The almonds reviewed are not low in calories: according to the European Commission, this claim can only be used for solid foods containing no more than 40 kcal per 100 g. So choose based on the energy value on the label and the portion you actually serve. Also consider how the almonds are prepared, their ingredients and who’ll be joining you.
If you want to know how much energy you’re putting on the table, weigh your portion and use the kcal value on the packaging of the variety you’ve chosen. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 158 kcal as the value for a 25 g handful of unsalted almonds; check the label on the product you choose.
For a party, preparation method, flavour and pack size may all matter. The options described range from unroasted and roasted almonds to a savoury seasoned variety.
If any guests have allergies or there will be young children, check the ingredients and warnings, and think about how you’ll serve the snack. Almonds are tree nuts; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also warns that whole nuts can pose a choking risk for young children.
For a Halloween party, energy per portion, ingredients and suitability for your guests may each be a priority. Always check the exact packaging: the preparation method alone doesn’t tell you how much energy a portion provides.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy per portion | Use the kcal per 100 g for the exact variety and calculate: kcal per 100 g × portion weight in grams ÷ 100. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 158 kcal for 25 g of unsalted almonds. | If you want to serve a measured amount at your party, weigh your portion and use the label to work out its energy value. Around 42% of consumers give energy per portion the highest priority. |
| Ingredients and flavour | Read the ingredients list and check the salt, added oil and flavourings in the variety you’ve chosen. | If you’re looking for plain almonds or a savoury party snack, compare the ingredients rather than relying on the product name alone. Around 25% of consumers prioritise flavour and ingredients. |
| Suitability for guests | Check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the packaging, and consider the form in which you’ll serve the snack. | If you’re expecting guests with a relevant allergy or young children, suitability matters more than flavour. Around 17% of consumers put guest safety first. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose a pack size that suits your portion plan and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | If you’re planning supplies for the party table and want to keep any leftovers, check how many portions you’ll get from the pack and how to store it once opened. Around 16% of consumers give quantity and storage the highest priority. |
These terms describe different product characteristics from energy content. According to the European Commission, a claim such as ‘low in calories’ can only be used for solid foods containing no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g.
Check the kcal per 100 g on the packaging and calculate the energy in the amount you’re serving. Don’t assume anything about calories from the preparation method.
A bag may contain several portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre uses a 25 g handful as an example for unsalted almonds; the energy in your portion depends on its weighed amount.
Weigh the amount you want to serve in advance and use the nutritional information for that exact pack.
Almonds are an allergen. The form of the snack also matters if young children are present: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that whole nuts can pose a choking risk.
Check the ingredients and warnings, keep the packaging to hand, and choose a different snack if almonds or whole nuts aren’t suitable for any of your guests.
Almonds Original is an oven-roasted, savoury-seasoned almond variety in a 125 g pack.
The AH Unsalted Almonds 190 g pack reviewed is roasted and lists almonds as its ingredient.
The Unsalted Almonds 140 g pack reviewed is a roasted snack variety.
Lidl Netherlands lists unsalted almonds as a product option.
ALDI describes Trader Joe’s roasted, unsalted almonds in a resealable 200 g pack.
PLUS Unroasted, Unsalted Almonds 200 g may suit you if you’re looking for a plain variety.
These Joybuy products offer different types of almonds, making it easy to compare ingredients, flavour and portion options.
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This variety may suit you if you’re looking for a plain almond snack. Weigh your portion and check the nutritional information on the pack before calculating its energy value.
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Choose this variety if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds. Use the nutritional information on the packaging to calculate the energy in your weighed portion.
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This flavoured variety may suit you if you’re looking for something different from plain almonds. Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack when working out your portion.
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This roasted, salted variety may suit you if you prefer a savoury snack. Check the nutritional information and ingredients on the pack, then adjust your portion accordingly.
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This natural almond variety may suit you if you’re looking for an unseasoned option. Check the nutritional information on the exact pack before calculating the energy per portion.
No, not as a product claim based on the smaller portion. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a limit of no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for the claim ‘low in calories’. You can, however, state the energy value of a weighed portion based on the label.
Multiply the kcal per 100 g on the pack by the portion weight in grams, then divide by 100. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 158 kcal for 25 g of unsalted almonds; the value on your pack applies to the specific variety you’re serving.
Preparation methods and ingredients vary by product, but the terms alone don’t tell you how much energy a portion provides. PLUS lists only almonds as an ingredient for the unroasted variety reviewed; the Jumbo variety reviewed lists almonds and sunflower oil, while Duyvis describes a savoury seasoning. Always compare the ingredients list on the exact pack.
Don’t automatically include whole almonds in the food on offer if young children will be eating. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that whole nuts can pose a choking risk; supervision or a smaller portion doesn’t automatically make an unsuitable food safe.
Follow the storage and best-before instructions on the packaging, and close opened packs as directed. For the AH almonds reviewed, Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a cool, dark, dry place; check the instructions for your own variety.
