Who might these choices be relevant to?

People stocking up with diabetes in mind

You eat almonds regularly and want to check the ingredients first, then decide whether a larger pack suits how much you use. diabetes.nl recommends choosing unsalted nuts with no added sugar.

Households comparing prices per kilo

You want to compare packs on an equal weight basis and take the upfront cost into account. Albert Heijn’s product pages show why the price per kilo is worth checking alongside the till price.

Occasional eaters and portion planners

You’d prefer to keep a smaller stock, weigh out portions or choose a pack you can reseal. Voedingscentrum offers general storage advice for unsalted almonds; also follow the instructions on the pack.

What should you look for when buying?

Start with the ingredients and nutrition information, then compare the price per kilo and choose a pack size that suits your portions and storage options.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who it’s for
Ingredients Check the ingredients, added salt and added sugar; also look at the carbohydrate content per 100 g and per portion. If you’re choosing almonds with diabetes in mind, you’ll want to make sure the ingredients fit your eating habits. Around 36% of consumers put ingredients first.
Value per kilo Compare the price per kilo of similar almonds and consider how much you’ll pay upfront. If you want to know whether a larger bag really works out cheaper, compare the same quantity rather than just the till price. Around 29% of consumers put the price per kilo first.
Planning portions Check whether you can weigh out the contents yourself or whether the pack contains individual portions; the portion shown on the label isn’t personal dietary advice. If you want to weigh out a specific amount in advance, a pack that’s easy to divide may be more practical than the largest bag. Around 21% of consumers prioritise portion planning.
Storage and use Choose a pack size to suit how often you eat almonds and check that the pack seals properly after opening. If you don’t eat almonds often, you’ll want to avoid buying more than you can store carefully. Around 14% of consumers prioritise storage and ease of use.

Common buying mistakes

  • Taking diabetes-related wording as proof that a product works

    Wording used to describe a product doesn’t prove that it treats a condition or is personally suitable for everyone. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the ban on medical claims for food products.

    Check the ingredients and nutrition information for the specific product, and follow dietary advice that applies to your circumstances.

  • Assuming the portion on the label is right for you

    The portion shown on a pack can help you read the nutrition information, but it doesn’t determine how much you personally should eat.

    Weigh out an amount that suits your eating habits, and ask a healthcare professional for personalised advice if needed.

  • Confusing unsalted with unroasted or oil-free

    Product information from Jumbo and PLUS describes unsalted roasted almonds made with sunflower oil. So the word ‘unsalted’ alone doesn’t tell you how the almonds have been prepared or what else they contain.

    Read the ingredients list and preparation details for the variety you’re buying, and assess them separately.

  • Buying more than you can store properly

    Voedingscentrum lists rancidity, a tough texture and mould as signs that almonds are no longer in good condition.

    Seal the pack carefully after use, follow the storage advice and choose an amount that suits how much you use.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Terra sells unroasted, unsalted almonds in 200 g and 500 g packs.

  • Albert Heijn lists only almonds as the ingredient in both varieties, with the same nutrition values per 100 g.

Jumbo

The Jumbo variety reviewed is a 140 g bag of unsalted roasted almonds.

  • The official product information states that it contains 99% almonds.
  • The ingredients also include sunflower oil, so unsalted doesn’t mean oil-free here.

PLUS

The variety reviewed is a 150 g bag of unsalted roasted almonds.

  • PLUS lists 98% almonds and 0 g of added sugars per 100 g.
  • The ingredients include sunflower oil; check the nutrition information on the pack you buy.

ALDI

The ALDI product page describes TRADER JOE'S 200 g Almonds as roasted and unsalted.

  • ALDI says the pack is resealable.

Lidl

Lidl has a Dutch product page for a product called Unsalted Almonds.

  • The product name makes it easy to identify the unsalted variety.
  • Check the information on the specific pack for ingredients and nutrition values.

Duyvis

Duyvis describes Unsalted Almonds and Almonds Original as separate product ranges.

  • For Unsalted Almonds, Duyvis lists a 125 g pack with almonds and sunflower oil as ingredients.
  • The description of Almonds Original as containing no added oil or fat does not apply to Unsalted Almonds.

Almonds at Joybuy

This selection of Joybuy products may suit you if you’re looking for a smaller pack of unroasted, unsalted almonds.

g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted, 200 g

g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted, 200 g

This unroasted, unsalted variety may suit you if you want to keep the ingredients list simple and weigh out your own portions.

The product description lists almonds as the only ingredient.

Carbohydrates listed: 4.8 g per 100 g; calculate the amount for the portion you weigh out.

The storage information recommends sealing the pack carefully after opening.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does having no added sugar mean almonds contain no carbohydrates?

No. For AH Terra 200 g, Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars, 6 g of carbohydrates and 3.9 g of sugars per 100 g. Use the nutrition information for the variety you buy and, if needed, calculate the amount for your portion.

Is the portion shown on the pack automatically the right amount for me?

No. A portion shown on the label helps you understand the nutrition values for a given amount, but it isn’t personal dietary advice. Choose an amount that suits your circumstances.

How should I store an opened bag of almonds?

For unsalted almonds, Voedingscentrum gives general advice of six months in a kitchen cupboard and one year in the freezer. Also follow the instructions on the pack and look out for rancidity, a tough texture and mould.

Where can I check allergen information?

Check the ingredients list and any allergen warnings on the pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires allergens present in an ingredients list to be clearly distinguished.

Does a claim such as ‘diabetes-friendly’ prove that almonds treat diabetes?

No. A product description doesn’t prove that it treats a condition or is personally suitable for you; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the ban on medical claims for food products. Check the product information and follow advice that applies to your circumstances.