Abstract: A process for preparing nuts, particularly peanuts, of reduced calorific value by partially extracting oil from the nut kernels by extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide. The process involves pretreatment of the kernels, including their humidification and optional microwaving. The pretreatment and the extraction steps are optimized with a view to removing maximum amounts of high-calorie substances without losing the organoleptic qualities of the nuts. The process produces virtually unbroken peanut kernels.