Who are peanuts suitable for in a work lunch?

Sportspeople having lunch at work

You want your lunch to contribute to your protein intake. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends considering your overall daily diet; a small portion of peanuts won’t automatically replace a meal containing a range of protein sources.

Lunch planners keeping an eye on portions

You want to weigh out an unsalted addition in advance. Compare protein and energy for the same portion size rather than treating a whole bag as one portion.

Office lunch planners

You regularly bring a packed lunch and want to store peanuts in a cool, dry place in a sealed container. If you have a peanut allergy, peanut products aren’t suitable. If you have other allergies, check the product information before sharing food.

What should you look for in peanuts for your packed lunch?

Compare the nutrition information for the same portion size, and consider how you plan to take, store and use the peanuts.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who should consider this?
Protein per portion Convert the nutrition information per 100 g to the amount you’ll actually take with you. Want to know how peanuts contribute to your lunch and how they fit into your sports nutrition? Around 36% of consumers prioritise protein content.
Portion size and energy Weigh your portion and compare nutrition information for the same amount. If you want to plan your lunch portion carefully, consider both protein and energy in the amount you’ve weighed out. Around 29% of consumers prioritise portion control.
Storage and allergens Check the label for peanuts and any other allergens, and follow the storage instructions. If you take food to work or share your lunch, keep the packaging and allergen information to hand. This reflects the top priority for around 21% of consumers.
Packaging for regular use Compare the net weight with how much you expect to use, and check whether the packaging can be sealed securely. If you often take peanuts with you, packaging that suits the way you use them matters more than just the quantity shown on the front. Around 14% of consumers prioritise packaging and having a regular supply.

Common pitfalls when choosing peanuts for your lunch

  • Confusing protein per 100 g with protein in your portion

    Based on the nutrition information from Duyvis, PLUS, Jumbo and AH, a 25 g portion contains around 6.25–6.75 g of protein. A larger portion also provides more energy.

    Convert the value on the label to the portion you’ve weighed out, and consider the rest of your lunch too.

  • Assuming a different variety is the same product

    Unsalted, salted and differently prepared varieties can have different ingredients and salt levels, even when the brand and pack size are the same.

    Check the full product name, net weight and ingredients before comparing nutrition information.

  • Losing allergen information when portioning peanuts yourself

    Peanuts are an allergen. Warnings about other nuts can also vary from product to product.

    Keep the original product information with the portions, and don’t share a product with someone who has a relevant allergy if its allergen information isn’t clear.

Brands to compare

Duyvis

The 235 g unsalted variety is a good option if you want to portion out peanuts yourself for lunch.

  • Duyvis lists peanuts and sunflower oil as ingredients, and 27 g of protein per 100 g.
  • The nutrition information applies to the unsalted variety specified; other Duyvis products aren’t necessarily equivalent.

Albert Heijn

AH Unsalted Peanuts 500 g may suit you if you want to make several portions from one pack.

  • Albert Heijn lists 25 g of protein per 100 g and gives a portion size of 25 g.
  • The product information notes that various types of nuts may be present; check the label on your pack.

Jumbo

Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts 250 g are an option if you want to weigh out a set portion for lunch.

  • Jumbo lists 99.5% peanuts, sunflower oil and 26.4 g of protein per 100 g.
  • The product page uses a 30 g portion; convert the figures if you’re comparing it with a 25 g portion. The product may contain nuts.

Lidl

Lidl sells roasted, unsalted peanuts in a 200 g pack, for snacking or cooking.

  • The product page lists how the peanuts are prepared and their net weight.
  • This information alone isn’t enough to rank the protein content against other varieties.

Aldi

Aldi sells Trader Joe’s roasted, unsalted peanuts in a 250 g pack as a store product.

  • The Dutch product page states that the peanuts are roasted and unsalted.
  • The Nutri-Score shown doesn’t provide information about the protein content of a lunch portion or its role in recovery.

PLUS

PLUS Unsalted Peanuts 250 g are a supermarket own-brand option if you like to weigh out your own lunch portions.

  • For this pack, PLUS lists 99% peanuts, sunflower oil and 27 g of protein per 100 g.
  • The product may contain cashews. The figures given apply to the 250 g pack.

Peanuts for your packed lunch at Joybuy

These Joybuy products are peanut snacks for a packed lunch, from unsalted peanuts to peanuts in their shells.

g'woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g

g'woon unsalted peanuts - 250 g

This unsalted peanut snack is ideal if you want to take a measured portion with you for lunch.

The product information lists 27 g of protein per 100 g, 99% peanuts and sunflower oil. The product may contain cashews.

View at Joybuy
Verse Extra Large roasted peanuts, 210 g

Verse Extra Large roasted peanuts - 210 g

This roasted variety is a good choice if you want to take unsalted peanuts with you for lunch.

The product information lists 26 g of protein per 100 g and 100% peanuts, with no added salt.

View at Joybuy
g'woon peanuts in their shells, 500 g

g'woon peanuts in their shells - 500 g

This variety is a good choice if you want to shell your own peanuts for a lunchtime snack.

The product information lists 29 g of protein per 100 g. The peanuts are in their shells and need to be shelled before eating.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are peanuts enough as my only source of protein in a post-workout lunch?

That depends on your whole lunch and daily diet. Based on the nutrition information listed, a 25 g portion of Duyvis, PLUS, Jumbo or AH peanuts provides around 6.25–6.75 g of protein. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists foods such as dairy, chicken breast, tofu, nuts and beans as options for adding protein from everyday foods.

Do I need special protein snacks for recreational exercise?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, recreational sportspeople don’t need special protein shakes or bars. A varied diet can provide protein; how your own diet fits your personal training goal will depend on your circumstances.

How should I store an opened bag for my next day at work?

Store peanuts in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container. For its own-brand variety, Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the pack securely after use. Follow the instructions and use-by date on your own pack.

Can I choose peanuts if I have a peanut or nut allergy?

Peanut products aren’t suitable if you have a peanut allergy. If you’re allergic to other nuts, check the specific warnings on the packaging, as they can vary between products.

Does the AH recall apply to all Albert Heijn peanuts?

No. The warning published by Albert Heijn on 20 May 2026 concerns AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts in a tub with a best-before date of 4 November 2026. Don’t eat that specific pack; return it to Albert Heijn for a refund. The warning doesn’t apply to the 500 g unsalted bag discussed here.