Short answer: Yes, many Jains eat peanuts, but practice varies by tradition and vows.

Why peanuts are generally permissible

• Peanuts are seeds (not true roots) and grow underground, so they are treated differently from root vegetables. The act of eating a dry seed is seen as less violent than uprooting a plant. Most Shvetambar and Digambar households allow peanuts in regular meals, as long as they are clean, dry, and insect-free. Some families still choose to avoid them as a personal vow. You can read a simple explanation here:

During special austerities (like Paryushan/Das Lakshan)

• Many Jains avoid kand-mool (underground foods) during Paryushan to minimize himsa. Since peanuts involve harvesting from the soil, they are commonly avoided during this period, though practices can differ by sangh and guru. If in doubt, follow your local tradition or guru’s guidance. See guidelines discussed here: and here:

Practical tips

• If you do eat peanuts, choose dry, roasted, plain peanuts and check for freshness and insects.
• Respect your family’s pachkhan (vows) and your guru’s guidance, especially during holy periods.

Note: There are differences between Digambar and Shvetambar traditions, and individual families may have additional personal vows. If you want, I can tailor this to your specific sangh or guru.