Buffet hosts who want to top up in stages
You want to keep several packs in reserve rather than opening everything at once. The bundles described by Albert Heijn consist of separate items, with different weights per pack.
Who are almond multipacks suitable for?
Households that portion out lunchboxes
You want to keep using almonds after the festive period and measure out smaller amounts yourself. Albert Heijn’s product page lists a 25 g serving size for its unsalted roasted variety; this does not mean it comes in individually wrapped bags. According to MDL Fonds, whole nuts are not safe for children under four because of the risk of choking.
Shoppers choosing carefully based on preparation and ingredients
For example, you might choose roasted unsalted almonds for snacking, or unroasted almonds to use in recipes too. These are different varieties from smoked-flavour almonds with added salt.
What should you look for when buying?
First, consider how much you want to open and use at a time. Then compare the preparation, ingredients and price of the exact pack.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Buffet supplies | Check the number of items, the weight of each item and whether the bundle comes as separate packs. | If I want to top up the buffet throughout the day and keep unopened packs for later, I check how the bundle is put together. Around 29% of consumers make buffet supplies their top purchasing priority. |
| Lunchbox portions | Check whether the packs really are individual snack bags; a stated serving size is not the same as a separately wrapped portion. | If I want to measure out small portions myself after the buffet, I consider the packaging and use a suitable sealable container. Around 23% of consumers give top priority to portions they can measure out themselves to take away. |
| Preparation and ingredients | Compare the exact preparation, ingredients and salt content per 100 g; unsalted does not automatically mean unroasted. | If I’m specifically looking for unsalted, unroasted or seasoned almonds, I check the variety on the label. Around 18% of consumers put preparation and ingredients first. |
| Total spend | Compare the price per kilogram for the same variety and consider how much you actually plan to use. | If I don’t want to buy more than I need for my buffet and later use, I compare the total price with the weight. Around 18% of consumers make an appropriate total spend their top purchasing priority. |
| Suitability for guests | Read the latest allergen information and consider young children, for whom whole nuts are unsuitable. | If I need to take account of an allergy or young children at the table, I check the packaging and the form of the nuts. Around 12% of consumers put guest safety first; it remains relevant for other guests too. |
Common buying mistakes
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Confusing a multipack with individual snack bags
The AH bundles checked are supplied as separate items. A serving size on a product page does not mean that the contents are individually packed into portions.
Check both how the bundle is put together and the weight of each item. Choose individual snack bags only when that type of packaging is explicitly stated.
For lunchboxes, you’ll need to measure out portions yourself and use a suitable sealable container.
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Assuming unsalted means unroasted or oil-free
Jumbo and PLUS unsalted almonds contain sunflower oil. The AH smoked-flavour variety also contains added salt, while the unroasted AH variety is uncooked.
Compare the preparation and ingredients of the exact item, not just the front of the pack or the brand name.
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Buying a large bundle without a plan for the rest
The AH bundles described range from 700 g to 1,800 g in total. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a tightly sealed, dry place after opening.
Plan for both the buffet and how you’ll use the almonds after the festive period, and only open another pack when you need it.
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Assuming every pack is suitable for every guest
Almonds are an allergen, and a product may contain other allergens too. According to MDL Fonds, whole nuts are unsuitable for children under four because of the risk of choking.
Check the latest allergen information for each variety and consider your guests’ needs.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Albert Heijn
The bundles described contain several separate almond products.
- The product pages specify bundles of roasted unsalted almonds, smoked-flavour almonds and unroasted almonds.
- The packs are not individual snack bags; check the ingredients and allergens for the variety included.
Duyvis
Duyvis describes Almonds Original as a single 125 g pack, for snacking and use in recipes.
- The manufacturer describes the almonds as oven-roasted without added oil or fat.
- This product description is for a single pack and does not confirm that it is available as a multipack.
Jumbo
Jumbo describes a single 140 g pack of unsalted almonds.
- The product information lists roasted almonds containing 99% almonds and sunflower oil.
- Here, unsalted does not mean unroasted or free from added oil; the item is not described as a multipack.
Lidl
The Alesto range is described as coming in different 200 g varieties.
- The product listing gives the pack size and product range.
- Check the variety and information on the actual packaging; a product listing does not confirm availability for Boxing Day.
ALDI
The description of Trader Joe’s almonds lists a 200 g pack, with roasted and salted or smoked-flavour varieties.
- The product description states that the pack is resealable.
- Resealable does not mean the contents are packed into individual snack portions.
PLUS
PLUS describes a single 150 g pouch of unsalted roasted almonds.
- The ingredients list states that it contains 98% almonds and sunflower oil.
- The product is not described as a multipack; check the latest product information for the variety.
Individual almond packs at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are individual packs of almonds that you can use to build your own supply; they are not multipacks containing several unopened items.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
The product description suggests using these as a snack or adding them to yoghurt, cereal and salads; the pack is resealable.
The pack contains 160 g.
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g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g
A single pack for anyone looking for unsalted, unroasted almonds; the description suggests using them as a snack or in recipes.
The pack contains 200 g. The product information advises keeping the pack tightly sealed after opening.
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Anatolia Badem Natural almonds 500 g
The product description suggests using these as a snack or in recipes, including baking, cooking and salads.
The pack contains 500 g; the description lists almonds as the only ingredient.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 6-pack mean you get six small lunchbox bags?
No. The AH unsalted almonds 6-pack described by Albert Heijn contains six separate 190 g items. The stated serving size of 25 g does not mean each portion comes in a separate bag.
How do you work out how many almonds to buy?
Decide how many you want to buy for the buffet and compare this with the total weight of the bundle. The AH bundles of 700 g and 1,800 g work out to 28 and 72 servings of 25 g respectively; that serving size comes from Albert Heijn’s product page and is not a prediction of what buffet guests will eat or a dietary recommendation.
How should you store an opened pack for later?
Seal the pack tightly and follow the storage instructions for the exact item. The AH varieties described say to store them in a cool, dark and dry place; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also advises keeping nuts tightly sealed and dry. Check the best-before information on the pack too.
Can children under four eat whole almonds?
MDL Fonds advises against giving whole nuts to children under four because of the risk of choking. Measuring out a portion or choosing a multipack does not change this.
What should you look for when it comes to allergens at a buffet?
Almonds are one of the tree nut allergens. Read the latest ingredients and allergen information for each variety, and discuss any relevant allergies with your guests. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label.