Families who regularly prepare packed lunches
If you use almonds for several holiday lunches, choose a pack size that matches how much you expect to use. The net weight makes it easier to compare different packs.
Who are the different pack sizes suitable for?
Parents looking for a suitable way to serve almonds
For young children, the form of food and supervision matter more than the size of the bag. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises giving children up to and including the age of 4 nut butter and peanut butter without sugar or salt; check the allergen information on the pack too.
Households that only use almonds occasionally
If you only use almonds for a few lunches, a smaller pack may better match how much you need. Store opened almonds in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place, as advised by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre.
What should you consider when choosing?
Start by estimating how many almonds you’ll need for your holiday lunches. Then check the ingredients, the form they come in and how to store an opened pack.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and use | Compare the net weight with how much you expect to use for the lunches you’ve planned. | If I’m stocking up for several holiday lunches, I don’t want to buy more than we’ll use; around 33% of consumers prioritise quantity and how much they’ll use. |
| Ingredients and preparation | Check the ingredients for salt, oil and flavourings; raw and roasted almonds are prepared differently. | If I want to use almonds as an ingredient in lunch, I check what else is in the pack; around 25% of consumers prioritise ingredients and preparation. |
| Form and allergens | Check that the form is suitable for the child’s age and read the allergen information on the label. | If I’m buying almonds for children, I consider the form and allergens before choosing a pack; around 25% of consumers prioritise suitability for children. |
| Sealing and storage | Check that the pack can be sealed securely, and store almonds in a cool, dark and dry place. | If I won’t use the whole pack at once, I want to be able to store the contents properly after opening; around 17% of consumers prioritise storage. |
Common pitfalls
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Offering every child a large bag of whole almonds
Whole nuts can pose a choking risk. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises giving children up to and including the age of 4 nut butter and peanut butter without sugar or salt; if in doubt, it also recommends ground nuts or nut butter as suitable options.
First, choose a form that’s suitable for the child. Make sure children sit calmly and stay nearby while they eat.
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Assuming unsalted means oil-free
The ingredients in Jumbo Unsalted Almonds, 140 g, include sunflower oil. So, ‘unsalted’ doesn’t necessarily mean the product is oil-free.
Read the ingredients list and check separately for salt, oil and flavourings.
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Choosing a larger pack without a storage plan
Once opened, a pack needs to be sealed properly and stored in a suitable place. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing unsalted almonds in a cool, dark and dry place in a tightly sealed container.
Decide in advance how much you’ll use and how you’ll seal the pack after opening.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
The AH Terra product reviewed is a 500 g pack of raw almonds, suited to anyone looking for a larger supply.
- Albert Heijn lists almonds as the only ingredient and 0 g of added salt for this product.
- This product information applies to AH Terra Raw Almonds, not the entire range.
ALDI
The TRADER JOE'S product reviewed is roasted and unsalted, in a resealable 200 g pack.
- ALDI’s product page states that the pack is resealable.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information for this product on the individual pack.
PLUS
PLUS Raw and Unsalted Almonds come in a 200 g stand-up pouch, for anyone looking for a smaller pack with almonds as the only ingredient.
- PLUS lists almonds as the only ingredient and advises storing them in a dry, dark place.
- The allergen information mentions possible traces of other nuts and peanuts. A stand-up pouch isn’t necessarily resealable.
Jumbo
The Jumbo Unsalted Almonds reviewed come in a 140 g pack.
- Jumbo’s product page advises storing the almonds in a dry, dark place.
- The ingredients list includes almonds and sunflower oil, so ‘unsalted’ doesn’t mean oil-free here.
Duyvis
Duyvis Almonds Original is for anyone looking specifically for oven-roasted almonds with a savoury flavour.
- Duyvis lists a 125 g pack and says the almonds are roasted without adding oil or fat.
- The ingredients include salt and flavourings, so this isn’t an unsalted option.
Lidl
Lidl’s product page lists Alesto Spanish almonds in several 200 g varieties.
- The product page confirms that this range includes several varieties.
- Check the specific variety separately; the fact that there are several varieties doesn’t mean that each one is unsalted or has the same ingredients.
Almonds at Joybuy
These Joybuy products range from 160 g to 500 g and include different preparation methods. For young children up to and including the age of 4, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises nut butter and peanut butter without sugar or salt; make sure older children are supervised while eating too.
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Anatolia Badem Natural almonds 500 gr
The larger pack may suit you if you use almonds regularly and can store them properly.
The product name states 500 gr.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
The smaller pack may suit you if you use almonds for a few lunches or as a snack.
The product name specifies almond kernels and 160 g.
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g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g
This smaller option may suit you if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds for occasional use.
The product name specifies raw, unsalted almonds and 200 g.
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Anatolia Roasted Salted Almonds 500 g
This larger option may suit you if you’re specifically looking for roasted, salted almonds for lunch or a snack.
The product name specifies roasted, salted almonds and 500 g; this isn’t an unsalted option.
Frequently asked questions
When is a larger bag of almonds useful?
A larger bag can be useful if you regularly use almonds for lunches or other dishes and can store the opened pack properly. Choose a quantity that matches how much you expect to use, rather than deciding on pack size alone.
What form should I choose for young children?
For young children, or if you’re unsure, choose a suitable nut butter or ground almonds instead of whole almonds. On its page about vegetarian eating, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises giving children up to and including the age of 4 only nut butter and peanut butter without sugar or salt; another page refers to children under 4. For a 4-year-old, nut butter is the cautious choice that follows both recommendations. Make sure children sit calmly and stay nearby while they eat.
How should I store an opened pack of almonds?
Store unsalted almonds in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place. For opened packs of unsalted almonds, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives a general guideline of 6 months in a kitchen cupboard and 1 year in the freezer; follow the instructions on the pack too. Don’t eat almonds if they’re mouldy or have clearly gone rancid.
What allergen information should I check on the pack?
Check that almonds are listed as an ingredient, and read any warnings about other allergens too. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods. From 1 January 2026, new rules apply in the Netherlands to warnings about possible cross-contamination; a warning that a product may contain something doesn’t mean it’s an ingredient.
What should I do if the almonds I bought turn out to be unsafe?
Stop using an unsafe product and discuss the problem with the seller. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that you’re entitled to a product that’s fit for purpose and refers complaints about unsafe products to the NVWA. Whether compensation is available depends on the circumstances.