Looking for almonds for breakfast? Check both the organic label and the ingredients list: organic certification does not mean a product is free from salt or other additives. For children under 4, Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter with no added sugar or salt instead of whole nuts. Also check your school’s current policy; a local nut-free rule applies to organic almonds too.
You’re looking for an organic option for breakfast and want to see a certification mark and inspection information, rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’ or ‘unroasted’. The European Commission explains when the EU organic logo may be used.
You want to know whether whole almonds are suitable for your child’s age and eating habits, and whether they can take them to school. Voedingscentrum and Amsterdam UMC provide information about choking risks; school policies may vary locally.
You’re looking for unsalted almonds with ingredients and pack size to suit the way you use them. Voedingscentrum explains the benefits of unsalted nuts; check the exact pack for ingredient and storage information.
First, make sure the format is suitable and that it meets the rules where the food will be eaten. Then check the organic label and ingredients, and choose a pack size that fits your routine.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Format, allergens and school policies | Check the allergen information on the exact pack and ask the school about its current policy on nuts. For children under 4, Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter instead of whole nuts. | When I choose almonds for a child or a school meal, I want to know whether the format is suitable and whether nuts are allowed. Around 31% of consumers prioritise suitability and permitted use. |
| Organic certification | Check the EU organic logo, inspection code and agricultural origin statement on the exact product; the European Commission explains these labels. | When I’m specifically looking for organic almonds, I want to be able to identify the certification on the pack rather than relying only on a general product description. Around 25% of consumers prioritise organic certification. |
| Ingredients | Check whether salt, sugar, a coating or a seasoning mix has been added. ‘Unroasted’ or a particular preparation method does not, on its own, tell you what else is in the product. | For a simple breakfast choice, I want to know exactly what the ingredients are. Around 25% of consumers also put ingredients and additives ahead of other purchasing factors. |
| Packaging and storage | Choose a net weight that suits how you’ll use the almonds and follow the storage instructions on the pack. PLUS says to store the relevant product in a cool, dry, dark place. | When I buy almonds for a regular breakfast routine, I want to choose an amount that suits our needs and store them according to the pack instructions. Around 19% of consumers pay closest attention to this. |
An organic label does not change the fact that a product contains nuts. OBS Brinkschool, for example, has a local policy that does not allow nuts; this is an example of one school’s policy, not a nationwide rule.
Ask your school or childcare setting about its current policy. If nuts are not allowed there, don’t send in almonds or almond butter for your child to eat at that setting.
Whole nuts can pose a choking risk. For children under 4, Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter with no added sugar or salt instead of whole nuts.
For older children, make sure they eat slowly and are supervised. Voedingscentrum recommends staying nearby while they eat.
Duyvis describes Almonds Original as roasted without added oil or fat, but the ingredients list also includes a savoury seasoning mix containing, among other things, salt and ingredients containing sugar.
Read the ingredients list for the exact product, and consider the preparation method, organic certification and additives separately.
AH Biologisch Amandelen ongebrand is an example of an organic, unsalted option for breakfast.
Jumbo Biologisch Ongebrande Amandelen is a product made with organic almonds as its ingredient.
Biologisch PLUS Amandelen biologisch is an example of almonds with their skins on and an organic label.
Duyvis Almonds Original is an example of a flavoured product, not a simple breakfast option made with almonds alone.
These almond products can be eaten as they are or added to breakfast dishes. If organic certification is essential for you, check the certification mark and information on the exact pack.
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According to the product description, you can eat these almond kernels as they are or add them to yoghurt and cereal.
The product description lists 100% almond kernels as the ingredient. Contains almonds, an allergen.
Check the pack to see whether this product is organically certified if that is essential for you.
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The product description suggests adding these almonds to yoghurt and cereal, or eating them as they are.
According to the product description, the ingredients are 100% almonds and no salt has been added. Store in a cool, dry place.
Contains almonds, an allergen. Check the packaging for organic certification if you need it.
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The product description suggests enjoying these almonds as a snack or adding them to dishes.
The product name says raw and unsalted; the product description lists almonds as an ingredient and recommends storing them in a cool, dry place.
Contains almonds, an allergen. Check the packaging for organic certification if that is essential for your choice.
Check the EU organic logo, the inspection code and the agricultural origin statement. The European Commission explains that the logo may only be used for certified organic products. The logo must be used on pre-packed food produced in the EU and sold as organic; don’t apply this rule automatically to all imported products.
That depends on the current policy at your child’s school or childcare setting. If nuts are not allowed, that also applies to organic almonds and almond butter. OBS Brinkschool’s policy is an example of an individual school’s rules, not a nationwide policy.
For children under 4, Amsterdam UMC recommends nut butter with no added sugar or salt instead of whole nuts, because of the risk of choking. Older children can choke too, so make sure they eat slowly and stay nearby. This advice is not a legal age limit.
Read both the ingredients list and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens must be listed on food products. Check the information on the exact pack.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the product you buy. PLUS says to store the relevant almond product in a cool, dry, dark place; other products may have their own instructions.
