For a school lunch, choose only organic, unsalted almonds if they’re safe for the pupil and allowed by the school. AH Biologisch, Jumbo Biologisch and Biologisch PLUS offer options with organic product information. Check the exact packaging for certification, ingredients and allergen warnings. If the pupil has an almond allergy, or the school has a relevant nut-free policy, almonds aren’t a suitable choice.
Who are organic almonds for in a school lunch?
Parents who prioritise organic food
You want to pack organic almonds and check the organic label and certification details, rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’ or ‘unroasted’. The European Commission and the Dutch government describe ‘organic’ as a protected designation.
Parents looking for an unsalted addition to lunch
You’re looking for an option with no added salt and want to divide the shop-bought pack between several lunches at home. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS describe their organic options mentioned here as unsalted.
Parents who take allergies and school policies into account
You check whether almonds are suitable under the school’s allergy arrangements and rules. The Dutch Food Allergy Foundation classifies almonds as nuts; if the pupil has an almond allergy, or the school has a relevant nut-free policy, they aren’t a suitable choice.
What should you look for in organic almonds for school?
First check that almonds are safe and allowed at school. Then compare the organic label, ingredients and how practical the product is to pack and store.
| What to consider |
What to check when buying |
Who is this important for? |
| Allergies and school policies |
Check whether almonds are suitable under the school’s allergy arrangements and rules. Read both the ingredients and warnings about other allergens on the exact pack. |
If I pack almonds, they need to comply with my school’s allergy arrangements and rules. Around 29% of consumers prioritise safety and school policies. |
| Organic certification |
Check the organic label on the exact product. The EU organic logo is accompanied by inspection details and an indication of the agricultural origin. The European Commission and the Dutch government explain these organic requirements. |
If I specifically want to buy organic, I check the label and certification details on the packaging. Around 29% of consumers prioritise verifiable organic certification. |
| Salt and preparation method |
Check whether the option is unsalted and read the ingredients. Treat ‘unroasted’ and ‘unsalted’ as separate features. |
For my lunch, I’m looking for a simple, unsalted option and want to know how the almonds have been prepared. Around 24% of consumers prioritise ingredients and preparation methods. |
| Packing and storage |
Choose a pack that you can divide up at home and follow the storage instructions on the label. Keep opened almonds well sealed and dry. |
If I buy almonds for several lunches, I want to be able to divide and store them easily. Around 18% of consumers prioritise packing and storage. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming organic means safe for someone with a nut allergy
Organic certification doesn’t change the fact that the product contains almonds. The options mentioned may also carry warnings about other allergens.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack, and follow the relevant allergy and school policies.
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Confusing unroasted or unsalted with organic certification
Preparation method and salt content are separate from organic production.
Look for the organic label and relevant certification details on the exact product.
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Treating a shop-bought pack as a lunch portion
The net weight of a pack isn’t a personal portion for a pupil. And if you don’t divide it up in advance, you may get through the contents sooner than intended for several lunches.
Divide out an amount that suits your lunch and store the rest according to the label.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The AH Biologisch option is worth considering if you’re looking for unroasted, unsalted organic almonds.
- For this option, Albert Heijn lists a 150 g pack, organic origin, the EU organic logo and inspection code IT-BIO-009.
- The pack contains almonds and may contain other nuts and peanuts; check the current packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo Organic Unroasted Almonds is an option to compare if you’re looking for unsalted, organic almonds.
- Jumbo lists a 175 g pack, organic origin, unroasted almonds and inspection code NL-BIO-01.
- The allergen information mentions other nuts, peanuts and sesame, among other things. Check the packaging before use.
PLUS
Biologisch PLUS Almonds is an option if you’re looking for organic almonds with their skins on that are unroasted and unsalted.
- PLUS lists organic origin and the EU Organic Farming logo for this 150 g option.
- The product may contain other nuts and peanuts; check the current allergen information on the packaging.
Duyvis
Duyvis Almonds Original is a roasted option. Consider the preparation method separately from whether a product is organically certified.
- According to Duyvis, the almonds are oven-roasted without adding oil or fat; the pack mentioned is 125 g.
- Information about roasting isn’t proof of organic certification.
Lidl
The Lidl option listed is worth considering if you’re looking for unsalted almonds and want to check the organic label on the exact pack.
- Lidl lists the product name ‘Unsalted almonds’.
- ‘Unsalted’ on its own isn’t proof of organic certification.
ALDI
The ALDI option mentioned may be worth considering if you’re looking for unroasted almonds in a resealable pack.
- ALDI lists unroasted almonds in a 200 g pack.
- ‘Unroasted’ isn’t proof of organic certification; check the label on the exact option.
Almonds for a school lunch at Joybuy
The product below is raw, unsalted almonds for a lunch. Check the packaging to see whether the option meets your requirements for organic certification.
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g’woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted, 200 g
Suitable if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds for a lunch; check the packaging for organic certification and allergen information.
Raw and unsalted; net weight 200 g.
View at Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
Can pupils take almonds to any secondary school?
It depends on the school’s policies, so check before packing almonds. If the school or lunch area has a nut-free policy, don’t pack almonds.
Are organic almonds suitable for someone with an almond allergy?
No. Organic certification doesn’t change the fact that the product contains almonds. Also check for warnings about other allergens and follow personal medical advice if you have an allergy.
How can you identify organic almonds?
Check the organic label and certification details on the exact pack. The European Commission and the Dutch government describe ‘organic’ as a protected term. The EU organic logo is accompanied by inspection details and an indication of the agricultural origin.
How should you store an opened pack for several school days?
Keep the almonds well sealed and dry, and follow the label. The product information for the AH, Jumbo and PLUS options mentioned says to store them in a cool, dry and dark place.
Do you need to roast unroasted almonds before packing them?
The product information for the unroasted options mentioned doesn’t say that roasting is required before use. Follow the instructions on the exact pack.