Party shoppers weighing up quantities
You want enough almonds for the snack table, but you also want to avoid buying more than you can use. Albert Heijn and PLUS offer different pack sizes to compare with your serving plans.
Who might find this choice relevant?
Hosts catering for different snack preferences
You want to choose between unsalted natural almonds and a roasted, savoury variety. Check the processing and ingredients of the specific pack; if anyone has a known allergy, the label matters more than the brand name.
Households looking to keep leftovers
You’re buying for one party but want to be able to use any leftover almonds later. Check whether the pack is resealable and read the storage instructions, as these can vary by pack and variety.
What should you look for when buying?
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity for the party | Match the pack weight to your serving plans and decide in advance what you’ll do with any leftovers. | If you want to serve enough without having lots left over, pack size is often the deciding factor; around 29% of consumers prioritise the quantity they need. |
| Natural and unsalted | Check both the processing method and the ingredients list; unsalted doesn’t automatically mean unroasted or free from oil. | If you want a natural variety and are keeping an eye on the ingredients, check the exact composition; around 24% of consumers give this choice priority. |
| Savoury flavour | Check whether the variety is salted or, for example, smoke-flavoured; don’t compare different flavours by weight alone. | If you’re looking for a savoury snack to serve with drinks, the flavour makes all the difference; around 18% of consumers choose based on this first. |
| Keeping leftovers | Check whether the pack is resealable and follow the storage instructions for your chosen variety. | If you want to keep opened almonds after the party, check how to seal and store them; around 18% of consumers make this their first priority. |
| Suitability for guests | Check the allergen information on the specific pack and consider separately whether to serve whole nuts to children. | If anyone has a known allergy or children are attending, the ingredients or how the almonds are served may determine your choice; around 11% of consumers start by considering suitability. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming a large bag is automatically the best choice
A larger pack also contains more than a smaller one. So the quantity you need and what you’ll do with any leftovers are separate considerations.
Compare packs of the same type and work out how much you need for your own serving plans first.
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Assuming unsalted, unroasted and oil-free mean the same thing
According to the product information, the Jumbo Unsalted Almonds reviewed, in a 140 g pack, contain 99% almonds and sunflower oil. That’s different from a product containing almonds as its only ingredient.
Check the processing method and ingredients separately on the pack.
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Assuming a resealable pack means the almonds will keep indefinitely
Voedingscentrum recommends storing unsalted almonds in a cool, dark and dry place in a well-sealed pack. Storing them in other conditions may affect their quality.
Follow the storage instructions on the specific pack and look out for signs such as a rancid smell or taste, a tough texture or mould.
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Not considering allergies or whole nuts for children
Almonds are a tree nut allergen. Voedingscentrum also warns that children can choke on whole nuts.
Check the allergen information for your chosen variety and consider how you’ll serve it with your guests in mind.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Terra unroasted almonds are a larger natural pack in the selection reviewed.
- The product information states that the pack contains 500 g and almonds are the only ingredient.
- This is a larger quantity than the 200 g packs reviewed; decide in advance whether you’ll use the leftovers.
PLUS
PLUS Unroasted and Unsalted Almonds are a 200 g natural pack.
- The ingredients list names almonds as the only ingredient.
- A stand-up pouch isn’t automatically resealable; check the pack and, if necessary, store the contents in a sealed container.
Duyvis
Duyvis Almonds Original are a roasted variety in a 125 g pack.
- Duyvis says the almonds are oven-roasted without adding oil or fat.
- The pack is smaller than the 200 g and 500 g natural packs reviewed; check how much you need separately.
Jumbo
The 140 g pack of Jumbo Unsalted Almonds was reviewed.
- The product information describes the variety as unsalted.
- The ingredients list states 99% almonds and sunflower oil, so the product doesn’t contain almonds alone.
ALDI
The Dutch pages reviewed show Trader Joe's unroasted and roasted almonds in 200 g packs.
- The unroasted variety is described as coming in a resealable pack.
- Roasted and salted almonds and roasted smoke-flavoured almonds are separate varieties; check the label on the pack you choose.
Lidl
Alesto is the relevant nut range in the Lidl product information reviewed.
- The product page lists Spanish almonds in different 200 g varieties.
- Each variety has its own product features; check the label on the pack you choose.
Almonds at Joybuy
These Joybuy products include natural almonds in different pack sizes, as well as roasted and salted varieties.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
A smaller pack for serving natural almonds as a snack.
The product information states that the pack contains 160 g and almonds are the only ingredient.
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g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g
An unroasted, unsalted variety for anyone looking for a 200 g natural pack.
The product information lists almonds as the ingredient and recommends sealing the pack well after opening.
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Anatolia roasted and salted almonds 500 g
A savoury variety for serving roasted and salted almonds on the snack table.
The pack contains 500 g; the product information states that it contains 1.0 g of salt per 100 g.
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Anatolia Badem Natural (Almond) 500 g
A larger natural pack for serving almonds or using them in other dishes too.
The product information states that the pack contains 500 g, almonds are the only ingredient and there is 0.00 g of salt per 100 g.
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g'woon Roasted & Salted Almonds 150 g
A smaller roasted and salted variety for anyone who doesn’t want to open a large pack straight away.
The product information lists almonds, sunflower oil and salt as ingredients and states that the bag is resealable.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many almonds to buy?
Estimate how many guests are likely to eat almonds and how many you want to offer. For a calculation, AH uses a serving size of 25 g: twelve 25 g servings make 300 g. This is an example calculation, not a recommendation for how much each party guest will eat; other snacks and personal preferences may affect your choice.
How should I store an opened pack of unsalted almonds?
Voedingscentrum recommends storing unsalted almonds in a cool, dark and dry place in a well-sealed pack. Its storage guide says that opened unsalted almonds will keep for six months in a kitchen cupboard and one year in the freezer. For an unopened pack, follow the instructions and use-by date on the pack; a rancid smell or taste, a tough texture or mould may be signs of spoilage.
What should I look for on allergen information on a Dutch pack?
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) lists almonds among the tree nut allergens. According to the NVWA, allergens present must be clearly identifiable in the ingredients information. So check the label on the specific pack and take account of any known allergies your guests have.
Can I serve whole almonds at a children’s party?
Consider separately whether to serve whole nuts when children are present. Voedingscentrum warns that children can choke on whole nuts; this warning does not establish a legal age limit here.
Does unsalted also mean that no oil has been added?
No, not necessarily. According to the ingredients list, the Jumbo Unsalted Almonds reviewed, in a 140 g pack, contain 99% almonds and sunflower oil. If you’re looking for almonds as the only ingredient as well as an unsalted variety, check the ingredients list.