About
What it is and where it shows up.
Dry roasted almonds are the edible seeds of Prunus dulcis, roasted using dry heat without added oil, yielding a crunchy texture and enhanced flavour. They are consumed as a whole-food snack and used as an ingredient in confectionery, baked goods, and trail mixes, valued for their protein, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
Safety summary
The regulatory and scientific consensus.
Dry roasted almonds are broadly safe and well-tolerated in the general adult population, with no established ADI; their lipid profile is predominantly monounsaturated (60%) and polyunsaturated (30%) fatty acids considered beneficial for cardiovascular health. Almonds are a classified major food allergen (tree nut) under both US FDA and EU regulations, and must be declared on labels. Naturally occurring anti-nutritional factors (amygdalin, phytic acid, oxalic acid) are present at levels considered safe for typical dietary intake; roasting partially reduces amygdalin.
Regulatory landscape
What food-safety regulators have decided.
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Almonds are a traditional food with no EU-wide restriction. EFSA's NDA Panel (2011) reviewed health claims for almonds related to LDL cholesterol maintenance (Article 13(1) of Regulation EC No 1924/2006). Almonds are a listed food allergen under EU Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (tree nut) and must be declared. Aflatoxin maximum levels in almonds apply under EU Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006; EFSA CONTAM Panel assessed proposed level adjustments in 2007.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | FSSAI notified compositional standards for Almond Kernels under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Third Amendment Regulations, 2020 (gazette uploaded 14-08-2020). Dry fruit and nut-based snacks are regulated under FSSAI FoSCoS product category 18.2.3. Aflatoxin and other contaminant limits apply under FSSR (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Almonds are a whole food with a long history of safe consumption (GRAS by common use). Under 7 CFR Part 981 and the 2007 FDA final rule (72 FR 15021), all California almonds sold in the US must undergo mandatory pasteurisation or equivalent pathogen-reduction treatment (e.g., dry roasting qualifies) to control Salmonella risk. Almonds are a declared major food allergen under 21 CFR 101.4 and must be labelled as 'tree nuts'.source |
Who should approach with care
Whose guidance would steer them away.
Nut Allergy — Almonds are a classified major tree nut allergen under FDA (21 CFR 101.4) and EU Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011; consumption can trigger severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis in sensitised individuals.
Infants — Whole or chopped dry roasted almonds present a choking hazard for infants and young children; almond products are not recommended for children under 1 year, consistent with general tree nut introduction guidance.
Kidney Disease — Almonds contain oxalic acid and are high in phosphorus and potassium; patients with chronic kidney disease should limit intake to avoid exacerbating hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, or oxalate kidney stone formation, as noted in the FDA GRAS evaluation of almond constituents.
Ibs — Almonds contain significant amounts of dietary fibre and FODMAPs (fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides) that may trigger bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome, particularly in large quantities.
— Almonds are relatively high in oxalates, which may contribute to urate crystal formation; patients with gout or a history of oxalate kidney stones are advised to moderate intake.
Research citations
The sources behind this verdict.
- 1FDA. GRAS Notice No. GRN 000918 – Partially Defatted Almond Protein Flour (Blue Diamond Growers), 2021. fda.gov
- 2FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Third Amendment Regulations, 2020 – Almond Kernels, 2020. fssai.gov.in
- 3PubMed. Almonds (Prunus Dulcis Mill. D. A. Webb): A Source of Nutrients and Health-Promoting Compounds, 2020. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4PubMed. Determination of the protein quality of almonds (Prunus dulcis L.) as assessed by in vitro and in vivo methodologies, 2019. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5EFSA. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to almonds and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations (ID 1131) and maintenance of normal erectile function (ID 2482) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, 2011. efsa.europa.eu
- 6EFSA. Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) related to the potential increase of consumer health risk by a possible increase of the existing maximum levels for aflatoxins in almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios and derived products, 2007.
Independently researched6 citations