Who is this guide for?

The organic-conscious host

You want to serve organic almonds and are looking for a clear organic designation, not just a product name that sounds natural. Skal Biocontrole identifies the EU organic logo as a way to recognise organic products.

For drinks and breakfast

You might also want to use the almonds at breakfast. So, as well as checking the organic designation, look at how they are prepared and how much salt they contain. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list their organic varieties reviewed as unroasted.

The host with dietary questions to consider

You’re welcoming guests for whom ingredients and allergens matter. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists almonds among the tree-nut allergens, so keep the latest product information to hand. For professional catering, there are information requirements for unpackaged products, as explained by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

What should you look for when buying?

For a neighbourhood get-together, especially if you might also serve the almonds at breakfast, it helps to decide which buying consideration matters most to you.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important to?
Organic designation Check the designation for the exact variety and look for the EU organic logo or other certification information. Skal Biocontrole identifies the logo as a way to recognise organic products. If you’re looking for organic almonds, you’ll want to check the status of that exact pack. Around 20% of consumers put the organic designation first.
Preparation and flavour for drinks Check whether the almonds are unroasted or roasted, and look at the label for salt and added flavourings. The preparation method alone does not prove that a product is organic. If you have a particular flavour or preparation in mind for your get-together, check it separately. Around 20% of consumers give this preference top priority.
For breakfast, too Decide whether you want the same preparation for both occasions and check the salt information on the packaging. If you want to use the same purchase for both your get-together and breakfast, the preparation needs to suit both. Around 20% of consumers focus mainly on this dual use.
Ingredients and allergens Keep the latest ingredients and allergen information for the exact pack to hand. Distinguish between a private get-together and professional catering. If guests want to know what the almonds contain, having the product information available helps them make their own assessment. Around 20% of consumers put allergen information first.
Pack size and how you’ll use it Compare the size of the exact varieties with the amount you expect to use. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging if there are any leftovers. If you want to avoid having more left over after your get-together than you can use, choose a pack size that suits your plans. Around 20% of consumers focus mainly on quantity and practicality.

Common pitfalls

  • Mistaking natural, unroasted or unsalted for organic

    A preparation method that suits you doesn’t automatically mean the almonds are organic. Skal Biocontrole identifies the EU organic logo as a way to recognise organic products and confirms that ‘organic’ is a legally protected designation.

    First check the organic designation for the exact variety, then assess the preparation method and salt information.

  • Relying on the organic label to answer allergy questions

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists almonds among the tree-nut allergens. An organic designation is no substitute for checking the ingredients and allergen information.

    Keep the latest packaging to hand and base your answers on the information for the variety you’ve chosen.

  • Assuming a larger pack will automatically be the right choice

    A larger pack doesn’t necessarily suit the amount you’ll use for your get-together and possibly breakfast, too.

    Choose a pack size that fits your plans and follow the storage instructions on the packaging for any leftovers.

    Any leftovers that go unused mean part of your purchase has gone to waste.

Relevant brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Biologisch Amandelen ongebrand as an unroasted variety with an organic designation.

  • The product name makes the organic designation and preparation method clear.
  • Check the latest packaging for other product details.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Biologisch Ongebrande Amandelen 175 g; the product page also gives the certification code NL-BIO-01.

  • The variety is described as organic and unroasted, and the stated pack size is 175 g.
  • This product information applies to this variety and does not demonstrate general superiority in quality.

PLUS

PLUS lists a 150 g almond variety with an organic designation.

  • The product name gives the organic designation and pack size.
  • The product name doesn’t specify how the almonds are prepared; check the packaging if unroasted or roasted is important to you.

Duyvis

Duyvis describes Almonds Original as savoury and oven-roasted, in a 125 g pack.

  • The manufacturer specifies the preparation method and flavour for this variety.
  • This description is not an independent assessment of flavour and does not confirm organic certification.

ALDI

ALDI lists TRADER JOE'S Amandelen 200 g in roasted salted and smoky flavour varieties.

  • The product information specifies the preparation methods and a resealable pack.
  • The product information describes the varieties but does not claim organic certification.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can you recognise organic almonds?

Skal Biocontrole identifies the EU organic logo as a way to recognise organic products and confirms that ‘organic’ is a legally protected designation. Check the packaging for the exact variety; a name that sounds natural is not, by itself, proof that a product is organic.

Do organic almonds always have to be unroasted or unsalted?

No. Check the organic designation, preparation method and salt separately. The Albert Heijn and Jumbo varieties reviewed are listed as unroasted. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre includes unsalted nuts specifically in the Wheel of Five; an organic designation does not replace the product’s salt information.

What product information should you keep to hand when serving almonds?

Keep the latest ingredients and allergen information available for guests who need it. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists almonds among the tree-nut allergens, so don’t base your assessment on the organic label alone.

What allergen information is required for professional catering?

For professional catering and hospitality, allergen information about unpackaged products must be available. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes written information, for example on a menu, and verbal information where customers are clearly told they can ask for it. Don’t automatically apply this professional requirement to a private get-together.

How should you assess leftover almonds?

First, follow the use-by and storage information on the packaging for your product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s Storage Guide lists rancidity, a tough texture and mould as signs of spoilage in mixed unsalted nuts; this is not a product-specific storage life for the almond varieties mentioned.