For a toddler, texture comes first: don’t serve whole almonds as a snack. Instead, choose something like nut butter with no added sugar or salt, or finely grind almonds into a dish. Then compare the ingredients and protein values per 100 g for the exact product; a value on the label doesn’t mean every toddler needs extra protein. Remember to check allergens and storage instructions too.
You want to offer almonds without serving them whole, and are looking for a form that works for everyday meals. Jong JGZ and the Voedingscentrum recommend nut butter with no added sugar or salt as an alternative to whole nuts for children under 4.
You want to know what a specific almond product contains according to its label, so you compare values per 100 g. The product values quoted are taken from the individual product information provided by Albert Heijn, PLUS and Jumbo.
You need to consider an almond allergy, warnings about other possible allergens, or arrangements at childcare or school. Almond butter still contains almonds, so check the packaging and any rules for wherever the product will be taken.
Start by checking the form and texture, then look at the ingredients and allergens. Finally, choose a preparation and storage method that fits your daily routine.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Choose a suitable spread, or finely grind whole almonds before serving; don’t give them whole as a snack to a toddler. | When choosing something for a toddler, I want to know first whether the form is suitable for the occasion. Around 33% of consumers put texture first. |
| Ingredients and protein | Compare the ingredients and declared protein value per 100 g, keeping this separate from the amount in a portion. | When comparing protein values, I also want to know what else is in the product. Around 27% of consumers put ingredients and protein first. |
| Allergens | Check whether almonds are suitable given any allergy-related arrangements, and read the allergen information on the exact product packaging. | If almonds or other possible allergens are a concern, I want to know what the packaging says and what arrangements apply before taking the product with me. Around 20% of consumers check allergens first. |
| Preparation and storage | Check whether you need to stir the product, grind it finely or keep it chilled; follow the instructions for the exact product. | If I want to use almonds regularly, preparing and storing them needs to fit into my routine. Around 13% of consumers prioritise everyday convenience. |
| Packaging and use | Check the pack size and whether the product’s form suits the way you want to prepare and store it. | When choosing a pack, I want the quantity and intended use to work well together. Around 7% of consumers focus mainly on finding suitable packaging. |
Protein values on labels are product information, not evidence that a toddler needs extra protein. Information from the Voedingscentrum about athletes doesn’t set out a general recovery requirement for toddlers; Amsterdam UMC describes increased needs in specific circumstances, such as illness or recovery.
Not adding salt doesn’t change the fact that whole nuts are a choking risk for young children.
Choose a suitable spread or grind the almonds finely before serving; don’t offer them whole from the packet.
Using whole almonds as an ingredient takes extra preparation before serving.
Duyvis describes its Almonds Original as roasted without added oil or fat. The manufacturer also lists salt and flavourings in the product.
Read the ingredients and salt value for the exact product alongside its preparation information.
An older Albert Heijn page for almond butter says that the product has been discontinued. This is a different product listing from AH Terra Plant-Based 100% Almond Butter.
Check the product name and the information for the specific variety before making your choice.
Albert Heijn says the AH Terra butter reviewed should be refrigerated after purchase. For the unroasted almonds reviewed, Albert Heijn recommends storing them in a cool, dark, dry place.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the product you buy.
The spread needs space in the fridge, and you’ll need to follow its specific storage instructions.
The AH Terra products reviewed include both 100% almond butter and unroasted almonds to prepare yourself.
Jumbo Unsalted Almonds are a roasted variety that can be considered as an ingredient to prepare.
The PLUS Unsalted Almonds reviewed are roasted and can be prepared as an ingredient.
The ALDI product listing reviewed is TRADER JOE'S Roasted Unsalted Almonds.
The Dutch product listing is for Unsalted Almonds.
Duyvis Almonds Original is a savoury, seasoned oven-roasted almond variety.
These Joybuy product options are whole almonds intended for use as an ingredient. Grind them finely before serving to a toddler; don’t serve them whole as a snack.
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Use as an ingredient when you have finely ground the whole almonds before serving.
The product information lists 100% almonds, 21.5 g of protein per 100 g and 0.028 g of salt per 100 g.
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Unsalted, unroasted whole almonds to grind finely before serving to a toddler.
The nutritional information lists 24 g of protein per 100 g.
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Use as an ingredient when you have finely ground the whole almonds before serving.
The product information lists 100% almonds, 21.0 g of protein per 100 g and 0.00 g of salt per 100 g.
Don’t give whole nuts as a snack to children under 4. Jong JGZ recommends nut butter with no added sugar or salt; the Voedingscentrum advises grinding nuts finely if you’re using them in a dish.
No. Per 100 g and per portion refer to different quantities. The AH Terra butter reviewed lists a 15 g serving on its label; this is product information, not personal dietary advice for every toddler.
No. Grinding doesn’t change the fact that the butter contains almonds. The Voedingscentrum classifies almonds as a tree nut allergen; also check the exact packaging for information about other possible allergens.
Stir the butter before use and refrigerate this specific variety after purchase, at a maximum of 7°C. Also follow the best-before information on the packaging; these instructions don’t automatically apply to other almond butters.
No. Information about athletes doesn’t show that every toddler needs extra protein. Amsterdam UMC discusses increased energy and protein needs in specific circumstances, including illness or recovery; this isn’t general advice for all toddlers.
