Who might find almond multipacks useful?

Parents looking to use almonds in recipes

You’re looking for almonds as an ingredient, not as a whole-nut snack for your baby. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises giving children under four ground nuts or nut butter instead of whole nuts.

Families looking to split up their supplies

You want to buy several standard packs and portion them out yourself. AH multipacks of unsalted almonds contain individual supply packs, not small snack bags.

Lunchbox planners keeping allergens in mind

You want to know whether almonds can be taken to school or childcare. Read the allergen information on the packaging and check the policy of the setting in question.

What should you look for?

Start by deciding how you want to use the almonds. Then compare the number of packs, the ingredients and how much your family will actually use.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
A suitable texture for your baby Check whether you can grind the almonds or turn them into nut butter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole nuts to children under four. When I buy almonds for my baby, I want to know in advance how to serve them in a suitable form. Around 31% of consumers put preparation method first.
Multipacks or small portions Check the number of individual packs, the weight of each one and how the bundle is supplied. The AH multipacks reviewed contain standard 190 g packs. I want to split the supply easily between family use and lunchboxes, but I don’t want to assume a multipack contains small grab-and-go bags. Around 25% of consumers prioritise ease of portioning.
Ingredients and flavourings Read the ingredients list for the exact product. Unsalted, unroasted and with no added fat don’t mean the same thing. When I want to use almonds in food for my baby, I want to know whether they contain flavourings as well as almonds. Around 19% of consumers focus mainly on the ingredients.
Allergens and setting policies Read the allergen information and any warnings on the packaging, and check what the school or childcare setting allows. For a lunchbox, I want to check both the packaging and the setting’s rules. Around 13% of consumers prioritise allergens and permission.
Stock and storage Compare the total quantity with how much you use and the storage instructions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a dry, airtight container. I want to avoid buying more than my family will use or can store. Around 12% of consumers focus mainly on managing their supplies.

Buying mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming a small pack makes a suitable snack for a baby

    The size of the pack doesn’t change the texture of whole nuts. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole nuts to children under four.

    Plan how you’ll grind the almonds or turn them into nut butter before deciding how many packs you need.

    Whole nuts need extra preparation if you want to serve them in a suitable form.

  • Confusing oven-roasted with unsalted

    The ingredients information for the Duyvis Oven Roasted variety reviewed lists a savoury seasoning mix that includes salt, even though the variety is described as having no added oil or fat.

    Read the ingredients for the exact variety. If you’re planning to use almonds in food for your baby, don’t choose based on the roasting claim alone.

  • Assuming a multipack contains small grab-and-go portions

    The AH multipacks reviewed contain standard packs of 190 g each, not individual lunchbox bags.

    Check both the number of packs and the weight of each one before choosing a bundle.

    You’ll need to measure out lunchbox portions yourself and store the remaining supply carefully.

  • Checking only for almond allergens

    Packaging may also include information about possible traces of other nuts or peanuts. Schools and childcare settings may also have their own restrictions.

    Read the label and check directly with the setting about its policy on bringing in and eating nuts.

Brands compared

Albert Heijn

AH Unsalted Almonds are available in multipacks of standard 190 g packs. The product information lists almonds as the ingredient.

  • The multipacks reviewed contain 3, 4 or 6 packs; Albert Heijn says they’re supplied as individual items.
  • These are supply packs, not small lunchbox portions. Whole almonds need to be ground or made into nut butter before serving to a baby.

PLUS

PLUS Unroasted and Unsalted Almonds come in a 200 g stand-up pouch for those who want to portion them out themselves.

  • The ingredients list contains almonds only.
  • The product information mentions possible traces of peanuts and other nuts; check the packaging label.

Jumbo

Jumbo Unsalted Almonds come in a 140 g pack.

  • The product information lists a smaller pack than the AH and PLUS supply packs reviewed.
  • The ingredients list says 99% almonds and sunflower oil, so ‘unsalted’ doesn’t mean almonds are the only ingredient. The page also mentions possible traces of peanuts.

ALDI

ALDI describes Trader Joe’s unroasted almonds as a 200 g pack.

  • According to ALDI’s product description, the pack is resealable.
  • This description isn’t an independent assessment of how the almonds are processed or whether they’re suitable for babies. Check the packaging and prepare almonds in a suitable form before serving them to a baby.

Lidl

Lidl’s product listing is called Unsalted Almonds.

  • The product name indicates that this is an unsalted variety.
  • Check the weight and ingredients on the exact pack before comparing the quantity or contents with other varieties.

Duyvis

Duyvis Oven Roasted Almonds are a savoury variety that may suit adult family members.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information lists 97% almonds.
  • The seasoning mix includes salt and sugar ingredients. The description ‘no added oil or fat’ doesn’t mean the variety is unsalted.

Almonds at Joybuy

This selection of Joybuy products features a single pack of almonds to portion out yourself, not a multipack.

g’woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted, 200 g

g’woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted, 200 g

This single 200 g pack is a good choice if you want to portion out the almonds yourself. For children under four, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises serving ground nuts or nut butter instead of whole nuts.

The product information lists almonds as the ingredient. It’s a single pack, not a multipack.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions about almonds

Can my baby eat whole almonds if they can pick up food themselves?

No. Being able to pick up food doesn’t change the shape of a whole nut. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises serving children under four ground nuts or nut butter instead of whole nuts.

Which eating skills are important for baby-led weaning?

For larger pieces, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says children should be able to sit upright and swallow and chew well. Adapt the texture to your child’s development and stay with them while they eat.

Is a 3-pack the same as three small lunchbox bags?

Not in the AH multipack reviewed: it contains three standard 190 g packs and is supplied as individual items. The quantity in each pack isn’t a recommended portion size for a baby.

What should I check before putting almonds in a lunchbox?

Read the allergen information on the label and ask the school or childcare setting about its policy. For example, OBS De Venen states that peanuts and nuts must not be eaten at that school; this policy applies to that setting.

How should I store an opened pack of almonds?

Store nuts in a dry, airtight container, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Also follow the storage and use-by instructions on your pack.