How Many Calories Are in 15 Pcs Peanuts? A Complete Guide

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

According to nutrition databases, 15 pieces of dry-roasted, salted peanuts contain approximately 88 calories. This small portion packs a significant nutritional punch with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a satiating choice for a quick snack.

Quick Summary

This article details the calorie count of 15 peanuts, detailing their complete nutritional profile including fat, protein, and carbs. It also explores the health benefits, different preparation methods, and how peanuts fit into a balanced diet for weight management.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A 15-piece serving of dry-roasted, salted peanuts contains approximately 88 calories.
Nutrient-Dense Snack: Peanuts offer protein, healthy fats, and fiber, contributing to a feeling of fullness and aiding in weight management.
Processing Matters: The calorie count changes with processing; dry-roasted peanuts (approx. 65 cal per 15 pcs) have fewer calories than salted ones, while boiling further reduces the calorie content.
Vitamins and Minerals: Peanuts are a source of key micronutrients like Niacin, Magnesium, and Vitamin E.
Heart Health: The healthy fats found in peanuts have been shown to help lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol.
Mindful Portions: Due to their calorie density, sticking to controlled portions, such as 15 pieces, is key to incorporating them healthily into your diet.
Allergy Alert: Individuals with peanut allergies should, of course, avoid all peanut products, as allergic reactions can be severe.

The Calorie Breakdown for 15 Peanuts

For a quick and specific answer, 15 pieces of typical dry-roasted, salted peanuts contain approximately 88 calories. The exact number can vary slightly based on the size of the peanuts and how they are prepared. This modest calorie count is part of a larger nutritional profile that includes a significant portion of healthy fats, protein, and some carbohydrates. A breakdown of the macronutrients in this serving reveals that the calories are distributed as follows: roughly 71% from fat, 15% from protein, and 14% from carbohydrates.

How Processing Affects Calories

The way peanuts are processed has a direct impact on their final calorie and nutritional content. Raw peanuts, for example, have a different profile than those that are dry-roasted or oil-roasted. This is due to the lack of added oils and seasonings. The addition of ingredients like salt, sugar, and oil can increase both the calorie count and sodium levels of the final product.


Type of Peanuts (15 pieces)	Calories (approx.)	Notes
Dry-Roasted, Unsalted	65	Lower in calories and sodium.
Dry-Roasted, Salted	88	Contains added sodium.
Raw (15g serving)	85	A 15-gram serving is roughly 15-20 peanuts.
Boiled	~60	Boiling reduces fat content, lowering calories.

Full Nutritional Profile of 15 Peanuts

Beyond the calorie count, a 15-peanut serving offers a range of beneficial nutrients. A typical serving provides approximately:

Fat: 8 grams, primarily heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Protein: 4 grams, a good source of plant-based protein.
Carbohydrates: 3 grams, with 1 gram coming from dietary fiber.
Fiber: 1 gram, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety.
Vitamins and Minerals: Peanuts are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including: Folate (B9), Magnesium, Phosphorus, Niacin (B3), and Vitamin E.

Peanuts in a Healthy Diet and for Weight Management

Despite being energy-dense, peanuts are often recommended as part of a healthy diet. Their rich profile of protein, fiber, and healthy fats contributes to a feeling of fullness, or satiety. This can help manage appetite and reduce overall calorie intake throughout the day, which is a key factor in weight management. Observational studies have even associated nut consumption with a lower risk of long-term weight gain. The healthy fats in peanuts, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, have been linked to a reduced risk of inflammation, obesity, and chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Mindful Snacking: Portion Control and Preparation

To maximize the health benefits of peanuts and avoid overeating due to their calorie density, portion control is crucial. A standard serving size of peanuts is typically considered to be one ounce, which is about 28 peanuts, or roughly two handfuls. Limiting your intake to 15 pieces is an easy way to enjoy the flavor and nutrients without consuming too many calories. It's also important to choose the right kind of peanuts. Opt for raw, dry-roasted, or boiled versions over honey-roasted or heavily salted varieties, which contain additional sugars and sodium. Choosing unshelled peanuts can also slow down your eating, promoting mindful consumption and helping you better control your portion size. For those without allergies, including the skin on peanuts can provide additional antioxidants.

Conclusion

In summary, 15 pieces of peanuts are a moderate-calorie snack, providing approximately 88 calories when dry-roasted and salted. The nutritional value is significant, offering a good balance of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Because peanuts are highly satiating, they can be an effective tool for managing appetite and supporting weight loss goals when consumed in moderation. By being mindful of portion sizes and choosing minimally processed options, peanuts can be a delicious and beneficial addition to a balanced diet.

For further information on the nutrient content of peanuts, you can visit the USDA food database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 15-gram serving of raw peanuts contains approximately 85 calories. A 15-piece count is likely to be close to this figure, depending on the size of the peanuts.

Yes, peanuts are high in fat, with approximately 8 grams of fat per 15-piece serving. However, the majority of this is heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat.

Yes, 15 peanuts can be a good snack for weight loss. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber helps to promote satiety, which can prevent overeating later.

The cooking method significantly impacts the calorie count. Boiled peanuts have fewer calories than raw or roasted peanuts because the boiling process reduces their fat content.

Generally, dry-roasted peanuts are a healthier choice than oil-roasted ones because they contain fewer calories and fat due to the lack of added oil during cooking.

Peanuts are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also contain a range of vitamins and minerals, including Niacin (B3), Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin E.

Eating peanuts with their skin on provides additional antioxidants and fiber. However, both options are healthy, and the best choice depends on your preference.