For a games night, start by deciding on a sensible portion, then compare the nutritional information on the exact pack. The peanuts reviewed that list energy values are well above the European Commission’s threshold for a ‘low energy’ claim: no more than 40 kcal per 100 g for solid foods. So unsalted or oven-baked doesn’t mean low in calories.
Who is this for?
Players keeping an eye on their portions
You want to enjoy peanuts while you play without accidentally eating several portions. Setting aside a fixed amount per person may matter more to you than a small difference in kcal per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 157 kcal for a 25 g handful of unsalted peanuts.
Fans of unsalted snacks
You’re looking for a simple peanut snack that suits your preference for unsalted nuts, without mistaking unsalted for low-calorie. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a handful of unsalted nuts every day, and varying the types you eat.
Snack table organisers
You’re buying for several players and want to check the pack size, any leftovers and allergens in advance. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) states that allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label.
What should you look for in peanuts for a games night?
Start with the amount you want to serve, then compare calories using the same weight. Next, choose based on salt, flavour and the information on the pack.
| What to consider |
What to look for |
Who is this important to? |
| Portion and calories |
Compare kcal per 100 g and work out how that translates to the number of grams you’ll serve. |
I want to decide how much to serve in advance, so I don’t keep reaching into the bag while I’m playing. Around 33% of consumers put portion size and calories first. |
| Choosing unsalted |
Check the salt and calorie content separately on the exact pack’s label. |
I prefer an unsalted snack, but don’t want to mistake that choice for fewer calories. Around 27% of consumers put choosing unsalted first. |
| Flavour and preparation |
Check the ingredients and nutrition table; don’t assume the preparation method means fewer calories. |
I choose mainly based on the savoury flavour or preparation method that suits the snack table. Around 20% of consumers put flavour and preparation first. |
| Amount for the group |
Compare the net weight with the amount you want to serve and keep. |
I want to buy enough for everyone without having lots left over afterwards. Around 13% of consumers put the amount needed for the group first. |
| Allergens at the table |
Read the allergen information and any warnings about possible traces on the pack. |
I need to take a player’s known allergy into account before putting out a snack. Around 7% of consumers put allergen information first. |
Common pitfalls
-
Assuming unsalted means low-calorie
Unsalted peanuts may suit your preference for less salt, but the varieties reviewed that list nutritional values are well above the threshold for a ‘low energy’ claim.
Check salt and energy as separate attributes, and compare the energy per 100 g. A smaller portion doesn’t change the nutritional value of the product itself.
-
Comparing portions of different sizes
A 30 g serving suggested by a retailer and a 25 g serving contain different amounts of calories, even if the products have the same energy per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses a 25 g portion for its general nutritional information on unsalted peanuts.
Convert products to the same weight before comparing the energy in a portion.
-
Judging a warning by the brand name alone
Albert Heijn’s recall warning dated 20 May 2026 concerns AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts in a tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026; the warning doesn’t automatically apply to other peanuts from the brand.
Compare the full product description and best-before date with the warning. Don’t eat the specific affected pack, and follow Albert Heijn’s instructions.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Duyvis
The range includes unsalted, salted and oven-baked varieties.
- Jumbo lists 614 kcal per 100 g for the 235 g Duyvis Unsalted variety.
- Duyvis describes its Oven Baked preparation as roasting without added oil or fat. This preparation method doesn’t prove that it has fewer calories, so check the nutritional values on the pack.
Albert Heijn
The 300 g pack of AH Unsalted Peanuts is a specific unsalted variety you can compare using the label information.
- This variety lists 620 kcal and 0 g salt per 100 g.
- Check the exact pack: these values don’t automatically apply to other AH peanuts.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts 250 g is an unsalted variety whose energy, salt and ingredients can each be checked separately.
- The product page lists 602 kcal and 0.01 g salt per 100 g; the ingredients list states 99.5% peanuts.
- The retailer uses a 30 g serving for comparison. Use the same portion weight when comparing products.
Lidl
Lidl lists unsalted peanuts and also describes Alesto Cruspies as peanuts in a spiced batter coating.
- The product information covers different types and preparations, giving you options to choose by flavour.
- A product or flavour description doesn’t in itself tell you whether it has fewer calories. Compare the nutrition table on the exact pack.
ALDI
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s roasted, unsalted peanuts in a 250 g pack.
- Preparation, unsalted status and pack size are all details to check on the packaging.
- A Nutri-Score isn’t the same as a calorie claim. Use the energy per 100 g to compare calories.
PLUS
PLUS Unsalted Peanuts 250 g is a product to check for ingredients and warnings.
- The product information lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil.
- The page notes that cashew nuts may be present. If you want to compare calories, check the energy information on the exact pack.
Peanuts on Joybuy
This selection includes unsalted and salted peanuts, as well as seasoned varieties for anyone choosing by flavour and portion size.
Image unavailable
g’woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g
The unsalted variety and 250 g pack make it easy to weigh out a portion of your choice.
The product description lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil. The product may contain cashew nuts.
Joybuy
Image unavailable
White Peanuts, 1 kg
The 1 kg pack is worth considering if you want to weigh out portions for several players.
The product name indicates that it contains peanuts and comes in a 1 kg pack. Check the nutritional values and allergen information on the packaging.
Joybuy
Image unavailable
Duyvis salted peanuts, 370 g
This salted variety is a good fit if you’re deliberately choosing a savoury flavour and want to decide on your portion in advance.
The product information lists 613 kcal per 100 g and advises against giving the product to children under 5 due to the risk of choking.
Joybuy
Image unavailable
Lao Jie Kou roasted peanuts with oolong tea, 500 g
This roasted variety with oolong tea is an option if flavour and preparation are your main selection criteria.
The product information lists 544 kcal per 100 g. Weigh out a portion to decide how much you want to serve.
Joybuy
Image unavailable
Lao Jie Kou garlic-flavoured peanuts, 250 g
The garlic flavour makes this a seasoned option for anyone choosing a snack mainly for its taste.
The product information lists 540.2 kcal and 2.55 g salt per 100 g. Check how much you’re serving and compare both values with your preferences.
Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
Can a small portion of peanuts be described as low-calorie?
No. A smaller portion doesn’t make the product itself low-calorie. For solid foods, the European Commission sets the threshold for a ‘low energy’ claim at no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g.
How can you compare different portions fairly?
Convert the energy per 100 g to the same portion weight. Multiply the kcal per 100 g by the number of grams you want, then divide by 100. Use the nutritional values for the exact pack.
What allergen information should I check for guests?
Check the label on the pre-packed peanuts and look for any warnings about other allergens. According to the NVWA, allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label; peanuts are an allergen themselves.
Are whole peanuts suitable for young children?
Not necessarily: the Albert Heijn and PLUS product pages reviewed warn that young children can choke on peanuts. Bear this warning in mind if young children are at the table.
Which peanuts are covered by Albert Heijn’s recall warning?
The warning dated 20 May 2026 concerns AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts in a tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026. Don’t eat this specific product and follow Albert Heijn’s instructions; the warning doesn’t automatically apply to other AH peanuts or best-before dates.