A large bag of peanuts suits a managed refreshments table where you can keep the original ingredient information available. Choose sealed snack packs for defined hand-out portions, or mixed nuts when variety matters; neither format removes the need to check allergens, and whole nuts should not be offered as a refreshment for small children.
A large peanut bag suits a table where someone can manage the servings and keep the original pack available for ingredient and allergen checks. ASDA and Sainsbury's list 500g and 550g salted-peanut packs respectively.
Individual packs give each customer a defined serving without a communal bowl. Tesco lists the KP salted-peanut multipack as five sealed 30g servings; each pack still needs its allergen information checked.
A mixed-nut pack offers a different selection from peanuts alone. Tesco's 500g mix contains several tree nuts and may contain peanuts, so it is not an alternative for someone avoiding those allergens.
Decide how portions will be served, then check the actual pack for ingredients, storage directions and the quantity you need.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Pack quantity | Check net weight, any suggested serving count and the portion you intend to offer. ASDA lists 16 suggested servings for its 500g salted-peanut pack; Sainsbury's lists approximately 18 for its 550g pack. | I'm serving from a managed bowl and want to work out how many packs to bring. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the exact pack's ingredient list and cross-contact statements. Tesco says its mixed nuts contain tree nuts and may contain peanuts; Tesco's KP snack packs contain peanuts and may contain other nuts, milk, soya and gluten. | I need to give customers accurate information, not assume a nut mix or a sealed pack is suitable for someone with an allergy. |
| Serving format | Decide between a managed bowl and sealed portions. The KP multipack listed by Tesco contains five 30g packs, with one serving per pack. | Handing out one sealed pack at a time would be simpler than managing a shared bowl. |
| Storage and children | Follow the opened-pack directions on the product you buy. Sainsbury's advises keeping its salted peanuts airtight and consuming them within 7 days of opening for best quality; check packaging warnings before serving whole nuts. | I need to protect an opened pack during the sale and avoid offering whole nuts as a refreshment for small children. |
| Packing and trading | If portions qualify as prepacked for direct sale, the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland state that, since 1 October 2021, labels must show the food name and a full ingredients list with the 14 regulated allergens emphasised. The Food Standards Agency says a new food business must register with its local authority at least 28 days before trading. | I plan to pack portions or sell refreshments, so I need to confirm how these requirements apply to my setup with the local authority before the event. |
Pack weight does not tell you how many portions your table will serve if you have not decided on a serving size.
Check the net weight and any suggested servings, then plan portions for the number of people you expect.
A mix can contain several tree nuts and may also contain peanuts. Tesco's listed mixed-nut pack carries both kinds of allergen information.
Keep the original ingredient information available and do not present mixed nuts as suitable for someone with a peanut or tree-nut allergy.
Portions that qualify as prepacked for direct sale need the food name and a full ingredients list with regulated allergens emphasised, according to the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland.
Before packing portions for sale, confirm how the rules apply to your arrangement with the local authority and prepare the required labels.
Whole nuts present a choking risk for small children, regardless of whether they come from a large bag or individual packs.
Do not offer whole nuts as a refreshment for small children; check the pack warning and consider a separate, age-appropriate option if families are expected.
These examples show different pack formats and ingredients; check the product you intend to serve rather than assuming every item in a range is the same.
ASDA Groceries lists a 500g salted-peanut pack with 16 suggested servings.
Sainsbury's lists a 550g salted-peanut pack with approximately 18 servings.
Tesco Groceries lists a 500g mixed-nut pack containing hazelnuts, almonds, cashews and walnuts.
Tesco Groceries lists KP Salted Peanuts Snack Packs as five 30g packs, each described as one serving.
Ocado lists an M&S 300g roasted and salted mix containing cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and macadamias.
This 500g roasted-peanut pack is an option if you plan to manage servings from a larger bag. Its tea-infused flavour and in-shell format make it different from the salted, shelled supermarket examples above.
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The 500g pack suits a table where someone can manage servings. These peanuts are in-shell, so plan how customers will handle and dispose of shells; check the physical pack for ingredients, allergens and warnings before serving.
Use a large bag if someone can manage portions and keep the original label available; choose individual packs if defined, sealed hand-out servings matter more. ASDA and Sainsbury's list 500g and 550g salted-peanut bags, while Tesco lists the KP multipack as five 30g servings.
Check whether your arrangement makes the portions prepacked for direct sale before doing so. The Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland state that, since 1 October 2021, qualifying food must carry its name and a full ingredients list with the 14 regulated allergens emphasised; confirm your setup with the local authority.
If the activity is a new food business, the Food Standards Agency says it must be registered with the local authority at least 28 days before trading. Ask the local authority how that requirement applies to your activity, and check any separate event conditions with the organiser.
Do not assume so. Tesco says its listed mixed nuts may contain peanuts, and Ocado gives the same warning for the listed M&S mix; both products also contain several tree nuts. Check the exact pack's ingredient and allergen statements.
Follow the storage directions on the pack you use and keep its label available for ingredient checks. Sainsbury's advises airtight storage for its 550g salted peanuts and consumption within 7 days of opening for best quality.