Are Great Value Peanuts Healthy? A Comprehensive Nutritional Guide

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a 1-ounce serving of raw peanuts contains just 18mg of sodium, while oil-roasted salted varieties can have significantly more, emphasizing how processing impacts nutritional value. This principle applies directly to Great Value products, where the healthiness varies drastically depending on the specific type you purchase.

Quick Summary

The healthiness of Great Value peanuts varies depending on the specific product. Unsalted, dry-roasted options are a nutritious snack, whereas honey-roasted or other flavored varieties contain added sugar and sodium, making them less healthy. Moderation is key due to their calorie density.

Key Points

Dry Roasted vs. Honey Roasted: The healthiness of Great Value peanuts depends on the specific variety, with dry roasted unsalted being significantly healthier than honey roasted.
Check for Additives: The main culprits in less healthy peanut varieties are added sugar and high levels of sodium, which are common in sweetened or heavily salted products.
High in Healthy Nutrients: Peanuts are naturally a good source of protein, healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium and niacin.
Calorie Density: While nutritious, peanuts are also calorie-dense due to their fat content, so it is important to eat them in moderation to avoid overconsuming calories.
Antioxidant Benefits: Eating raw peanuts with their skins on provides the most antioxidants, as many beneficial compounds are concentrated in the skin.
Heart Health: Opting for unsalted versions helps avoid the excessive sodium linked to high blood pressure, thereby supporting heart health.

The Nutritional Foundation of Peanuts

Before considering the specifics of Great Value products, it's helpful to understand the inherent health benefits of peanuts themselves. Peanuts are technically legumes but are nutritionally similar to tree nuts, offering a powerful package of nutrients.

The Healthy Base: Raw and Unsalted Peanuts

Raw, unsalted peanuts are the gold standard for nutritional value. A one-ounce serving is rich in protein, healthy fats (predominantly mono- and polyunsaturated), and fiber, contributing to satiety and managing weight. They also provide a range of essential vitamins and minerals, including niacin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin E. Eating them with their thin, papery skins is recommended, as this is where many antioxidants and phytochemicals are concentrated. Raw peanuts are naturally very low in sodium, containing only 18mg per 100g, making them a heart-healthy choice.

Great Value Varieties: Comparing Healthy vs. Less Healthy Options

Great Value, Walmart’s in-house brand, offers several peanut varieties. Their nutritional value differs based on processing and added ingredients. Let’s compare a typical unsalted dry-roasted version with a honey-roasted option to highlight the key differences.


Feature	Dry Roasted Unsalted Peanuts	Honey Roasted Peanuts
Added Sugar	None listed.	Contains sugar, honey, and corn syrup solids.
Added Sodium	Minimal; 0 mg in some varieties.	Significant; 110 mg per serving in one example.
Added Oils	None listed; dry roasted method.	Contains vegetable oil (peanut, cottonseed, soybean, and/or sunflower).
Processing Level	Low; pasteurized for safety.	Moderate to High; involves coating and oil.

Potential Downsides of Processed Peanuts

While peanuts in their natural state are highly nutritious, the additives in processed varieties can counteract some of their benefits.

Excessive Sodium: Honey-roasted and heavily salted versions can contribute a significant amount of sodium, especially if you consume more than the recommended serving size. Excessive sodium intake is a major risk factor for high blood pressure and heart disease. For individuals on a sodium-restricted diet, choosing unsalted versions is critical.
Added Sugars: Sweetened peanuts like the honey-roasted type contain added sugars, which can lead to weight gain and contribute to health issues like type 2 diabetes if consumed in excess. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has flagged certain honey-roasted peanuts as unhealthy due to their high sugar content by weight.
Unhealthy Fats: Oil-roasted varieties, rather than dry-roasted, are prepared with additional vegetable oils. While peanuts themselves contain heart-healthy fats, the added oils can increase the overall fat and calorie count. Opting for dry-roasted varieties avoids this extra fat.

How to Choose the Healthiest Great Value Peanuts

Making a healthy choice from the Great Value peanut lineup is straightforward once you know what to look for on the label. The healthiest options will always be those closest to their natural state.

Here are some tips to guide your selection:

Read the Ingredients List: Always check the ingredients list. The healthiest options will simply list “peanuts” and possibly “salt” if you prefer a lightly salted taste. Avoid products with multiple forms of sugar (e.g., sugar, honey, maltodextrin) and added vegetable oils.
Scan the Nutrition Facts: Focus on the sodium and added sugar lines. For optimal health, choose products with 0mg added sugar and minimal to no sodium. The Daily Value (DV) percentages can quickly tell you if a product is high in sodium, for instance.
Stick to Dry-Roasted and Unsalted: As the comparison table shows, unsalted dry-roasted peanuts offer all the inherent nutritional benefits without the drawbacks of high sodium and sugar. They are the clear winner for health.
Be Mindful of Serving Size: No matter which variety you choose, peanuts are calorie-dense due to their high healthy fat content. It's easy to overeat them while snacking, which can contribute to weight gain. Measuring out a single, one-ounce serving can help control your calorie intake.

The Power of the Peanut Skin

For an extra antioxidant boost, consider varieties of Great Value peanuts that still have their skins on, or choose raw peanuts to prepare at home. Peanut skins are packed with beneficial compounds that may provide additional health benefits, such as reducing inflammation. If you can find it, a raw, in-shell option is a fantastic choice. The process of shelling them also helps you eat more slowly, naturally limiting your intake. To explore more health information about peanuts, consider consulting sources like Healthline or WebMD.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

So, are Great Value peanuts healthy? The definitive answer is that it depends entirely on the specific product. Unsalted, dry-roasted Great Value peanuts are an excellent, nutrient-dense snack rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, suitable for heart health and weight management. However, sweetened and heavily salted versions, like the honey-roasted option, lose much of their healthy appeal due to the added sugar and high sodium content. The key is to be an educated consumer, checking the label for added ingredients. By choosing the simplest, least processed variety, you can confidently enjoy the genuine nutritional benefits that peanuts have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there is a major difference. The dry roasted unsalted peanuts are a whole food with minimal processing, while the honey roasted version contains significant added sugar and sodium, making it a much less healthy option.

Roasted peanuts can be healthy, but it depends on the preparation. Dry roasting is better than oil roasting. The healthiest roasted options are unsalted or lightly salted, as excessive sodium and added oils detract from their health benefits.

You can check the nutrition label for the sodium content and the ingredients list for added salt. For instance, the EWG flagged a honey roasted product with 110 mg of sodium per serving. A healthy adult's ideal daily sodium limit is 1,500 mg, so this can add up quickly.

Yes, peanuts are a nutrient-dense food rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can be part of a healthy diet, particularly when eaten in moderation and without excessive added sugar or salt.

Peanuts are high in calories because they are rich in fats, though mostly healthy ones. This high-calorie density makes portion control important, especially for those watching their weight.

Buying peanuts in their shell and eating them with the skin on is often the healthiest choice. This preserves the beneficial antioxidants found in the skin. Additionally, shelling them yourself can slow down consumption.

The search results on specific Great Value products like honey-roasted and dry-roasted unsalted did not list trans fats, which is a positive sign. It is always wise to check the label for each specific product to confirm.

For heart health, the best choice would be the Great Value Dry Roasted Unsalted Peanuts. They contain minimal sodium, avoiding the risk of high blood pressure associated with excessive salt intake.