Who is this choice relevant to?

Snackers who watch their portions

You want to be mindful of how many almonds you eat as a snack. So compare the nutritional values per 100 g and take the weight of your portion into account too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 158 kcal for 25 g of unsalted almonds.

Shoppers looking for plain, unsalted almonds

You want a short ingredients list and no added salt. Check the ingredients on the pack: ‘unsalted’ is a separate choice and doesn’t mean a product is low in calories. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides information about unsalted nuts; product information from Albert Heijn and PLUS lists varieties containing only almonds.

Shoppers topping up a small stock

You want to choose an amount that suits how much you use and store the rest properly after opening. Check the net weight and whether the pack is resealable; ALDI states that its 200 g pack of roasted, unsalted almonds is resealable.

What should you look for when choosing?

First compare the energy per 100 g, then work out how that translates to the amount you eat. Next, check the ingredients and packaging: unsalted or made without added oil doesn’t automatically mean low in calories.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important to?
Energy per portion Compare kcal per 100 g and work out the value for the weight of your portion. If I’m weighing my snack carefully, I look at the energy per 100 g and the amount I eat. Around 46% of consumers rank the snack’s energy content as their top buying priority.
Ingredients and salt Read the ingredients list and check separately whether salt or oil has been added. If I’m looking for a simple, unsalted product, I check the ingredients and salt content separately. Around 27% of consumers rank ingredients as their top priority.
Pack size Check the net weight, any portion-size information and whether the pack is resealable. For a small top-up, I want an amount that suits how much I use and that I can store properly after opening. Around 27% of consumers rank packaging convenience as their top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming unsalted or made without added oil means low in calories

    These words describe the ingredients or preparation, not the energy per 100 g. Duyvis describes Almonds Original as roasted without added oil or fat, although the ingredients do include salt.

    Check the nutritional information and ingredients separately. Only use ‘low energy’ if the nutritional value meets the European limit for this claim.

  • Comparing different portion sizes directly

    Portion sizes vary between products. Albert Heijn lists 25 g for its unsalted almonds and Duyvis lists 30 g for its Oven roasted almonds.

    Compare the values per 100 g first. Then work out the values for the same amount of each product.

  • Treating a whole pack as one snack portion

    The Albert Heijn and Jumbo packs reviewed contain several stated portions, even if they’re handy to carry.

    Weigh out the amount you want to eat, then seal the rest well or repackage it.

Brands and varieties for reference

Albert Heijn

The AH Unsalted Almonds reviewed are roasted and sold in a 190 g tub.

  • Albert Heijn lists almond as the only ingredient, 627 kcal per 100 g and a portion size of 25 g.
  • The stated portion size doesn’t change the nutritional value per 100 g.

PLUS

Product information describes both unroasted, unsalted almonds in a 200 g pack and roasted, unsalted almonds in a 150 g pack.

  • For the unroasted variety, PLUS lists almonds as the only ingredient and 591 kcal per 100 g.
  • According to PLUS, the 150 g variety contains sunflower oil and provides 628 kcal per 100 g. Neither value makes the product low in calories.

Jumbo

The Jumbo Unsalted Almonds reviewed are roasted and sold in a 140 g bag.

  • Jumbo lists 99% almonds and sunflower oil as ingredients.
  • The declared energy value is 661 kcal per 100 g; the smaller pack doesn’t reduce the energy per gram.

Duyvis

Almonds Original is a savoury oven-roasted variety sold in a 125 g pack.

  • Duyvis describes this variety as roasted without added oil or fat.
  • The ingredients include salt. Use the nutritional information on the pack of the variety you buy to compare energy values.

Lidl

Lidl lists Unsalted Almonds as a product available in its stores.

  • The product name identifies it as the unsalted variety; check the label for ingredients and nutritional information.

ALDI

The product page describes Trader Joe’s roasted, unsalted almonds in a 200 g pack.

  • ALDI states that the pack is resealable.
  • A resealable pack says nothing by itself about the energy per 100 g or how much you eat.

Almonds at Joybuy

These Joybuy products are whole almonds, with varieties that differ in ingredients, salt, pack size and declared energy. Use the values per 100 g and choose an amount that suits your top-up.

Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels, 160 g

Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels, 160 g

The resealable pack could suit a top-up if you’d like to keep the rest for later.

Product information lists 622 kcal per 100 g, almond as the only ingredient and a pack size of 160 g. This energy value is above the European limit for the ‘low energy’ claim.

Joybuy
g’woon Raw & Unsalted almonds, 200 g

g'woon Raw & Unsalted almonds, 200 g

This unroasted, unsalted variety could suit you if you’re looking for a simple ingredient list.

Product information lists 591 kcal per 100 g, almonds as the only ingredient and a pack size of 200 g. Seal the pack well after opening.

Joybuy
Anatolia Badem Natural (Almond), 500 g

Anatolia Badem Natural (Almond), 500 g

This unsalted variety could suit you if you want to top up a larger stock and weigh out portions yourself.

Product information lists 578 kcal per 100 g, 100% almonds and 0.00 g salt per 100 g. The pack contains 500 g, so for a small top-up you’ll need to plan how to portion and store it.

Joybuy
Anatolia roasted salted almonds, 500 g

Anatolia roasted salted almonds, 500 g

This variety could suit you if you prefer roasted almonds with salt.

Product information lists 620 kcal per 100 g and a pack size of 500 g. The ingredients include salt, so this isn’t an unsalted option.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can a small bag of almonds be called ‘low calorie’?

Not just because the bag is small. According to the European Commission, the ‘low energy’ claim for solid foods requires a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g; the unsalted varieties reviewed are above this limit.

Does ‘fewer calories’ mean the same as ‘low calorie’?

No. According to the European Commission, the European ‘reduced energy’ claim requires at least 30% less energy, with the feature responsible for the reduction stated. A difference between two nutrition tables isn’t enough on its own to support this claim.

How should I store the rest of the almonds?

Store nuts in a sealed container in a cool, dry place and follow the instructions on the pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 10–15 °C as a suitable cool storage temperature; seal the pack well after use.

What should I check when buying almonds for someone with a food allergy?

Check the ingredients list and any warnings on the label of that specific pack. The NVWA explains that allergens must be clearly listed on the label; if you’re unsure, ask the manufacturer about possible cross-contamination.

Are whole almonds suitable as a snack for young children?

Not necessarily: Albert Heijn and PLUS warn that the almond products reviewed pose a choking risk for young children. Follow the warning on the pack and don’t give whole almonds without taking it into account.