product with that best-before date. On 20 May 2026, Albert Heijn issued a recall warning because of possible metal fragments. The same warning states that other best-before dates for this product are not affected.
