What Does 20 22 Almonds Mean? A Comprehensive Guide to Almond Sizing

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Almond Board of California, almond sizing ranges from 18/20 (the largest) to 36/40 (the smallest). So, what does 20 22 almonds mean when you see it on a package, and how does it affect your cooking or snacking? This label refers to the number of whole almond kernels found in a single ounce, making it a key indicator of the nut's size, quality, and typical application.

Quick Summary

The '20 22' on a bag of almonds is a size classification, representing that there are approximately 20 to 22 whole kernels per ounce, and these are considered large almonds. This count-per-ounce system is the industry standard for grading, and a lower number indicates a larger almond kernel.

Key Points

Sizing System Explained: '20 22 almonds' means there are 20 to 22 whole kernels per ounce, a standard industry classification for size.
Size and Price Correlation: In almond grading, a lower count per ounce signifies a larger almond, which is typically considered a premium product and is more expensive.
Ideal Applications for 20/22: The 20/22 size is excellent for high-end snacking, gourmet gifting, and premium confectionery, where its large, uniform appearance is desired.
Difference from Smaller Almonds: Smaller sizes, like 34/36, are more economical and better suited for processing into products like flour or paste, where kernel size is less critical.
Comprehensive Grading: Almond quality is determined not only by size but also by other factors, including moisture content, defects, and the absence of foreign material.
Informed Purchasing: Knowing what almond sizing labels mean helps consumers and businesses choose the right product for their specific needs, from casual snacking to industrial processing.

Decoding the Almond Sizing System

When you purchase shelled almonds, you might notice number pairs like 18/20, 20/22, or 23/25 on the packaging. These numbers are not a product code or a flavor profile; they represent the industry-standard count-per-ounce sizing for whole kernels. The first number indicates the lower end of the count range, while the second is the upper limit. For example, a 20/22 classification guarantees that a one-ounce sample will contain between 20 and 22 individual whole almonds. This means they are a consistent, large-sized almond.

The sizing process is a crucial part of quality control in the almond industry. Processors use specialized screens and sorting equipment to separate kernels by size, ensuring uniformity. This attention to detail allows buyers to select the ideal almond for their specific needs, whether it's for premium snacks, confectionery, or industrial processing. The sorting ensures that the kernels within a single bag are 'fairly uniform in size'. In general, the fewer almonds it takes to make up an ounce, the larger the individual nuts are.

The Implications of a 20/22 Count

Choosing an almond size has direct consequences for both cost and application. The size of the almond is directly related to its market price; generally, larger, more uniform almonds are considered premium products and command a higher price point. This is because they are often selected for presentation-focused uses where appearance matters, such as premium snack mixes or chocolate-covered treats. The 20/22 size is a popular choice for these applications because it is noticeably large and offers a satisfying crunch.

Conversely, smaller almonds (such as 34/36 or 36/40) are typically more economical and are best suited for applications where the final appearance of the whole kernel is less important. These smaller sizes are ideal for processing into various forms, including:

Slicing for baked goods and cereals
Dicing for toppings and fillings
Grinding into almond flour or almond butter

Where to use 20/22 almonds

The 20/22 grade, being in the upper-middle range of almond sizes, strikes a balance between premium quality and versatile use. Here are some of the best applications for this size:

High-end snacking: The large, consistent size is visually appealing and offers a substantial, satisfying bite for direct consumption.
Gifting: As part of a premium dry fruit or nut gift assortment, the superior size of 20/22 almonds makes for an impressive presentation.
Confectionery: These large almonds are a great fit for use in gourmet chocolate bars, as a coating, or embedded in candies.
Cooking and Baking: While smaller almonds are better for flour, 20/22 almonds can be roasted and chopped for use in savory dishes or as a topper for salads where the larger size can add texture and visual appeal.
Homemade Almond Butter: For homemade nut butters, using a larger almond like the 20/22 can result in a more robust flavor profile when toasted before grinding.

Almond Size Comparison Table


Almond Size	Count Per Ounce	Typical Use	Price Point
18/20	18-20	Premium snacking, gourmet confectionery	Premium / High
20/22	20-22	Snacking, gifting, high-end confectionery	High
23/25	23-25	Versatile cooking, general snacking, processing	Medium
27/30	27-30	Cost-effective processing, baking ingredients	Low
36/40	36-40	Almond flour, almond paste, bulk industrial use	Most Economical

The Almond Grading Process Beyond Sizing

While size is a primary factor, it's just one part of the overall almond grading process. The USDA and international standards consider other factors to determine the final grade and price, ensuring a high-quality product reaches consumers.

Other grading factors include:

Kernel defects: Assessing for chips, scratches, blemishes, and other physical imperfections.
Moisture content: Ensuring the almonds are properly dried to prevent mold and rancidity.
Color and uniformity: The consistency of the almonds' color and appearance is evaluated, especially for premium grades.
Foreign material: Checking for any extraneous matter like shell fragments or debris.

For shelled kernels, a standardized sampling procedure is used to determine the count per ounce. The kernels are first weighed, then counted to calculate the average count per ounce for the lot. This process ensures the accuracy of the size classification on the packaging.

For more technical information on almond sizing and quality standards, the Almond Board of California offers resources for growers and processors. A great reference is their guide on understanding the sizing procedure for California almonds, which details the meticulous process used to sort and grade nuts for the market.

Conclusion

Understanding the meaning behind the numbers on an almond package allows you to make a more informed purchase. The label '20 22 almonds' signifies a high-quality, large-sized kernel, with 20 to 22 nuts per ounce, making it a top-tier choice for snacking, gifting, and gourmet applications. By considering not only the size but also the variety and grade, consumers and businesses can select the perfect almond for their needs, ensuring satisfaction and maximizing value. So next time you're shopping, you'll know that a lower count number means a bigger, bolder almond experience awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the size of the kernels. 20/22 almonds are larger, with a count of 20 to 22 kernels per ounce, while 23/25 almonds are smaller, with 23 to 25 kernels per ounce.

Yes, 20/22 almonds are considered a large, premium size in the industry. Larger kernels generally command a higher market price due to their appeal for high-end snacking and superior visual consistency.

The number refers to the count of kernels per ounce. Therefore, a lower count means it takes fewer individual almonds to make up one ounce of weight, indicating that each almond is larger.

Processors use a count-per-ounce method. They weigh a standard sample (e.g., one ounce) and count the number of whole kernels to determine the size range for that specific lot.

For baking, it depends on the application. For recipes that require whole or chopped nuts for texture and presentation, 20/22 almonds work well. However, for grinding into almond flour or paste, smaller, more economical almonds are typically preferred.

Yes, while the count-per-ounce system is universal, different almond varieties naturally have different average sizes. For example, Nonpareil almonds are often a large, attractive variety, making them well-suited for premium sizing grades.

No, almond size does not significantly impact nutritional value. A one-ounce serving of almonds, regardless of size, provides the same general nutritional benefits, such as protein, fiber, and healthy fats.