For breakfast and drinks nibbles
You’re looking for one type of organic, unsalted almond that you can eat as it is, and perhaps roast a portion of yourself.
Who is this guide for?
For a confident organic choice
You want to recognise organic certification rather than relying on terms such as plain or unroasted, or on green packaging.
For the right pack size
You want to choose an amount that suits how you use almonds and compare the net weight of different packs.
What should you look for when buying?
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Check the organic label and certification details on the pack. The EU organic logo should be accompanied by a control code and an indication of the agricultural origin. | If organic origin is a deciding factor for you, check these details on the packaging. Around 31% of consumers rank certification as their top priority. |
| Unsalted almonds | Read the ingredients and check separately whether the almonds are unsalted or how much salt has been added. Unroasted does not automatically mean unsalted. | If you want to use almonds both at breakfast and as a simple snack, check the salt information. Around 31% of consumers rank unsalted everyday use as their top priority. |
| Roasted flavour for drinks nibbles | Choose almonds suitable for eating and roast only the portion you need. Keep turning them in a dry frying pan and watch their colour. | If you prefer a roasted flavour with drinks, you can prepare a separate portion. Around 19% of consumers rank this flavour as their top priority. |
| Pack size and quantity | Compare the net weight and choose an amount that suits how often you use the almonds. Follow the storage instructions on the pack. | If you want to match your supply to how much you use, check the pack size and storage instructions. Around 19% of consumers rank a suitable quantity and pack as their top priority. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming plain or unroasted means organic
Plain and unroasted describe product qualities other than organic certification. The European Commission and Skal Biocontrole provide information about the EU organic logo and protected organic labels.
Check the organic label and certification details on the exact pack, not just the product name or packaging design.
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Assuming a bowl of organic nuts is allergen-free
The product information reviewed lists almonds and, for some packs, warns that other nuts or peanuts may be present; Jumbo also mentions sesame.
Read the allergen information on the pack you’re actually using. If you’re catering for guests with allergies, take their individual requirements into account.
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Roasting almonds until they’re very dark for extra flavour
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing unroasted or lightly roasted nuts where possible. When roasting almonds in a frying pan, keep turning them to prevent dark patches.
Roast them lightly, keep turning them and take them off the heat once they’ve reached the colour you want.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The product information for AH Organic Unroasted Almonds lists a 150 g pack.
- Albert Heijn lists the EU organic logo, control code IT-BIO-009 and 0 g of added salt per 100 g.
- The product information warns that other nuts and peanuts may be present.
Jumbo
Jumbo Organic Unroasted Almonds are an unroasted option in a listed 175 g pack.
- Jumbo lists almonds as the only ingredient and gives the code NL-BIO-01.
- The product information says that other nuts, peanuts and sesame may be present. Being packed in a protective atmosphere does not prove that the product will keep for longer once opened.
PLUS
The product information for PLUS Organic Almonds lists a 150 g pack of almonds from organic farming.
- PLUS lists EU Organic Farming and recommends storing the product in a cool, dry, dark place.
- The product description does not specifically state that this version is unroasted; the packaging warns that other nuts and peanuts may be present.
Duyvis
Duyvis Almonds Original is a roasted almond option for serving with drinks.
- Duyvis describes this version as roasted without added oil or fat.
- This product quality alone does not indicate organic certification. Descriptions of flavour and crunch are claims made by the brand.
Aldi
ALDI’s product information lists Trader Joe’s roasted salted almonds and a smoked-flavour option.
- ALDI lists a resealable pack.
- The roasted options are not the same as an unsalted base; a resealable pack does not indicate organic certification.
Almonds at Joybuy
These products are loose almonds for eating, suitable for uses including breakfast or snacking. Before choosing a product for breakfast and drinks nibbles, check the pack for an organic label and the qualities you want.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
A good choice if you want loose almond kernels to add to yoghurt or breakfast cereal.
Ingredients: 100% almond kernels. Net weight: 160 g. Described as ready to eat in the product description.
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g'woon raw and unsalted almonds, 200 g
A good choice if you’re looking for a simple snack of raw, unsalted almonds.
The product title states that they are raw and unsalted. Net weight: 200 g.
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Anatolia Badem Natural (almond) 500 g
A good choice if you want to eat almonds as they are or add them to yoghurt, salads or desserts.
Net weight: 500 g. The product description lists almonds as the only ingredient and states that no salt has been added.
Frequently asked questions
Does plain mean organic?
No. Plain does not automatically describe an organic production method. The European Commission and Skal Biocontrole provide information about the EU organic logo and protected organic labels; check the certification details on the exact pack.
Are bitter almonds meant to be served as drinks nibbles?
No. This buying guide is about regular almonds for eating alongside drinks nibbles, not bitter almonds. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that cyanogenic glycosides in bitter almonds can be converted into cyanide in the body, so don’t treat them as an ordinary snack.
Can you roast organic almonds yourself to serve with drinks?
Yes, you can roast a portion of almonds for eating yourself. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends choosing unroasted or lightly roasted nuts where possible. Keep turning them in a dry frying pan and make sure they don’t get too dark.
What should you look for in allergen information?
Read the allergen information on the exact pack: almonds are tree nuts, and some product information also warns that other nuts, peanuts or sesame may be present. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that businesses must inform customers about allergens present in their products.
How should you store almonds after opening?
Keep them tightly sealed and dry, and follow the instructions on your pack. PLUS recommends storing the product in question in a cool, dry, dark place; general storage advice is no guarantee of how long an opened product will keep.