Portion-conscious coffee snackers
You want almonds with your coffee on the go, while keeping an eye on the energy in your snack. Compare labels on a like-for-like weight basis and take a weighed portion with you.
Who might find these choices useful?
Those looking for plain, unsalted almonds
You want a simple ingredients list and would rather avoid added salt. Unsalted does not automatically mean that a product contains only almonds.
Everyday snackers on the go
You want a pack you can seal again after snacking. A resealable pack is handy for taking with you, but it does not determine how much you eat; follow the storage instructions on the pack too.
What should you look for when choosing?
If you’re considering almonds as a snack with your coffee on the go, start by checking the portion and nutrition information, then weigh up the recipe and packaging.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and calculate the amount for the weight you plan to take with you. | If I want to know how much energy my coffee-time snack provides, I weigh my portion. Around 42% of consumers prioritise the energy content of the portion they choose. |
| Ingredients and salt | Read the ingredients list; unsalted does not automatically mean there is no added oil. | If I want a simple recipe or to avoid added salt, I look beyond the word ‘unsalted’. Around 33% of consumers prioritise ingredients and salt. |
| Taking them with you and storage | Check whether the pack is resealable and follow the storage instructions after opening. | For my commute, it matters whether I can seal and store the rest properly. Around 25% of consumers give top priority to convenience when taking snacks with them. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘unsalted’ or ‘no added oil’ means low in calories
These terms describe the salt content or how the almonds are prepared, not their energy content. For example, product information for Duyvis Oven roasted lists 635 kcal per 100 g, even though Duyvis describes the preparation method as roasting without added oil or fat.
Check the energy content separately and calculate it for your own portion.
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Comparing the portions on labels without matching the weights
A different portion size can change the number of kilocalories shown, even if the main difference you notice is the quantity. The verified information for Duyvis gives an average portion of 30 g; AH uses 25 g.
First calculate the figures for all products using the same weight, such as the portion you plan to take with you.
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Thinking a resealable pack is one snack portion
ALDI’s TRADER JOE'S pack contains 200 g. Being resealable does not tell you how much you eat during one coffee break.
Weigh out the amount you want to take with you and store the rest according to the label.
Brands to consider
Duyvis
The Oven roasted variety is a savoury, seasoned option. Duyvis describes the roasting process as being carried out without added oil or fat.
- A good fit if you’re looking for a savoury roasted flavour.
- The verified seasoning mix contains salt; product information lists 1.1 g of salt per 100 g. The description of the preparation method comes from the manufacturer and is not an independent taste assessment.
Albert Heijn
AH Unsalted Almonds is a roasted variety. The verified 190 g pack lists almonds as its ingredient.
- Worth considering if you’re looking for roasted almonds with a simple ingredients list.
- This information applies to the pack mentioned, not automatically to all AH almonds.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unsalted Almonds, 140 g, are roasted and contain almonds and sunflower oil.
- Could suit you if you’re looking for unsalted almonds and are happy to have sunflower oil in the recipe.
- For this variety, ‘unsalted’ does not mean the ingredients list contains only almonds.
Lidl
The Dutch product information lists unsalted almonds as an option.
- Worth considering if unsalted almonds are what you’re looking for.
- Check the nutrition table and ingredients on the exact pack before choosing.
ALDI
The verified TRADER JOE'S variety is roasted and unsalted, in a resealable 200 g pack.
- A resealable pack is handy if you’re taking it with you for several snack breaks.
- The contents of the pack are not the same as an individual portion; check the label on the exact variety too.
PLUS
PLUS Unroasted and Unsalted Almonds, 200 g, lists almonds as its only ingredient.
- Worth considering if you’re looking for unroasted almonds with a simple recipe.
- This product information applies to this variety; check the current pack and nutrition information.
Almonds at Joybuy
These almond options are suitable for a weighed portion to enjoy with coffee, with differences in preparation, recipe and packaging.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original almond kernels, 160 g
Joybuy product information lists 100% almonds, making these a good choice if you’re looking for a simple ingredients list.
The stated energy is 622 kcal per 100 g; weigh your portion to work out how much you’ll have as a snack.
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g'woon Raw & Unsalted almonds, 200 g
Joybuy product information describes these as raw, unsalted almonds, with almonds as the ingredient.
The stated energy is 591 kcal per 100 g. After opening, the product information recommends sealing the pack well and storing the almonds in a cool, dry place.
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Anatolia roasted salted almonds, 500 g
Joybuy product information describes these as roasted, salted almonds, for anyone looking for a savoury option.
The stated nutrition values are 620 kcal and 1.0 g of salt per 100 g. Salt is included in the ingredients.
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Anatolia Badem Natural almonds, 500 g
Joybuy product information lists 100% almonds, making these a good choice if you’re looking for a simple ingredients list.
The stated energy is 578 kcal per 100 g. Weigh the amount you plan to take with you.
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g'woon Roasted & Salted almonds, 150 g
Joybuy product information describes these as roasted almonds in a resealable 150 g pack.
The stated energy is 667 kcal per 100 g. The ingredients include sunflower oil and salt; after opening, the product information recommends sealing the pack well and storing it in a cool, dry place.
Frequently asked questions
Can almonds be marketed as ‘low in calories’ in the Netherlands?
For solid foods, the EU sets a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g for the claim ‘low energy’, according to the European Commission. A smaller portion does not change the energy per 100 g of the product.
Does ‘fewer calories’ mean the same as ‘low in calories’?
No. According to the European Commission, a claim about reduced energy value requires an energy reduction of at least 30%, and the characteristic responsible for the reduction must be stated. A small difference between two labels is not, by itself, proof that these conditions have been met.
How do I compare the energy in almonds for my coffee break?
First compare the values per 100 g, then calculate them for the same portion weight. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 158 kcal for a 25 g handful of unsalted almonds; your own portion may weigh a different amount.
Does unsalted mean no other ingredients have been added?
No. Check the ingredients list for the exact variety: for example, product information for Jumbo Unsalted Almonds, 140 g, lists almonds and sunflower oil.
What should I check if I have a food allergy?
Read the ingredients and any warnings on the pack about the possible presence of other allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly and correctly labelled; almonds themselves are also an ingredient to avoid if you have an almond allergy.