Start with a product labelled organic and check the information on the packaging. For certain prepacked products, the European Commission requires the EU organic logo, the control code and an indication of agricultural origin. Choose unroasted almonds if you want to decide how to prepare them, but check separately that they’re unsalted. If any of your guests have an almond allergy, an almond product isn’t a suitable alternative.
You want to buy organic almonds and are looking for clear certification information, not just words such as ‘plain’ or ‘natural’. The European Commission and Skal Biocontrole explain which organic details you can check.
You’re looking for almonds you can prepare your own way, and you also check what’s in them for your breakfast. Unroasted and unsalted are separate qualities; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses unsalted nuts as a dietary choice.
You want to know which dishes contain almonds and let your guests know. The NVWA explains allergen information requirements for prepacked products and for unpackaged dishes in commercial settings.
For a Christmas breakfast, brunch or festive table, organic credentials, preparation, allergens and the right quantity each deserve consideration.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic labelling | Check the product’s organic labelling. For prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic, the European Commission specifies the EU organic logo, the control code and an indication of agricultural origin. | I want to be able to tell that the almonds are organic for my festive table, rather than relying on the word ‘plain’. Around 36% of consumers prioritise being able to identify organic products. |
| Preparation and ingredients | Check whether the almonds are unroasted or roasted, and read the ingredients to see whether salt has been added. | For my breakfast or brunch, I want to decide how to prepare the almonds myself, and I also check that they’re unsalted. Around 29% of consumers prioritise preparation and ingredients. |
| Allergens for guests | Check the allergen information on packaging and find out which dishes contain almonds. The NVWA explains the information requirements for prepacked products and unpackaged products sold commercially. | When I have guests, I want to know which dishes contain almonds and take their allergen requirements into account. Around 21% of consumers prioritise allergen safety. |
| Right quantity | Compare the net weight of similar products and choose a pack size that suits what you need for breakfast or your festive table. | I want to choose a pack that suits what I’ll actually use, so I don’t end up with too much left over. Around 14% of consumers prioritise quantity and the total cost of their purchase. |
A description of how a product is prepared or what it contains doesn’t replace organic labelling. Duyvis describes Almonds Original as oven-roasted without added oil or fat; this isn’t proof of organic certification.
Check the organic product labelling on the packaging and, where applicable, look for the EU organic logo, the control code and an indication of agricultural origin, as described by the European Commission.
Organic production doesn’t change the fact that almonds are an allergen. An almond product is therefore not an almond-free alternative for a guest who needs to avoid almonds.
Choose products with your guests’ allergen requirements in mind and check the current packaging. The NVWA provides information about allergens in prepacked products.
The size of a pack doesn’t, by itself, tell you how many almonds you’ll need for your breakfast or festive table.
Compare similar products and choose a quantity that suits how you plan to use them. Also check the latest packaging information.
The official product listing describes AH Biologisch Amandelen ongebrand, for anyone looking for an unroasted option labelled organic.
Jumbo Biologisch Ongebrande Amandelen is an option for anyone looking for organic labelling and unroasted almonds.
Biologisch PLUS Amandelen is a variant officially described as organic, in a 150 g pack.
Duyvis Almonds Original is a useful example of a preparation description that shouldn’t be confused with organic certification.
The control code and an indication of agricultural origin should appear alongside the EU organic logo. According to the European Commission, the logo is required for prepacked food produced in the EU and sold as organic; this requirement doesn’t necessarily apply to every imported or unpackaged product.
No, check the ingredients separately. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends unsalted nuts as a dietary choice; for its specific organic unroasted variant, Jumbo states that the salt content comes from naturally occurring sodium.
Prepacked products must show allergen information on the label. For unpackaged products in places such as restaurants and catering businesses, the information must be made available in another way, for example on a menu or verbally, with a visible notice telling guests they can ask. This applies to the commercial settings described and doesn’t establish a uniform requirement for a private party.
Follow the use-by or best-before date and storage instructions on your own pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists rancidity, a tough texture and mould as signs that mixed unsalted nuts have spoiled; this information doesn’t guarantee the shelf life of every individual almond product.
Contact the seller and keep the product packaging to hand. According to ACM ConsuWijzer, if you’re concerned about safety, you can report it to the NVWA. The appropriate solution in your case will depend on the circumstances.
