Who is this relevant to?

Shoppers looking for genuinely lower-fat almonds

You want less fat per equal quantity of almonds and pay attention to the difference between a nutrition claim and terms such as unsalted or no added fat.

Hosts serving smaller portions

You want to serve almonds at the Christmas table and carefully control how much each guest gets, without describing regular almonds as low fat.

Hosts catering for guests with different needs

You compare plain and savoury varieties, while bearing allergens and how to store leftovers in mind when serving.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether you want less fat per 100 g or simply want to serve a smaller portion.

The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods. The Dutch Bakery Centre says that ‘reduced’ means at least 30% less than comparable products. So assess any specific claim alongside the nutrition table and the stated basis for comparison.

What to consider What should you check? Who this matters most to
Proven fat reduction Check the claim, the fat per 100 g and the comparable products used as the basis for the claim. I want less fat per equal quantity, not just a different preparation method. Around 31% of consumers say proven fat reduction is their top buying priority.
Portion size Compare the same quantity in grams and decide in advance how much you want to serve. If my main aim is to control how much I put on the table, I can portion it out in advance; this doesn’t change the product’s composition. Around 25% of consumers give portion control top priority.
Flavour and salt Check the ingredients, salt per 100 g and whether the almonds are unroasted, roasted or oven-roasted. I’m looking for a flavour that works with drinks and keep an eye on the salt and preparation method. Around 19% of consumers prioritise flavour and salt.
Allergens Read the ingredients list and warnings on the packaging of the exact variety you plan to serve. If I’m catering for a guest with a relevant allergy, I check the product information before serving. Around 13% of consumers make suitability for people with allergies their top buying priority.
Packaging and leftovers Match the net weight to the amount you plan to serve and check how to store opened almonds. I want to buy the right amount and store any leftovers properly. Around 12% of consumers prioritise quantity and storage.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming ‘no added fat’ means low fat

    A description of how a product is prepared doesn’t tell you how much fat the finished product contains. The Albert Heijn product page for Duyvis Oven-roasted almonds lists 50 g of fat per 100 g. The European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods.

    Assess the claim and nutrition information separately from any wording about how the product is prepared.

  • Taking a smaller portion on the label to mean a lighter composition

    Comparing different portion sizes can make products seem as though they have different compositions, even though you’re not comparing the same quantity.

    Compare nutrition information per 100 g, then work out the figures for the same quantity you plan to serve.

  • Assuming unsalted means unprocessed

    Product information from Jumbo and PLUS lists sunflower oil in their unsalted almond varieties.

    Check both the ingredients list and the preparation description.

  • Buying a large bag without a plan for leftovers

    If you don’t use all the almonds, you’ll need space to store the rest and take care to keep them fresh.

    Choose a pack size that matches what you plan to serve and follow the storage advice on the packaging.

    Store leftover almonds in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark, dry place, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre for nuts.

Brands to compare

Duyvis

Duyvis Almonds Original is an oven-roasted variety, while Unsalted Almonds is an unsalted option.

  • Duyvis describes Almonds Original as prepared without added oil or fat.
  • Duyvis’s ingredient information lists sunflower oil in Unsalted Almonds. The nutrition tables for the oven-roasted variety on the Duyvis and Albert Heijn websites differ, so check the label on the pack you buy.

Albert Heijn

AH Unroasted Almonds are an unroasted variety that you can portion out yourself or use in dishes.

  • The AH product page for the 450 g pack lists almonds as the ingredient and gives a serving size of 25 g.
  • The same product page lists 52 g of fat and 0 g of salt per 100 g. So unroasted and unsalted does not mean low fat.

Jumbo

Jumbo Unsalted Almonds are a roasted own-brand option for anyone looking for unsalted almonds.

  • The product information lists almonds as 99% of the ingredients.
  • The ingredients also include sunflower oil, and Jumbo lists 60,0 g of fat per 100 g. Unsalted does not prove that the fat content is lower.

Lidl

The product name Unsalted Almonds offers an unsalted option within Lidl’s range.

  • The product page identifies this as an unsalted almond variety.
  • Unsalted says nothing in itself about the fat content. Check the ingredients and nutrition information on the packaging before you decide.

ALDI

ALDI sells Trader Joe’s unroasted almonds in a 200 g pack.

  • ALDI describes the almonds as untreated and the pack as resealable.
  • These product and packaging features don’t prove that the fat content is lower; check the nutrition information on the packaging for that.

PLUS

PLUS Unsalted Almonds are a roasted own-brand option for anyone looking for an unsalted snack.

  • The product information lists almonds as 98% of the ingredients.
  • The ingredients also include sunflower oil, and PLUS lists 55,1 g of fat per 100 g. Unsalted doesn’t automatically mean no added oil or low fat.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do ‘reduced fat’ and ‘low fat’ mean the same thing?

No. ‘Reduced fat’ describes a reduction compared with similar products, while ‘low fat’ is an absolute claim. The Dutch Bakery Centre says that ‘reduced’ means at least 30% less than comparable products; the European Commission sets a maximum of 3 g of fat per 100 g for a ‘low fat’ claim on solid foods.

How do I compare portions across different packs of almonds?

First compare the nutrition information per 100 g, then work out the figures for the same amount as your planned portion. The AH product page for Unroasted Almonds gives a serving size of 25 g, while the Albert Heijn page for Duyvis Oven-roasted almonds lists 30 g.

Do unsalted almonds always contain no added oil?

No. The product information for Jumbo Unsalted Almonds and PLUS Unsalted Almonds lists sunflower oil. Check the ingredients list if you’re specifically looking for almonds with no added oil.

Does roasting make almonds suitable for someone with an almond allergy?

No. Roasting doesn’t automatically make almonds suitable for someone with an almond allergy. The Food Allergy Foundation says the allergen remains stable when heated; also check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the exact pack.

Can I leave whole almonds out for young children to help themselves?

Bear the risk of choking in mind: the Albert Heijn product pages for AH Unroasted Almonds and Duyvis Oven-roasted almonds warn of this risk for young children. A claim about fat content doesn’t change that risk.