According to the Voedingscentrum, unsalted almonds provide an average of 158 kcal per 25-gram serving, so they are not automatically low in calories. Weigh your portion and compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the exact variety. Choose unsalted almonds if you want to avoid added salt, or a savoury variety if flavour comes first.
You want to choose almonds for Father's Day without accidentally eating a large amount of energy. Pay attention to the portion weight and the nutritional information for the exact variety, not just terms such as natural or unsalted. The Voedingscentrum gives an average of 158 kcal per 25-gram handful of unsalted almonds.
You're looking for almonds with no added salt and want to know whether oil or seasoning has been added as well. The Voedingscentrum includes unsalted nuts in the Wheel of Five; the energy content of a particular variety is a separate consideration.
You're looking for something that suits the recipient's taste and want to think about portion size and packaging too. A savoury oven-roasted flavour and an untreated, resealable variety suit different preferences; Duyvis describes its Almonds Original as savoury and oven-roasted.
First decide whether the amount eaten, the ingredients, the flavour or the pack size matters most for your Father's Day treat.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and use the same portion weight for each. Weigh your portion. | If you want to know how much energy the amount served provides, check both the label and the weight; around 42% of consumers prioritise portion size and calories. |
| Ingredients and salt | Read the ingredients list and check added salt and oil separately. | For consumers looking for a simple, unsalted variety, what else is in the product besides almonds matters most; around 25% give ingredients and added salt top priority. |
| Flavour and preparation | Choose between untreated, roasted without salt and a savoury seasoned variety. | If flavour is the priority for your Father's Day treat, consider how the almonds are prepared as well as their energy content; around 17% of consumers put flavour first. |
| Pack size and storage | Choose a pack size to suit how you plan to use it and check how the pack can be resealed once opened. | If you want a suitable pack size that will keep well after opening, take packaging and ease of use into account; around 16% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
These terms describe the salt, ingredients or preparation; they don't tell you how much energy the almonds provide.
Check the kcal per 100 g on the pack, then calculate the amount for the portion you plan to serve. Compare salt content separately.
A pack may contain several portions. For example, Albert Heijn lists a pack size of 190 grams and a serving size of 25 grams.
Weigh out the amount you want to serve beforehand, then reseal the rest of the pack after use.
Energy content doesn't tell you whether the flavour, salt level or ingredients will suit the recipient.
Consider the recipient's preferences alongside portion size and nutritional information.
The amount in the bag isn't the same as the amount you serve at one time. Once opened, the rest needs to be stored appropriately.
Choose a pack size that suits how you plan to use it, seal it well and store the nuts in a dry place.
Almonds Original is a savoury, oven-roasted almond snack in a 125 g pack.
AH Unsalted Almonds are a roasted variety in a 190 g pack.
Jumbo Unsalted Almonds are a roasted variety in a 140 g pack.
PLUS Unsalted Almonds are a roasted snack in a 150 g stand-up pouch.
ALDI describes TRADER JOE'S Unroasted Almonds as untreated, in a 200 g pack.
Lidl identifies Unsalted Almonds as item 172897 and states that they are sold in store.
This selection includes natural or unsalted almonds, as well as roasted, salted varieties. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and consider your portion size and flavour preferences.
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A good choice if you want to calculate a measured portion using the nutritional information for this variety.
The product information lists 100% almond kernels.
Energy: 622 kcal per 100 g.
Salt: 0.028 g per 100 g.
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An option if you're looking for raw, unsalted almonds and want to weigh out your own portion.
Energy: 591 kcal per 100 g.
Salt: 0.03 g per 100 g.
Contains almonds; avoid this product if you have an almond allergy.
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A good choice if you're looking for a roasted, savoury salted variety; remember to consider portion size too.
The product information lists 97% almonds, sunflower oil and salt as ingredients.
Energy: 667 kcal per 100 g.
Salt: 1 g per 100 g.
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An option if you're looking for natural almonds and want to weigh out your own portion.
The product information lists almonds as the only ingredient.
Energy: 578 kcal per 100 g.
Salt: 0 g per 100 g.
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A good choice if you're looking for roasted almonds with salt; compare your portion with the nutritional information per 100 g.
The product information lists almonds and salt as ingredients.
Energy: 620 kcal per 100 g.
Salt: 1 g per 100 g.
A small portion doesn't automatically make almonds low in energy. According to the European Commission, the claim ‘low energy’ may only be used for solid foods containing no more than 40 kcal per 100 g; a claim that a product has reduced energy must reflect a reduction of at least 30% and state which property caused the reduction.
Multiply the kcal per 100 g on the label by the number of grams you serve, then divide by 100. For AH Unsalted Almonds, that's 627 × 25 ÷ 100 = 156.75 kcal for 25 g, calculated using Albert Heijn's product information.
Store nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container; the Voedingscentrum recommends keeping them cool. Also follow the instructions on the pack you choose: Albert Heijn advises storing its almonds in a cool, dark, dry place and closing the pack after use.
No. Almonds are an allergen, so unsalted, unroasted or oil-free almonds are not an alternative for someone with an almond allergy. If the recipient has any other known allergies, check the ingredients and any warnings on the pack.
According to the NVWA, the 14 legally designated allergens must be clearly identifiable in the ingredients list when present. Check the ingredients and warnings on the specific pack you intend to give.
