Southern Grove Cocktail Peanuts

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I’ve long been a fan of peanuts. Whether they’re in shells or dry roasted and salted, they’re one of my favorite snacks. Aldi carries a number of different kinds of peanuts — and nuts in general — both as Regular Buys and occasional Aldi Finds (Special Buys), so I can’t exactly say I’m lacking in options (although I’d love it if Aldi sold regular Virginia peanuts, even as an Aldi Find).

Among the many Regular Buy peanut offerings that Aldi stocks are cocktail peanuts. Cocktail peanuts differ from dry roasted peanuts in that they are cooked in oil rather than roasted dry. The jury is out on which of the two is healthier, but what we do know is that they have subtly different tastes and textures. Where dry roasted peanuts have a dry, salty taste, cocktail peanuts have an oilier surface and may even feel a little greasy on the hands. Cocktail peanuts seem to be more popular in–as the name suggests–bar settings, or other places where peanuts are served as a more cultured appetizer. Dry roasted peanuts seem to be more popular as everyday home snacks or at sporting events like baseball games.

Southern Grove Cocktail Peanuts are a Regular Buy. That means they’re in stores all the time. They come in a 16-ounce canister and cost $1.89 at the time of this post. That’s the same size and price of Aldi’s dry roasted peanuts.That comes out to 11.8 cents an ounce, which is less than just about any other cocktail peanuts we’ve seen, even the big Great Value bins at Walmart.

I’ve tried other kinds of cocktail peanuts before, and I’d generally say that these are in the same neighborhood. They’re crisp, salty, and have an oily feel that isn’t too greasy. In short, they’re perfectly fine cocktail peanuts.

Nutritionally, they’re about the norm for peanuts: high in protein, some fat, some sodium.

Ingredients. (Click to enlarge.)

Nutrition. (Click to enlarge.)

The Verdict:

If you need oil-cooked cocktail peanuts, Aldi sells quality ones that are also the cheapest we could find outside of possibly a wholesale club. If you need something for a party, or just a snack, you won’t go wrong with these. Recommended.