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Almonds are a versatile and nutritious ingredient widely used in the culinary world, but not all almond cuts are created equal. Two popular forms, sliced almonds and slivered almonds, are often confused, but they serve distinct purposes based on their shape, color, and applications. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between these two styles of almonds, how they’re made, and their uses in the food industry.
What Are Sliced Almonds?
Definition and Appearance
Sliced almonds are thin, flat almond pieces, typically cut crosswise from whole almonds. Their delicate structure provides an elegant, natural look.
Colors
Blanched sliced almonds: Have the skin removed, creating a clean, creamy white appearance.
Natural sliced almonds: Keep the brown skin, adding a rustic appearance and slightly more fiber.
Manufacturing process
- Preparation: Whole almonds are blanched (to remove the skin) or left natural.
- Slicing: Almonds are run through precision slicing equipment to achieve the desired thickness.
- Quality control: Slices are inspected for uniformity and cleanliness.
Technical production specifications — sliced almonds
Treehouse California Almonds produces sliced almonds across a full range of thicknesses using state-of-the-art slicing technology. The standard input uses almonds sized 27/30 AOL (almonds per ounce by length), while the Top Quality (TQ) line uses a premium 25/27 AOL input, delivering larger, more uniform slices.
Size, thickness & standard tolerances — sliced almonds
Below are Treehouse’s top sliced almond products with their precise thickness specifications and quality benchmarks:
| Product | Thickness | Input Size | Whole Slice % | Discolor % | Serious Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blanched Extra Thin Sliced | .61 mm | 27/30 AOL | > 70% | < 1% | < 2% |
| Blanched Thin Sliced | .76 mm | 27/30 AOL | > 70% | < 1% | < 2% |
| Blanched Regular Sliced | 1.19 mm | 27/30 AOL | > 70% | < 1% | < 2% |
| Blanched Thick Sliced | 1.65 mm | 27/30 AOL | > 70% | < 1% | < 2% |
| Blanched Extra Thin Sliced TQ | .61 mm | 25/27 AOL | > 80% | < 0.5% | < 1% |
| Blanched Thin Sliced TQ | .76 mm | 25/27 AOL | > 80% | < 0.5% | < 1% |
| Blanched Regular Sliced TQ | 1.19 mm | 25/27 AOL | > 80% | < 0.5% | < 1% |
| Natural Regular Sliced | 1.19 mm | 27/30 AOL | > 70% | < 1% | < 2% |
| Natural Thick Sliced | 1.65 mm | 27/30 AOL | > 70% | < 1% | < 2% |
| Natural Thick Sliced TQ | 1.65 mm | 25/27 AOL | > 80% | < 0.5% | < 1% |
Acceptable variability metrics — sliced almonds
Standard grade: minimum 70% whole slices, less than 1% discoloration, and less than 2% serious damage.
Top Quality (TQ) grade: minimum 80% whole slices, less than 0.5% discoloration, and less than 1% serious damage — providing tighter tolerances for premium applications.
What Are Slivered Almonds?
Definition and Appearance
Slivered almonds are small, stick-shaped pieces, cut lengthwise from blanched almonds. Unlike the flat structure of sliced almonds, slivered almonds have a thicker, uniform rod-like shape.
Colors
Slivered almonds are almost exclusively blanched, as the removal of skin is essential for their uniform appearance.
Manufacturing process
- Preparation: Blanching whole almonds to remove the skin.
- Slivering: Special cutting machines slice the almonds lengthwise into slim sticks.
- Sorting: Pieces are graded for size and consistency.
Technical production specifications — slivered almonds
Slivered almonds are produced using precision slivering machines that cut blanched almonds lengthwise. The width of the sliver — not thickness — is the key specification. Treehouse offers both medium and regular slivered options, as well as a Top Quality (TQ) grade for premium industrial use.
Size, width & standard tolerances — slivered almonds
| Product | Width | Input Size | Whole Slivered % | Broken % | Cross Cut % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blanched Medium Slivered | 3.17 mm | 27/30 AOL | > 80% | < 8% | < 8% |
| Blanched Regular Slivered | 4.763 mm | 27/30 AOL | > 80% | < 8% | < 8% |
| Blanched Regular Slivered TQ | 4.763 mm | 25/27 AOL | > 85% | < 5% | < 5% |
| Natural Medium Slivered | 3.17 mm | 27/30 AOL | > 80% | < 8% | < 8% |
Acceptable variability metrics — slivered almonds
Standard grade: minimum 80% whole slivered pieces, with less than 8% broken and less than 8% cross-cut pieces.
Top Quality (TQ) grade: minimum 85% whole slivered pieces, with less than 5% broken and less than 5% cross-cut — delivering tighter consistency for demanding industrial processes.
