Savoury coated peanuts are best treated as a savoury snack alongside your usual diet, rather than an obvious choice of fuel for a long run. You can eat them alongside a recovery meal after running, but consider how much protein and carbohydrate your overall diet provides. A large portion just before exercise may upset some people’s stomachs.
Who are savoury coated peanuts for during marathon training?
Runners looking for fuel for long runs
You want to know whether a savoury snack works as food on the go, rather than simply comparing protein figures. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that carbohydrates and practicality are relevant during prolonged running.
Runners who fancy a savoury snack after training
You’re looking for something to have alongside your recovery meal and want to know how much protein a standard portion provides. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends food containing both protein and carbohydrates after exercise, so consider the snack as part of your overall diet.
Snack buyers who check the ingredients
You compare salt, portion size, allergens and convenience. Product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS shows why it’s important to check the nutritional values and ingredients of the specific variety.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to eat the snack before, during or after your run. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, foods containing carbohydrates are suitable for prolonged running, while both protein and carbohydrates are relevant afterwards.
| Key consideration |
What to look for |
Who it’s for |
| When you eat it |
Decide whether you’re looking for something to eat before, during or after your run; don’t choose based on protein alone. |
If I’m looking for something to eat on the go, I want to know whether it suits the timing of my run. Around 25% of consumers prioritise suitable training fuel. |
| Protein per portion |
Compare like-for-like portion sizes and consider protein alongside carbohydrates in your overall recovery nutrition. |
If I want a savoury snack alongside my recovery meal, I want to be able to estimate what a standard portion contributes. Around 25% of consumers prioritise its protein contribution. |
| Portion and ingredients |
Compare nutritional values on the same basis and serve yourself a considered portion. |
If I want to keep track of my portion and what’s in it, I pay attention to how much I actually eat. Around 25% of consumers prioritise portion size and ingredients. |
| Ingredients and storage |
Check the packaging for allergens and warnings, and follow the storage instructions for your chosen variety. |
When choosing, I want to take account of ingredients that matter to me and how practical the product is to store. Around 25% of consumers start by checking ingredients and convenience. |
Pitfalls to avoid when choosing
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Assuming the highest protein figure makes it suitable marathon fuel
Carbohydrates are relevant during prolonged running. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also advises against eating large portions high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise.
First decide when you’ll eat it, then compare the ingredients and portion size with what you need at that time.
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Counting the whole bag as one portion
The nutritional values for the entire pack can be very different from those for a small bowlful. For example, Jumbo lists twelve 25 g portions in a 300 g bag.
Base your calculations on how much you actually eat, not the contents of the bag.
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Assuming mild or vegetarian means allergen-free
According to the product information, the PLUS Mild variety contains peanuts, wheat, milk and celery, among other ingredients. A flavour description tells you nothing about allergens.
Read the ingredients and check any warnings about possible traces separately.
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Treating a taste test as proof of sports nutrition quality
The 2018 Libelle test assessed flavour, crunchiness and colour, not protein content or suitability for marathon recovery.
Use taste reviews to guide your flavour preferences, and assess the nutritional content using the product information.
Brands and varieties to compare
Duyvis
Duyvis makes savoury coated peanuts in several flavours. The Cocktail variety is a specific option to compare.
- The manufacturer describes peanuts with a crunchy coating.
- Energy and fat values differ between the retailer and manufacturer information reviewed. Use the label on the pack you choose for your calculations.
Albert Heijn
AH Borrelnoten Cocktail is an own-brand option for anyone looking for a savoury snack.
- The product information for the 250 g bag reviewed lists nutritional values, portion size and storage advice.
- According to Albert Heijn, this variety contains milk, peanuts and wheat. Check the packaging if ingredients are important to you.
Jumbo
Jumbo Borrelnoten Cocktail is an own-brand variety in a 300 g bag.
- The nutritional information gives values per 100 g and per 25 g portion.
- The product information lists peanuts and wheat; this is not a standalone recovery product.
PLUS
PLUS Borrelnoten Mild is a variety for anyone who prefers a mild flavour.
- The product information gives nutritional values and allergen details for the 300 g variety.
- According to PLUS, this variety contains peanuts, wheat, milk and celery, among other ingredients. ‘Mild’ describes the flavour; it doesn’t mean the product is allergen-free.
Lidl
Lidl is a shopping option with a product page for savoury coated peanuts.
- The retailer’s page confirms that the product is in the savoury coated peanut category.
- For a comparison of protein, salt and allergens, check the nutritional information on the pack you choose.
Aldi
Aldi’s product page lists TRADER JOE’S Borrelnoten cocktail in a 300 g pack.
- The product name and pack size give you a specific reference to help identify the variety.
- TRADER JOE’S is the product name shown; don’t assume it’s the same product as other brands of savoury coated peanuts. Check the label for nutritional values and ingredients.
Joybuy products
These products are suitable if you’re looking for savoury coated peanuts to enjoy alongside your usual recovery nutrition. They aren’t a substitute for carefully choosing what to eat during a long run.
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Duyvis Oriental Borrelnootjes, 275 g
A savoury snack to have alongside your recovery meal, not a complete recovery meal in itself.
Per 100 g: 15 g protein, 41 g carbohydrates and 34 g fat.
Contains peanuts, gluten from wheat and barley, and soya. May also contain milk, nuts and mustard.
A large portion just before exercise is less suited to the advice to avoid large portions high in fat at that time.
View at Joybuy
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Duyvis Bran Nuts Provencale, 125 g
A savoury snack to have alongside your recovery food; the product information lists 30 g portions.
Per 100 g: 13 g protein, 43 g carbohydrates and 33 g fat.
Contains peanuts and wheat. May also contain milk, nuts, soya and mustard.
A large portion just before exercise is less suited to the advice to avoid large portions high in fat at that time.
View at Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to buy special protein snacks after every training session?
No, not necessarily. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a meal or snack containing protein and carbohydrates after running; a full main meal can also provide all the nutrients you need.
Can you eat savoury coated peanuts just before a long run?
It’s best to avoid a large portion high in fat, protein or fibre just before exercise. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre offers this as nutritional advice, not a legal ban; what you can tolerate may vary from person to person.
How should you store an opened bag of savoury coated peanuts?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging. For the Cocktail variety reviewed, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the bag tightly.
Are peanuts the only ingredient to watch out for if you have an allergy?
No. The crunchy coating and seasonings may also contain ingredients you need to look out for. For example, the product information reviewed lists wheat and milk, while PLUS Mild also contains celery. If you have a relevant allergy, check the ingredients list and warnings on the specific pack.
Can any product containing protein be called ‘high protein’?
No. According to the European Commission, nutrition claims are only permitted if they appear on the authorised list and meet the relevant conditions. A protein figure on its own therefore doesn’t prove that a product meets the requirements for such a claim.