Putting lunchboxes together
You want to give each attendee a measured amount and need to distinguish between a multipack for ordering and genuine individual portion packs.
Who is this relevant for?
Setting up refreshment tables
You’re distributing almonds across tables or breaks and want to open packs in stages, with clear allergen information available at the serving point.
Taking dietary requirements into account
You choose based on ingredients and salt preferences, and provide information about almonds and any other allergens listed. Unsalted does not mean allergen-free.
What should you consider when choosing?
Multipack of standard packs
Choose this when: you want to distribute stock across several refreshment tables or serving times.
Bear in mind: a multipack is not the same as individual lunchbox portions.
Portioning them yourself
Choose this when: you want to decide how much goes in each lunchbox.
Bear in mind: weighing, packing and providing allergen information all take preparation.
Savoury option for a snack break
Choose this when: you specifically want to serve roasted or salted almonds on a shared table.
Bear in mind: flavours and ingredients vary by product; a smaller bag is not proof that it contains individual portions.
For conference catering, the main considerations are how the almonds will be served, the amount needed per planned portion and the information guests need about them.
| Consideration | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Serving format | Check the number of packs and the weight of each one; a multipack may contain standard packs rather than individual portions. | If I’m filling lunchboxes, I want to know whether I can hand the packs out as they are or need to portion them first. Around 28% of consumers give the serving format the most weight. |
| Quantity and portion planning | Work out the quantity based on the number of attendees, the portion you’ve chosen and the number of serving times; if you’re portioning the almonds yourself, allow for preparation time and packaging too. | For a planned number of attendees, I want to have enough almonds ready and be able to distribute the portions properly. Around 22% of consumers prioritise quantity and portion planning. |
| Allergen information | Use the information on the current packaging. For loose nuts, you must name the specific type of nut, such as almonds. | If I’m serving loose almonds, I want to give guests clear information about the type of nut and any allergens listed. Around 22% of consumers put this information first. |
| Flavour and ingredients | Compare the ingredients list for the exact variety; ‘unsalted’ does not automatically mean that no other ingredients have been added. | When flavour or ingredients are important to the menu, I want to choose deliberately between unsalted and savoury varieties. This is the top priority for around 17% of consumers. |
| Storing leftover stock | Plan which packs to open for each break and follow the storage instructions on the packaging for opened stock. | If everything won’t be served at once, I want to be able to store unopened packs and seal opened ones carefully. Around 11% of consumers put this first. |
Common things to watch out for
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Assuming a multipack contains individual snack portions
According to Albert Heijn, the AH Unsalted Almonds 3-pack is supplied as three separate items. The linked pack contains 190 g per item.
Check both the number of units and the weight per unit before deciding whether you can put the product straight into lunchboxes.
Portioning the almonds yourself takes extra preparation and may require packaging materials.
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Labelling them simply as ‘nuts’ at the serving point
For loose nuts, you must name the specific type of nut. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) states that guests must be able to see which nut is being served.
Name almonds specifically and include any other relevant information from the current packaging.
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Confusing ‘unsalted’ with ‘almonds only’
For its 140 g Unsalted Almonds, Jumbo lists 99% almonds and sunflower oil.
Check the ingredients list for the exact variety rather than relying on the product name alone.
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Opening all the stock at once
Separate packs let you open stock as needed for each serving time. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a cool, dark and dry place and sealing them properly.
Open only what you need for each break and follow the storage instructions on the packaging for any remaining stock.
Brands for reference
Albert Heijn
According to Albert Heijn, the Unsalted Almonds 3-pack is a multipack of separate items; the linked pack contains 190 g per item.
- A convenient way to distribute standard packs across tables or serving times.
- The multipack does not contain individual lunchbox portions. Also check the allergen information on the exact packaging.
PLUS
The PLUS unroasted, unsalted almonds reviewed here come in a 200 g stand-up pouch.
- A pack size you can use to create your own portions.
- The packaging does not confirm that it contains individual snack bags. Check the current information about any other potential allergens.
Duyvis
The manufacturer lists a 125 g pack for Almonds Original. Albert Heijn describes the Oven roasted variety as roasted in the oven without added oil or fat.
- An option if you’re specifically looking for a roasted variety for a snack break.
- The manufacturer is the source for the flavour and texture description; the packaging does not prove that the product contains individual portions.
Jumbo
For its 140 g Unsalted Almonds, Jumbo lists 99% almonds and sunflower oil as ingredients.
- A smaller standard pack to factor into your quantity planning.
- For this variety, ‘unsalted’ does not mean that the ingredients list contains almonds only.
ALDI
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s almonds in 200 g packs, with roasted, salted and smoky flavour varieties.
- The product information describes the pack reviewed as resealable.
- Check the exact flavour variety and the information on the packaging.
Lidl
The Alesto product page lists 200 g of Spanish almonds in several varieties.
- The listed pack size can be a starting point for portion planning.
- A product listing does not confirm whether a variety will be available on your conference date; check the latest store information.
Products on Joybuy
These Joybuy products are suited to portioning almonds yourself and serving them during shared breaks.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
The 160 g pack may be a good fit if you want to weigh out your own portions for lunchboxes or refreshment tables.
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g’woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g
The 200 g raw, unsalted variety may be a good fit if you want to create your own portions and prefer this flavour profile.
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Anatolia Roasted Salted Almonds 500 g
The 500 g pack may suit a shared snack break if you specifically want to serve roasted, salted almonds.
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g’woon Roasted & Salted Almonds 150 g
The 150 g pack of roasted, salted almonds may suit a snack break where you decide the serving sizes yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How many lunchbox portions can you get from the AH 3-pack reviewed?
The multipack contains three 190 g items, totalling 570 g. Albert Heijn lists a serving size of 25 g for the linked product, which means you can weigh out up to 22 full portions, with 20 g left over. These are portions you weigh out yourself, not individual bags included in the pack.
What allergen information should you provide for loose almonds?
State that they are almonds and make sure guests can see where allergen information is available. The NVWA says you must name the specific type of nut for loose nuts. According to the applicable version cited, the Commodities Act Regulation on Allergen Information for Non-prepacked Foods has been in force since 13 December 2014.
Are unsalted almonds automatically suitable for someone who needs to avoid almonds?
No. The AH and PLUS unsalted products reviewed contain almonds. ‘Unsalted’ does not change the fact that almonds are a listed allergen; also check the precautionary statements on the pack you receive.
How should you store almonds between conference days?
Store nuts in a cool, dark and dry place, and seal opened packs properly. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends this way of storing nuts; for unopened packs, also follow the label and use-by or best-before date.
Does ‘unsalted’ mean that no oil has been added?
No. For its 140 g Unsalted Almonds, Jumbo lists 99% almonds and sunflower oil. Check the ingredients list for the exact variety if you want to see what it contains.