Filling lunch boxes quickly
You want to grab portions without weighing them yourself. Check that the pack really does contain individual bags: a statement that it contains several portions doesn’t automatically mean they’re individually packed.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Choosing the amount yourself
You want to measure out a different amount for each lunch box and don’t mind doing it yourself. A regular bag, such as the 200 g stand-up pouch listed by PLUS, could be an option.
Checking the school’s rules first
You want to know whether almonds are allowed under the school’s rules and are suitable for your child’s circumstances. For example, Vrijeschool Almere’s policy states that its site is free from nuts and peanuts; this is a local example, not a rule for every school. Voedingscentrum lists almonds among the nut allergens.
What should you look for when choosing?
Multipack with individual bags
A good fit if: you want to fill several lunch boxes without weighing portions yourself, and the pack specifies that it contains individual inner bags.
Keep in mind: the number of bags doesn’t tell you how many almonds each contains or what amount is suitable for a child.
Portioning a regular bag yourself
A good fit if: you want to decide how much goes in each lunch box. PLUS lists a 200 g stand-up pouch; ALDI describes a resealable pack.
Keep in mind: you’ll need to measure out the portions yourself and follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose.
Not packing almonds
A good fit if: the school’s rules exclude almonds, or almonds aren’t suitable under your child’s allergy policy.
Keep in mind: a different bag doesn’t make the product nut-free. Choose an alternative that fits the school’s rules.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who will find this important? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual bags and lunch-box portions | The number of individual inner packs and the net weight per bag. | I want to fill lunch boxes without weighing portions myself. Around 33% of consumers prioritise individual bags and convenient packing. |
| School rules and safe eating | The school’s current rules, allergen information, the child’s age and the form in which the nuts will be eaten. | I want almonds to be suitable under the school’s rules and for my child’s circumstances. Around 27% of consumers prioritise suitability for school and safe eating. |
| Type and ingredients | The exact product name and ingredients list; check whether it’s unsalted almonds or a nut mix. | I want a particular type of almond, not a mix with other nuts. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the ingredients and product type. |
| Quantity and storage | The total net weight, how much you want to portion yourself, whether the pack is resealable and the storage instructions. | I want to choose the amount for each lunch box and store the rest appropriately. Around 20% of consumers prioritise quantity and storage. |
Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter rather than whole nuts for children under 4 because of the risk of choking. Older children can choke too; Amsterdam UMC recommends eating slowly at the table and staying with them.
Common mistakes
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Assuming a sealed bag makes almonds suitable for a nut-free school
The contents are still almonds. Different packaging doesn’t change the nut allergen in the product.
Follow the current rules at the specific school site. If the school is nut-free, choose an alternative that complies with its rules.
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Confusing several portions with several individual bags
A product can state that it contains several portions without those portions being individually packed. For example, Duyvis’s product listing describes 4–5 portions in one 125 g bag; that doesn’t mean there are four or five individual bags.
Check the number of inner packs and the net weight per bag, not just the stated number of portions.
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Mistaking a nut mix for a pack containing almonds only
As well as almonds, Duyvis Unsalted Walnut Mix contains walnuts, cashews and hazelnuts.
Check the exact product type and ingredients list before choosing a pack to suit a particular preference or allergy policy.
Brands and product listings for reference
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists AH Amandelen ongezouten 4-pack, a product name relevant if you’re looking for a multipack.
- The product name specifies a 4-pack.
- The product name alone doesn’t confirm the weight per inner pack or how much is suitable for a lunch box.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists unsalted almonds in a 140 g pack.
- The product listing states the weight and says to store in a cool, dark place.
- The listing doesn’t describe a multipack or a set amount per lunch box.
PLUS
PLUS lists unroasted, unsalted almonds in a 200 g stand-up pouch.
- The product listing specifies the type, pack format and weight.
- The number of lunch-box portions depends on how much you measure out yourself.
ALDI
ALDI describes Trader Joe's unroasted almonds in a resealable pack.
- The product information mentions the resealable pack.
- A resealable pack alone doesn’t guarantee a longer shelf life once opened.
Duyvis
Duyvis lists unsalted almonds and also has a separate range of nut mixes.
- The manufacturer describes one variety as unsalted almonds.
- Unsalted Walnut Mix also contains walnuts, cashews and hazelnuts; it isn’t a product containing almonds only.
Lidl
Lidl lists unsalted almonds.
- The product name makes the variety clear.
- The product name alone doesn’t specify a multipack format or the amount in each bag.
Joybuy products for portioning yourself
These products are suited to portioning yourself: you divide the almonds from the pack between lunch boxes. Check the school’s current rules and the allergen information. Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter rather than whole nuts for children under 4 because of the risk of choking; older children can choke too.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
A good fit if you want to portion the almonds yourself for each lunch box.
The product description states 160 g and 100% almond kernels.
The description mentions a resealable pack. Check the school’s current rules and the allergen information before packing the almonds.
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g'woon raw, unsalted almonds 200 g
A good fit if you want to measure out an amount of almonds for each lunch box yourself.
The product name specifies raw, unsalted almonds; the product description states 200 g.
Check the label before use: the product information lists almonds but also includes a contradictory statement about allergens.
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Anatolia Badem Natural almonds 500 g
A good fit if you want to decide how much to put in each lunch box yourself.
The product description states 500 g and 100% almonds.
Check the school’s current rules and the allergen information before packing the almonds.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child take almonds to any school in the Netherlands?
You can’t assume that this applies to every school. For example, the published policy of Vrijeschool Almere states that the entire Lierstraat site is free from nuts and peanuts. Check the current rules at the specific site; this local example isn’t a nationwide ban.
Does a statement that a pack contains several portions mean they’re in individual bags?
No. A statement about portions doesn’t automatically mean they’re individually packed. Duyvis’s product listing states 4–5 portions in one 125 g bag; for a multipack, check the number of inner packs and the weight per bag.
Can I give whole almonds to young children?
Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter rather than whole nuts for children under 4 because of the risk of choking. Older children can choke too; Amsterdam UMC recommends eating slowly at the table and staying with them. This advice comes from patient information about high-energy, high-protein foods and doesn’t set out general dietary guidance.
What should I check on the label if my child has an allergy?
Check the ingredients and any warnings about allergens that may be present unintentionally on the pack of the exact product type. Voedingscentrum lists almonds among the nut allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that new Dutch rules for warnings about allergens that may be present unintentionally apply from 1 January 2026.
How should I store almonds after portioning them?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack. Jumbo’s product listing says to store in a cool, dark place; ALDI describes a resealable pack. Resealability alone doesn’t specify how long the product will keep after opening.