Who are these options for?

An organic breakfast on the go

You want whole organic almonds as part of your breakfast and check both the organic label and the ingredients for the variety you choose. The European Commission explains when the EU organic logo may be used.

A traveller with limited luggage space

You’re taking a small amount with you and want to know whether plain almonds or a more elaborate breakfast will comply with security rules. Schiphol distinguishes between solid food and liquid or spreadable products.

A regular breakfast eater

You eat almonds at home too and want to take some with you for your journey. Net weight and how to store the opened pack are important considerations; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a tightly sealed container in a dry place.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check the organic label and ingredients for the exact variety. Then compare the pack size with your travel plans and bear in mind the difference between solid almonds and liquid or spreadable additions.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Organic label Check the label, control code and agricultural origin on the pack. The European Commission sets out the requirements for using the EU organic logo. If I want to check that a product is organic, I look at the label on the exact variety. Around 25% of consumers prioritise verifiable organic status.
Ingredients Read the ingredients list and check separately whether the variety is unroasted or unsalted; these terms are not synonyms for organic. If I’m looking for a simple breakfast component, I want to know what else is in the pack besides almonds. Around 25% of consumers prioritise what goes into their breakfast.
Quantity and security Check the net weight and consider whether you’re taking only solid almonds. According to Schiphol, liquid and spreadable food products are subject to the liquids rules. If I want to travel light, I choose an amount that suits my needs on the journey and keep liquid additions separate. Around 25% of consumers prioritise convenience when travelling.
Stock and storage Albert Heijn lists a 400 g pack; PLUS lists 150 g and Jumbo 175 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a tightly sealed container in a dry place. If I use almonds at home too, I want to be able to portion out the pack and store the rest properly. Around 25% of consumers prioritise a pack size that suits how they use their supplies.

Common pitfalls

  • Mistaking a natural appearance for organic certification

    A description of the ingredients or preparation method does not, by itself, prove that a product is organically certified.

    Assess the organic label and ingredients separately, and always check the exact product variety.

  • Treating the whole breakfast combination as solid food

    Schiphol’s liquids rules apply to liquid and spreadable food products; plain almonds are a different type of product.

    Keep whole almonds separate from liquid or spreadable additions, and check the hand luggage rules for those additions.

    You may have to leave behind any liquid or spreadable addition that does not meet security requirements.

  • Buying a large pack without a plan for the leftovers

    Nuts should be stored in a dry place in a tightly sealed container. A larger pack therefore calls for a plan for storing what’s left after you leave.

    Choose an amount that suits your needs and follow the storage instructions on the pack once it’s opened.

  • Assuming that passing security means you can bring food into the country

    Schiphol’s security checks and your destination’s import rules are separate checks.

    Check NederlandWereldwijd and ask the customs authority at your destination what rules apply to food.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Albert Heijn

The AH Biologisch range includes whole, unroasted almonds with their skins on, in a 400 g pack.

  • Albert Heijn lists the EU organic logo, control code NL-BIO-01 and Skal 001920.
  • This pack size calls for a suitable plan for using up the contents. The product information does not confirm whether this variety is available at Schiphol.

Jumbo

Jumbo Biologisch Ongebrande Amandelen is an organic variety in a 175 g pack.

  • Jumbo lists the organic origin and control code NL-BIO-01.
  • This variety carries a warning that it may contain sesame. Check the label if you need to avoid this allergen.

PLUS

Biologisch PLUS Amandelen biologisch is available in a 150 g tub.

  • PLUS lists EU Organic Farming and describes the almonds as unroasted and unsalted.
  • The small pack size doesn’t tell you whether it can be resealed once opened.

Duyvis

Duyvis Almonds Original is a seasoned, oven-roasted variety in a 125 g pack, unlike plain almonds for breakfast.

  • According to Duyvis, this variety is roasted without adding oil or fat.
  • This preparation method does not mean the product is organically certified. Check the organic label separately if that matters to your choice.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if almonds are organic?

Check the organic label on the pack. According to the European Commission, the EU organic logo may only be used for products certified as organic in accordance with the applicable requirements. Also check the control code and agricultural origin.

Can I take plain almonds through security at Schiphol?

Plain whole almonds are not subject to the liquids rules. Schiphol generally allows food, but security may still refuse an item for safety reasons; liquid or spreadable additions are subject to the rules.

Are organic almonds suitable for someone with an almond allergy?

No. An organic label doesn’t change the fact that almonds are an allergen. Also read the warnings on the pack about the possible presence of other allergens.

Can I give whole almonds to a young child for breakfast?

Whole almonds are not necessarily suitable for young children. The packs for the AH and Jumbo varieties reviewed warn that they may pose a choking hazard to small children.

Can I bring leftover almonds into any destination?

That depends on your destination’s rules. For food, NederlandWereldwijd advises checking with the customs authority in the country you’re travelling to; security requirements and import rules are separate checks.