Protein-conscious football fan
You want to know how much protein a measured handful provides, rather than treating a whole bag as one portion. If you train yourself, consider the snack as part of your overall diet too.
Who are these options relevant to?
Unsalted snacker
You’re looking for an unsalted option for the match and want to be able to tell which products are unsalted or unroasted.
Fan of savoury snacks to share
You want to share roasted or seasoned almonds and check the flavourings and salt separately.
What should you look for in almonds?
Start with the nutritional value of the portion you actually plan to eat. Then choose based on how the almonds are prepared and their flavour: unsalted, unroasted and savoury roasted describe different qualities.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Protein per portion | Compare protein and energy using the same serving size. For standard unsalted almonds, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives values of 5.4 g of protein and 158 kcal per 25 g; these aren’t brand-specific figures. | If you train yourself or want to measure out your snack portion carefully, you’ll want to know what it contributes. Around 36% of consumers focus mainly on the protein content. |
| Choosing unsalted | Check the variety name, ingredients and salt information. For standard salted almonds, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a salt value of 0.27 g per 25 g; this isn’t a figure for a specific brand. | If you want an unsalted snack during the match, check the label rather than relying on how the almonds are prepared. Around 29% of consumers prioritise choosing unsalted products. |
| Flavour and preparation | Look out for terms such as unroasted, roasted and salted, and read the ingredients list for the exact flavour variety. | If you’re mainly looking for a savoury snack to share, you’ll want to know which flavourings have been added. Around 21% of consumers focus first on savoury flavour and preparation. |
| Packaging and storage | Compare the net weight with the portion you want to serve and follow the storage instructions. Also check whether the packaging is resealable. | If you’re sharing a bag or want to keep leftovers, the packaging is part of your decision. Around 14% of consumers focus mainly on pack size and storage. |
Common mistakes
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Counting a whole pack as one portion of protein
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s standard reference portion is 25 g: this amount of unsalted almonds contains 5.4 g of protein and 158 kcal. A larger portion also provides more energy.
Decide in advance how much you want to eat and compare the nutritional values for that portion. Don’t treat values per 100 g as values for one handful.
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Confusing oven-roasted with no added fat for unsalted
Duyvis describes Almonds Original as oven-roasted with no added oil or fat, but the listed ingredients include salt.
Check the salt and ingredients separately from the preparation method on the label of the variety you’re buying.
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Serving almonds to everyone without checking first
Almonds are tree nuts and can cause an allergic reaction.
If you’re sharing snacks, ask about any relevant allergies and keep the packaging to hand. Don’t choose an almond snack for anyone with an almond allergy.
Brands and varieties to compare
Duyvis
Duyvis describes Almonds Original as savoury oven-roasted almonds in a 125 g pack.
- The manufacturer says no oil or fat is added during roasting.
- The ingredients for the Original variety described include salt, so the preparation method doesn’t mean the almonds are unsalted.
Albert Heijn
AH Unsalted Almonds is an option if you specifically want to choose an unsalted variety.
- The Dutch product page confirms the variety name.
- Check the packaging for product information; the variety name alone doesn’t mean it has more protein than other brands.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists unsalted almonds in a 140 g pack.
- For the variety reviewed, Jumbo advises storing the almonds in a cool, dark place.
- The product information describes a variety; it doesn’t rank its protein content against other almonds.
PLUS
PLUS lists a 200 g bag of unroasted, unsalted almonds.
- The product name clearly specifies both preparation details.
- Unroasted and unsalted doesn’t automatically mean this variety contains more protein.
Lidl
Lidl has a Dutch product page for almonds described as unsalted.
- The variety name helps you identify an unsalted option.
- Check the current packaging for information about the exact variety.
ALDI
ALDI describes a Trader Joe’s variety as unroasted and untreated.
- The description mentions resealable packaging.
- The preparation method doesn’t prove that these almonds contain more protein than roasted almonds.
Almond products at Joybuy
These products offer different ways to compare almonds for a football night: plain, unsalted or savoury.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original almond kernels, 160 g
An option if you’re looking for plain almond kernels to snack on.
The ingredients list states 100% almond kernels. The product information gives 21.5 g of protein and 0.028 g of salt per 100 g.
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g’woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted, 200 g
An option if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds to snack on.
The product information gives 24 g of protein and 0.03 g of salt per 100 g. Once opened, keep the pack closed and store it in a cool, dry place.
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Anatolia Badem Natural almonds, 500 gr
An option if you’re looking for plain almonds to enjoy as a snack.
The ingredients list states 100% almonds. The product information gives 21 g of protein and 0.00 g of salt per 100 g. Keep the pack tightly closed after opening.
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g’woon Roasted & Salted Almonds, 150 g
An option if you want to serve roasted, salted almonds before the match.
The product information gives 21 g of protein and 1 g of salt per 100 g, and lists sunflower oil. This isn’t an unsalted variety.
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HBAF Almond Wasabi Flavor, 120 g
A seasoned option if you’re looking for a bold flavour to share.
The product information lists 75% almonds, wasabi and mustard seasoning, 11 g of protein and 0.25 g of salt per 100 g. The ingredients list also includes mustard, milk and soya.
Frequently asked questions
How much protein is in a handful of almonds?
According to standard data from the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, 25 g of unsalted almonds contains 5.4 g of protein and 158 kcal. Check the nutrition table for the specific flavour and brand you choose.
Do you need more protein because you’re watching football?
No. Watching football in itself isn’t a reason to eat more protein. For those who do strength or endurance training, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a varied diet; most people who play sport don’t need special protein shakes or bars.
Does roasting without added oil or fat also mean the almonds are unsalted?
No. Duyvis describes Almonds Original as oven-roasted with no added oil or fat, while the listed ingredients include salt. Check the preparation method and salt information separately.
How should you store an opened bag of almonds?
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the variety you’ve chosen. For the unsalted almonds reviewed, Jumbo advises storing them in a cool, dark place; the Trader Joe’s variety at ALDI is described as having resealable packaging.
Where can you check allergen information for almonds?
Check the label on the exact product packaging. The NVWA states that allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label. Almonds are tree nuts; don’t choose an almond snack for anyone with an almond allergy.