Applications
| Applications of Sliced and Slivered Almonds | |
|---|---|
| Sliced Almonds | Slivered Almonds |
 |  |
| Are primarily used as toppings and inclusions where a decorative touch is needed. Their fine, crunchy texture and visual appeal make them a favorite for premium products. | Are ideal for dishes where texture and crunch are more important than visual decoration. Their thicker size ensures they maintain their shape during cooking and baking, making them a robust choice for heat-intensive recipes. |
| Baked goods: breads, cakes, muffins, pastries and cookies. Cereals and snack bars: adding texture and visual appeal. Salads: garnishing green leafy or fruit salads for an elegant presentation. Desserts: topping ice cream, yogurt and puddings. | Savory Dishes: Rice pilafs, stir-fries, and roasted vegetable medleys. Baking: Inside bread, cookies, or cakes where they provide structure and crunch. Confectionery: Adding texture to chocolate bars and brittles. Toppings: Perfect for hearty salads and oatmeal. |
Industrial segments & applications
For large-scale food manufacturers, the distinction between sliced and slivered almonds goes beyond recipes — it directly affects production line performance and product consistency:
- Automated baking lines: Thin sliced almonds (0.61–0.76 mm) are widely used in high-speed croissant and pastry decoration lines, where their light weight and flat profile allow uniform distribution by automated toppers.
- Cereal and granola manufacturing: Regular sliced almonds (1.19 mm) are engineered to withstand the tumbling and coating processes in industrial cereal production without excessive breakage.
- Confectionery and chocolate manufacturing: Slivered almonds (regular width: 4.763 mm) are favored for inclusion in chocolate bars, brittles, and pralines, where their rod-like shape creates a visually distinct, premium texture profile.
- International food production: Slivered almonds have largely replaced pine nuts as the preferred topping for hummus producers worldwide. They are also key in Middle Eastern dishes such as Mansaf and Zereshk Polo, and are popular in Asian snack packs.
- Foodservice and retail packaging: Treehouse supplies both cuts in formats ranging from 25 lb boxes and vacuum-packed units to Super Sacks (1,700–2,200 lbs) and Fiber Bins (1,700–2,200 lbs), accommodating operations of all scales.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Sliced Almonds | Slivered Almonds |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Shape | Thin, flat slices | Slim, stick-like rods |
| Color Options | Natural or blanched | Exclusively blanched |
| Texture | Light and crispy | Crunchy and robust |
| Best Applications | Toppings, decorative use | Structural, texture-focused |
| Manufacturing | Crosswise slicing | Lengthwise slivering |
How to Choose the Right Almond Cut for Your Needs
When deciding between sliced and slivered almonds, consider the following:
- Presentation: Sliced almonds excel as a decorative topping, adding elegance and a professional touch to dishes.
- Texture: If you want a crispier bite and sturdier almond pieces, slivered almonds are the way to go.
- Recipe Requirements: For heat-intensive baking or cooking, slivered almonds maintain their integrity better. For lighter recipes or garnishes, sliced almonds add a subtle crunch.
Sustainability and Quality with Treehouse California Almonds
At Treehouse California Almonds, we specialize in producing premium quality almond products, including sliced and slivered almonds. Our advanced processing technology ensures:
• Precision cutting: Achieving consistent thickness and size for both styles of almonds.
• Sustainability: Partnering with growers who prioritize environmentally friendly practices.
• Customization: Solutions to meet the needs of our B2B customers.
Why buy directly from the producer? Advantages of sourcing from Treehouse California Almonds
For food manufacturers and buyers, sourcing sliced and slivered almonds directly from a grower-partnered processor like Treehouse California Almonds offers significant advantages over purchasing through intermediaries:
- Consistent quality and precision: With over 40 years of experience and state-of-the-art slicing technology, Treehouse is able to deliver the exact slice or sliver thickness specified by the customer year after year — with no variation across batches.
- Full traceability: As California’s most prestigious grower-partnered almond supplier, Treehouse offers complete supply chain visibility — from the orchard to the final packaged ingredient. This is increasingly critical for brands with clean-label, organic, or sustainability commitments.
- Supply reliability: Treehouse’s direct grower partnerships provide a stable, vertically integrated supply that is better insulated against market disruptions, crop shortfalls, or intermediary delays.
- Customization capability: Buyers can collaborate directly with Treehouse’s development team to request custom cut sizes, moisture levels, or certifications (Kosher, Halal, Organic, BRC) that may not be available through distributors.
- Flexible order sizes: From 25 lb retail boxes to Super Sacks and Fiber Bins of 1,700–2,200 lbs, Treehouse serves both small businesses and large industrial clients with the same commitment to quality.
- Shelf life and storage expertise: Blanched and natural sliced/slivered almonds have an 18-month shelf life; roasted vacuum-packed varieties hold for 12 months. Treehouse provides detailed storage guidance (35–45°F / 2–7°C, relative humidity 55–65%) to ensure optimal quality upon delivery.
Need Premium Sliced or Slivered Almonds?
Contact our team at Treehouse California Almonds to explore how our products can elevate your recipes and meet your business needs: sales@treehousealmonds.com
Sources
https://www.treehousealmonds.com/product/blanched-sliced-almonds/
https://www.treehousealmonds.com/product/natural-sliced-almonds/
https://www.treehousealmonds.com/wholesale-products/sliced-almonds/
https://www.almonds.org/why-almonds/almonds-in-many-forms/slices-flakes