Choose almonds that are labelled organic on the packaging, and match the pack size to the number of breakfasts you’re planning. AH and Jumbo list unroasted, unsalted options, while PLUS lists organic almonds with their skins on. Check the allergen information too, and keep dry almonds separate from breakfast foods that need to be chilled.
You want to identify organic almonds by the organic labelling on the packaging, not just by words such as ‘natural’. The European Commission explains that the EU organic logo may only be used for products certified as organic by an authorised control body.
You want almonds you can take with you without any preparation, and you check the storage instructions. Keep chilled breakfast ingredients separate from dry nuts; the Voedingscentrum provides advice on chilling and storing food when you’re out and about.
You’re working out how much you’ll need for several breakfasts and checking the allergen information if you’re sharing food. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains where to find allergen information on a label.
First, check that the exact pack is labelled organic. Then look separately at whether the almonds are unsalted, the allergen information, storage advice and how much you’ll need.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic labelling | Check the EU organic logo, control code and information about agricultural origin on the packaging. The European Commission explains the certification requirement for the logo; Skal explains what NL-BIO-01 is used for. | If you want to choose organic, you’ll want to be able to check the labelling on the packaging. For around 31% of consumers, being able to recognise it is a priority. |
| Unsalted breakfast | Check separately whether the almonds are unsalted, rather than assuming this from the organic label, and read the ingredients list if you’re looking for a simple addition to breakfast. AH and Jumbo list organic, unroasted, unsalted options. | If you want to eat the almonds with breakfast without any preparation, check that they’re unsalted and read the ingredients. For around 25% of consumers, a simple, unsalted breakfast is the main priority. |
| Sharing food and allergens | Read the ingredients and warnings on the exact pack, and keep this information with any portions you share out. Jumbo lists sesame among other possible allergens; check the product listing itself. | If you’re sharing breakfast, you’ll want to take other people’s allergen requirements into account. For around 13% of consumers, sharing food with allergens in mind is a priority. |
| Transport and storage | Follow the storage advice on the pack you choose, and plan separately for keeping yoghurt and other chilled foods cold. The Voedingscentrum advises transporting chilled products in a cool bag; products that normally need to be kept chilled should be thrown away if they’ve been unrefrigerated for more than two hours. | If you’re preparing breakfast at the campsite, you’ll want to transport and store dry nuts and chilled ingredients correctly. For around 19% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
| How much you need | Work out how much you need based on the number of people and breakfasts, then compare the net weight: AH and PLUS list 150 g, while Jumbo lists 175 g. AH lists six 25 g portions; this is product information, not personalised dietary advice. | If you’re packing for several breakfasts, you’ll want to take enough without ending up with unnecessary leftovers. For around 12% of consumers, getting the quantity right is a priority. |
How a product is prepared doesn’t prove that it’s certified organic. Duyvis describes its oven-roasted almonds as being made without added oil or fat; this is a different characteristic from organic certification.
If you want to choose organic, look for the organic label and control information on the product packaging itself.
Dry almonds aren’t the same as a breakfast with yoghurt or other chilled ingredients. The Voedingscentrum advises keeping chilled products cool during transport and throwing away products that normally need to be kept chilled if they’ve been unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Keep chilled ingredients cold during transport and only mix them together when you’re ready to eat breakfast.
The packs reviewed vary in size: AH and PLUS list 150 g, while Jumbo lists 175 g. This means one pack may cover a different number of planned breakfasts.
Match the quantity to the number of people and breakfasts, and check the net weight on the packaging.
The AH Biologisch option reviewed comes in a 150 g pack of unroasted, unsalted almonds.
The Jumbo Biologisch option reviewed comes in a 175 g pack of unroasted, unsalted almonds.
The Biologisch PLUS option reviewed comes in a 150 g tub of organic almonds with their skins on.
Check the exact pack for the organic label, control code and information about agricultural origin. The European Commission says the EU organic logo may only be used for products certified as organic by an authorised control body. According to Skal, NL-BIO-01 is the code for products produced, packaged or labelled in the Netherlands; AH, for example, lists IT-BIO-009.
Treat this as a breakfast with a chilled ingredient, not as dry nuts. The Voedingscentrum advises carrying chilled products in a cool bag and throwing away products that normally need to be kept chilled if they’ve been unrefrigerated for more than two hours. This advice applies to chilled products, not dry almonds.
Work out how much you’ll need based on the number of people and planned breakfasts, then check the net weight of the pack. AH, for example, lists 150 g and six 25 g portions. This product portion isn’t personalised dietary advice.
No. The organic label doesn’t change the fact that the product contains almonds. Also read the ingredients and warnings about other possible allergens on the exact pack, especially if you’re sharing food.
Whole almonds aren’t necessarily suitable to share with young children: the AH and Jumbo product pages warn that young children may choke on nuts. Bear this warning in mind when packing breakfast for a group.
