Who is this choice relevant to?

You’re looking for a genuine reduction in fat

You want the almonds themselves to contain less fat, and you distinguish a nutrition claim from a preparation method, such as roasting without added oil. The European Commission and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explain nutrition claims in a way that helps you tell these terms apart.

You want to eat less at each snacking occasion

You want to keep eating regular almonds, but limit the amount of fat and energy you consume each time by weighing out a portion in advance. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre provides nutritional values for a 25-gram portion as a reference.

You’re choosing unsalted almonds

You’re looking for almonds with no added salt and comparing this separately with the fat and energy content, as well as any oil in the ingredients list. Product labelling from Albert Heijn and Jumbo shows why these characteristics should be considered separately.

What should you look for in almonds for drinks and snacks?

First, decide whether you want to reduce the fat content of the product itself or eat less at each snacking occasion. Then compare the salt, ingredients and packaging.

What to consider What to look for Who should pay particular attention?
Recognising a genuine reduction in fat Compare the total fat per 100 grams and read the exact claim. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 grams of fat per 100 grams for the ‘low fat’ claim. This is not the same as a comparative claim that a product has reduced fat. If you want the product itself to contain less fat, check the claim and the nutritional information together. Around 36% of consumers put genuine fat reduction first.
Fat and energy per serving Convert the nutritional values per 100 grams to the amount you actually weigh out. A smaller portion does not change the composition per 100 grams. If you want to keep eating regular almonds but measure your portion, compare the nutritional values with the amount you pour or scoop out. Around 29% of consumers prioritise portion control.
Salt and other ingredients Read both the ingredients list and the nutritional information. ‘Unsalted’ on its own says nothing about added oil or the total fat content. If you mainly want to avoid salt or certain ingredients, check the exact product rather than relying on the name on the front of the pack. Around 21% of consumers prioritise the ingredients.
Packaging and storage Check the pack size and whether the packaging is resealable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a tightly sealed container in a dry place. If you’re taking the almonds with you and want to use the rest later, check the seal and storage advice. Around 14% of consumers consider ease of carrying and storage most important.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘no added oil’ means ‘low fat’

    A preparation method that uses no added oil doesn’t tell you how much fat the almonds contain overall. Duyvis describes Almonds Original as roasted without added oil or fat; the flavour mix does contain salt.

    Check the total fat per 100 grams, and assess the claim separately from the ingredients and preparation method.

  • Assuming ‘unsalted’ means ‘no oil’

    The ingredients information for Jumbo Unsalted Almonds 140 g lists sunflower oil. So ‘unsalted’ and ‘no oil’ don’t mean the same thing.

    Read the ingredients list if you want to avoid oil, and consider ‘unsalted’ only when assessing the salt content.

  • Confusing a smaller portion with a reduced-fat product

    A smaller portion reduces the amount of fat and energy you eat, but doesn’t change the fat content per 100 grams.

    Choose between a lower fat content in the product and a smaller amount per serving.

  • Taking a large pack with you without planning what to do with the rest

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a tightly sealed container in a dry place. The seal and how you store the rest are therefore practical things to consider.

    Choose packaging that suits the way you use the almonds, and follow the storage information on the pack.

Brands to consider

Duyvis

Relevant options include unsalted almonds and Almonds Original.

  • Duyvis describes Almonds Original as roasted without added oil or fat.
  • The manufacturer also lists a savoury flavour mix with salt; the preparation method does not prove a lower total fat content.

Albert Heijn

AH Terra Unroasted Almonds is an example of an unroasted, unsalted option.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0 grams of salt per 100 grams for this product.
  • The retailer also lists 52 grams of fat and 613 kcal per 100 grams. The allergen information names almonds and warns that other nuts and peanuts may also be present.

Jumbo

Jumbo Unsalted Almonds 140 g is worth considering if you’re looking for a roasted option with no added salt.

  • The retailer lists almonds and sunflower oil in the ingredients.
  • The nutritional information lists 60.0 grams of fat per 100 grams; here, ‘unsalted’ does not mean ‘no oil’ or ‘low fat’.

PLUS

PLUS Unsalted Almonds is a roasted option for anyone looking for an unsalted snack to enjoy with drinks.

  • The retailer lists 0.025 grams of salt per 100 grams for this option.
  • The stated fat content is 55.1 grams per 100 grams; these values apply to this product, not the entire range.

Lidl

Unroasted Almonds is worth considering if you’re specifically looking for unroasted almonds.

  • The product page lists a 200-gram pack.
  • ‘Unroasted’ describes how the almonds are processed and says nothing in itself about reduced fat.

ALDI

ALDI sells Trader Joe’s unroasted almonds in a 200-gram pack.

  • ALDI describes the packaging as resealable.
  • Unprocessed and resealable are not indicators of a lower fat content.

Almonds on Joybuy

These products suit the alternative approach of weighing out regular almonds for drinks and snacks; they are not proven to be reduced-fat products.

Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels, 160 g

Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels, 160 g

A good choice if you want to weigh out regular almonds for drinks and snacks; the product description says the kernels are ready to eat.

Fat: 53.8 g per 100 g. Salt: 0.028 g per 100 g.

View on Joybuy
g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted, 200 g

g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted, 200 g

A good choice if you want to weigh out regular raw, unsalted almonds for drinks and snacks.

Fat: 50 g per 100 g. Salt: 0.03 g per 100 g.

View on Joybuy
Anatolia Badem Natural (Amandel), 500 g

Anatolia Badem Natural (Amandel), 500 g

A good choice if you want to weigh out almonds for drinks and snacks; the product description says they’re ready to eat.

The product description lists 100% almonds. Fat: 50 g per 100 g. Salt: 0.00 g per 100 g.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘low fat’ mean the same as ‘reduced fat’?

No, assess these claims separately. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 grams of fat per 100 grams for the ‘low fat’ claim. This is not the same as establishing that the fat content has been reduced compared with a similar product.

How do I calculate the nutritional values for my own portion?

Multiply the value per 100 grams by the weight of your portion, then divide by 100. Use the nutritional information for the exact product you have. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s 25-gram amount is a reference portion, not a recommendation for everyone.

How should I store an opened bag of almonds?

Store nuts in a tightly sealed container in a dry place, preferably somewhere cool. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 10 to 15 °C as an example of cool storage; also follow the storage and best-before information on the pack.

Does a café or restaurant have to provide allergen information about loose almonds?

Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information about unpackaged products, including food served in cafés and restaurants, must be available before purchase. If the information is given verbally, customers must be told they can ask for it. If you have an allergy, ask about the exact product and its allergen information.

How can I avoid comparing packs with different weights incorrectly?

Compare the net weight on the same basis, then consider how much you actually want to use. The packs listed from Jumbo, PLUS and ALDI contain 140, 150 and 200 grams respectively.