For a picnic, you can compare peanuts by looking at the nutritional value of the portion you’ll actually eat, the salt content and the packaging. If you’re eating them around a workout, consider them as part of your overall meal: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, recreational exercisers don’t need special protein bars or shakes.
You want to know how much protein your snack actually adds to your meal around a workout, without automatically opting for a sports product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between recreational and intensive exercise.
You’re looking for peanuts that fit your usual eating habits, and want to be able to assess the salt content and the amount you eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes unsalted nuts in its Wheel of Five healthy eating guidelines.
You’re bringing something for several people and are thinking about the quantity, sealing up leftovers and sharing food safely. If anyone has an allergy or there are young children in the group, pay extra attention to the labels and the shape of the peanuts.
First compare the nutritional values for the same serving size, then check whether the type and packaging suit your taste and the group.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per serving | Check the protein and energy values per 100 g, then calculate both for your own serving. Duyvis lists 27 g of protein and 614 kcal per 100 g; mathematically, 25 g works out at 6.75 g of protein and 153.5 kcal. PLUS lists 25 g of protein and 623 kcal per 100 g; 25 g works out at 6.25 g of protein and 155.75 kcal. These label calculations say nothing about exercise recovery. | If I’m including my snack in what I eat around a workout, I want to know what my own serving contributes. Consumers who want to assess protein content first make up around 42% of consumers in this breakdown. |
| Salt and serving size | Check the exact product variant, its salt content and the weight of your serving; serving sizes can vary between labels. | If I want an unsalted snack and don’t want to eat a large part of the bag without realising, I pay attention to the variant and quantity. Consumers who prioritise salt and portion control make up around 33%. |
| Taking them along and sharing | Check the pack weight, ingredients, allergen information and storage instructions. Bear in mind that whole peanuts may be a concern if young children are joining you. | If I’m packing for a group, I want to bring a suitable amount and know how to seal up any leftovers. Consumers who prioritise practical, careful sharing make up around 25%. |
The amount shown on the label isn’t necessarily the same as what you eat during your picnic. Labels may also use different serving sizes.
Before comparing products, calculate the protein and energy values for the weight you plan to eat.
A batter or seasoning coating changes the ingredients compared with plain peanuts. So you can’t automatically apply the nutritional values of plain peanuts to a coated variety.
Check the ingredients and nutrition table for the exact flavour and variant you’re buying.
Peanuts are an allergen and should be stored in a cool, dry place in a well-sealed container after use. Whole peanuts can pose a choking risk for young children.
Choose an amount that suits the group, keep the allergen information to hand and seal up any leftovers after use.
Offers plain peanuts as well as coated or marinated varieties.
Sells products including AH Unsalted Peanuts in a 300 g pack.
Offers products including Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts in a 250 g pack, and also sells Duyvis.
Stocks unsalted peanuts and also offers coated peanut snacks under its Alesto brand.
At its Dutch stores, sells products including 250 g packs of Trader Joe’s roasted unsalted peanuts.
Offers products including PLUS Unsalted Peanuts in a 300 g stand-up pouch.
These product choices suit a picnic where you want to bring peanuts and take their nutritional value, flavour or packaging into account.
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A good fit if you’re looking for an unsalted peanut snack and want to calculate the protein in your own serving.
The product information lists 27 g of protein per 100 g and 99% peanuts with sunflower oil. Contains peanuts and may contain cashews.
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An option if you’re looking for a walnut-flavoured peanut snack in individual packs.
The nutrition information lists 24.8 g of protein per 100 g. The ingredients include peanuts, sugar and salt; the product also contains soya.
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The 500 g pack could suit you if you’re bringing peanuts for a group and don’t mind shelling them.
The product information lists peanuts in shells, tea, salt and flavourings. The peanuts need to be shelled before eating.
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A larger pack for anyone who wants to bring peanuts in their shells and crack them open on the spot.
The product information lists peanuts and says it may contain traces of nuts. The peanuts need to be shelled before eating.
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A good fit if you’re looking for roasted, unsalted peanuts and want to calculate the nutritional values for your own serving.
The product information lists 100% peanuts, 26 g of protein and 626 kcal per 100 g. Contains peanuts.
Consider your whole meal and the exercise you’re doing, not just the peanuts. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, recreational exercisers don’t need special protein bars or shakes; the amount of protein listed on a pack doesn’t prove any specific recovery benefit.
Store the peanuts in a cool, dry place in a well-sealed container. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing them in a cool place, while Duyvis recommends putting an opened bag in a light-proof, airtight container. This is storage advice, not a fixed maximum time that the peanuts can be left out.
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) requires clear allergen information on the label. Duyvis lists peanuts and the possible presence of nuts; PLUS also lists peanuts and the possible presence of other nuts. A nut allergy and a peanut allergy are not automatically the same thing.
Don’t assume that whole peanuts are a suitable snack for children. Product information from Duyvis, Jumbo and Albert Heijn warns that young children could choke on them.
Don’t eat AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts in a tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026. Albert Heijn issued a specific warning about possible metal fragments in products with this date. As of 13 October 2026, the date is still in the future, so don’t ignore the warning as if it were out of date.
