Almonds aren’t a low-calorie choice: the products listed contain considerably more energy per 100 grams than the European threshold for a ‘low energy’ claim. Don’t give whole almonds to children under 4; if almonds fit the allergy and nursery guidelines, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends ground nuts or nut butter as alternatives. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional values for the same quantity, without using a smaller portion as a child’s diet.
You’re buying for a nursery and want to check first whether the form of food is suitable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against whole nuts for children under 4 because of the risk of choking; ground nuts or nut butter are alternative ways to serve them.
You’re comparing almond products and don’t want to mistake unsalted or no added fat for low-calorie. Compare the nutritional values for the same quantity and take the child’s nutritional needs into account.
You’re choosing ingredients and planning lunch in line with the guidelines for the child and the nursery. Ground almonds and almond butter still contain almonds.
First decide which form and ingredients are suitable for the child and comply with the nursery’s guidelines. Then compare the nutritional values and practical packaging.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Form and allergy guidelines | Age and form; ingredients and allergen information; guidelines for the child and nursery. | If you’re putting together lunch for a young child, first check whether the form and ingredients are suitable. Around 40% of consumers put a safe, suitable lunch first. |
| Energy and portion | Compare kcal per 100 grams and calculate the energy in the quantity you’ll actually use. | Want to know how much energy the planned quantity provides, without creating a child’s diet yourself? Around 30% of consumers prioritise this comparison. |
| Ingredients and additives | Read the ingredients list; consider added salt, oil and seasoning separately from the energy content. | If you’re looking for a simple ingredient list, it may matter more than a small difference in kcal. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Packaging and preparation | Check the net weight, resealability and storage instructions for the specific pack. | For regular lunch occasions, practical packaging can make preparation easier. Around 10% of consumers put this first. |
A smaller portion doesn’t change the choking risk posed by whole nuts. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against whole nuts for children under 4.
Decide on the form first. If almonds fit the guidelines, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends ground nuts or nut butter with no added sugar or salt as alternatives.
Preparing a ground form takes extra preparation.
These are different product characteristics. The four unsalted labels checked list between 591 and 661 kcal per 100 grams. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 grams for a ‘low energy’ claim.
Compare the energy per 100 grams, then calculate the quantity you’ll use. Don’t infer the energy value from ‘unsalted’ or the preparation method.
Grinding changes the texture, but it doesn’t change the fact that the product contains almonds. Ground almonds or almond butter are therefore not nut-free alternatives.
Check the ingredients and allergen information, and follow the guidelines for the child and nursery.
The Duyvis manufacturer’s page and the AH product page for Duyvis Oven roasted almonds list different values. These relate to separate product listings and shouldn’t be combined to create an average for one recipe.
Match nutritional values to the exact product name and packaging, and check the information on the label.
Roasted almond snacks, including savoury varieties.
Own-brand varieties, including unroasted or unsalted almonds.
An unsalted roasted almond variety.
Dutch store listings include unroasted and unsalted almond varieties.
ALDI describes a roasted, unsalted almond variety from Trader Joe’s.
An unroasted and unsalted variety that can be used as an ingredient in further preparation.
These Joybuy products are almond options for further preparation or use as an ingredient. Check the form and ingredients before using them in a nursery lunch.
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The product information suggests using these almonds in cooking and baking, or as a topping. Choose a suitable form if almonds fit the nursery guidelines.
Ingredient: 100% almonds. Declared energy: 578 kcal per 100 grams.
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The product information suggests using these almonds in baking or adding them to yoghurt, cereal or salad. The final form should be suitable for the child.
Ingredients: almond kernels only. Declared energy: 622 kcal per 100 grams.
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The description suggests using these almonds in dishes. If you’re preparing them for young children, also make sure they’re served in a suitable form.
Ingredient: almonds. Declared energy: 591 kcal per 100 grams.
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The product information suggests using these almonds as an ingredient or snack. For a nursery lunch, bear the guidelines and the final form in mind.
Ingredients: almonds and salt. Declared energy: 620 kcal per 100 grams; salt: 1.0 gram per 100 grams.
No, that amount won’t automatically be suitable for every child. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that recommended amounts in its example childcare food policy vary by age and sex. Follow the applicable food policy and don’t use a self-imposed calorie restriction as a child’s diet.
No, grinding changes the form, not the ingredient. Check the ingredients and allergen information, and follow the guidelines for the child in question. If you have questions about a possible food allergy, the Dutch Food Allergy Foundation advises speaking to your child health clinic or GP.
No, ‘unsalted’ refers to the salt content, not the energy value. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 grams for a ‘low energy’ claim; the almond products listed are well above this.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against whole nuts for children under 4 because of the risk of choking. If almonds fit the allergy and nursery guidelines, it recommends ground nuts or nut butter as alternative forms. Nut butter is still a nut product.
Check the label on the exact pack and follow the guidelines for the child and nursery. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products; this information requirement doesn’t prove that a product is suitable for every child.
