For children under 4, the form matters most: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against whole nuts and suggests nut butter without added sugar or salt on bread as an alternative. The AH and Jumbo almond butters examined contain 636 and 632 kcal per 100 g respectively. Under European Commission rules, solid food can only carry the ‘low energy’ claim if it contains no more than 40 kcal per 100 g, so these butters do not qualify. If your child has a relevant allergy or their childcare setting or school has a nut-free policy, almond butter is not a suitable alternative.
You want your toddler to eat almonds, but are looking for a suitable form rather than whole, hard nuts. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests nut butter without added sugar or salt on bread as an alternative for children under 4.
You’re looking for a suitable snack and want to know whether ‘100%’, ‘unsalted’ or a small serving also means a product is low in energy. Compare the ingredients and energy content, without treating a growing child’s diet as a weight-loss plan.
If your child has a relevant allergy or their childcare setting or school has a nut-free policy, you’ll need an alternative to almond butter. Almond butter contains almonds; warnings about other nuts and peanuts vary by product.
Start with the product’s form and your child’s age. Then check the energy per 100 g, allergens and ingredients of the exact product variant.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Safe product form | The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against whole nuts for children under 4. It suggests nut butter without added sugar or salt on bread as an alternative. Make sure your child is sitting calmly and stay nearby. | If you’re choosing an almond snack for a child under 4, first make sure it’s in a suitable form rather than offering a whole nut. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Energy and portion size | Compare the energy per 100 g on the same basis. A smaller portion contains less energy, but does not change the energy per 100 g of the product. | If you want to weigh up energy and portion size carefully, look for a suitable snack without describing almond butter as low in energy. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Allergens and childcare policies | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact product packaging. If there’s a nut-free policy, check the rules at your child’s childcare setting or school. | If your child has a relevant allergy or their childcare setting or school has a policy, your choice must be compatible with it. This is a top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and how to use it | Check the exact product variant, jar size, any added ingredients, stirring instructions and storage guidance. ‘Unsalted’ doesn’t automatically mean that no other ingredients have been added. | If you’re mainly looking for a simple recipe and practical packaging, you’ll want to assess the product information for each variant. This is a top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
‘Unsalted’ tells you nothing about the form or the risk of choking. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against whole nuts for children under 4.
For this age group, when nuts are suitable, choose the nut butter without added sugar or salt on bread suggested by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
These terms describe the ingredients or how a product is made, not its energy per 100 g. The AH and Jumbo almond butters examined contain 636 and 632 kcal per 100 g respectively.
Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and keep them separate from the amount you use. For solid food, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal per 100 g for the ‘low energy’ claim.
Grinding almonds doesn’t change the fact that almond is an ingredient. Information about possible cross-contamination is also separate from the ingredients list.
If your child has a relevant allergy, check the information on the exact packaging and follow the advice you’ve been given. If you’re taking it in, ask about the policy at your child’s childcare setting or school.
Products with the same name may have different product identifiers and storage instructions.
Check the exact variant and follow the instructions on the packaging you bought.
The information below applies to the product lines and variants mentioned; a brand listing is not a recommendation of its entire range.
The AH product line mentioned includes almond butter and products containing whole almonds; the butter is relevant as a spread for bread.
Jumbo sells a spreadable almond butter as well as a separate product containing whole, unsalted almonds.
PLUS Natural Unroasted and Unsalted Almonds is a product containing whole almonds.
The product lines mentioned distinguish unsalted almonds from roasted almonds with a savoury flavour.
Lidl lists a product of unsalted almonds.
The ALDI listing mentioned is for unroasted almonds under the Trader Joe’s brand.
A manufacturer’s serving suggestion is not personalised nutrition advice for a toddler. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests nut butter without added sugar or salt on bread, but does not give a universal amount for each snack. Discuss questions about growth or a need to restrict energy intake with your child’s health visitor or healthcare professional.
No. Under European Commission rules, solid food can only carry the ‘low energy’ claim if it contains no more than 40 kcal per 100 g. The AH and Jumbo almond butters examined state 636 and 632 kcal per 100 g respectively. A smaller portion contains less energy, but does not change the energy per 100 g of the product.
Follow the instructions for the exact variant. AH Terra Plant-Based 100% Almond Butter, variant wi563634, is listed as needing refrigerated storage at a maximum of 7°C; variant wi564826 has different storage instructions. Stir the butter before use as directed in the product information, and follow the instructions on the packaging you bought.
Check the ingredients list and any warning about possible cross-contamination separately. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that relevant allergens must be clearly stated, usually in the ingredients list. Warnings about other nuts and peanuts may vary by product.
