Peanuts, NFS
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Peanuts, NFS (Not Further Specified), are technically legumes, but their rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch have made them a global snack staple. They offer a powerful nutritional punch, packing more protein per gram than most nuts and a substantial dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Calorie split: 15% protein · 14% carbs · 71% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore peanuts for their deeply savory, roasted flavor and the satisfying texture they add to both sweet and savory dishes. Their incredible versatility and affordability make them a beloved ingredient in cuisines and snacks worldwide.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a top common allergen, peanuts can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. They are also calorie-dense, and some preparations (like honey-roasted) can be high in added sugar and sodium. To enjoy mindfully, practice strict portion control (a handful is ~30g) and choose dry-roasted or raw varieties without added sugars or excessive salt.
Key benefits
- Excellent plant-based protein source (24g per 100g)
- Rich in monounsaturated fats, supporting heart health
- Good source of dietary fiber for digestive health
- Contains important micronutrients like niacin, folate, and magnesium
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Peanuts are not true nuts; they are legumes that develop underground. The plant's flowers, after pollination, push pegs down into the soil where the pods mature, a unique process called geocarpy.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 1.8 g |
| Energy | 587 kcal |
| Protein | 24.4 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 49.7 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 21.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 8.4 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 58.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 178 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 363 mg |
| Potassium, K | 634 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 410 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.8 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.43 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 9.3 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.15 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.20 mg |
| Niacin | 14.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.47 mg |
| Folate, total | 97.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 97.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 97.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 64.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 4.9 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 7.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 4.0 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.2 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 26.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 25.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.63 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.06 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 9.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 9.7 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Snacks, popcorn, caramel-coated, without peanuts — USDA does not publish this profile for Peanuts.
| Tryptophan | 0.04 g |
| Threonine | 0.15 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.16 g |
| Leucine | 0.28 g |
| Lysine | 0.28 g |
| Methionine | 0.07 g |
| Cystine | 0.04 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.15 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.11 g |
| Valine | 0.18 g |
| Arginine | 0.23 g |
| Histidine | 0.11 g |
| Alanine | 0.21 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.39 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.66 g |
| Glycine | 0.22 g |
| Proline | 0.17 g |
| Serine | 0.16 g |
FAQ
Are peanuts as healthy as tree nuts like almonds?
Peanuts are a nutritional powerhouse, offering more protein and comparable healthy fats to tree nuts at a lower cost. They are a legume, not a nut, but provide similar heart-health benefits.
What does 'NFS' mean on a nutrition label?
NFS stands for 'Not Further Specified.' It indicates the data is for the base food (peanuts) without specifying preparation (e.g., roasted, salted) or added ingredients.
How should I store peanuts to keep them fresh?
To prevent the oils from going rancid, store shelled peanuts in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months, or in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. In-shell peanuts have a longer shelf life.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 5.87 kcal/g · 17% calories from protein · 8.4 g fiber · 4.9 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.65 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.