Topping up your breakfast supplies
You’re looking for plain almonds for breakfast, rather than a salted snack option. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends unsalted nuts; the organic products discussed here are unroasted and unsalted.
Who are these options for?
Choosing organic with confidence
You want organic status to be a verified product feature, not just a claim on the front of the pack. The European Commission explains that the EU organic logo may only be used on products certified as organic by an approved control authority or control body.
Keeping a small supply
You want to top up what you use and store the rest properly. The packs discussed here contain 150 g or 175 g; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a cool, dark and dry place in a tightly sealed container.
What should you look for when topping up?
When topping up with organic almonds, the key things to consider are certification, whether they’re suitable for breakfast and how much you can store.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Check the organic claim and the relevant certification details on the packaging. The European Commission explains the conditions for using the EU organic logo. | If organic status is my main requirement, I want to be able to identify it on the product. Around 36% of consumers put certification first. |
| Ingredients for breakfast | Check separately whether the almonds are unroasted and unsalted; these are different product features. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends unsalted, unroasted or lightly roasted nuts. | If I’m looking for almonds for a simple breakfast, I check how they’ve been processed and whether salt has been added. Around 36% of consumers prioritise these product features. |
| Pack size and storage | Choose a pack size that suits your needs. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing opened almonds in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place. | If I only want a small top-up, I want to be able to store the contents without buying more than I’ll use. Around 28% of consumers prioritise quantity and pack size. |
Things to watch out for when buying
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Assuming a natural look means the product is certified organic
A product’s appearance alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s certified organic. The European Commission states that the EU organic logo may only be used on products with recognised organic certification.
Check the organic claim and the relevant certification details on the packaging, rather than relying on the front of the pack alone.
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Treating unroasted, unsalted and organic as interchangeable
These words describe different features: processing, added salt and organic status. One doesn’t confirm the other two.
Check each one separately on the label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends unsalted, unroasted or lightly roasted nuts.
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Buying more than you can store properly
A larger pack may not be the best fit for a small top-up. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing almonds in a cool, dark and dry place and sealing them well after opening.
Choose a pack size that suits what you have left in your cupboard, and transfer opened almonds to a tightly sealed container.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Biologisch Amandelen ongebrand is a 150 g option for a smaller top-up.
- Albert Heijn lists unroasted, unsalted almonds and the control code IT-BIO-009 alongside the EU organic logo.
- The product information says it’s sold in store; check where it’s available when you shop.
Jumbo
Jumbo Biologisch Ongebrande Amandelen is a 175 g option if you want a slightly bigger top-up.
- Jumbo lists unsalted almonds and control code NL-BIO-01.
- The product information warns that traces of sesame and other nuts may be present. Check the warning on the packaging if this is relevant to you.
PLUS
Biologisch PLUS Amandelen biologisch is a 150 g tub of skin-on almonds.
- PLUS lists organic almonds that are unroasted and unsalted, with EU Organic Farming certification.
- Follow the storage instructions on the packaging; the tub itself doesn’t tell you how long the almonds will keep once opened.
Almond products at Joybuy
This Joybuy selection includes almond products with different processing methods and pack sizes. If organic certification is essential, check the organic claim and certification details on the product packaging.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
The product description says these ready-to-eat almond kernels can be added to yoghurt or cereal; the pack contains 160 g.
Store sealed in a cool, dry place.
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g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g
The product name describes raw, unsalted almonds in a 200 g pack.
The product description suggests enjoying them as a snack and advises sealing the pack well after opening and storing it in a cool, dry place.
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Anatolia Badem Natural (Almond) 500 g
The pack contains 500 g; choose this size only if it suits what you’ll use and can store.
The product description suggests enjoying them as a snack, adding them to dishes or using them as a topping.
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g'woon Roasted & Salted Almonds 150 g
The product name describes roasted, salted almonds in a 150 g pack; they’re different from unsalted options for breakfast.
The product information lists sunflower oil and warns that traces of peanuts and other nuts may be present.
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Anatolia Roasted Salted Almonds 500 g
The product name describes roasted, salted almonds in a 500 g pack. This larger size is only suitable if you need that quantity.
The product description advises sealing the pack after opening.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to roast unroasted almonds first?
No, you don’t need to roast unroasted almonds before using them. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends unroasted or lightly roasted nuts. Choose according to your breakfast preferences and follow any instructions on the packaging.
How should you store almonds once opened?
Store them in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark and dry place. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends these storage conditions for almonds; also follow the instructions on the packaging.
What should you check if you have allergies?
Check the ingredients and any warnings about possible traces on the specific pack. Jumbo, for example, warns that traces of sesame and other nuts may be present. The NVWA explains the rules for declaring allergens on food labels.
Are whole almonds suitable for young children?
Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s product information warns that young children may choke on nuts. Bear this warning in mind when choosing food for a child’s breakfast.
Does organic mean no pesticides have been used?
No, organic doesn’t guarantee that no pesticides have been used at all. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that organic crop protection may also use substances of natural origin.