Do Blanched Almonds Have Oxalates

Blanched almonds do contain oxalates, but the amount is lower than what you’ll find in raw almonds because the blanching process removes the skin where most of the oxalates are stored.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether blanched almonds have oxalates and if they’re safe for a low-oxalate diet, the short answer is yes, they have some, but usually in smaller amounts.
 
In this post, we’ll look at why blanched almonds have oxalates, how blanching changes the oxalate content, and how to enjoy them if you’re watching your intake.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why Blanched Almonds Have Oxalates

Blanched almonds have oxalates because oxalates are a natural compound found in the nut itself, not just the skin.
 
Here’s what’s going on:
 

1. Oxalates Are Naturally Present in Almonds

Oxalates are naturally occurring substances that plants produce, and almonds are one of the tree nuts known to contain them.
 
Even after blanching, the inner kernel still holds a certain level of oxalates.
 
That means blanched almonds will always have some oxalates, simply because the nut itself contains them.
 

2. The Skin Holds Most of the Oxalates

The brown skin on raw almonds is where a large portion of the oxalates are concentrated.
 
When almonds are blanched, that skin is removed, which is why blanched almonds tend to have less oxalates than raw almonds with the skin on.
 
So blanching doesn’t eliminate oxalates, but it does reduce them by stripping away the skin.
 

3. Blanching Doesn’t Remove All Oxalates

It’s important to understand that blanching almonds doesn’t make them oxalate-free.
 
The process removes the skin, but the kernel still retains oxalates that were stored inside the nut.
 
That’s why anyone on a strict low-oxalate diet should still treat blanched almonds as a food to enjoy in moderation.
 

How Blanching Affects Oxalate Levels in Almonds

Blanching affects oxalate levels in almonds by removing the skin, which lowers the overall oxalate content compared to raw almonds.
 
Here’s how the process plays out:
 

1. Removing the Skin Lowers Oxalates

Since the skin holds a big share of the oxalates, taking it off during blanching brings the oxalate level down.
 
This is why blanched almonds are often considered a better choice than raw skin-on almonds for people watching their oxalate intake.
 

2. Soaking and Heating Add a Small Reduction

Blanching involves soaking almonds in hot water, which can leach out a small amount of oxalates into the water.
 
The heat also softens the skin so it slips off easily, and some water-soluble oxalates go with it.
 
The reduction isn’t huge, but every bit helps if oxalates are a concern for you.
 

3. Blanched Almonds Still Aren’t Low-Oxalate

Even with the skin gone, blanched almonds still have oxalates at a level that matters for sensitive people.
 
So if you’re prone to kidney stones or your doctor has told you to limit oxalates, portion size still counts.
 
A small handful is very different from eating a whole bag.
 

Tips for Enjoying Blanched Almonds on a Low-Oxalate Diet

You can still enjoy blanched almonds on a low-oxalate diet by keeping portions small and pairing them smartly.
 
Here are a few practical tips:
 

1. Keep Your Portions Small

A small serving of blanched almonds, around a handful, keeps your oxalate intake modest.
 
Portion control matters more than avoiding them completely, especially since blanched almonds have fewer oxalates than raw ones.
 

2. Pair Them With Calcium-Rich Foods

Calcium binds with oxalates in your gut, which can reduce how much your body absorbs.
 
Enjoying blanched almonds with yogurt, cheese, or milk is a simple way to soften their oxalate impact.
 

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated helps your kidneys flush out oxalates more efficiently.
 
If blanched almonds are part of your snack routine, keep water nearby throughout the day.
 

4. Rotate With Lower-Oxalate Snacks

You don’t have to rely on blanched almonds alone.
 
Alternate them with lower-oxalate options like pumpkin seeds or macadamia nuts so your overall intake stays balanced.
 

So, Do Blanched Almonds Have Oxalates?

Blanched almonds do have oxalates, but less than raw almonds with the skin on since blanching removes the skin where most oxalates sit.
 
They’re not oxalate-free, though, so the kernel itself still carries some.
 
If you’re watching your oxalate intake, blanched almonds can still fit into your diet with small portions, calcium-rich pairings, and good hydration.
 
Hope this post has cleared up whether blanched almonds have oxalates and how to enjoy them safely.