Who is this relevant to?

Parents who want to serve food safely

If young children are coming, the form of food is a more important first consideration than its protein content. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends that children up to and including the age of 4 have only nut butter or peanut butter without added sugar or salt, and advises caution with older children. Also check whether almonds are suitable for anyone with allergies.

Shoppers keeping an eye on protein

If you choose almonds for their protein, check the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre emphasises that nutritional values can vary between brands, so a figure doesn’t automatically prove a specific claim or a recovery benefit.

Organisers looking for a practical shop

If you’re planning for the number of guests and any leftovers, compare the net weight, flavour and storage instructions. Products in shops can vary in how they’re prepared and packaged, for example, so choose an amount that’s right for how you plan to serve them.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide which form of food is suitable for the children and check the allergen information. Then compare salt, flavour, nutritional values and packaging.

What to consider What should you check? Who should consider this?
Form of food and allergens Check that the form of food is suitable for the children’s ages, and read the allergen information on the current packaging. If I’m inviting young children, I want to know whether the form of food is suitable and whether almonds could be an issue for anyone with allergies. Around 36% of shoppers prioritise a suitable form of food and allergen information.
Protein and portion size Compare protein and energy on the same basis, and consider the portion that will actually be eaten. If I’m looking at protein, I want to know what the chosen portion provides, rather than relying only on wording on the front of the pack. Around 29% of shoppers prioritise the actual protein content and whether recovery nutrition is relevant.
Salt and flavour Check the salt content per 100 g and whether the almonds are unsalted, roasted or seasoned. If I want a savoury flavour, I also check the salt content and don’t assume that roasted means unsalted. Around 21% of shoppers put salt and flavour at the top of their list.
Quantity and storage Choose a net weight that suits what you plan to serve, and follow the storage instructions after opening. If I’m shopping for a group, I want a suitable amount and to know how to store any leftovers. Around 14% of shoppers prioritise practical shopping and storage.

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives average values of 5.4 g of protein and 158 kcal per 25 g for unsalted almonds. This is general nutritional information, not a guaranteed value for every pack. An active programme at a children’s party isn’t, in itself, a reason to choose special recovery nutrition.

Common buying pitfalls

  • Putting protein before the form of food

    A nutritional value doesn’t automatically make whole nuts suitable for young children. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends that children up to and including the age of 4 have only nut butter or peanut butter without added sugar or salt, and advises caution up to and including the age of 8.

    First choose a suitable form of food, check for allergies and make sure children sit calmly while eating, under supervision.

  • Confusing no added oil with unsalted

    According to the manufacturer, the Duyvis variety is roasted without added oil or fat, but Albert Heijn lists 1.1 g of salt per 100 g.

    Read the ingredients and salt content, and consider roasting and salting separately.

  • Using a snack portion as a child’s portion

    Information for the Duyvis pack reviewed gives an average portion of 30 g and 4–5 portions per bag. This isn’t a child-specific portion size.

    First decide on a suitable amount and form of food, and don’t automatically match the number of children to the stated number of portions.

    A larger pack may leave you with leftovers. Follow the storage instructions if you don’t use the whole bag at once.

Brands to consider

Duyvis

The manufacturer describes Almonds Original as oven-roasted almonds, made without added oil or fat, in a 125 g pack.

  • Albert Heijn lists 21 g of protein and 1.1 g of salt per 100 g for the variety reviewed.
  • The product information notes that it may contain wheat, peanuts and other nuts. The nutritional values don’t prove a recovery benefit.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn provides product information for AH Unsalted Almonds and a Duyvis variety.

  • The unsalted variety is an option to consider alongside other flavours.
  • The product name alone doesn’t prove that it’s high in protein, or tell you whether whole nuts are suitable for a particular child.

Jumbo

Jumbo provides product information for Unsalted Almonds 140 g.

  • The product page gives the pack size and recommends storing the almonds in a cool, dark, dry place.
  • The product information doesn’t prove any particular protein or recovery benefit.

