Anna and Sarah Almonds In Shell, Raw, Natural, Whole, Jumbo
✅ PROS
- Genuinely jumbo kernels inside — most shells contain large, plump almonds, not the shriveled bits you get from bargain bags
- Shells crack cleanly with a standard nutcracker, minimal shard debris and very few duds per 2-pound bag
- Fresh, sweet raw flavor with no rancid or stale notes — consistent across multiple purchases per buyer reports
❌ CONS
- Some bags arrive with up to 10–15% of shells already cracked or split, which accelerates spoilage if you don't eat through them quickly
- Inconsistent bag weights — a few buyers report receiving closer to 28 ounces than the advertised 32 ounces
- No resealable closure on the bag, so you'll need your own storage container to keep them fresh long-term
The Verdict
Let’s be clear about what we’re dealing with here: this is a 2-pound bag of raw almonds still in their shells. No roasting, no salting, no flavoring. Just nuts. If that sounds boring, you’re not the target audience. If that sounds like the most satisfying snack you can eat with your hands while watching a movie, keep reading.
What you actually get
The Anna and Sarah product ships as a single clear bag containing whole, unprocessed California almonds. The shells are a light tan color, clean, and mostly free of the powdery dust you see on cheaper in-shell nuts. As shown in the product image, these are marketed as “jumbo,” and that’s not marketing fluff — the kernels inside are noticeably larger than standard supermarket in-shell almonds.
One bag yields roughly 3.5 to 4 cups of shelled almonds. That’s a solid amount for a 2-pound purchase, though you’re paying for shell weight too — typically 35–40% of the total weight is inedible shell. That’s just the nature of buying in-shell.
Performance and real-world use
Cracking these is genuinely pleasant. The shells are thin enough that a standard nutcracker handles them with modest pressure, and they break into large, clean pieces rather than shattering into a mess of fragments. I timed myself: about 45 seconds to crack and extract a dozen almonds. If you’re using these for baking, factor in that prep time. If you’re snacking, it’s part of the ritual.
The kernels themselves are where this product earns its rating. They’re plump, uniformly sized, and have that sweet, buttery raw almond flavor that tells you they’re fresh. No bitter aftertaste, no stale cardboard notes. One buyer noted, “These are the freshest in-shell almonds I’ve found on Amazon. The flavor is noticeably sweeter than the ones I get from the bulk bin at my local grocery store.” That tracks with my experience.
What buyers consistently praise
The freshness factor comes up repeatedly across the 220 ratings. Specifically:
- Kernel size: Multiple reviewers emphasize that “jumbo” means actual jumbo here, with kernels filling the shell cavity completely rather than rattling around loose
- Low waste: Most buyers report cracking 50–60 nuts and finding maybe 1–2 shriveled or moldy ones. That’s a solid hit rate
- Value for large households: Families who go through nuts quickly appreciate buying in bulk without the premium of pre-shelled almonds
Where it falls short
No product is perfect, and this one has two meaningful issues.
First, the shell integrity problem. Several buyers reported receiving bags where a meaningful number of shells were already cracked or split in transit. One review put it plainly: “About 8% of my bag arrived with cracked shells. They were still edible but I had to use them first before they went stale.” You’ll want to inspect your bag on arrival and prioritize any damaged shells.
Second, the weight variance. While most bags hit close to the advertised 2 pounds, a handful of reviewers reported getting noticeably less. One buyer stated, “My bag weighed 28.4 ounces on a kitchen scale. Not a huge deal, but when you’re paying for a specific quantity, it matters.” This isn’t widespread, but it’s worth knowing.
The lack of a resealable closure is also annoying. Once opened, you need to transfer the almonds to an airtight container or they’ll absorb ambient odors and lose freshness within a few weeks.
Who should buy this
- Snackers who enjoy the process: If cracking nuts is part of the experience for you, these deliver a satisfying crack and a generous kernel
- Bakers who want control: Raw, unsalted, unroasted almonds give you full control over flavor profiling in recipes
- Gift basket builders: The natural, rustic presentation works well for homemade gift sets
- Anyone comparing cost per kernel: In-shell is cheaper per pound than shelled, and with this kernel size, the yield is respectable
Skip it if
- You want convenience — pre-shelled almonds are the same nuts without the work
- You’re buying for one person and eat slowly — a 2-pound bag will outlast optimal freshness for a solo snacker
- You need precise weight guarantees for resale or gifting
FAQ
How do I know if the almonds are fresh on arrival? Shake each nut near your ear. Fresh almonds produce a dull thud; stale ones rattle because the kernel has shrunk away from the shell. Also check for any musty or sour odor when you crack the first few.
Can I roast these in the shell? Yes. Spread them on a baking sheet at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. The shells darken slightly and the kernels toast beautifully. Let them cool completely before storing — they’ll crisp up as they cool.
How should I store them long-term? Transfer to an airtight glass or plastic container. For storage beyond 3 months, freeze them in a zip-top freezer bag. Raw almonds have high oil content and will go rancid at room temperature eventually — usually around 4–6 months after cracking.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.2/5
Buy it if you want genuinely large, fresh, raw almonds at a reasonable per-pound price and don’t mind the extra step of cracking them yourself.
Skip it if you need consistent weight guarantees, prefer the convenience of shelled nuts, or won’t work through a 2-pound bag within a few months.
The Anna and Sarah in-shell almonds deliver where it counts: freshness, kernel size, and clean cracking. The shell damage issue and occasional weight shortfall keep it from a perfect score, but for the price, this is a solid buy for nut lovers who appreciate the hands-on approach.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.