Choose unsalted peanuts if you want a snack with protein but want to avoid added salt. Remember to consider portion size and energy content too. The AH, PLUS and Duyvis products reviewed provide 6,25–6,75 g of protein per 25 g. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, at least 20% of the energy must come from protein for a product to be described as ‘high in protein’, and these three products do not meet that threshold.
You want to know how much protein you get in a portion, without treating peanuts as a complete post-exercise meal. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that most people who do sport do not need special protein products if they eat a varied diet.
You compare the nutritional information for the exact product and weigh its protein contribution against its energy content and portion size. The name alone, or the word ‘unsalted’, does not tell you everything about its ingredients.
You’re looking for a flavour and pack size that are suitable for sharing. If peanuts are sold loose, you can ask about allergen information before buying. The NVWA says this information must be immediately available if provided verbally.
Choose this option if: you want a simple snack with protein and want to avoid added salt.
Bear in mind: the AH, PLUS and Duyvis products reviewed do not meet the threshold for the ‘high in protein’ claim.
Choose this option if: a savoury flavour is your priority.
Bear in mind: PLUS lists 24,7 g of protein and 0,78 g of salt per 100 g for its Extra Large salted peanuts, 275 g pack. These figures apply to that product only.
Choose this option if: flavour or a crunchy coating matters more to you than a plain peanut.
Bear in mind: Duyvis describes its Borrelnootjes and Tijgernootjes as having a crunchy dough coating. Don’t assume they have the same nutritional values or allergens as plain peanuts.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | Compare protein and kcal per 100 g, then calculate the figures for your own portion. | If you’re mainly looking for a protein boost, you’ll want to know how much you actually eat. Around 29% of consumers put this need first. |
| Portion size, energy and salt | Check the kcal and salt for the exact product, then calculate the figures for your portion. | If you want to tailor the amount and salt to your snack break, these details matter more than the protein figure alone. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Flavour and type | Check whether they are plain, seasoned or coated peanuts. | If you’re mainly after a snack with a distinctive flavour or crunch, choose the type that suits you. Around 18% of consumers put flavour first. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare the net weight and follow the storage instructions after opening. | If you want to share your peanuts, you’ll need a suitable quantity and to know how to store any leftovers. Around 18% of consumers prioritise quantity and cost. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and warnings on the exact pack. If peanuts are sold loose, ask about allergen information before buying. | If you need to consider a peanut allergy, either your own or someone else’s, check the allergen information. Around 12% of consumers make this their main deciding factor. |
Peanuts are still an allergen. Even unsalted peanuts are not an alternative if you have a peanut allergy. Other nuts may also be listed on the packaging as potential allergens.
Check the ingredients and warnings on the exact pack. If peanuts are sold loose, ask about allergen information before buying. If you have a peanut allergy, don’t choose peanuts.
The ‘high in protein’ claim relates to the proportion of energy that comes from protein, not the percentage of the product’s weight that is protein. The unsalted AH, PLUS and Duyvis products reviewed do not meet the threshold.
Compare protein and energy on the same basis, then calculate the figures for the amount you eat.
A typical 25 g handful of unsalted peanuts contains 157 kcal, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. The weight shown on the pack is not automatically a suitable portion for one snack break.
Decide in advance how much you want to eat, and follow the storage instructions for any leftovers.
Seasoned peanuts and peanuts with a dough coating are different products from plain peanuts, so you should not assume they have the same nutritional values.
Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens for every seasoned or coated product.
Duyvis makes plain, seasoned and coated peanut products. If you’re comparing options with protein in mind, its 235 g bag of unsalted peanuts is one specific product that has been reviewed.
AH Unsalted Peanuts 300 g is a roasted product reviewed here, with a stated serving size.
The Jumbo Unsalted Kingsize Peanuts 350 g reviewed here come in a larger pack to share.
The Lidl product reviewed here is a 285 g bag of unsalted peanuts.
The 250 g product reviewed here is sold by ALDI under the Trader Joe’s brand.
PLUS Unsalted Peanuts 250 g has a listed ingredients list and nutritional table.
These product picks focus on peanuts as a snack, taking account of their stated protein contribution, portion size and type.
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A good choice if you’re looking for an unsalted snack with a stated protein content.
The product information lists 27 g of protein per 100 g and ingredients that include 99% peanuts and sunflower oil.
Contains peanuts and may contain cashew nuts. Not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
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A good choice if you’re looking for peanuts in their shells to crack open or share.
The product information lists 29 g of protein per 100 g. The pack contains 500 g.
Contains peanuts. The product description also mentions possible traces of nuts. Not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
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A good choice if you’re looking for roasted peanuts as a snack and want to compare the stated nutritional values.
The product information lists 100% peanuts, 26 g of protein and 626 kcal per 100 g. Based on these figures, this product does not meet the threshold for the ‘high in protein’ claim.
Contains peanuts. Not suitable for anyone with a peanut allergy.
No. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, at least 20% of the energy must come from protein for a product to be described as ‘high in protein’. The AH, PLUS and Duyvis products reviewed fall below that threshold, so check the nutritional information for the specific product.
A typical 25 g handful of unsalted peanuts contains 6,3 g of protein, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Whether that meets your needs depends on your overall diet and training. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that most people who do sport do not need special protein products if they eat a varied diet.
The NVWA says allergen information must be available before purchase. If it is given verbally, it must be possible to provide it immediately before purchase. Staff must be able to consult written or electronic information, and a clearly visible notice must be displayed at the point of sale.
Follow the instructions on the pack for the product you have. The PLUS page for the Duyvis product reviewed recommends storing the opened bag in a light-proof, airtight container. AH recommends sealing the pack well and storing it in a cool, dark and dry place.
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 warned that the product may contain metal fragments. The warning applies to this specific product and date, not all AH peanuts.
