Looking for a clean, whole-food snack that fuels your body without artificial oils, sodium, or preservatives? NOW Real Food® Natural Unblanched Almonds (Item #N7005) deliver premium California almonds in their rawest, most wholesome form.
Unlike blanched varieties that have had their outer coating removed, unblanched almonds keep their natural, fiber-rich brown skin completely intact. This preserves the nut's essential plant flavonoids, vitamin E, and natural crunch. Whether you enjoy them straight out of the bag, chop them over morning oatmeal, or blend them into homemade almond meal, these raw, unsalted almonds provide sustained energy and lasting satiety.
Quick Product Highlights:
✓100% Pure Raw Almonds: Zero added sodium, zero oils, zero artificial preservatives.
✓Unblanched Seed Coat Intact: Brown skins preserve vital prebiotic fiber and antioxidant flavonoids.
✓Steam-Pasteurized: Never chemically treated with propylene oxide (PPO) gas.
✓Heart-Healthy Fuel: Natural plant protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin E.
✓Certified Quality: Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, and packaged in a dedicated peanut-free facility.
What Does “Unblanched” Mean & Why Does It Matter for Your Health?
In food preparation, blanching is a process where almonds are placed into boiling water for 60 to 90 seconds to loosen and strip off their brown outer skins. While blanched nuts look pale and smooth for fine French baking, removing that skin strips away a significant portion of the almond’s natural defense system—and its best nutritional assets.
1. Concentrated Polyphenols & Flavonoids
Peer-reviewed research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry demonstrates that over 60% of the total polyphenols in an almond reside directly in the paper-thin seed skin (testa). These include catechin, epicatechin, and flavonol glycosides. When consumed intact, these polyphenols work synergistically with the vitamin E in the almond meat to protect cellular lipids against oxidative stress.
2. Prebiotic Fiber for Gut Health
The skin consists primarily of non-digestible dietary fibers, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. A landmark study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology revealed that finely ground almond skins stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp., supporting a balanced microbiome and healthy digestion.
3. Superior Texture & Shelf Life
The natural epidermis acts as a protective shield against moisture and atmospheric oxygen. This barrier keeps the delicate unsaturated fats inside the nut from oxidizing quickly, ensuring a longer shelf life and a firmer, more satisfying crunch.
Evidence-Based Health Benefits: What the Science Says
Whole almonds are among the most nutrient-dense tree nuts on earth. Incorporating a daily serving of unblanched almonds into your routine supports multiple areas of cardiovascular and metabolic wellness:
✓ FDA Qualified Health Claim for Cardiovascular Support
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA Qualified Health Claim, 2003): “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
Clinical trials published in Circulation and the Journal of the American Heart Association show that replacing carbohydrate-heavy snacks with whole almonds helps maintain healthy low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels while preserving protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
✓ Blood Sugar Stability & Satiety
Almonds have a very low glycemic index. With 8 grams of plant protein, 5 grams of dietary fiber, and healthy monounsaturated fats per serving, they slow gastric emptying and reduce post-meal glucose spikes. A randomized study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that snacking on raw almonds significantly reduced hunger and daily calorie compensation without leading to unwanted weight gain.
✓ Bioavailable Magnesium & Vitamin E
Just a quarter-cup serving delivers approximately 24% of your daily magnesium requirement (crucial for muscle relaxation, nerve signaling, and blood pressure regulation) and over 60% of your daily vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol), supporting healthy skin barriers and cellular immunity.
Complete Nutritional Profile & Ingredient Listing
We believe in 100% transparency. Every batch of NOW Real Food® Almonds Natural Unblanched is sourced directly from trusted California orchards and packaged under strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. (Source: USDA FoodData Central FDC ID: 170567).
Full Ingredient Declaration:
Ingredients: Raw Almonds.
Allergen Information: Contains tree nuts (Almonds). Packaged in a certified peanut-free facility that handles other tree nuts.
Steam Pasteurization vs. Chemical Fumigation: How NOW Foods Guarantees Purity
Under USDA regulations enacted by the California Almond Board, all almonds grown and commercially distributed in the United States must undergo mandatory pasteurization to protect against foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella. However, how a manufacturer pasteurizes makes an enormous difference to consumer safety and food purity:
✓ NOW Real Food® Clean Steam Method
NOW Real Food almonds undergo a quick, pure-water steam pasteurization process. This natural thermal method sanitizes the exterior of the kernel without altering the nut's raw structure, delicate fatty acid profile, or taste. There are zero synthetic chemical residues.
