Something quick to take with you
You want to take a snack-sized amount with you for your canteen lunch without weighing it out there and then. Check whether you’re getting individual bags or one pack containing several portions.
Who are these almonds for?
Choose your own portion
You’re looking for unsalted almonds and want to decide for yourself how many to have with lunch. Check the ingredients and preparation method, then choose an amount that suits your eating habits.
Portioning your own snacks regularly
You often take a snack with you and want to compare pack sizes and storage options before weighing out a portion.
What should you look for when choosing?
When choosing almonds to take with you for a university lunch, the pack format, ingredients, quantity, allergen information and flavour you’re after will help you find the right option for your needs.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Taking one snack-sized portion | Check the weight of each individual bag, not just the total weight or the number of items in a multipack. | If I don’t want to weigh out a portion before my lecture, I look for a bag containing one snack-sized portion; around 31% of consumers prioritise convenience when taking snacks with them. |
| Portion and ingredients | Compare the ingredients and nutritional values for the same quantity. A set pack size may not match the amount you want to eat. | If I want to choose my own portion and check the ingredients, this combination matters most to me; around 25% of consumers prioritise portion size and ingredients. |
| Pack size | Compare the net weight and think about how much you want to take for each lunch; a larger bag means portioning it yourself. | If I take a snack with me regularly, I want to know how much is in the pack and how to store the rest; around 19% of consumers focus on quantity for repeated use. |
| Allergen information | Read the ingredients and any warnings about possible cross-contamination on the current packaging. For unpackaged canteen food, ask for allergen information. | If I have a relevant allergy, I want to check the actual product rather than rely on information about a similar item; around 13% of consumers prioritise allergen information. |
| Flavour and preparation method | Check whether the almonds are unroasted, roasted, dry-roasted or seasoned. If you’re choosing a flavour mix, check its ingredients too. | If I’m looking for a particular preparation style or savoury option, I check the flavour and added ingredients; around 12% of consumers prioritise this preference. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming a multipack contains small portion bags
A multipack can contain several larger packs. Albert Heijn describes the 3-pack reviewed as separate items, not small snack bags.
Check how many grams are in each individual bag and how the pack is put together.
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Assuming ‘no added oil’ means ‘unsalted’
Duyvis describes Almonds Original as roasted without added oil, but the seasoning mix contains salt.
Check oil, salt and other added ingredients separately in the ingredients list.
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Looking only at the packaging
Bags with different net weights don’t contain the same amount of almonds.
Compare the weight in grams and decide how much you want to take for each snack break.
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Assuming a short ingredients list means the product is allergen-free
A product containing almonds may also carry a warning about possible cross-contamination.
If you have a relevant allergy, read both the ingredients and the warnings on the current packaging. For unpackaged canteen food, ask for information about the product being served.
Brands to compare
Duyvis
Duyvis lists unsalted Unsalted almonds and Almonds Original, which has a savoury flavour.
- The official product information gives Unsalted a pack size of 125 g.
- The ingredients listed for Unsalted are almonds and sunflower oil. Almonds Original contains salt in the seasoning mix; the 125 g pack is not a multipack of individual small portions.
Albert Heijn
AH Unsalted Roasted Almonds is a 190 g roasted option for anyone who wants to weigh out their own portions.
- The ingredients list reviewed lists almonds.
- The AH 3-pack contains separate items, not three individual small snack bags. Seal the pack well after use.
Jumbo
Jumbo Unsalted Almonds are dry-roasted and come in a 140 g pack.
- The product information lists almonds and sunflower oil.
- The pack isn’t a single small snack portion, so weigh out the amount you want to take with you.
PLUS
PLUS Unroasted, Unsalted Almonds are for anyone looking for an unroasted option and wanting to choose their own portions.
- The ingredients list reviewed contains only almonds; the pack contains 200 g.
- The full pack contains more than one small snack portion, so you’ll still need to portion it yourself.
ALDI
ALDI lists unroasted Trader Joe’s almonds in a 200 g pack.
- The product information describes the pack as resealable.
- If you’re having them on several occasions, you’ll need to weigh out a snack-sized portion yourself.
Lidl
Lidl lists a product called Unsalted Almonds.
- The product name makes it easy to identify the unsalted option.
- Check the current packaging if you want to compare the preparation method, ingredients or portion sizes.
Almonds at Joybuy
These Joybuy products range from almonds you can portion yourself to salted or seasoned options. Compare the pack size and ingredient information with what you’re looking for to take to lunch.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels, 160 g
If you want to portion them yourself, you can choose how much to take from this pack.
Pack size: 160 g.
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g'woon unroasted, unsalted almonds, 200 g
An option if you’re looking for unroasted, unsalted almonds and want to choose your own lunch portion.
Pack size: 200 g.
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Anatolia roasted, salted almonds, 500 g
A good fit if you’re looking for a salted, roasted option and want to weigh out your own lunch portion.
Pack size: 500 g. The product information lists almonds and salt.
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Anatolia Badem Natural (Almond), 500 g
A larger pack to choose and weigh out your own lunch portion from.
Pack size: 500 g.
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HBAF Almond Wasabi Flavour, 120 g
A seasoned option if you want to take a set amount with you; the product information describes a wasabi-mustard flavour.
Pack size: 120 g. The product information lists almonds, milk, soya and mustard; if you have a relevant allergy, check the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is 25 grams automatically the right amount for a whole day?
No. A 25 g portion used in nutritional information isn’t automatically a personal daily recommendation. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre refers to the Wheel of Five for You and your individual dietary needs for guidance on your total daily intake.
How should I store the rest after weighing out a portion?
Seal the pack well and follow the storage instructions on the label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping it in a cool place; the AH packaging reviewed also says to store it in a dark place.
What allergen information should I check on pre-packed almonds?
Read the ingredients list and any cross-contamination warnings on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that relevant allergens must be clearly declared and distinguishable from the other ingredients in the ingredients list.
Can I ask about allergen information at the university canteen?
Yes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that food businesses must provide consumers with information about allergens in non-prepacked food. Ask about the specific canteen product being served.
How do I compare bags with different pack sizes?
Compare the net weight in grams and decide how much you want to take for each snack break. A larger bag may provide more portions, but you’ll need to weigh them out yourself and store the rest according to the label.