If you’re having breakfast a few hours before training, choose an option with a verifiable organic certification and check the ingredients, portion size and packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise. Just before training, a large portion of almonds may be less suitable, as it advises against eating large portions of foods high in fat, protein or dietary fibre at that point. The EU organic logo indicates organic certification, not specific suitability for sport.
You want something small to eat rather than a heavy snack. When you eat and how much you have matter more to you than a health-focused look on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises taking your meal and portion size into account around exercise.
You’re looking for almonds to add to breakfast and want a recognised organic certification and a simple ingredients list. The European Commission explains that the EU organic logo is only used on products certified as organic.
You eat almonds regularly and want a pack that suits the way you use them, with clear portion and storage information. Compare the details on the packaging of the specific product.
First, decide when you want to eat the almonds and what portion will suit you. Then check the organic certification, ingredients, allergen information and storage guidance.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Timing and portion size | Consider how long it is until your training session and keep an eye on the amount you eat. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large portion of foods high in fat, protein or dietary fibre just before exercise. | If I eat something shortly before training, I want to keep the portion small and consider what I can personally tolerate; around 31% of consumers give timing and portion size top priority. |
| Organic certification | Check for an organic certification and the EU organic logo. Also look for the inspection code if it appears in the product information. The European Commission links the logo to recognised organic certification. | If I specifically want to buy organic, I look for a recognised certification rather than relying on words such as natural or unroasted; around 25% of consumers put organic certification first. |
| Ingredients and salt | Read the ingredients list and check whether the product is unsalted. Look at the specific packaging rather than relying on the brand name alone. | If I’m looking for a simple addition to breakfast, I want to know what else is in the pack besides almonds; around 19% of consumers give ingredients and added salt top priority. |
| Allergens | Check that almonds are listed and look for any warnings about other nuts, peanuts or sesame. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) explains how allergens are listed on food labels. | If I need to manage an allergen restriction, I want to check the ingredients and warnings for the specific product; around 13% of consumers put allergen management first. If you have a known almond allergy, almonds are not a suitable choice. |
| Packaging and storage | Compare the net weight with how much you use and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Albert Heijn advises that its 400 g pack should be resealed properly after use and stored somewhere cool, dark and dry. | If I use almonds regularly, I want to choose an amount that suits my stock levels and storage arrangements; around 12% of consumers give packaging and actual usage top priority. |
An organic certification doesn’t tell you whether the portion is suitable just before exercise. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having large portions of foods high in fat, protein or dietary fibre around the time you exercise.
Think about when you’ll be eating and choose an amount that fits your plans.
On their own, these words are not proof of organic certification. The European Commission links the EU organic logo to recognised organic certification.
Check the organic certification and product information for the option you want to buy.
According to the product information, Duyvis Almonds Original contains 97% almonds and has a savoury seasoning mix. So, for this product, no added oil doesn’t mean that almonds are the only ingredient.
Read the ingredients list if you’re looking for a simple addition to breakfast.
A 400 g pack is a good fit if you use the contents regularly and store the pack according to the instructions.
Compare the net weight with how much you use. Reseal the pack after use and follow the storage instructions on the label.
Albert Heijn’s product information describes organic, unroasted almonds in 150 g and 400 g packs.
Jumbo Organic Unroasted Almonds 175 g is an organic, unsalted option for anyone who wants to check the ingredients and allergen information.
PLUS Organic Almonds, per tub, 150 g is described as organic, unroasted and unsalted almonds with their skins on.
No. For the Albert Heijn products reviewed, 25 g is the declared portion size, not a specific serving recommendation for sport. Also consider when you’re eating: the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against having a large portion of foods high in fat, protein or dietary fibre just before exercise.
No. The code depends on the inspection body involved. For example, Albert Heijn’s product information gives IT-BIO-009 for the 150 g pack. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo is compulsory for pre-packed organic foods produced in the EU. For compliant organic products imported into the EU, the logo is optional.
Organic certification doesn’t change the fact that almonds are an allergen. The Food Allergy Foundation states that the allergen remains stable when heated, so roasting is not a way to make almonds safe. Discuss a suspected allergy with a doctor, and don’t use product information as a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the product you have. Albert Heijn advises storing its 400 g pack somewhere cool, dark and dry, and closing it properly after use. PLUS also recommends storing its almonds somewhere cool, dry and dark.
No, timing and portion size make a difference. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends having a meal around 2 to 3 hours before exercise and advises against having a large portion of foods high in fat, protein or dietary fibre just before exercise. So, consider almonds as part of breakfast differently from a large snack just before training.
