Vegan athletes
You’re looking for a simple plant-based snack that contributes to your protein intake. Compare the protein per portion and consider it as part of your overall diet, rather than judging it by sporty packaging alone.
Who are peanuts suitable for?
Ingredient-conscious snackers
You want to be able to check the ingredients in the exact pack. A vegan label and the ingredients list can help, but allergens always need to be checked separately.
Regular stock-up shoppers
You often eat peanuts as a snack or add them to a meal, and want to find a suitable pack size. Consider how you’ll reseal and store an opened pack.
What should you look for when buying?
First compare the nutritional values per portion, then check the ingredients, salt content and packaging. This helps you assess the protein contribution in relation to the amount you eat.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | Compare protein and energy for the same portion size; use the nutritional information on the pack. | If I have peanuts as a snack around a workout, I want to know what my own portion contributes. Around 36% of consumers put protein content first. |
| Plant-based ingredients | Read the ingredients and check whether the exact variety is labelled vegan. | When I’m looking for a plant-based option, I want to be able to check the pack itself. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Portion, energy and salt | Compare kcal and salt on the same weight basis, and decide what quantity suits your eating habits. | If I want to weigh up my portion and nutritional balance, I look at both energy and salt. Around 21% of consumers make this their first priority. |
| Packaging and use | Check the weight and storage instructions; seal the pack carefully after use. | When I use peanuts regularly, I look for a quantity I can store carefully. Around 14% of consumers start by considering the packaging and overall cost of use. |
Common buying mistakes
-
Assuming the value per 100 g is the same as for a handful
The nutritional information on a pack doesn’t automatically tell you how much protein is in your portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 6.3 g of protein and 157 kcal for 25 g of unsalted peanuts.
Weigh your portion if you want to compare it, and use the information for the exact pack.
-
Assuming a vegan label means the product is allergen-free
A vegan label doesn’t replace checks for peanuts or other allergens. Allergen information applies to the specific pack.
Read the ingredients and allergen information separately, even when a product is labelled vegan.
-
Confusing unsalted with low-calorie
Unsalted means you’re choosing a different option from one with added salt; on its own, it says nothing about the energy per portion.
Compare the nutritional values and take the amount you eat into account.
-
Choosing a large bag without considering how to store it
Nuts should be kept dry and in a well-sealed pack. So if you open a pack often, it’s important to follow the storage instructions.
Choose an amount that suits your needs, and seal the pack after each portion.
Brands and varieties to consider
Duyvis
The range includes plain salted and unsalted peanuts, as well as marinated and coated varieties.
- Duyvis lists a 235 g pack of its unsalted variety, with peanuts and sunflower oil as ingredients. The published nutritional values state 27 g of protein and 614 kcal per 100 g.
- Check seasoned or coated varieties separately: the ingredients and nutritional values for plain peanuts don’t automatically apply to them.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand AH Unsalted Peanuts 500 g are an option if you’re looking for a larger pack.
- Albert Heijn labels this variety vegan and lists 97% peanuts and sunflower oil, with 25 g of protein per 100 g.
- Check the allergen information on the pack separately from the vegan label.
Jumbo
The unsalted Kingsize variety is available in a 350 g pack.
- Jumbo lists 96.2% peanuts and sunflower oil, 25 g of protein and 0.00 g of salt per 100 g for this variety.
- The product information doesn’t support the conclusion that larger peanuts provide more protein per gram.
Lidl
Lidl lists unsalted peanuts and also sells coated varieties as part of its Alesto range.
- The unsalted variety is one option to consider alongside other unsalted peanuts.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional values and any vegan label on the exact pack; details for plain peanuts don’t automatically apply to coated products.
ALDI
ALDI describes Trader Joe’s 250 g peanuts as roasted and unsalted.
- The type of product and pack size are listed for this variety.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional values and vegan label on the exact pack before comparing it with other varieties.
PLUS
PLUS Unsalted Peanuts 250 g are an own-brand variety with an explicit vegan label.
- PLUS lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil, 27 g of protein and 625 kcal per 100 g.
- The pack warns that it may contain cashews. Vegan doesn’t mean allergen-free.
Peanuts at Joybuy
This selection includes unsalted and salted peanuts, including peanuts in their shells. Check the ingredients, nutritional values and allergens on each pack; an unsalted variety isn’t automatically labelled vegan.
No image available
g'woon unsalted peanuts, 250 g
An unsalted variety to consider if you want to compare the ingredients and nutritional values on each pack.
Ingredients: 99% peanuts and sunflower oil. Protein: 27 g per 100 g. Salt: 0.02 g per 100 g.
May contain cashews; check the allergen information.
No image available
Verse Extra Large roasted peanuts, 210 g
A roasted, unsalted option if you’re looking for a simple peanut snack.
The product information lists 100% peanuts. Protein: 26 g per 100 g. Salt: 0.02 g per 100 g.
Contains peanuts.
No image available
g'woon peanuts in shell, 500 g
This variety is a good fit if you like to shell your own peanuts; bear in mind that you’ll need to shell them before eating.
The product information lists peanut as an ingredient. Protein: 29 g per 100 g. Salt: 0.12 g per 100 g.
May contain traces of other nuts. The peanuts are still in their shells and need to be shelled before eating.
No image available
ChaCha salted peanuts, 130 g
A salted variety to compare if you prefer peanuts with added salt.
The ingredients list includes peanuts, palm oil, salt and flavourings. Protein: 23.5 g per 100 g. Salt: 1.5 g per 100 g.
Contains peanuts. Do not eat the sachet of desiccant.
No image available
Duyvis salted peanuts, 370 g
A salted variety to assess by checking the ingredients, protein and salt per portion.
The ingredients list includes peanuts and sunflower oil. Protein: 26 g per 100 g. Salt: 0.73 g per 100 g.
May contain other nuts. Not recommended for children under 5 due to the risk of choking.
Frequently asked questions
Is a handful of peanuts a complete post-workout meal?
No, think of it as a contribution to your overall diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 6.3 g of protein for 25 g of unsalted peanuts. Your overall diet and other plant-based protein sources still matter too.
Does vegan mean peanuts are suitable for someone with a nut allergy?
No. A vegan label doesn’t replace checking for allergens. The AH and PLUS varieties described here contain peanuts; PLUS also warns that they may contain cashews. Always read the information on the exact pack.
How should you store an opened bag of peanuts?
Follow the instructions on the pack and seal it carefully after use. For AH Unsalted Peanuts 500 g, Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a cool, dark and dry place. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also advises keeping nuts dry and in a well-sealed container.
Are whole peanuts suitable for young children?
Not necessarily: the product information for the AH and PLUS varieties warns that young children may choke on peanuts. Bear this warning in mind when choosing and serving these products.
What should you do about the recall of AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts?
Do not eat the product with a best-before date of 04-11-2026. Albert Heijn’s warning of 20 May 2026 concerns that specific tub of salted peanuts, due to the possible presence of metal fragments. Albert Heijn says you can return it; the warning doesn’t automatically apply to other best-before dates or varieties.
Is the largest pack always the best-value option?
Not based on weight alone. Compare the current price per kilo for the same type of product, and choose an amount you can store carefully. The pack sizes of the varieties described here differ, but that alone doesn’t indicate better value.