For a neutral snack during a break, choose unsalted almonds; for a savoury refreshment break, a seasoned oven-roasted variety could be a good fit. Compare nutritional values using the same portion size, and check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variety. Only describe a product as ‘high protein’ once you’ve checked the applicable conditions for that product; ordinary almonds aren’t automatically necessary for sports recovery.
You want to know how much protein a serving contains, without making claims about sport or recovery that apply to all attendees. Compare like-for-like portions and keep an eye on the other nutritional information too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 5.4 g of protein per 25 g handful for average unsalted almonds; label values may differ between brands.
You’re serving almonds to a group and want to be able to tell them the specific type of nut and any other relevant allergens in the variety you’ve bought. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains what allergen information must be available for non-prepacked foods.
You’re looking for a pack size that suits the quantity you need and choosing between a plain variety and a savoury preparation. Compare the net weight and follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose. For example, Albert Heijn lists 25 g portions for its 450 g unroasted variety, while ALDI describes its 200 g pack as resealable.
First decide on the portion size and how you’ll serve the almonds. Then check the ingredients and allergens before choosing between a plain and a savoury variety.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | Compare nutritional values at the same weight and use the information for the exact variety. Albert Heijn lists 27 g of protein per 100 g for its roasted unsalted almonds; PLUS lists 24 g for its unroasted unsalted variety. According to those labels, a 25 g portion provides 6.75 g and 6 g respectively. | I want to know what a guest gets from the planned portion, not just what the label says per 100 g. Around 31% of consumers prioritise the protein content per portion. |
| Allergen information | Check the label on the variety you’ve bought and, when serving it unpackaged, specify the type of nut. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the information requirements for non-prepacked foods. | If I’m serving almonds to a group, I want to be able to give guests with allergies the relevant information. Around 31% of consumers put allergen communication first. |
| Portions and storage | Work out the quantity you need based on portions, then round up the number of packs. Follow the storage instructions; ALDI’s 200 g pack is described as resealable. | I want to plan several serving occasions and know how many packs I’ll need. Portion planning is the most important consideration for around 23% of consumers. |
| Flavour and preparation | Check the ingredients and nutritional information separately: no added oil or fat doesn’t automatically mean no salt or flavourings. For the oven-roasted variety reviewed, Duyvis lists 21 g of protein and 1.1 g of salt per 100 g. | For a quiet break or a savoury refreshment break, I want the preparation to suit what I’m serving. Around 15% of consumers choose mainly on flavour profile. |
Nutrition claims must meet the applicable conditions. What’s more, a product containing protein isn’t automatically necessary for people who exercise.
Compare the nutritional value per planned portion, and only use a specific protein claim after checking the conditions for the exact variety. The European Commission and Your Europe explain the European framework for nutrition claims.
Almonds are still an allergen; some varieties also warn that they may contain other nuts, peanuts or wheat.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack against your guest’s dietary restriction. If serving the almonds unpackaged, state the specific type of nut.
The Duyvis oven-roasted variety reviewed contains savoury flavourings and lists 1.1 g of salt per 100 g, even though the manufacturer describes it as prepared without added oil or fat.
Check the preparation method, ingredients and salt content separately. A savoury oven-roasted variety and unsalted almonds are not the same choice.
The own-brand varieties reviewed include unroasted almonds and roasted unsalted almonds.
The options reviewed are unroasted and unsalted in a 200 g pack, and roasted and unsalted in a 150 g pack.
The Jumbo Unsalted Almonds reviewed are a 140 g pack of roasted unsalted snack almonds.
Duyvis Oven Roasted Almonds is the 125 g savoury oven-roasted variety reviewed.
The product reviewed at this retailer is Trader Joe’s Unroasted Almonds in a 200 g pack.
The Dutch product page identifies Unsalted Almonds, item number 172897, as an in-store product.
Joybuy’s selection for plain and savoury almond snacks for breaks, including varieties suited to portion planning and use in dishes.
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The product information says they can be eaten as they are or used in yoghurt, cereal, salads and baked goods.
The ingredients are 100% almond kernels; the pack contains 160 g. The nutrition table lists 21.5 g of protein per 100 g.
Contains almonds. If serving unpackaged, check the allergen information for this variety.
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This raw, unsalted variety is suitable as a plain snack or as an addition to dishes.
The ingredients list almonds; the pack contains 200 g. The nutrition table lists 24 g of protein per 100 g.
Contains almonds. If serving unpackaged, check the allergen information for this variety.
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The product information describes roasted, salted almonds for a savoury snack during a break.
The ingredients are almonds and salt; the pack contains 500 g. The nutrition table lists 21 g of protein and 1.0 g of salt per 100 g.
Contains almonds. The product information warns that the product poses a choking risk to young children and is not suitable for infants.
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The product information says they can be eaten as they are or used in baked goods and dishes.
The ingredients list 100% almonds; the pack contains 500 g. The nutrition table lists 21.0 g of protein per 100 g.
Contains almonds. If serving unpackaged, check the allergen information for this variety.
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This roasted, salted variety is intended as a savoury snack; the product information also suggests using it in salads or for baking.
The ingredients list 97% almonds, sunflower oil and 0.7% salt. The pack contains 150 g and is resealable; the nutrition table lists 21 g of protein and 1 g of salt per 100 g.
Contains almonds and may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts.
No. Don’t choose almonds on the assumption that everyone who exercises needs them for recovery. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that people who exercise may sometimes need more protein, but most get enough from a healthy, varied diet. That doesn’t make a specific almond snack necessary.
Using the planned portion of 25 g, you’ll need 2,500 g. If you’re buying 450 g packs, such as Albert Heijn’s unroasted variety, that means six packs, giving you 2,700 g in total. The 25 g portion is a planning choice, not a required amount.
Name the specific type of nut: the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires information about which type it is. So specify almonds, and keep the allergen information for the exact product being served available.
This is possible under the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority’s conditions: accurate information must be available immediately before purchase, accessible to staff and inspectors in writing or electronically, and a clearly visible notice must be displayed where the food is offered.
Follow the instructions for the exact variety. Albert Heijn recommends storing its unroasted almonds in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the pack tightly after use. For an opened Duyvis bag, an airtight, light-proof container is recommended. Catering arrangements must also comply with your own HACCP plan or the applicable hygiene code.
