Who might find almonds relevant at lunchtime?

People who exercise and have lunch at home

If you do strength or endurance training, you can take the protein contribution of almonds into account when planning your lunch. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre emphasises that your overall diet and sporting needs matter; recreational athletes generally don’t need special protein products.

Home workers looking for unsalted options

If you mix almonds into yoghurt or salad and want to check for added salt, oil or flavourings, it’s worth reading the ingredients list for the specific variant. The labels of the products reviewed show different preparation methods.

Shoppers planning portions in advance

If you want to divide a pack between several lunches, compare the pack size and portion information, and check the closure. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Protein in your portion Compare like-for-like portion sizes and take other sources of protein in your lunch into account. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre gives 5,4 g of protein for 25 g of unsalted almonds as a general food value. If you want to know how much protein your lunch provides around exercise, consider both the portion and the rest of the meal; around 37% of consumers in this group prioritise protein content.
Ingredients and salt Read the ingredients list and nutrition information for the exact variant. Jumbo Unsalted Almonds lists sunflower oil as well as almonds; Albert Heijn lists almonds as the only ingredient in AH Terra. If you’re looking for a simple ingredient list with no added salt, you’ll want to know what else is in the pack besides almonds; around 27% of consumers in this group prioritise ingredients.
Portions and storage Check the net weight, any portion information and whether the pack is resealable. Store opened nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. If you want to divide a bag between several work-from-home lunches, portion sizes and proper storage are practical considerations; around 18% of consumers in this group prioritise convenient portions.
Pack cost Compare the current price per kilo of equivalent variants and take the net weight of each bag into account. If you regularly buy almonds for lunch, you’ll want to compare packs on a like-for-like basis; around 18% of consumers in this group prioritise grocery spending.

Common mistakes

  • Thinking a handful of almonds is a complete recovery meal

    A portion of almonds contributes some of the protein in your lunch, while sports nutrition is about your overall diet.

    Consider the other parts of your meal too. For example, you could combine almonds with quark, tofu or beans if that suits your lunch.

  • Assuming ‘no added oil’ means ‘unsalted’

    The manufacturer describes Duyvis Oven roasted as roasted without added oil or fat, but the Dutch label also lists salt in the savoury seasoning mix.

    Check the ingredients and salt content separately from the description of how the product is prepared.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Terra Unroasted Almonds are an unroasted option for adding to yoghurt or salad, for example.

  • The label for the 200 g variant lists almonds as the only ingredient.
  • The label describes the ingredients, not any specific effect on sports performance or recovery.

Jumbo

Jumbo Unsalted Almonds are a roasted variety.

  • The label provides information about the ingredients and nutritional values of this variant.
  • Here, ‘unsalted’ doesn’t mean that no oil has been added: the label lists sunflower oil.

PLUS

PLUS Unroasted and Unsalted Almonds are an unroasted own-brand option.

  • The label for the 200 g variant lists almonds as the only ingredient.
  • Check the product information on the pack you buy.

Duyvis

Duyvis Oven roasted is a savoury, seasoned almond variety.

  • Duyvis describes the preparation method as roasting without added oil or fat.
  • The Dutch retailer label lists salt and flavourings, so this is not the same as an unsalted variety.

Lidl

The Dutch product page lists unsalted almonds.

  • The product name makes it clear that this is the unsalted variety.
  • Check the pack itself for the nutritional information that matters to your choice.

ALDI

ALDI describes Trader Joe's unroasted almonds as an untreated variety in a resealable pack.

  • The product description mentions both the unroasted variety and the resealable pack.
  • The roasted flavours are separate products and may be salted or smoked.

Almonds at Joybuy

This selection includes almonds for a work-from-home lunch, including unsalted and natural varieties.

Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g

Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g

An option if you’d like to add almonds to yoghurt, breakfast cereal or salad.

Joybuy’s product information lists 21,5 g of protein and 0,028 g of salt per 100 g, with almond kernels as the only ingredient.

View at Joybuy
g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g

g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g

A good fit if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds for lunch.

Joybuy’s product information lists 24 g of protein and 0,03 g of salt per 100 g; the ingredients list says almonds.

View at Joybuy
Anatolia Badem Natural (Almond) 500 gr

Anatolia Badem Natural (Almond) 500 gr

The larger pack may suit you if you want to use almonds for several lunches.

Joybuy’s product information lists 100% almonds, 21 g of protein and 0,00 g of salt per 100 g.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do you need special protein products if you exercise alongside working from home?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, recreational athletes generally don’t need special shakes or bars. If you do intensive strength or endurance training, your protein needs may be higher. Start by looking at your overall diet, and think of almonds as one part of your meal.

How much protein is there in a handful of unsalted almonds?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists 5,4 g of protein in a 25 g handful of unsalted almonds. This is a general food value; the nutritional information on a specific pack may differ.

How should you store an opened bag of almonds?

Store almonds in a dry place in a tightly sealed container. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a cool storage temperature of 10 to 15 °C; also follow the instructions on the pack.

Are almonds suitable if you have a nut allergy?

If you have a confirmed almond allergy, almonds aren’t a suitable choice. Also check the warnings on the pack and follow the personalised avoidance advice for your allergy.

Have the Dutch rules on warnings about allergen cross-contamination changed?

Yes. The NVWA states that new rules apply from 1 January 2026 on how and when food businesses must label potential allergen cross-contamination. Such a warning does not, by itself, guarantee that a product is suitable for every consumer with an allergy.