Whether you’re in charge of game day appetizers, in search of salad toppers, or just want to nibble on a mineral-rich snack, you can’t go wrong with Planters Nuts. Their packaging comes in a variety of sizes, making it perfect to pack along a hike, road trip, or to store at home for the whole family to munch on!
Planters Nuts are considered gluten-free. The main ingredients are nuts, salt, and oil, none of which contain gluten. But beware, Planters Nuts are not certified gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination during manufacturing. The best gluten-free alternatives include Back to Nature Cashew Almond Pistachio Mix, Good & Gather Raw Mixed Nuts and Thrive Market Organic Roasted & Salted Mixed Nuts.
If you have extreme sensitivity to gluten, it is best to avoid Planters Nuts. Follow along as we examine Planters Nuts in-depth, touching base on everything from Planters Nuts origin, how they made their name, nutritional content and diverse nut mix products, recipes, and more.
Contents
Planters History
Amedeo Obici–an Italian immigrant living in Pennsylvania–founded Planters after years of being a bellhop and a fruit stand vendor. He ended up moving to Wilkes-Barre, where he invested in a machine to roast peanuts whilst running his own fruit stand. Years of hard work afforded him the ability to use a horse and a wagon to produce quality food faster. He called himself “The Peanut Specialist.” Little did he know he would be the founder of a giant peanut empire.
In 1906, Obici formed business relations with Mario Peruzzi, who later became the owner of Planters Nuts. Peruzzi’s specialized technique for blanching whole roasted peanuts paired with Obici’s knowledge made for the perfect partnership. Two years later, their brand name expanded to include “and Chocolate Company.” The first mass-production plant for Planters Nuts and Chocolate company followed suit in 1913 in the peanut capital of the world, Suffolk, Virginia. And the rest is history.
What made Planters Nuts a big deal?
While already a successful standalone brand, after being acquired by Standard Brands in 1960 there was no stopping Planters Nuts from reaching the top. A series of acquisitions soon followed, including Nabisco Brands and then Kraft in early 2000. Kraft then merged with the H.J. Heinz Company in 2015, which is now widely known as Kraft Heinz.
Earlier this year, Kraft Heinz sold Planters to the snack company Hormel for $3.35 billion. Hormel is known for making Skippy, Spam, and deli meats. As you can see, Planters has gotten higher and higher up on the food chain since its inception in 1906.
Planters Nuts Iconic Brand Logo
If you’re not familiar with Planters, chances are you are probably still familiar with Mr. Peanut, Planters Nuts’ iconic mascot. Mr. Peanut appears to have human-like qualities, sporting formal attire that includes his signature top hat, white gloves and a monocle. Planters even has an entire page dedicated to Mr. Peanut on their website. It comes as no surprise then that Mr. Peanut is actually one of the best-known symbols in advertising history
Funny enough, Mr. Peanut was created by a grade-schooler for a contest in 1916 to design the company’s brand mascot. While it has been modified over generations, it’s symbol remains the same. What’s crazy is that Antonio was only awarded five dollars for winning the design contest for Mr. Peanut. How were they to know the sketch drawing would become an internationally recognized logo for a major brand?
Obici knew how legendary the icon would soon become. In spite of the chump change Antonio earned for his design, Obici took matters into his own hands. As a way to thank Antonio for his work on Planters brand identity, Obici helped put Antonio through med school, and also paid for Antonio’s and his four of his siblings’ educations, too. Can you imagine if a simple sketch your child drew in grade school was the reason he and his siblings could afford college?
Planters have many other ways to create hype around their brand. You might have even spotted one of Planters’ three NUTMOBILES that drive across the country year-round to spread the word about their product. They also pass out free samples of their current products on the market as well as new products.
Are Planters Nuts Healthy?
Aside from potentially containing gluten, Planters nuts are fairly healthy. The Planters Nut Mix is their healthiest option as it has the fewest ingredients. Many of their other variations contain small amounts of gelatin, sugar, and corn syrup. If you’re looking to go the healthy route, stick with the Planters Nut Mix.
Nuts are loaded with antioxidants, including polyphenols which can combat oxidative stress through the neutralization of free radicals. Nuts have also been linked to lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation. Unless you are gluten-intolerant or vegan, Planters Nuts are considered healthy.
Make Your Own Snack Mix!
I personally love a good snack mix that has pretzels, nuts, and something sweet. However, if you’re looking for a completely gluten-free option, you can try blending veggie straws or Popchips into your snack mix. The unique texture and crunch of either make eating amusing.
Nutritional Facts for Planters Nuts
Planters Mixed nuts
Crunchy, flavorful, and zesty. Planters mixed nuts are lightly seasoned yet boast bold flavor and diverse nut textures. This nut mix is a great source of key nutrients and will be sure to provide you with energy. Add this mix in with chocolates, dried fruits, and more to create a well-rounded trail mix.
Ingredients:
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts (Filberts)
- Pecans
- Peanut Oil
- Sea Salt
Allergens: peanuts, nuts, may contain tree nuts
Nutritional Facts (per 1.00 oz/28g):
- Calories 170
- Fat. Cal 110
- Sugars <1G
- Total Fat: 15g, 19% DV
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g, 8% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 90mg, 4% DV
- Potassium: 200mg, 4% DV
- Total Carb.: 6g, 9% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 3g 9% DV
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin D omcg, 0% DV
- Niacin 0 15% DV
- Copper 0, 35% DV
- Calcium: 40mg, 2% DV
- Iron: 1.3mg, 8% DV
Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts
A high-protein option for you to enjoy. If you’re looking for a simple protein-packed snack that will make your tastebuds jump for joy, this will be your best option. Though this nut product is good on its own, paired with gluten-free crackers, dried raisins or chocolate, and other crunchy goodness really amplifies its qualities.
