The standard almonds examined are not low in calories: for solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a ‘low calorie’ claim, while the labels examined for PLUS, Albert Heijn, Duyvis and Jumbo list between 591 and 661 kcal per 100 g. If you want to keep track of how much you eat, weigh your portion and use the nutrition information per 100 g for the exact product to calculate its energy content. A larger pack is most practical when you’ll use all of it and store it properly after opening.
You want to know how much energy your weighed portion provides. Compare nutrition information on the same basis, and don’t assume that ‘unsalted’ or ‘no added fat’ means low in calories. Voedingscentrum gives an average value per portion for unsalted almonds.
You buy almonds for several snacks or to use in meals. How much you’ll actually use, whether the packaging can be sealed securely and how you’ll store it are all important considerations. Voedingscentrum recommends storing nuts in a cool, dark and dry place.
You’re mainly looking for a roasted or savoury flavour. Check the exact product and compare the ingredients, salt and nutrition information, as these can vary from one product to another.
Start with the portion and nutrition information per 100 g, then compare the pack size with how much you’ll use and check the storage instructions. Voedingscentrum gives an average of 158 kcal for 25 g of unsalted almonds; for solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a ‘low calorie’ claim.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Portion and energy | Compare kcal per 100 g and weigh your portion. According to the European Commission, a ‘low calorie’ claim for solid foods is only permitted at a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g. | If you want to know in advance how much energy your snack portion contains, focus on portion control; around 33% of consumers put managing their energy intake first. |
| Pack size | Choose a pack size that suits how often you use almonds. A bigger bag isn’t automatically the most convenient choice. | If you buy almonds for different occasions, choose an amount that suits your usage; around 27% of consumers put the size of their stock first. |
| Storing after opening | Check the storage instructions and seal the pack securely. Voedingscentrum recommends storing nuts in a cool, dark and dry place. | If you use your almonds slowly or irregularly, how you store the opened pack matters most; around 27% of consumers put keeping their stock in good condition first. |
| Ingredients and flavour | Read the ingredients list and check the salt content of the exact product. ‘Unroasted’, ‘unsalted’ and ‘no added oil or fat’ don’t mean the same thing. | If you’re looking for a particular roasted or natural flavour, check what else is in the product besides almonds; around 13% of consumers put flavour and ingredients first. |
These describe different product characteristics. Albert Heijn lists 635 kcal and 1.1 g of salt per 100 g for Duyvis Oven roasted almonds 125 g. Jumbo’s product page lists 661 kcal per 100 g for Unsalted Almonds 140 g, with sunflower oil among the ingredients.
Check the ingredients and nutrition information separately, and compare products per 100 g. For solid foods, the European Commission sets a maximum of 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g for a ‘low calorie’ claim.
A bigger pack doesn’t tell you whether the amount will suit how much you use. The Albert Heijn and PLUS product pages show that the 450 g AH pack examined didn’t automatically work out cheaper per kilo than the 200 g PLUS pack.
Compare the packs you’re considering and choose an amount you can use and seal properly in line with the storage advice.
Sealing the pack properly is only one part of storing almonds. Voedingscentrum also recommends keeping nuts in a cool, dark and dry place.
Follow the instructions on the pack, seal opened almonds carefully and check them before eating.
The 450 g AH Unroasted Almonds pack examined is intended for several snacks or for use in meals. The product page lists 18 portions of 25 g.
The 200 g pack of unroasted, unsalted almonds examined is a smaller option for stocking up.
Duyvis describes Almonds Original as oven-roasted with no added oil or fat. This is the manufacturer’s description, not a low-calorie claim.
The 140 g pack of Jumbo Unsalted Almonds examined is a roasted product.
Lidl features almonds in its Alesto range and has a product page for 200 g of unroasted almonds.
ALDI describes 200 g packs of unroasted Trader Joe's almonds.
The products below range from smaller bags to 500 g packs. Compare the exact product and its label, and choose an amount that suits how much you’ll use and how you can store it.
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For anyone looking for a smaller pack for snacking or adding to meals.
Pack size: 160 g. The product information lists nutrition values per 100 g; weigh your portion to compare it with the label.
Contains almonds; not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
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For anyone looking for unroasted, unsalted almonds in a 200 g pack.
The product information suggests enjoying them as a snack or adding them to meals. Check the nutrition information per 100 g and weigh the portion you plan to eat.
Contains almonds; not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
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For anyone looking for a larger pack for snacking or adding to meals.
Pack size: 500 g. Check the ingredients and nutrition information on the exact pack before calculating a portion.
Contains almonds; not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
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For anyone looking for almonds in a 500 g pack.
Check the ingredients and nutrition information on the exact pack, and choose a portion based on the value given per 100 g.
Contains almonds. The product information warns that the almonds may pose a choking hazard to young children.
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For anyone looking for roasted, salted almonds in a smaller pack.
Pack size: 150 g. Check the nutrition information and ingredients for the exact product, and weigh your portion.
Contains almonds. The product information mentions possible traces of peanuts and other nuts; check the label if you have an allergy.
Multiply the value per 100 g on the label by the weight of your portion in grams, then divide by 100. For the PLUS product, which contains 591 kcal per 100 g, a 25 g portion works out at 147.75 kcal. This is a calculation example, not a recommended portion size.
No. For a low-calorie claim on solid foods, the limit applies per 100 g, not per small snack portion. According to the European Commission, a product must contain no more than 40 kcal (170 kJ) per 100 g to be described as low calorie.
Store them in a cool, dark and dry place in a securely sealed pack or container. Voedingscentrum gives a general storage life of 6 months in a kitchen cupboard and 1 year in the freezer for unsalted almonds; follow the instructions on the pack too.
Choose a pack size that suits how often you eat almonds or use them in meals. Bear the storage instructions in mind and choose a pack you can seal securely after opening.
Check the ingredients list and any warnings about traces on the exact pack. According to the NVWA, allergen information must be included on the label of prepacked foods; check this information before buying.