Lidl

Lidl provides product information for unsalted almonds.

  • The description makes it clear that this is the unsalted variety.
  • The product description doesn’t provide a basis for comparing its protein content or suitability for children with other varieties.

ALDI

The product information for TRADER JOE'S Almonds 200 g describes roasted and salted almonds or roasted almonds with a smoky flavour.

  • The page reviewed mentions a resealable pack.
  • Roasted, salted or smoked varieties aren’t the same as unsalted almonds.

PLUS

PLUS provides product information for almonds described as unroasted and unsalted, in a 200 g stand-up pouch.

  • The description clearly states both how the almonds are prepared and that no salt has been added.
  • These features don’t prove a higher protein content than other almonds.

Almonds at Joybuy

This selection includes unsalted almonds and roasted, salted almonds. Compare the form of food, nutritional values and packaging with what you need for the party.

Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g

Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g

An option if you’re looking for whole almonds to use as an ingredient or serve as a snack, provided they’re suitable for the children.

The product information states that the pack contains 160 g, lists almond kernels as the only ingredient and gives 21.5 g of protein per 100 g. Whole almonds aren’t suitable for every age, and almonds are an allergen.

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g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g

g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g

An unsalted variety to consider if you’re not looking for savoury seasoned almonds and it’s suitable for your guests.

The product information describes raw, unsalted almonds and gives 24 g of protein and 0.03 g of salt per 100 g. Whole almonds aren’t suitable for every age, and almonds are an allergen.

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Anatolia roasted and salted almonds 500 g

Anatolia roasted and salted almonds 500 g

A savoury variety to consider if the flavour suits the party and salted almonds are what you’re looking for.

The product information gives 21 g of protein and 1.0 g of salt per 100 g. The almonds are roasted and salted; whole almonds aren’t suitable for every age, and almonds are an allergen.

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Anatolia Badem Natural almonds 500 g

Anatolia Badem Natural almonds 500 g

An option if you’re looking for almonds with no added salt to serve as a snack or use as an ingredient, provided they’re suitable for the children.

The product information lists 100% almonds, 21.0 g of protein and 0.00 g of salt per 100 g. Whole almonds aren’t suitable for every age, and almonds are an allergen.

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g'woon Roasted & Salted Almonds 150 g

g'woon Roasted & Salted Almonds 150 g

A savoury snack to consider if roasted, salted almonds suit the flavour you’re looking for.

The product information gives 21 g of protein and 1 g of salt per 100 g, and lists sunflower oil. It also notes that traces of peanuts and other nuts may be present. Whole almonds aren’t suitable for every age.

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Frequently asked questions

Can you serve whole almonds to all the children?

No, a bowl of whole almonds isn’t suitable for every age. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends that children up to and including the age of 4 have only nut butter or peanut butter without added sugar or salt, and advises caution up to and including the age of 8. Make sure children sit calmly while eating and stay with them. This is nutritional and safety advice, not a legal age limit.

Does my child need special recovery nutrition after an active party?

An active party isn’t, in itself, a reason to give your child special recovery nutrition. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes an hour of exercise a day as part of a child’s usual activity levels, and recommends fruit or vegetables if a child is hungry. So don’t assume that a party means your child needs almonds or extra protein.

What allergen information should I check on the packaging?

Check the current ingredients list and any clearly highlighted allergen information. Almonds are among the relevant nut allergens. According to the NVWA, allergens must be clearly and correctly identified on the label. This relates to product information and doesn’t automatically establish a labelling requirement for a private children’s party.

How should you store an opened bag of almonds?

Follow the advice on the packaging, as it can vary between products. For the Duyvis almonds reviewed, Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a cool, dry place and, after opening, preferably in a light- and airtight container. Jumbo recommends storing them in a cool, dark, dry place.

What should you do if product information is missing or differs?

Check the current packaging and, if you’re unsure, ask the shop or manufacturer for clarification. Albert Heijn warns that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change, and lists its customer service team as a point of contact.