Ingredients:
- Peanuts
- Contains less than 2% of:
- Sea Salt
- Celery
- Dried onion
- Dried garlic
- Paprika
- Natural flavor
- Corn
- Sugar
- Starch
- Gelatin
- Torula Yeast
- Maltodextrin
- Dried Corn Syrup
Nutritional Facts (per 1.00 oz/28g):
- Calories 160
- Fat. Cal 110
- Total Fat: 14g, 18% DV
- Saturated Fat: 2g, 9% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 150mg, 7% DV
- Potassium: 200mg, 4% DV
- Total Carb.: 5g, 2% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 2g 0% DV
- Sugars: 2g
- Added sugars: <1g
- Protein: 7g
- Vitamin D omcg, 0% DV
- Iron 1.3mg, 8% DV
- Calcium: 30mg, 2% DV
Planters Nut-trition Wholesome Nut Mix
Planters Nut-trition is another healthy option for a combination of crunchy yet creamy nuts high in protein and low in sodium. They have snackable packs that you can put in your lunch and pack to work, or for your kids to help them keep their energy up during the school day.
Ingredients:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Macadamias
- Peanut Oil
- Sea Salt
Nutritional Facts (per Tbsp/30.6g):
- Calories 180
- Total Fat: 16g, 25% DV
- Saturated Fat: 2g, 12% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g, 0% DV
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 55mg, 2% DV
- Total Carb.: 8g 3% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 2g 8% DV
- Sugars: 2g, 3% DV
- Protein: 6g, 12% DV
- Calcium: 50mg, 5% DV
- Iron: 1.6mg, 9% DV
Healthy Mixed Nut Alternatives to Planters Nuts
If you have sensitivities to products that contain gluten, don’t worry! There are several alternatives to certified gluten-free nuts.
Good & Gather Raw Mixed Nuts
Good & Gather is Target’s flagship brand. They have over 2,000 products. This nut mix is great if you are looking for nuts that are raw, fresh, and have an untampered flavor. The branding also makes it very enjoyable.
Ingredients:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Hazelnuts
- Filberts
- Pistachios
Nutritional Facts (per 2 Tbsp/29g):
- Calories 160
- Total Fat: 14g, 22% DV
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g, 8% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 190mg, 8% DV
- Total Carb.: 6g 2% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 2g, 8%% DV
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 5g, 10% DV
- Calcium: 40mg, 3% DV
- Potassium, 255mg, 5% DV
Back to Nature Cashew Almond Pistachio Mix
This brand is a great option if you are looking for a nut mix with no hydrogenated oils and no high fructose corn syrup. They have a delicious variety of roasted nuts great on it’s own or to dip into a nice warm bowl of chocolate. You can even blend these nuts to make your own sauces and pastes.
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Sea Salt
Nutritional Facts (per 2 Tbsp/29g):
- Calories 120
- Fat. Cal 110
- Sugars <1G
- Total Fat: 12g, 18% DV
- Saturated Fat: 8g, 40% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg, 10% DV
- Sodium: 190mg, 8% DV
- Total Carb.: 1g 0% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 0g 0% DV
- Sugars: <1g
- Protein: 2g
Bhuja Nut Mix
Low glycemic index, vegan & vegetarian. A great way to enjoy nuts with an assortment of spices. Certified gluten-free!
Ingredients:
- Nut (55% – peanuts, almonds, cashews)
- Multigrain noodles (yellow peas, chickpeas, sunflower oil, rice, potato, tapioca, sesame, salt),
- Green peas
- Chickpeas
- Sunflower oil
- Cane sugar
- Salt
- Spices (chili, paprika, turmeric, cumin)
- Maltodextrin
- Vegetable powder
- Contains peanuts, almonds, cashews, sesame, and paprika. May contain seaweeds and soy.
Nutritional Facts (per .33 cup/30g):
- Calories: 160
- Calories from fat: 100
- Total Fat: 11g, 17% DV
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g, 8% DV
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg, 0% DV
- Sodium: 130mg, 8% DV
- Total Carb.: 12g 12% DV
- Dietary Fiber: 3g, 12% 0% DV
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Which ones of these alternatives pass the gluten-free test?
It is actually a bit harder to find certified gluten-free nut mixes than you might think due to the way they are manufactured, processed, and packaged. Luckily for the gluten-sensitive, two of the three alternatives listed above are certified gluten-free!
1). Good & Gather Raw Mixed Nuts
2). Bhuja Nut Mix
Unfortunately, Back to Nature Cashew Almond Pistachio Mix states that due to cross-contamination, it may contain milk, soy, and wheat.
Related Questions
Are Planters good for you?
Yes, Planters nuts are rich in antioxidants, protein, and minerals. There are small amounts of sugar in certain varieties but for the most part, the nut products they have are low in sugar and have few ingredients.
Are Planters Nuts vegan?
The short answer is no. Some Planters nuts products contain gelatin, specifically in their larger-sized jars. Therefore they are not a great choice for vegans and vegetarians.
Do Planters Nuts go bad?
Planters’ nuts can last up to a year if stored properly. Once the oils in the nuts go bad (which can be a product of heat and time) there is no hope in salvaging them. Always be sure to store in a sealed container in a cool place.