What is the difference between hazelnut and peanut?

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite both being commonly called "nuts," the peanut is technically a legume that grows underground, while the hazelnut is a true tree nut. This fundamental botanical distinction is just one of many differences between hazelnut and peanut that affect everything from their flavor to their allergy profiles.

Quick Summary

This article explores the botanical classification, nutritional disparities, culinary applications, and critical allergy considerations that differentiate the hazelnut from the peanut.

Key Points

Botanical Classification: Peanuts are legumes that grow underground, while hazelnuts are true tree nuts grown on trees.
Allergy Profiles: Peanuts cause peanut allergy, and hazelnuts cause tree nut allergy, which are separate conditions. However, cross-contamination is a risk.
Nutritional Content: Peanuts are typically higher in protein, while hazelnuts are a richer source of healthy monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E.
Culinary Applications: Hazelnuts are prized in sweet confections like Nutella, whereas peanuts are widely used in savory dishes and for making peanut butter.
Taste and Texture: Peanuts offer an earthy, robust flavor and a classic crunch. Hazelnuts provide a sweeter, buttery taste and a creamy texture.

The Fundamental Botanical Divide

One of the most significant distinctions between the hazelnut and the peanut lies in their very nature. While they are often grouped together in the culinary world, botanically, they belong to entirely separate plant families.

Peanut: A Legume's Hidden Gem

Peanuts ($Arachis hypogaea$) are not true nuts at all but are part of the legume family, which also includes beans, lentils, and peas. They grow underground in pods, a unique characteristic that further sets them apart from true nuts. The plant flowers above ground, but the stalks then bend down, pushing the developing pods and seeds into the soil to mature. This subterranean growth cycle is why they are often called groundnuts.

Hazelnut: A True Tree Nut

In contrast, the hazelnut, or filbert, is a true nut that grows on a hazel tree ($Corylus avellana$). The nuts are contained within a husk and drop from the tree when mature, ready for harvest. This arboreal origin places it in a different biological category and is the reason why allergies to tree nuts and peanuts are distinct conditions.

Comparing Nutrition: A Closer Look

Both hazelnuts and peanuts are packed with nutrients, but their specific nutritional profiles vary. According to the USDA, a 100g serving of each reveals some notable differences.

Protein: Peanuts contain a higher amount of protein (approx. 25.8g) compared to hazelnuts (approx. 14.95g).
Fats: Hazelnuts are richer in healthy monounsaturated fats, while peanuts contain a more balanced mix of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Vitamins: Hazelnuts are an excellent source of Vitamin E, an antioxidant, while peanuts are rich in B vitamins like niacin and folate.
Minerals: Peanuts tend to have higher levels of potassium and iron, whereas hazelnuts offer a good amount of magnesium.

Taste, Texture, and Culinary Applications

Their differing origins and nutritional content contribute to their unique flavor profiles and culinary uses.

The Earthy Crunch of Peanuts

Peanuts have a rich, earthy flavor and a classic crunchy texture, especially when roasted. They are a staple in many cuisines and are used in a variety of products.

Here are some common peanut applications:

Savory dishes like curries and stir-fries
Classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Roasted and salted snacks
Peanut sauce for dipping or marinades
Defatted peanut flour for gluten-free baking

The Sweet, Creamy Indulgence of Hazelnuts

Hazelnuts possess a sweeter, more delicate, and buttery flavor with a creamy texture, making them a favorite in confectionery.

Here are some typical hazelnut uses:

Chocolate products and truffles, such as Nutella
Desserts like cakes, pastries, and biscotti
Pralines and other confections
Toppings for salads and roasted vegetables
Hazelnut oil for cooking or flavoring

Allergy Risks: A Critical Difference

For individuals with food allergies, the distinction between peanuts and hazelnuts is a critical, potentially life-saving piece of information. Peanut allergy and tree nut allergies, which include hazelnuts, are separate conditions caused by different proteins. However, there is a risk of cross-contamination during food processing, which is why many food labels mention the potential presence of both. People allergic to peanuts are often advised to also avoid tree nuts and vice-versa, or at least be very cautious, due to the high probability of cross-contamination in shared facilities. For reliable information and management strategies regarding food allergies, consulting an authoritative source like Anaphylaxis UK is recommended.

The Bottom Line: Hazelnut vs. Peanut at a Glance


Feature	Hazelnut	Peanut
Botanical Family	Tree Nut ($Corylus avellana$)	Legume ($Arachis hypogaea$)
Growth Location	On trees	Underground
Flavor Profile	Sweet, buttery, delicate	Rich, earthy, nutty
Texture	Creamy, smooth	Crunchy, firm
Culinary Uses	Confections, desserts, pastries, spreads	Savory dishes, sauces, butter, snacks
Key Nutrients	Vitamin E, monounsaturated fat	Protein, niacin, folate
Allergy Risk	Tree nut allergy, distinct from peanut allergy	Peanut allergy, distinct from tree nut allergy

Conclusion

Ultimately, while both the hazelnut and the peanut offer delicious flavor and distinct nutritional benefits, they are fundamentally different foods. Their classification as a tree nut and a legume, respectively, is not just a botanical technicality; it influences their growth, nutrient content, and most importantly, their allergy risks. From the sweet, creamy texture of a hazelnut in a decadent chocolate to the earthy crunch of a peanut in a savory sauce, understanding the distinction allows for more informed culinary choices and safer dietary practices, especially for those with allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a peanut is not a true nut. Botanically, it is a legume and belongs to the same family as beans and lentils. It grows underground, unlike true nuts which grow on trees.

A peanut allergy is distinct from a tree nut allergy, so a person allergic to peanuts is not automatically allergic to hazelnuts. However, cross-contamination is a significant risk, and some individuals may have allergies to both. Always consult an allergist.

Both are nutritious, but their profiles differ. Peanuts offer more protein per serving, while hazelnuts contain more fat (mostly monounsaturated) and vitamin E. The 'better' choice depends on your specific dietary needs.

Hazelnuts have a naturally buttery and creamy texture with a sweet flavor that pairs exceptionally well with chocolate. This is why confections like Nutella use hazelnuts, whereas peanuts are more common in other snacks.

Peanuts grow underground. The plant flowers above the soil, but the flower stalks then grow downwards, pushing the fertilized pods into the soil where they mature.

Hazelnuts are tree nuts that grow on hazelnut trees (genus Corylus). They mature inside a woody husk and fall to the ground when ripe.

Yes, there is a high risk of cross-contamination, as many food products containing peanuts and tree nuts are processed in the same facilities. This is why precautionary labeling is important for food industries.