Anyone putting together a simple breakfast
You’re looking for whole almonds with no added salt for a Father’s Day breakfast. Organic and unsalted describe different qualities, as the product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS also shows.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shoppers who want certified organic almonds
You want to be able to identify organic certification, rather than relying on a product’s natural appearance. Look for the EU organic logo and the accompanying inspection details; the European Commission explains the requirements for using the logo.
Shoppers buying for one breakfast
You want to choose an amount that suits breakfast, with the option of using any leftovers later. The Albert Heijn and PLUS packs reviewed contain 150 g, while the Jumbo pack contains 175 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place.
What should you look for in organic almonds?
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Check the organic designation and, if the EU organic logo is used, the inspection code and the origin of the agricultural ingredients. | If I specifically want certified organic almonds, I check the logo and its accompanying details. Around 25% of consumers prioritise verifiable organic certification. |
| What’s in them and how they suit breakfast | Read the product description and ingredients list; check separately whether the almonds are unsalted and unroasted. | If you’re putting together a simple breakfast with no added salt, look beyond the organic designation and check the product description too. For around 25% of consumers, what’s in the product and how it suits breakfast is the main consideration. |
| Pack size and storage | Compare the net weight with how much you plan to use, and think about where you could store any leftovers. | If I’m buying mainly for one breakfast, I want to avoid having more left over than I can use later. Around 25% of consumers prioritise choosing the right amount and storing any leftovers. |
| Allergen information | Check the ingredients and the packaging for warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. | If I’m making breakfast for someone else, I want to know in advance whether the almonds and any warnings are relevant to them. For around 25% of consumers, allergen information is the first thing they check. |
Common mistakes when choosing
-
Assuming natural or unroasted means organic
A particular preparation method or natural appearance does not, by itself, prove that almonds are certified organic.
Check the organic product information separately from the description of the almonds. The European Commission says that the EU organic logo may only be used for products that are certified organic.
-
Assuming organic almonds are suitable for someone with an allergy
Almonds are still a tree nut allergen; organic certification does not change that. The product information reviewed also includes warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.
Check which allergies are relevant to the person you’re buying for, and read both the ingredients and the warnings on the packaging.
-
Buying more without thinking about storage
A larger pack means more leftover almonds if you only need them for breakfast.
Choose a pack size that suits breakfast and any later use. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place.
Relevant brands and varieties
Albert Heijn
The AH Organic Unroasted Almonds variety reviewed comes in a 150 g pack and suits anyone looking for organic, unsalted whole almonds.
- Albert Heijn’s product information displays the EU organic logo and inspection code IT-BIO-009.
- The packaging warns that other nuts and peanuts may be present. This information applies to the variety reviewed.
Jumbo
Jumbo Organic Unroasted Almonds is a 175 g variety included in our review.
- Jumbo describes these as organic, unsalted almonds and lists inspection code NL-BIO-01.
- The allergen information warns that other nuts, peanuts and sesame may be present. This variety contains more than the 150 g packs reviewed.
PLUS
The PLUS Organic Almonds variety reviewed is available in a 150 g pack.
- PLUS’s product information displays the EU Organic Farming logo and describes the almonds as unroasted and unsalted.
- The packaging warns that other nuts and peanuts may be present. Check the latest information on the packaging.
Almonds for breakfast from Joybuy
These Joybuy products are almond options for breakfast. Check each pack to make sure its organic certification and ingredients suit your needs; the product name alone does not confirm organic certification.
No image available
Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
An option for an almond breakfast: the product description says the kernels are ready to eat and can be enjoyed with yoghurt or breakfast cereal.
The ingredients are listed as 100% almond kernels. The stated salt content is 0,028 g per 100 g. Contains almonds and is not an almond-free alternative.
No image available
g’woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g
A good fit for a simple breakfast if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds.
The product description lists a 200 g pack. Contains almonds and is not an almond-free alternative.
No image available
Anatolia Badem Natural Amandel 500 g
A larger pack for anyone who wants to enjoy almonds at breakfast and use them later too.
The ingredients are listed as 100% almonds; the product information states that no salt is added and that the net weight is 500 g. Contains almonds and is not an almond-free alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Does the inspection code on organic almonds have to start with NL?
No. The AH variety reviewed lists IT-BIO-009. The European Commission explains that the inspection body’s code is part of the information accompanying the EU organic logo; the code is not the same as the agricultural origin.
Is the EU organic logo required on every organic product?
No, it is not compulsory in every case. According to the European Commission, the logo is required on pre-packed food produced in the EU and sold as organic. Its use is optional for imported organic products that meet EU import rules and for unpackaged organic products.
Do you need to roast unroasted almonds before serving them at breakfast?
Not for the AH variety reviewed: it is sold unroasted, and Albert Heijn also describes it as a snack. For other varieties, follow the product information provided.
How should you store leftover almonds?
Store unsalted almonds in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. For an unopened pack, also follow the storage advice and best-before date on the label. Don’t eat almonds that are mouldy or rancid.
Can you give organic almonds to someone with an almond allergy?
No. Organic almonds are not an almond-free alternative: almonds are themselves a tree nut allergen. Also check for warnings about the possible presence of any other allergens relevant to the person you’re buying for.