To keep the energy in your portion of almonds in check, weigh them out beforehand and compare the nutritional values per 100 g on the label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 158 kcal per 25 g of unsalted almonds, so unsalted or roasted does not automatically mean low in calories.
You’d like to serve almonds at the buffet, but also want to know how much energy you’re eating. Weighing them out and comparing like for like can help; an unsalted pack alone tells you nothing about the calorie count. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a general reference of 158 kcal per 25 g of unsalted almonds.
You’re looking for an unsalted snack and also choosing between unroasted and roasted varieties. PLUS and ALDI offer examples of these different options; how the almonds are prepared is no proof of a calorie benefit.
You want to buy the right amount, store any leftovers properly and let guests know that almonds are being served. Pack details and storage instructions can help with planning. The NVWA sets out separate rules on allergen information for professional food providers.
First decide how many almonds you’d like to serve and weigh out portions. Then choose based on salt, preparation, packaging and the information your guests need.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who should bear this in mind? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare the kcal per 100 g on the label and calculate the amount for the weight you’ve portioned out. | If I want to know how much energy my portion contains, I weigh the almonds rather than serving them from a large bowl. Around 42% of consumers say portion control is their main consideration. |
| Salt and preparation | Check whether the variety is unsalted, unroasted or roasted; compare the energy content separately. | If I want unsalted nuts or a particular preparation, I check the variety name and ingredients. Around 25% of consumers prioritise salt and preparation. |
| Quantity and storage | Match the net weight to the portions you’re planning and follow the storage instructions on the pack. | If I’m planning the shopping for a buffet, I want to have enough and be able to store any leftovers easily. Around 17% of consumers focus mainly on quantity and leftovers. |
| Allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information; when serving food professionally, specify that it contains almonds. | If guests need to avoid almonds, I check the product information before serving the snack. Around 16% of consumers prioritise suitability for people with allergies. |
Unsalted describes the salt content, not the energy value. Even preparation without added oil or fat does not mean that almonds are fat-free or low in calories.
Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and work out the energy content of the portion you actually weigh out.
The pack size is a purchase quantity, not a personal portion size. It’s harder to keep track of how much you’re eating when there’s a large bag or bowl to hand.
Weigh out the amount you want to serve in advance and follow the storage instructions on the pack for the rest.
Those words don’t mean that the almonds have been removed. Almonds are a type of tree nut that can cause an allergic reaction.
Read the ingredients and allergen information, and bear in mind that some guests may need to avoid almonds. When serving food professionally, information about the specific nut must be available.
Worth considering for unsalted almonds and Almonds Original, which the manufacturer describes as savoury and oven-roasted.
The range includes unsalted almonds and a separate variety of blanched, unsalted almonds.
Jumbo Unsalted Almonds is a clearly named unsalted own-brand option.
The range includes almonds labelled as unsalted.
The range includes unroasted almonds and separate roasted varieties, including unsalted, salted and smoky flavours.
PLUS offers unroasted, unsalted almonds in a 200 g stand-up pouch.
These almond products can help you compare varieties and the energy content of a weighed portion; none of the product names or preparation methods automatically means a product is low in calories.
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A good option if you want to weigh out a portion yourself and calculate its energy content.
The product information lists 100% almond kernels, 160 g and 622 kcal per 100 g. The pack can be resealed after opening. Contains almonds; not suitable for guests who need to avoid almonds.
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A good fit if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds and want to weigh out your own portion.
The product information lists 200 g and 591 kcal per 100 g. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack; the product contains almonds.
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A savoury, roasted option to consider if the salt content and preparation suit your buffet.
The product information lists 500 g, 620 kcal and 1.0 g of salt per 100 g. Contains almonds; check the pack for allergen information.
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A good fit if you’re looking for plain almonds and want to decide on the portion size yourself.
The product information lists 500 g, 578 kcal and 0.00 g of salt per 100 g. Contains almonds; check the pack for allergen information.
Multiply the kcal per 100 g on the label by the number of grams you’ve weighed out, then divide by 100. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 158 kcal per 25 g of unsalted almonds as a general reference; don’t treat this as an exact figure for every variety.
Not just because the portion is small. According to the European Commission, a commercial ‘low energy’ claim for solid foods is subject to a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. This limit applies to the product and is not dietary advice.
Follow the instructions on the pack. Jumbo advises storing its almonds in a cool, dry place away from light; ALDI describes the unroasted variety reviewed as resealable. A resealable pack does not guarantee a particular shelf life after opening.
The NVWA requires professional food providers to give information about allergens present. For nuts, specify the type, such as almonds. This guidance applies to hospitality businesses and other professional food providers; the same legal requirement does not necessarily apply to a private family gathering.
No. ‘Unsalted’ does not mean that the almonds have been removed from the product. Check the ingredients and allergen information, and don’t serve an almond product to anyone who needs to avoid almonds.
