Unsalted or made without added fat does not automatically mean that almonds contain less fat. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and check what any reduction claim is based on. For the party, first choose a form that’s suitable for the children’s ages, then check the ingredients and allergen information with their parents.
You want to assess the fat content on the nutrition table rather than rely on words such as ‘unsalted’ or on how the product is prepared. Compare values on the same basis, and treat a relative reduction as distinct from a low-fat claim.
The form and how the food is served matter when young children are involved. The Voedingscentrum advises against giving whole nuts to children under 4. Older children can also choke, so they should eat slowly at the table under supervision.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack, and discuss any foods that need to be avoided with the children’s parents. Products that list almonds as their only ingredient still contain almonds.
First consider a safe way to serve the almonds and check for allergens. Then look at fat content, quantity, flavour and packaging.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Verifiable fat reduction | Compare fat per 100 g on the same basis and check what any reduction is being compared with. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim. | If less fat is a deciding factor for your party, you’ll want a verifiable reduction, not just a different preparation method. Around 26% of consumers give fat reduction the highest priority when buying. |
| Safe form | Don’t give whole nuts to children under 4. Encourage older children to eat slowly at the table and supervise them. If in doubt, choose ground nuts or nut butter. | If young children are coming, you’ll want a form that suits their age and ability to chew. Around 26% of consumers prioritise a suitable form and safe serving conditions. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients list and allergen warnings on the pack, and discuss them with the children’s parents. | If any guests have allergies, you’ll want to know in advance which ingredients and warnings apply. Around 21% of consumers give allergen management the highest priority. |
| Quantity | Plan how much you’ll serve and use the nutritional values for the product you choose. A serving size listed on the pack is not automatically a recommendation for children. | If you’re putting out a snack for a group of children, you’ll want to keep track of how much you serve. Around 16% of consumers put portion size at the top of their list. |
| Flavour and packaging | Check how the almonds are prepared and whether they include a flavouring mix. Also check the pack weight and whether the pack is resealable. | If you’re mainly looking for a suitable flavour and practical packaging, you’ll also want to know what else is in the product besides almonds. Around 11% of consumers give flavour and ease of serving the highest priority. |
Whole nuts can cause choking. The Voedingscentrum advises against giving whole nuts to children under 4.
First decide which form is suitable for the children’s ages and the serving situation. Then compare fat content and flavour.
These descriptions don’t, by themselves, tell you how much fat the finished product contains. For example, AH Terra Unroasted Almonds lists 52 g of fat per 100 g. That doesn’t make it the same as a product with a substantiated fat-reduction claim.
Check the total fat content in the nutrition table, and assess any claim separately from the salt content and preparation method.
Almonds are still an allergenic ingredient, even when they’re the only ingredient. The product information checked for Albert Heijn and PLUS also mentions possible traces of other nuts and peanuts.
Before the party, agree which ingredients need to be avoided, check the current packaging and keep it to hand in case anyone has questions.
If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, you may also need to provide a suitable snack.
A serving size listed on a product isn’t automatically an age-specific recommendation for a children’s party.
Decide for yourself how much you want to serve and use the nutritional values on the pack you’ve chosen. A smaller portion doesn’t make the product reduced-fat.
AH Terra Unroasted Almonds 200 g are an option if you’re looking for unroasted almonds with no added salt.
Jumbo Unsalted Almonds 140 g are a good fit if you’re looking for roasted almonds with no added salt.
PLUS Unroasted and Unsalted Almonds 200 g are an option if you’re looking for unroasted almonds.
The Trader Joe's Almonds 200 g product reviewed here is a roasted, unsalted variety.
Duyvis Almonds Original 125 g are a savoury, oven-roasted variety with seasoning.
These Joybuy products are almond varieties for snacking or using in dishes. The product information provided doesn’t substantiate a claim that these are reduced-fat almonds.
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The description says the almond kernels are suitable for snacking or baking.
The description lists 100% almond kernels; the nutritional information lists 53,8 g of fat per 100 g. Contains almonds.
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The title describes raw, unsalted almonds for anyone looking for those product features.
The product information lists 50 g of fat per 100 g. Contains almonds.
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The product information says these almonds are suitable for eating as they are, or for cooking and baking.
The product information lists almonds as an ingredient and 50 g of fat per 100 g. Contains almonds.
No. ‘Low fat’ is an absolute claim: for solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g. The Nederlands Bakkerij Centrum describes a reduced content as at least 30% less than comparable products. This information doesn’t constitute approval of a specific almond variety.
No. The Voedingscentrum advises against giving whole nuts to children under 4. Older children can also choke, so encourage them to eat slowly at the table and supervise them. If in doubt, choose ground nuts or nut butter.
No. Albert Heijn lists 25 g as the product serving size for AH Terra Unroasted Almonds, but that isn’t an age-specific recommendation for every child. So don’t use it as a universal serving size for children.
Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging, and discuss them with the parents. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires designated allergens to be clearly identified in the ingredients list.
Follow the instructions on the packaging. For AH Terra, Albert Heijn advises storing the almonds in a cool, dark and dry place and closing the pack securely after use. PLUS advises storing its almonds in a dry, dark place.
