Regular TV snackers
If you often share peanuts with others, compare the price per kilo of the same variety and choose an amount that suits how often you eat them.
Who are value packs suitable for?
Small households or occasional snackers
If you snack alone or not every week, a smaller pack may be a better choice than buying extra stock. Also consider how you’ll store the peanuts after opening.
Those who prefer unsalted peanuts
If you want unsalted peanuts to enjoy while watching TV, compare that variety and choose an amount that suits how you use them. Unsalted doesn’t tell you how much you eat.
Which buying decisions should you consider?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Price per kilo | Compare the same variety and product type by price per kilogram. The word ‘value’ alone doesn’t prove that the price per kilo is lower. | If I’m considering a value pack, I want to know whether I’ll pay less per kilogram for the same variety. Around 33% of consumers put this price comparison first. |
| Quantity | Choose the net weight to suit the number of people eating and how often you use peanuts. Check the storage advice too. | If I only snack occasionally, I don’t want a bag that simply gives me extra stock. Around 25% of consumers focus on getting a suitable quantity and storing it properly. |
| Unsalted variety | Read the ingredients and nutrition table on the exact pack; consider whether it’s salted or unsalted separately from portion size. | If I want unsalted peanuts, I choose that variety and decide separately how much to serve. Around 25% of consumers give the unsalted option the highest priority. |
| Flavour and product type | Check whether they’re plain peanuts or a seasoned snack with a coating, and compare the ingredients. | If I’m looking for a particular flavour or texture, I don’t want to mistake a coated snack for plain peanuts. Around 17% of consumers choose mainly by flavour or snack texture. |
Check the allergen information for every variety too. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says sellers must inform consumers about allergens present in their products. The packaging of the product you buy is still important.
What should you look out for when buying?
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Assuming a value pack or XXL label means you’re getting a better deal
A larger pack doesn’t automatically cost less per kilogram. Jumbo and Aldi use these kinds of pack labels; the useful comparison is the price per kilo of the same variety.
Compare the current price per kilogram and only buy an amount that suits how you use it.
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Assuming plain peanuts and coated peanuts are the same
A seasoned dough coating changes the ingredients. So the same bag weight doesn’t mean you’re buying the same kind of snack.
Choose the product type first, then compare the ingredients, pack size and price per kilo.
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Buying a large bag without a storage plan
The Dutch Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a cool, dark, dry place in a well-sealed container. A stand-up pouch isn’t necessarily resealable.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging and use a well-sealed container if needed.
A larger stock-up takes up space and needs to be stored carefully, so choose a size you can use up.
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Thinking unsalted means you can eat as much as you like
Choosing unsalted peanuts and deciding how much to serve are separate decisions. The Dutch Nutrition Centre uses 25 g as a reference amount for a handful of salted peanuts; this isn’t a personal recommendation.
Decide on your portion separately from the bag weight. Use 25 g as a reference amount only if it’s useful for planning your stock.
Which brands can you compare?
Duyvis
The range includes plain salted and unsalted peanuts, as well as products made using different methods.
- Duyvis lists packs of 60 g, 100 g, 235 g and 370 g in its salted range.
- Products and varieties differ, so compare the exact product name and pack.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range lists salted and unsalted peanuts separately.
- The two salt options can be compared as separate products.
- Albert Heijn warns that product and allergy information may change, so check the exact packaging.
Jumbo
The own-brand range lists salted and unsalted peanuts in different pack sizes.
- The range information lists packs of 250 g and 500 g.
- For its 500 g pack of salted peanuts, Jumbo advises storing them in a cool, dry place and warns that they may pose a choking hazard for small children.
Lidl
Lidl describes Alesto Cruspies as peanuts in a seasoned dough coating.
- The coating is a distinctive feature for anyone looking for this kind of snack.
- The ingredients differ from those of plain peanuts, so compare the ingredients rather than just the weight.
Aldi
ALDI Netherlands lists TRADER JOE’S roasted and salted peanuts in a 500 g pack.
- The product listing gives the salt variety and pack size.
- XXL is a pack label and doesn’t, by itself, prove a lower price per kilo.
PLUS
The own-brand range lists salted and unsalted peanuts in 500 g packs.
- The two varieties let you compare salted and unsalted options within the same brand.
- PLUS says that ingredients, allergy information and origin may change, so check the specific pack.
Peanuts at Joybuy
This selection includes salted and unsalted peanuts, including in-shell varieties and packs ranging from 250 g to 1 kg.
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G'woon unsalted peanuts 250 g
Suitable if you’re looking for unsalted peanuts in a 250 g pack.
The product information says it may contain traces of cashew nuts.
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Duyvis salted peanuts 370 g
Suitable if you’re looking for plain salted peanuts in a 370 g pack.
The product information lists peanuts, sunflower oil and salt, and warns of a choking hazard for children under 5.
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White Peanuts 1 kg
An option if you’re looking for a 1 kg pack of peanuts.
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Lao Jie Kou Yashi Xiang roasted tea-aroma peanuts 500 g
Suitable if you’re looking for a roasted variety with a tea aroma in a 500 g pack.
The peanuts are in their shells. The product information also mentions a desiccant in the pack: do not eat it.
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G'woon peanuts in shells 500 g
Suitable if you’re looking for peanuts in their shells in a 500 g pack.
The peanuts are in their shells, so bear in mind that you’ll need to shell them as you snack.
Frequently asked questions
How many TV nights will a 500 g bag last?
If you use 25 g as a reference portion, 500 g contains twenty portions. For two people having one portion each, that works out to enough for ten TV nights. This is for stock planning, not personal dietary advice.
How should I store peanuts after watching TV?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging. For its 500 g pack of salted peanuts, Jumbo recommends storing them in a cool, dry place; the Dutch Nutrition Centre’s general advice for nuts also recommends a dark place and a well-sealed container. Don’t assume a fixed storage period unless one is specified for your product.
Does unsalted also mean the peanuts haven’t been fried?
No. Duyvis describes frying and roasting as different preparation methods and says that peanuts may be salted after frying. The preparation method and whether they’re salted are separate features.
What allergen information must a seller in the Netherlands provide?
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says sellers must inform consumers about allergens present in their products. Check the information on the exact pack, especially if you’re buying for someone with an allergy.
Are whole peanuts suitable as a TV snack for young children?
Jumbo warns that its 500 g pack of salted peanuts may pose a choking hazard for small children. Take this warning seriously and don’t assume whole peanuts are suitable for young children. This isn’t a legal age limit.