Pasteurization of this type of product can be done by various methods, including roasting, blanching, steaming, or treatment with propylene oxide, a toxic compound that some claim is unsafe and should not be used in food products. Regardless of the method, because pasteurization is the law, it is incredibly difficult to obtain truly raw almonds in the US.
Though some are available through private sale from small batch vendors who are exempt from the pasteurization requirement, any US-grown almonds found in regular grocery stores marked “raw” have, in fact, been pasteurized.
Studies have not been conducted to compare the nutrient content of pasteurized almonds to that of truly raw almonds. However, no one seems to have made the argument that pasteurized almonds are entirely devoid of health benefits. All in all, if you choose to eat almonds, you’re making a healthy choice.