Shoppers comparing fat claims
You want to know whether a party snack really contains less fat than a comparable product. So look beyond the preparation method: check the nutritional values and what the claim is being compared with.
Who is this guide for?
Portion planners
You want to decide in advance how much to serve during a long games night. To do this, compare the energy per 100 g with the amount you put in your bowl.
Hosts catering for dietary needs
You’re buying for a group where salt, peanuts or other allergens may be a concern. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the specific variety you’re serving.
What should you look for when choosing?
First compare the fat content per 100 g and check what a reduced-fat claim is based on. Then consider energy, serving size, salt and your guests’ dietary needs separately.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who might find this especially important? |
|---|---|---|
| Comparing fat claims | Check the exact variety, fat per 100 g and the product used as the basis for comparison. | I want to know whether a party snack really contains less fat than the stated comparison product. Around 36% of consumers put demonstrable fat reduction first. |
| Energy and portion size | Compare kcal per 100 g, then work out the amount you’ll serve; a smaller portion does not mean a lower fat value per 100 g. | I want to decide in advance how much to put out for a long evening. Around 29% of consumers give energy and portion control top priority. |
| Serving at the table | Choose a pack size that suits your serving plan and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | I want to portion the snack out in advance so a large pack doesn’t have to keep going back and forth across the games table. Around 21% of consumers focus mainly on ease of portioning and serving. |
| Salt and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any precautionary warnings on the current packaging. | I’m buying for guests with a specific salt-related or allergen requirement and want to check this in advance. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these kinds of group requirements. |
Common purchasing mistakes
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Confusing unsalted with less fat
Unsalted and reduced-fat describe different qualities. Choosing a low-salt option is no proof of fat reduction.
Check the salt and fat values separately, then choose according to your main priority.
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Treating the whole pack as one portion
The net weight of a pack isn’t necessarily the amount you want to serve during one games night.
Decide in advance how much to put out, then reseal the pack according to the label instructions.
A pack may contain more than you want to serve in one evening, so you’ll need somewhere to store the rest properly sealed.
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Assuming a nutrition claim makes a product suitable for your guests
A claim about fat doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy or other dietary requirement.
Before serving the snack, read the current allergen information and any precautionary warning on the packaging.
Relevant brands to consider
Duyvis
Relevant for oven-baked peanuts and party nuts with different product characteristics.
- Duyvis describes Oven Baked Peanuts Original as roasted without added oil or fat.
- That preparation method alone is no proof of fat reduction. A historical Albert Heijn product page described a reduced-fat claim for a different Duyvis variety; this reference does not indicate current availability.
Albert Heijn
AH Unsalted Peanuts are a standard peanut option to compare nutritional values and pack sizes with.
- Albert Heijn publishes nutritional values and storage advice for AH Unsalted Peanuts 500 g.
- Unsalted does not mean lower in fat.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts 250 g are a standard unsalted peanut option.
- Jumbo lists the ingredients and nutritional values for this variety.
- The product composition applies to this variety and does not support a brand-wide claim of fat reduction.
Lidl
Lidl describes an unsalted variety in a 285 g pack.
- The product description identifies the variety as unsalted.
- This doesn’t mean it has a lower fat content; the product page states that it is available in store.
ALDI
ALDI describes Trader Joe’s roasted, unsalted peanuts in a 250 g pack.
- The product description identifies the peanuts as roasted and unsalted.
- These characteristics do not demonstrate fat reduction.
PLUS
PLUS Extra Large Peanuts (salted) are a standard salted peanut option for comparison.
- PLUS lists 50,9 g of fat and 0,78 g of salt per 100 g for this variety.
- These values apply to this product and are not a reduced-fat claim.
Peanuts on Joybuy
This Joybuy selection includes standard peanuts for anyone who wants to compare portions and nutritional values; the products shown are not proven reduced-fat varieties.
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g’woon unsalted peanuts 250 g
The 250 g pack can be divided into smaller bowls in advance.
The product information lists 99% peanuts, sunflower oil, 50 g of fat and 2690 kJ per 100 g, and 0,02 g of salt.
May contain traces of cashew nuts.
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g’woon peanuts in shell 500 g
The 500 g pack can be divided between several bowls or occasions; bear in mind that guests will need to shell the peanuts as they eat.
The product information lists 49 g of fat and 2515 kJ per 100 g.
May contain traces of nuts.
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Verse Extra Large roasted peanuts 210 g
The 210 g pack can be portioned out in advance for the games table.
The product information lists 100% peanuts, 50 g of fat and 626 kcal per 100 g, and 0,02 g of salt.
Frequently asked questions
Does reduced fat mean the same as low fat?
No. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim. A relatively lower fat value does not automatically mean a product meets this limit.
Are oven-baked peanuts automatically a reduced-fat snack?
No. Assess the nutritional values separately from the preparation method. Duyvis describes Oven Baked Peanuts Original as roasted without added oil or fat, while Jumbo lists 50 g of fat per 100 g for this variety.
How can I compare different portion sizes fairly?
First compare the nutritional values per 100 g, then calculate them for your own portion: kcal per 100 g × portion weight in g ÷ 100. Don’t compare a manufacturer’s 30 g serving directly with a smaller bowl without taking the quantities into account.
How should I store leftover peanuts?
Follow the instructions on the packaging. Albert Heijn advises storing AH Unsalted Peanuts in a cool, dark and dry place and closing the pack securely after use. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a tightly sealed container in a dry place.
What allergen information should I check when buying peanuts for guests?
Read the ingredients, allergen information and any precautionary warning on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products; peanuts are an allergen that must be declared.