To keep the calories you eat at each snack break in check during the autumn half-term, weigh out a portion. Unsalted peanuts are not automatically low in calories. The three unsalted varieties checked contain 602–625 kcal per 100 g, which is above the European Commission’s limit of 40 kcal per 100 g for a ‘low energy’ claim on solid foods. Compare products using the same portion size, and check the ingredients, allergens and whether they are suitable for everyone sharing them.
If you want to eat peanuts on an outing or at home and keep track of how much energy you’re getting at each snack break, weigh out a portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 157 kcal for 25 g of unsalted peanuts.
If you want peanuts without added salt, check both the ingredients and the nutritional information for the exact variety. ‘Unsalted’ does not mean that a product is low in calories.
If you’re sharing peanuts with others, check the allergen information on the packaging and take children’s ages into account. Amsterdam UMC advises giving children under 4 nut butter rather than whole nuts because of the risk of choking.
Start by deciding how much you want to eat at each snack break. Then compare the ingredients, how the peanuts are prepared and whether they’re suitable for everyone sharing them.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and weigh out the same amount for each variety. According to its stated nutritional information, a 25 g portion of AH Unsalted Peanuts contains 155 kcal. | If you want to limit the energy you get from a snack at home or on an outing, the amount you eat is what matters. Around 42% of consumers put calories per portion top of their list. |
| Salt and ingredients | Read the ingredients and salt content alongside the energy value; don’t assume anything about calories from the word ‘unsalted’. | If you’re mainly looking to avoid added salt, you’ll also want to know what else is in the variety. Around 25% of consumers prioritise ingredients and salt. |
| Sharing a snack safely | Check the allergens on the current packaging. Don’t give whole peanuts to children under 4; Amsterdam UMC advises nut butter instead of whole nuts. | If children or people with allergies will be sharing the snack, suitability comes before choosing a flavour. Around 17% of consumers say safe sharing is their top consideration. |
| Packaging and storage | Compare the net weight and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For example, the 300 g AH variety contains a different amount from the 250 g packs checked from Jumbo and PLUS. | If you want to split a bag across several snack breaks, the quantity and how to store it after opening are practical considerations. Around 16% of consumers put these first. |
The varieties checked from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS contain 602–625 kcal per 100 g. A product without added salt is not automatically low in calories.
Assess salt, ingredients and energy separately, and don’t assume that ‘low in calories’ is an accurate description.
Albert Heijn lists a 25 g portion, while Jumbo gives nutritional information per 30 g as well as per 100 g. So, a difference per portion may simply be down to the amount used.
Convert the figures to the same amount before comparing products.
PLUS product information also includes a warning about the risk of choking for young children. Amsterdam UMC advises giving children under 4 nut butter rather than whole nuts.
Don’t give whole peanuts to children under 4, and follow the safety information on the specific packaging.
Albert Heijn’s warning dated 20 May 2026 concerns AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts in a tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026, due to the possible presence of metal fragments. The warning applies to that specific product and date.
Check the product name, packaging and best-before date. Do not eat the affected tub with the date 04-11-2026.
These brand references relate to specific product varieties and are intended as points of comparison, not as an overall assessment of a brand.
Duyvis describes unsalted, fried, roasted, marinated and coated peanuts; the unsalted pack is listed as 235 g.
AH Unsalted Peanuts is a 300 g variety with a stated portion size of 25 g.
Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts is a 250 g own-brand variety with nutritional information per 100 g and per 30 g portion.
PLUS Unsalted Peanuts is a 250 g own-brand variety with stated ingredients and nutritional information.
Lidl lists unsalted peanuts in a 285 g pack and says this variety is available in store only.
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s roasted and unsalted peanuts in a 250 g pack.
This selection of Joybuy products includes unsalted peanuts, peanuts in their shells, and roasted or seasoned varieties. Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens for each product; product titles alone don’t give the energy value for every variety.
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The title describes unsalted peanuts; the 250 g pack can be split across several snack breaks.
The product description lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil. Contains peanuts and may contain cashew nuts.
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The 500 g pack can be split across several snack breaks; you’ll need to weigh out a smaller portion yourself.
These are whole peanuts in their shells. Because of the risk of choking, whole peanuts are not suitable for children under 4; Amsterdam UMC advises giving them nut butter instead of whole nuts.
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With a 1 kg pack, you’ll need to portion the peanuts yourself if you want smaller snacks.
Contains peanuts and is not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
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The title and product description say these are roasted peanuts with an oolong tea flavour. Choose this variety if the flavour and preparation method suit your preferences.
The description lists salt, sweetener and flavour enhancers. Contains peanuts and is not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
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The description says these are roasted peanuts with no added salt in a 210 g pack.
The stated energy value is 626 kcal per 100 g; the available product information does not support a claim that this variety is low in calories. Contains peanuts and is not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
No. A small portion doesn’t make the product itself low in calories. For solid foods, the ‘low energy’ claim applies to products with no more than 40 kcal per 100 g. At 602–625 kcal per 100 g, the three unsalted varieties checked are above that limit, according to their stated nutritional information and the European Commission’s threshold. Weighing out a smaller portion does, however, limit how much you eat at that snack break.
Not automatically. For an energy-reduced claim, the European Commission specifies a reduction of at least 30%, with details of the features that cause the reduction. A small difference between two labels is not, on its own, proof of that claim.
Amsterdam UMC advises giving children under 4 nut butter instead of whole nuts because of the risk of choking. This is safety advice, not a legal age restriction on sales.
Check the allergen information on the packaging of the specific variety. The NVWA states that pre-packed products must show allergen information on the label and that peanuts are one of the listed allergens. If you think you may have a peanut allergy, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises contacting your GP.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for your variety. For the AH Unsalted Peanuts checked, Albert Heijn says to store the bag in a cool, dark, dry place and seal it properly after use. This advice does not automatically apply to every brand.
