For mindful snacking, focus on weighing your portion and comparing peanuts on a like-for-like basis. A different brand or an ‘unsalted’ label does not make them low in calories. The five plain varieties checked contain 602–625 kcal per 100 g, and the calculated difference between the lowest and highest values is 5.75 kcal for a 25 g portion. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of 40 kcal per 100 g for the ‘low calorie’ claim.
You want to keep eating peanuts, but weigh out your snack in advance and compare products on a like-for-like basis. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists an average of 157 kcal for a 25 g handful of unsalted peanuts.
You’re mainly looking for a snack with no added salt and want to know what ‘plain’, ‘baked’ and ‘roasted’ mean on the label. Check the ingredients too: ‘unsalted’ doesn’t automatically mean that no oil has been added.
You want to add peanuts to your usual supermarket shop and are checking the pack size and storage instructions, not just the brand name. The varieties covered range in size from 235 g to 300 g.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and calculate the value for the weight of your own portion. | If I want to measure out my snack, I look at the energy content of the amount I’ll actually eat. Around 39% of consumers prioritise calories per portion. |
| Unsalted ingredients | Check the ingredients and salt content separately from the energy value. | If you’re looking for a plain snack with no added salt, check the exact ingredients and salt content. Around 23% of consumers prioritise an unsalted product. |
| Packaging and storage | Check the net weight and whether you can reseal the pack securely after opening. | If I’m splitting a bag over several snack breaks, I consider the quantity and how I can store it. Around 23% of consumers make packaging and food shopping plans their main consideration. |
| Savoury flavour and preparation | Check the flavour, energy and salt content, as well as any allergens listed on the pack. | If you’re mainly after a savoury or seasoned snack, you can take the flavour and preparation method into account without assuming they offer a calorie advantage. Around 15% of consumers prioritise flavour and preparation. |
The plain products checked contain 602–625 kcal per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for the ‘low calorie’ claim.
Check energy and salt as separate properties. Don’t infer a low-calorie claim from ‘unsalted’ or a nutrition logo alone.
For the same 25 g portion, the calculated difference between the lowest and highest energy values among the five plain varieties checked is 5.75 kcal. The figures come from product information provided by Jumbo, Albert Heijn and PLUS.
Weigh the amount you want to eat, then compare the exact products on the same basis.
Duyvis describes Oven Baked Original as made without added oil or fat. This manufacturer description does not prove a calorie advantage; the variety contains a salt-based seasoning mix.
Use the preparation method as information about flavour and ingredients, and check the pack’s nutrition table as well.
The 300 g AH variety lists 12 portions of 25 g. So the contents of a pack are not the same as one portion.
Plan how many portions you want to take from the bag and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
Among the varieties reviewed, the 235 g unsalted peanuts and the 225 g Oven Baked Original belong to different product ranges.
The 300 g pack of AH Unsalted Peanuts is a good fit if you’re looking for a plain variety as part of your food shop.
Jumbo Unsalted Peanuts, 250 g, is a plain variety with published nutritional values.
The Dutch Lidl product description covers a 285 g pack of unsalted peanuts and says it is sold in store.
ALDI’s Dutch product page describes TRADER JOE’S roasted, unsalted peanuts, 250 g.
The unsalted varieties described are a 250 g bag and a 300 g stand-up pouch.
This Joybuy selection includes peanuts to suit different snacking preferences, including unsalted peanuts, peanuts in their shells and flavoured varieties. Check the ingredients and any allergens for each product; not every variety is unsalted.
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An option if you’re looking for an unsalted variety and want to check the ingredients.
The product information lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil; the product may contain cashew nuts.
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The product information suggests snacking and using them as an ingredient as possible ways to enjoy them.
The pack contains 500 g. According to the product information, it may contain traces of nuts.
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The product title identifies this as peanuts; check the pack for the ingredients and nutrition values relevant to your choice.
The pack contains 1 kg. This is not a recommended portion size.
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The product information mentions individually wrapped portions and enjoying them on the go or sharing them.
The ingredient information lists sugar, salt, soya and walnut flavouring. This variety isn’t suitable if you’re specifically looking for unsalted peanuts.
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A savoury flavour option if you’re looking for roasted peanuts with a tea aroma.
The ingredient information lists salt, flavourings and sweetener. Check the pack if you want to compare the ingredients.
Not based on the values checked. For solid foods, the European Commission allows the ‘low calorie’ claim only when a product contains no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g; the plain varieties reviewed contain 602–625 kcal per 100 g. A smaller portion doesn’t change the value per 100 g.
Compare products using the same quantity and calculate from the nutrition value per 100 g. Albert Heijn lists a 25 g portion, while Jumbo also shows values per 30 g for its unsalted variety. To work out the value for your own portion, multiply the kcal per 100 g by the portion weight and divide by 100. Label values are averages, not an exact measurement of your portion.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label. For non-prepacked products, the seller must provide this information in another way before purchase, for example by displaying a notice saying that you can ask for it. Check the warnings on the pack of the exact variety too.
The product information for the AH, PLUS and Duyvis varieties checked warns that young children may choke on peanuts. Bear this warning in mind before giving whole peanuts to young children.
Store peanuts in a dry place and seal the pack securely; also follow the instructions for the specific variety. Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a cool, dark and dry place. For an opened bag, Duyvis recommends an airtight, light-proof container.
