Conscious organic shoppers
You want to identify organic almonds by the information on the exact packaging, rather than relying on words such as ‘natural’ or ‘pure’. Skal Biocontrole states that ‘organic’ is protected by law.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Travellers bringing breakfast with them
You want to decide how many almonds to take before you set off, and whether the packaging suits your journey. A tub, the net weight and resealable packaging are different features.
Shoppers looking for unsalted almonds
You want to assess how the almonds are prepared separately from their salt content. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends unsalted nuts; ‘unroasted’ does not automatically mean ‘unsalted’.
What should you look for when buying?
First, decide whether organic certification, convenience on the go, unsalted almonds or a suitable pack size matters most to you. Then check the product information for the exact pack.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic certification | Check the certification mark and any control code on the exact packaging; don’t infer organic status from other product wording. | If I’m looking for organic almonds, I want to be able to check the information on the product itself. Around 33% of consumers prioritise organic certification. |
| Taking them with you and storage | Check the type of packaging and whether it is explicitly described as resealable; decide for yourself how much to take. | For my train journey, I want to take an amount I’ll use on the way and choose packaging that suits my trip. Around 27% of consumers prioritise convenience when taking food with them. |
| Preparation and salt | Check the preparation method, ingredients and salt information separately; ‘unroasted’ does not automatically tell you anything about salt. | If I’m choosing almonds for everyday breakfasts, I want to know whether they’re unsalted and how they’re prepared. Around 27% of consumers prioritise choosing unsalted products. |
| Pack size and consumption | Choose a net weight that suits how much you use, and follow the storage advice on the packaging. | I want to avoid taking more than I’ll use on a short trip and store any leftovers appropriately. Around 13% of consumers prioritise a suitable pack size and spending. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming ‘natural’ or ‘unroasted’ means organic
These words describe different qualities from organic production. Lidl’s description of its Alesto range is not proof of organic certification.
Check the organic information on the exact product variant separately from the preparation method and other product details.
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Relying on organic status instead of checking for allergens
Almonds are an allergen. Stichting Voedselallergie states that the allergen remains stable when heated; roasting or organic production does not change the need to check.
Read the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging. If you have a diagnosed almond allergy, follow your personal avoidance advice.
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Thinking the whole pack is one breakfast portion
Net weight is a measure of the product, not a recommended portion. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a handful of unsalted nuts, not an entire shop-bought pack.
Decide in advance how much you want to take on your journey, and assess whether the pack is resealable separately from its weight.
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Using an organic product from the same shop as proof
Product features and certification apply to the specific product. For example, an organic almond drink is no proof that whole almonds are organic.
Check the information on the packaging of the whole almonds you’re considering.
Brands and options to consider
Albert Heijn
AH Biologisch includes the product variant Amandelen ongebrand (organic unroasted almonds).
- The product name says it’s organic and unroasted.
- The product name doesn’t automatically confirm the full ingredients list or whether your pack is resealable.
Jumbo
Jumbo describes Biologisch Ongebrande Amandelen (organic unroasted almonds) in a 175 g pack.
- The product information lists NL-BIO-01 and naturally occurring sodium.
- The 175 g pack size is not portion guidance; packaging in a protective atmosphere doesn’t automatically mean the pack is resealable.
PLUS
PLUS describes Biologisch PLUS Amandelen (organic almonds) in a 150 g tub.
- The product information specifies the organic variant, tub format and net weight.
- The tub format alone is no proof that the packaging is leak-proof or resealable.
Lidl
Lidl’s Alesto range includes almonds, and Lidl describes the range as natural.
- The product range includes almonds among its nut products.
- Describing the range as natural is no proof of organic certification for a specific variant.
ALDI
ALDI describes TRADER JOE'S Unroasted almonds, 200 g, in resealable packaging.
- Unroasted and resealable are listed as product features.
- ‘Untreated’ and ‘unroasted’ are no proof of organic status; an organic almond drink doesn’t make these whole almonds organic.
Duyvis
Duyvis describes Almonds Original as an oven-roasted almond product with a savoury positioning.
- Duyvis states that no oil or fat has been added to this product and lists a 125 g pack.
- This product information doesn’t prove that the almonds are unsalted or organic.
Almonds on Joybuy
This selection includes whole almonds for breakfast or a snack on the go. The product information provided doesn’t make it clear that every variant is organic or unsalted, so check the exact packaging if either is essential for you.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
The description says the almond kernels are ready to eat, as a snack or added to yoghurt and breakfast cereal.
The description lists 100% almond kernels and a pack size of 160 g.
Contains almonds; not suitable for anyone with a diagnosed almond allergy.
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g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g
The title describes raw, unsalted almonds for anyone looking for this option as a snack or for everyday use.
The product description lists almonds as an ingredient; the title gives a pack size of 200 g.
Contains almonds; not suitable for anyone with a diagnosed almond allergy.
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Anatolia Badem Natural (Almond) 500 gr
The description says the almonds are ready to eat, as a snack or with yoghurt and breakfast cereal.
The product information lists 100% almonds and a pack size of 500 g.
Contains almonds; not suitable for anyone with a diagnosed almond allergy.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify an organic product?
Look for the EU organic logo on the exact packaging. Skal Biocontrole states that ‘organic’ is protected by law; a description such as ‘natural’ is no substitute for this certification.
Are organic or roasted almonds suitable for someone with an almond allergy?
Don’t rely on organic production or roasting as a safety measure if you have an almond allergy. Stichting Voedselallergie states that the allergen remains stable when heated. If you have a diagnosed allergy, follow your personal avoidance advice.
What allergen information should I check on a prepacked bag?
Read the ingredients and any warnings on the label. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergen information must be shown on the label of prepacked products; follow the information on the packaging of the variant you buy.
Does unroasted mean the same as unsalted?
No. The preparation method and salt content are separate product features. Check the ingredients and salt information on the packaging; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends unsalted nuts.
How should I assess almonds left over after my journey?
Follow the storage advice and best-before information on your pack. For mixed unsalted nuts, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists rancidity, toughness and mould as signs of spoilage; this doesn’t give a specific storage period for almonds.