× Conventional Chemical PPO Fumigation
Many bulk supermarket brands use Propylene Oxide (PPO) gas fumigation—a synthetic chemical gas banned in Canada and the European Union for food treatment. While cost-effective for mass processors, chemical fumigation is avoided by health-conscious consumers.
By choosing NOW Real Food Natural Unblanched Almonds through VitaNet, LLC, you can rest assured that you are receiving 100% steam-treated, chemical-free nuts tested for aflatoxins and microbial purity in state-of-the-art analytical laboratories[cite: 1].
Because these almonds arrive completely unseasoned and raw, their versatility in a healthy kitchen is virtually limitless:
How to Incorporate Unblanched Almonds into Your Daily Routine:
Daily Energy Snack: Measure out a palm-sized portion (about 23 almonds or 1 ounce) for an afternoon snack that curbs sugar cravings.
Fresh Homemade Almond Meal: Pulse raw unblanched almonds in a high-speed blender for 15–20 seconds. The flecks of brown skin provide hearty rustic texture and fiber for gluten-free pancakes and low-carb baking.
Nutrient-Rich Salad Crunch: Lightly dry-toast kernels in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes to bring out their natural aromatic oils, then toss over leafy spinach salads or roasted root vegetables.
Whole Plant Smoothies: Blend a tablespoon of raw almonds into green smoothies to add healthy fats that increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
Storage Advice to Preserve Freshness & Delicate Oils:
Raw nuts contain delicate monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils that can turn rancid if exposed to continuous heat, direct sunlight, or oxygen.
Short-Term Use (Up to 3 Months): Store the resealed pouch in a cool, dark, dry pantry cabinet below 65°F.
Long-Term Freshness (6 to 12 Months):Refrigeration is strongly recommended after opening. For extended storage beyond 6 months, store almonds in an airtight glass jar in your freezer; they thaw in just 10 minutes at room temperature without losing their crisp texture.
Why Order From VitaNet, LLC? Family-Owned Integrity Since 1995
In an era where massive online marketplaces host unvetted third-party sellers and counterfeit products stored in unconditioned warehouses, choosing who supplies your wellness essentials matters more than ever.
VitaNet, LLC is an independent, family-owned natural health business founded in 1995 with over 31 years of dedicated industry experience[cite: 1]. Based in Hartville, Ohio, our business was founded on genuine scientific understanding, honest pricing, and old-fashioned customer service[cite: 1].
Unlike giant fulfillment hubs that let perishable food items sit near baking metal roofs, our inventory moves quickly through temperature-regulated facilities to ensure your almonds arrive fresh, sweet, and crisp.
✓ Unconditional 100% Money-Back Guarantee
We proudly stand behind every product we sell. VitaNet offers an unconditional 100% money-back guarantee, and we even pay the return shipping costs—even on opened packages[cite: 1]! That is how confident we are in the freshness of our catalog[cite: 1].
✓ Real Telephone Customer Support & BBB A+ Accreditation
Have questions regarding an order or product batch? You can call real, knowledgeable team members directly at (330) 877-8786 or toll-free at 1-800-877-8702 during business hours[cite: 1].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between blanched and unblanched almonds?
Unblanched almonds retain their natural brown outer skin, while blanched almonds have been soaked in boiling water to remove it. Keeping the skin intact preserves up to 60% of the nut’s natural antioxidant polyphenols, offers extra prebiotic dietary fiber, and maintains a firmer crunch.
2. Are these almonds pasteurized, and if so, how?
Yes. All almonds grown in California are required by federal regulations to undergo pasteurization to ensure microbiological safety. NOW Foods uses pure, clean steam pasteurization. They never use Propylene Oxide (PPO) chemical gas fumigation.
3. How many almonds should I eat per day for heart health?
The FDA qualified health claim for heart support is based on consuming 1.5 ounces of nuts per day (approximately 30 to 35 almonds) as part of a balanced diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. For general snacking and weight management, a standard 1-ounce serving (about 23 almonds) provides optimal satiety and nutrient density.
4. Do these almonds need to be refrigerated after opening?
While unblanched almonds will remain fresh in a cool, dark pantry for a couple of months, refrigeration is strongly recommended after opening to preserve their natural polyunsaturated and monounsaturated oils. For storage beyond 6 months, freezing in an airtight container preserves peak freshness.
5. Are NOW Real Food unblanched almonds gluten-free and non-GMO?
Yes. They are naturally gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and packaged in a dedicated peanut-free facility. They contain only one single ingredient: raw almonds.
6. Can I soak or sprout these unblanched almonds?
Yes, soaking unblanched almonds overnight in cool water helps break down natural phytates and enzyme inhibitors, making minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium even easier to absorb, while yielding a tender, plump texture.
