If you want to snack mindfully on a picnic, weigh your portion and compare products on an equal-quantity basis rather than assuming unsalted peanuts are low in calories. According to the labels from Jumbo, PLUS and Albert Heijn, the plain unsalted varieties reviewed contain 602–625 kcal per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g for a ‘low-calorie’ claim. Choose unsalted peanuts if you want to avoid added salt, and roasted ones if that’s the flavour you prefer. Check the label on the exact pack and store the peanuts in a dry, airtight container.
You want to take peanuts with you without accidentally eating most of the bag. Compare the nutritional information for the same quantity, then portion out what you want to take before you leave home. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 157 kcal for a 25 g handful of unsalted peanuts.
You’re looking for an unsalted variety, but know that unsalted doesn’t mean low in calories. Check the ingredients list and salt content on the exact pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends unsalted nuts.
You want to take a suitable quantity and keep the peanuts dry and sealed. Bear allergens and young children in mind when sharing; product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS warns that peanuts can pose a choking hazard for young children.
First decide whether your main priority is keeping portions in check, avoiding added salt or taking a practical amount to share.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and calculate the values for the same portion size. | If I want to limit how much I snack on, I look at the energy content of my own portion. Around 45% of consumers prioritise calories per portion. |
| Added salt | Check the ingredients list and salt content on the pack. | If I want to avoid added salt, I deliberately choose an unsalted variety and check the label. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Taking them along and sharing | Choose a pack size to suit your group, and store the peanuts in a dry, airtight container. | If I’m taking peanuts to share, I consider the quantity and how to store them. Around 22% of consumers prioritise taking food along and sharing it. |
Unsalted peanuts can still be high in energy. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 157 kcal for 25 g of unsalted peanuts; having a smaller portion doesn’t change the nutritional value per 100 g.
There’s a difference between eating fewer calories by having a smaller portion and choosing a product that meets the ‘low-calorie’ claim. To check the latter, compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
Albert Heijn lists a 25 g portion for the peanuts reviewed, while Jumbo lists 30 g. So a difference in the figures per manufacturer’s portion may simply be down to the quantity.
Compare per 100 g first, then calculate the values for the same portion size you plan to take with you.
Duyvis describes Oven Baked Peanuts Original as made without added oil or fat. That description alone doesn’t tell you how much energy or salt the exact variety contains.
Check the nutritional information and ingredients on the current pack. Consider energy and salt separately from the preparation method.
The varieties reviewed include 235 g packs of plain unsalted peanuts and 225 g packs of Oven Baked Peanuts Original.
The AH Unsalted Peanuts reviewed are a plain variety in a 250 g pack.
The unsalted own-brand variety reviewed comes in a 250 g pack.
Lidl lists unsalted peanuts in a 285 g pack.
The ALDI product page lists 250 g packs of Trader Joe’s roasted and unsalted peanuts.
The PLUS own-brand variety reviewed consists of unsalted roasted peanuts in a 250 g pack.
This Joybuy selection includes an unsalted variety, peanuts in their shells and roasted options. Choose an amount to suit your picnic and check the nutritional information for the exact variety.
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An unsalted option for anyone looking to avoid added salt. The pack contains 250 g; if calories are a consideration, compare the nutritional information per 100 g on the label.
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Peanuts in their shells for anyone who wants to portion them out during a picnic. The pack contains 500 g; check the label for nutritional information and ingredients.
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The 1 kg pack could be a good option if you’re portioning peanuts out for a group. Check the exact product information for details on preparation and nutritional values.
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Roasted peanuts in a 210 g pack. If you’re keeping an eye on energy or added salt, check the nutritional information and ingredients on the label.
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A roasted variety in a 225 g pack. Before choosing it for mindful snacking, check the label for energy and salt content.
For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a ‘low-calorie’ claim. The plain unsalted varieties reviewed are well above this limit; a small portion doesn’t change the nutritional value per 100 g.
Take only the amount you intend to eat, and store the peanuts in a dry, airtight container. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a dry, sealed container; also follow the storage instructions on the pack.
Whole peanuts can pose a choking hazard for young children. Product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS warns about this, so don’t assume whole peanuts are a suitable snack for young children.
Keep the information from the exact pack, as peanuts are an allergen and there may also be warnings about other allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergens to be listed in the ingredients list and, since 1 January 2026, has also overseen the rules for precautionary warnings about cross-contamination.
Do not eat AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts in a tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026. On 20 May 2026, Albert Heijn announced a recall of this specific variety and best-before date, and asked customers to return the product. The warning does not automatically apply to other AH peanuts.
