Peanuts can be part of your everyday diet during marathon training, but they’re no substitute for getting enough carbohydrates during a long run. Choose a pack size that matches what your household uses and can store, and check the ingredients and allergen information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating large portions of foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise.
You’re looking for peanuts to include in your everyday diet during a training block and want to distinguish between a snack at home and fuel for a long run. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre offers advice on eating and drinking for endurance sports.
You eat or share peanuts regularly and want to choose a pack size that suits your usage and the space you have to store the opened pack properly.
You might prefer a smaller pack or want to try a variety first, rather than assuming that a larger pack will automatically suit the way you use it.
First, decide when you want to eat the peanuts and how much your household uses. A long run calls for a separate choice of fuel: peanuts aren’t automatically a suitable main source of fuel while running.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| When you’ll eat them | Decide whether you’ll eat the peanuts at home, just before a training session or during a long run; check the nutritional information on the exact pack. | If I want peanuts as an everyday snack, I don’t want to mistake them for fuel on the go. Around 31% of consumers prioritise when they’ll use the product. |
| Pack size | Choose a size that matches what your household actually uses, and only compare packs that contain the same type of product. | When buying a multipack or larger pack, I mainly want to know whether the quantity suits my household. Around 31% of consumers base their choice mainly on the pack size. |
| Stock and storage | Choose an amount you can use, seal the pack carefully after opening and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | If I don’t eat peanuts often, I don’t want more stock than I can conveniently store. Around 23% of consumers prioritise managing their stock. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the specific pack, even if you’ve bought the same brand before. | If I have an allergen concern or prefer a particular ingredient list, I want to check the label on that exact variety. Around 15% of consumers prioritise ingredients and allergens. |
Marathon training requires enough carbohydrates. Peanuts aren’t automatically a suitable substitute for fuel during prolonged exercise.
First, decide when you want to eat them. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating large portions of foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise.
If you need fuel during prolonged exercise, you’ll still need a separate carbohydrate strategy.
A larger pack is only practical if you’ll use it and can store it properly once opened.
Estimate how much your household uses and choose a pack size to match.
A larger opened pack needs enough storage space and must be sealed carefully.
Unsalted peanuts can still contain sunflower oil. Peanuts are also unsuitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, even when buying it again.
The 235 g unsalted variety is a smaller option for your cupboard. The brand also offers salted, marinated and coated varieties.
AH Unsalted Peanuts are available in a 500 g pack.
Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts Value Pack is a 500 g bag for regular household use.
The product description is for roasted, unsalted peanuts in a 200 g pack.
The description of Trader Joe’s peanuts at ALDI refers to a 250 g pack.
PLUS offers unsalted peanuts in 250 g and 500 g bags.
These Joybuy products offer different peanut options for home: peanuts in their shells, raw skin-on peanuts and boiled peanuts that need to be kept frozen.
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A 500 g pack for anyone looking to use peanuts in their shells as a snack or in dishes.
The product information recommends sealing the pack well after opening and storing it in a cool, dry place.
Not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
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Raw peanuts with skins for use in dishes or for roasting at home.
The product information lists peanuts as the ingredient. For a roasted snack, it describes roasting and seasoning as preparation steps.
Not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
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Boiled peanuts to enjoy as a snack or use in dishes.
Keep frozen; once defrosted, store in the fridge and do not refreeze.
Not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
That isn’t an obvious choice. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating large portions of foods high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise. Choose a mealtime and portion that work for you; a larger pack isn’t a reason to eat more at once.
Store unsalted peanuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark and dry place. Also follow the instructions on your own pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists a rancid smell or taste, a tough texture and mould as signs of spoilage.
No. The checked 500 g bags of unsalted peanuts from AH, Jumbo and PLUS contain sunflower oil. Read the ingredients list if the preparation method or added oil matters to you.
No. Roasting or removing the salt doesn’t remove the peanut allergen. The Food Allergy Foundation says this allergen remains stable when heated; if you have other allergies, also check the pack for information about possible traces.
Pre-packed foods are covered by EU labelling rules for details including ingredients, allergens, net quantity and durability, subject to applicable exceptions. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that any allergens present must be clearly distinguishable in the ingredients list.
