Households weighing up how much to stock up on
You want to buy almonds for several occasions, but only if the quantity matches what you’ll actually use. AH Terra’s 200 g and 500 g packs make the difference in quantity clear.
Who might prefer a larger or smaller pack?
Home cooks preparing food for Christmas
You’re looking for almonds whose preparation and ingredients suit your recipe. Unroasted, unsalted almonds differ from savoury-seasoned snack varieties; product information from Albert Heijn and PLUS gives examples of unsalted options containing almonds only.
Snack buyers planning for several occasions
You want almonds you can eat straight away and are choosing between options such as roasted and unsalted or a savoury-seasoned variety. If you’ll use the pack over several occasions, also consider the packaging and how you’ll store it once opened.
What should you look for in almonds for Christmas?
First decide what you’ll use the almonds for and how much you’re likely to get through. Then compare the pack size, preparation and ingredients.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Value per kilo used | Compare the price per kilo and net weight of the same type of product, and take into account how much you’ll use. | If I buy almonds for several recipes, I want to use up the larger quantity. Around 31% of consumers prioritise usage and cost per kilo. |
| Suitable for your recipe | Check whether the almonds are unroasted, unsalted, roasted or seasoned, and read the ingredients list. | If I want to decide the flavour of a Christmas recipe myself, I check what’s been added alongside the almonds. Around 25% of consumers prioritise suitability for their recipe. |
| Storage after opening | Check whether the pack is resealable and follow the storage advice on the label. | If I use the bag on different occasions, I want to be able to seal it properly in between. Around 19% of consumers prioritise keeping their food in good condition. |
| Your preferred snack flavour | Check the unsalted description and read the ingredients and salt content per 100 g. | If I want to snack on almonds straight away, I choose between an unsalted option and a savoury-seasoned flavour. Around 13% of consumers prioritise their preferred snack flavour. |
| Allergen information | Check the information about almonds and any warnings about other allergens on the current packaging. | If I buy almonds for myself, my household or a recipe I’m serving, I check the allergen information carefully. Around 12% of consumers prioritise this information. |
Common buying mistakes
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Automatically assuming the biggest bag is the best value
A larger pack is only a good fit if you’ll use the contents. A small difference in price per kilo doesn’t automatically make up for stock you won’t use.
Compare the same type of product by price per kilo, and choose a quantity that suits your recipes and how often you’ll use it.
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Confusing unroasted, unsalted and savoury-seasoned almonds
PLUS lists almonds as the only ingredient, while Jumbo’s ingredient information also includes sunflower oil. Duyvis Oven roasted almonds contain a savoury seasoning mix with salt.
Check the preparation and ingredients first, then compare pack sizes.
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Not storing an opened bulk pack properly
Voedingscentrum advises keeping unsalted nuts in a cool, dark and dry place in a tightly sealed container.
Plan where you’ll store them in advance and also follow the instructions on the actual pack.
If the bag doesn’t seal properly, you may need an extra airtight storage container.
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Relying on the original packaging as the only allergen information for your own stall
If you sell unpackaged food, you must tell customers which allergens it contains. The information must cover the entire recipe, not just the bag of almonds.
Record the ingredients in your recipe and organise the allergen information before offering products for sale. The NVWA sets out the food safety rules for market traders.
Running your own stall also takes time for recipe records and providing information.
Almond brands to compare
Albert Heijn
AH Terra unroasted, unsalted almonds are listed in 200 g and 500 g packs. Albert Heijn lists almonds as the only ingredient in this variety.
- The two pack sizes offer a straightforward comparison within the same product range.
- The larger pack is only suitable if you’ll use the extra quantity.
PLUS
PLUS lists unroasted, unsalted almonds in a 200 g stand-up pouch. The official ingredient information lists almonds as the only ingredient.
- The simple ingredients list may suit recipes where you want to add your own flavourings.
- The pack listed is a smaller quantity, so check that it suits your needs.
ALDI
ALDI describes TRADER JOE'S 200 g almonds as roasted and unsalted, in a resealable bag.
- The preparation and resealable packaging are specified for this particular variety.
- These are roasted almonds, not the same as unroasted almonds for a recipe.
Duyvis
Duyvis Oven roasted almonds are listed in a 125 g pack. According to Duyvis, they are roasted without added oil or fat.
- The product information describes a ready-to-eat savoury snack.
- The ingredients include a seasoning mix with salt; these aren’t a substitute for plain unsalted almonds.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s product information lists a 140 g unsalted variety containing 99% almonds and sunflower oil.
- The ingredients list makes it clear that this variety contains more than just almonds.
- Check the full ingredients list if you’re looking for almonds on their own for a recipe.
Lidl
Lidl’s official product listing is for 200 g of unroasted almonds.
- The listed preparation and quantity provide a useful reference for a smaller pack for recipes.
- Check the latest product information and packaging before making your choice.
Almonds at Joybuy
This selection includes larger packs for stocking up and smaller quantities, with both savoury-seasoned and simpler almond options.
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Anatolia roasted, salted almonds 500 g
A good choice if you’re looking for a larger supply of roasted, salted almonds. The product information lists almonds and salt as the ingredients.
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Anatolia Badem Natural almonds 500 g
A good choice for stocking up for cooking or baking. The product information lists 100% almonds and suggests baking and cooking as uses.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
A good choice for a smaller quantity for a snack or recipe. The product information lists 100% almond kernels and resealable packaging.
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g'woon unroasted, unsalted almonds 200 g
A good choice for a smaller quantity for personal use or a recipe. The product information describes unroasted, unsalted almonds, with almonds as the only ingredient.
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g'woon roasted, salted almonds 150 g
A good choice for a smaller savoury snack. The product information describes roasted, salted almonds in a resealable bag.
Frequently asked questions
How should you store an opened bag of unsalted almonds?
Voedingscentrum advises keeping unsalted almonds in a cool, dark and dry place in a tightly sealed container. Also follow the instructions on the packaging; this general advice isn’t a guarantee of shelf life for every preparation or type of packaging.
Does oven-roasted without oil also mean unsalted?
No. According to Duyvis, Oven roasted almonds are roasted without added oil or fat, but this variety contains a savoury seasoning mix with salt. The product information lists 1,1 g of salt per 100 g.
Are whole almonds automatically suitable for young children?
No, don’t assume whole almonds are a suitable snack for children. AH Terra and Duyvis product information warns that young children can choke on nuts.
What allergen information should you provide for unpackaged almond products at a Christmas market?
If you sell unpackaged food, you must tell customers which allergens it contains and, for nuts, name the specific type. According to the NVWA, you can provide this information in writing. If you give it verbally, it must be available before purchase, and there must be a clearly visible notice telling customers they can ask for it. Use the information for the full recipe.
Do you need to register with the NVWA if you sell food at a Christmas market?
According to the NVWA, you need to register if you sell food several times a year; registration isn’t needed if you sell food once a year. Food safety rules for market sales still apply to businesses and individuals. Businesses may also need to meet the relevant KVK criteria; this answer doesn’t determine whether you need local permission for a specific market.