For baby-led weaning, choose almonds in the form of nut butter or finely ground nuts mixed into suitable food, not as a whole snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole nuts to children under 4; don’t serve nut butter on its own by the spoonful or as a lump either, as the NHS warns that it can pose a choking risk. The almond products reviewed are not low in calories: for a claim meaning ‘low energy’, solid foods must contain no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g, according to the European Commission.
You’re looking for a form that you can prepare appropriately for your baby. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises giving nut butter or ground nuts instead of whole nuts to children under 4; also consider the texture and what your baby is already able to eat.
You want to buy almonds for yourself and to add to your baby’s food. Keep whole nuts separate as a snack for adults, and grind them finely for your baby before mixing them into suitable food.
You want to know which nuts a product contains and whether it carries a warning about possible cross-contamination. If you suspect a food allergy, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises speaking to a doctor about introducing the food.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole nuts to children under 4. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a claim meaning ‘low energy’.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters more to |
|---|---|---|
| Form and texture | Choose nut butter or finely ground nuts, not whole nuts. Mix the butter into suitable food; don’t serve it on its own by the spoonful or as a lump. | When I give my baby almonds, I want to choose a suitable form and texture first; around 39% of consumers put suitability first. |
| Energy information | Compare kcal per 100 g; ‘unsalted’ or ‘no added fat’ doesn’t mean a product is low in energy. The European Commission’s limit for solid foods is a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. | When choosing a snack for myself, I want to know what ‘low calorie’ means per 100 g, rather than relying on ‘unsalted’; around 23% of consumers give energy information top priority. |
| Ingredients and preparation | Check whether the butter contains only almonds. The Jumbo and PLUS whole unsalted nut varieties reviewed also contain sunflower oil. | When I want to use almonds in baby food, a clear ingredients list and easy preparation matter; around 23% of consumers start with ingredients and convenience. |
| Allergens and surroundings | Check the ingredients and warnings on the exact product label. According to the NVWA, new rules for precautionary allergen warnings have applied in the Netherlands since 1 January 2026. | When my child takes food to childcare or school, I want to check the label and any rules at the location in advance; around 15% of consumers put allergens and rules about where food is eaten first. |
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, whole nuts are not suitable for children under 4 because of the risk of choking.
Use whole almonds only as an ingredient for a carer to grind finely. Mix the ground almonds into suitable food for your baby.
Duyvis describes the preparation of the roasted almonds reviewed as roasting without added oil or fat. Albert Heijn lists 635 kcal per 100 g for this variety, so the preparation method doesn’t make the almonds low in calories.
Compare the energy per 100 g on the product information, and keep your own snack choice separate from the food you choose for your baby.
The product name ‘almond paste’ doesn’t tell you by itself whether a product is intended as a spread made from ground nuts. For example, the Joybuy product listing for Dr. Oetker Amandelpasta describes using it in baked goods such as stollen and pastry bars.
Check the brand, full product name, ingredients and stated uses before choosing a product as an ingredient for your baby’s food.
The details below apply to the specific product varieties listed, not to every product from a brand or supermarket.
AH Terra Plantaardig 100% pasta amandel is an almond butter for mixing into food.
The 100% Amandelpasta and whole unsalted almonds mentioned are different product types.
PLUS Amandelen ongezouten is a whole-nut product that you could prepare yourself.
The Almonds Original/Oven roasted range mentioned consists of roasted almonds with a savoury flavour, intended as a snack for adults.
For the unroasted almonds from Trader Joe’s mentioned here, ALDI is the supermarket and Trader Joe’s is the product name.
The product pages mentioned are for Amandelen ongezouten and Alesto Spaanse amandelen.
These products are almonds to grind finely yourself and mix into suitable food. Don’t give whole nuts to children under 4; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises giving them nut butter or ground nuts.
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You can grind these almonds finely yourself and mix them into suitable food; don’t serve them whole to a child under 4.
Ingredient: almonds. Raw and unsalted. 200 g. 591 kcal per 100 g.
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This product can be used as an ingredient; grind the almonds finely and mix them into suitable food for your baby.
Ingredients: 100% almonds. 500 gr. 578 kcal per 100 g.
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The kernels are described as whole; for your baby, grind them finely and mix them into suitable food.
Ingredients: 100% almond kernels. 160 g. 622 kcal per 100 g.
Use nut butter or finely ground nuts and mix them into suitable food; don’t give whole nuts to children under 4. The NHS also warns against giving nut butter on its own by the spoonful or as a lump. For larger pieces, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre says a baby should be able to sit upright and swallow and chew well.
No. ‘Unsalted’ doesn’t mean low in energy. For solid foods, the European Commission only allows a claim meaning ‘low energy’ when a product contains no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g; the almond products mentioned have higher stated values.
Read the ingredients list and any warnings about possible cross-contamination on the packaging for the exact variety. The NVWA says allergen information must be provided on pre-packed products; possible cross-contamination is covered by a separate warning. New rules for this have applied in the Netherlands since 1 January 2026.
Follow the instructions for the specific product. Albert Heijn says to store AH Terra 100% pasta amandel in the fridge at no more than 7 °C after purchase. Jumbo says to store its 100% almond butter in a cool, dry place.
No, the information here doesn’t support the idea of a general ban at Dutch schools or childcare settings. Check the rules at the specific location if you’re buying food to take there.
