Don’t choose based on a smaller bag: first compare the fat content per 100 g of the exact variety, then decide how much to take with you. According to the European Commission, the ‘low fat’ claim for solid foods means no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g; a smaller portion does not change the product’s composition. Also compare energy and salt, and check the allergens and storage advice on the packaging.
You want the coated peanuts themselves to contain less fat, so you compare the nutritional values per 100 g rather than relying on words such as ‘light’ or choosing a small pack. The European Commission and the Nederlands Bakkerij Centrum explain the relevant basis for comparison and claims.
You take coated peanuts with you for a coffee break on the go and want to decide in advance how much to eat. Albert Heijn lists a Duyvis Borrelnootjes Provencale 20-pack; the number of bags alone does not tell you how many grams you’ll have per portion.
Start with the nutritional values per 100 g, then use the portion weight to work out how much you’ll actually take with you.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Less fat in the product | Compare the fat per 100 g for the exact variety. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g per 100 g for the ‘low fat’ claim. The Nederlands Bakkerij Centrum explains that a ‘reduced’ claim requires at least 30% less of the relevant nutrient than in comparable products. | If reducing the fat in the product itself is my priority, I compare labels on the same basis and check the precise claim. Around 36% of consumers say that less fat in the product is their main purchasing concern. |
| Amount per portion | Check the portion weight and the nutritional values for the exact variety. Calculate the fat per portion using: fat per 100 g × portion weight in grams ÷ 100. | If I mainly want to limit how much I eat with my coffee, I weigh out the portion in advance; this does not change the recipe. Around 29% of consumers say portion control is their main purchasing concern. |
| Convenience for taking with you and storage | Check the weight per bag, the number of bags, and the resealing and storage advice. Albert Heijn recommends resealing the AH Borrelnoten Cocktail packaging securely after use and storing it in a cool, dark and dry place. | If I’m looking for something to take with me, I want packaging that suits the amount I’m taking and can be stored properly after opening. Around 21% of consumers say convenience for taking with them is their main purchasing concern. |
| Variety and nutritional values | Compare the nutrition table for the exact variety and keep net weight separate from nutritional values. A name such as ‘Mild’, ‘Cocktail’ or ‘Provençale’ does not in itself prove a lower fat content. | If I’m choosing a variety for my regular shop, I base my comparison on the label, not the flavour name. Around 14% of consumers say their choice of variety and packaging is their main purchasing concern. |
The amount of fat you eat depends partly on the portion size, whereas ‘low fat’ relates to the product’s composition per 100 g.
Check both the fat content per 100 g and the weight of your portion. Don’t confuse the two.
The nutrition table lists energy, fat and salt separately. Looking at fat alone therefore doesn’t give you the full nutritional picture of your snack.
Check energy and salt alongside fat, and compare the values on the same weight basis.
‘Cocktail’, ‘Mild’ and ALDI flavour names identify varieties, but they don’t show that the fat content has been reduced.
Base any statement about nutritional values on the label for the exact variety.
Duyvis lists varieties including Cocktail, Provençale, Poesta and Oriental.
Albert Heijn sells its AH own-brand coated peanuts, including the Cocktail variety.
Jumbo lists Borrelnoten Cocktail in a 300 g pack.
PLUS lists Borrelnoten Mild in a 300 g bag.
ALDI lists coated peanuts under the TRADER JOE’S product brand, including bacon and cheese, Poesta or paprika flavours in 300 g bags.
Lidl lists coated peanuts in its range.
According to the European Commission, the ‘low fat’ claim for solid foods means no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. A smaller portion does not change this limit.
No. A relative reduction and the absolute limit for ‘low fat’ are different assessments. The Nederlands Bakkerij Centrum explains that a ‘reduced’ claim requires at least 30% less of the relevant nutrient than in comparable products; also check the fat content per 100 g.
Multiply the fat content per 100 g by the weight of your portion in grams, then divide by 100. Use the nutrition table for the exact variety.
Check the allergen information on the packaging for the exact flavour and variety. The Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products. Read the current packaging, as product information can change.
First compare the values per 100 g, and look at fat alongside energy and salt. The European Commission describes nutrition labelling that includes energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and salt.
