Almonds are themselves a tree nut allergen, so they are not a universally allergy-free snack. Avoid them if you have an almond allergy. If you can eat almonds, check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging of the exact variant for the substance you want to avoid. Unsalted, unroasted and roasted describe different product characteristics and do not, in themselves, indicate whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy.
You can eat almonds but want to avoid a particular substance. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant; the general term ‘free from’ does not automatically tell you what is absent. The NVWA explains how allergens are listed on labels.
You’re looking for almonds to enjoy during a TV night and mainly want an unsalted variety. Consider how they’re prepared separately: unroasted or oven-roasted does not tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses unsalted nuts as a dietary choice.
You’re choosing snacks for someone with a food allergy and don’t want to assume that almonds are universally allergy-free. The NVWA lists almonds among tree nut allergens, while the Dutch Food Allergy Foundation explains that peanuts belong to a different category from tree nuts.
Start with the substance you want to avoid, then check any warnings on the packaging. If you can eat almonds, you can then make a separate choice based on salt and preparation.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| The specific substance to avoid | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant, and check whether the substance you want to avoid is listed. | If I want to avoid a specific ingredient or allergen, I look for its name on the packaging. Consumers who prioritise this exclusion make up around 40% of shoppers choosing a TV snack. |
| Precautionary warnings | Check the packaging for warnings about the possible unintended presence of relevant allergens. | If a food allergy is a concern, I also want to know which warning appears on the packaging of this particular variant. Consumers who prioritise cross-contamination concerns make up around 30% of shoppers making this choice. |
| Unsalted | Choose a variety labelled unsalted; don’t infer that it is suitable for someone with an allergy from this description. | If I can eat almonds and don’t want added salt, I look for an unsalted variety. Consumers who make unsalted their top purchasing priority make up around 20% of shoppers making this choice. |
| Preparation and packaging | Compare the descriptions ‘unroasted’ and ‘roasted’, and follow the storage advice on the packaging. | If the dietary and allergy requirements are met, I look at how the almonds are prepared and how to store the pack. Consumers who prioritise preparation and storage make up around 10% of shoppers making this choice. |
Almonds are themselves a tree nut allergen. So a product claim about a different substance does not mean that almonds are suitable for someone with an almond allergy.
First, establish which substance needs to be avoided. Then check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging of the exact variant.
Lactose is milk sugar, while milk protein is a different substance. HagaZiekenhuis explains that a lactose-free product may still contain milk protein.
If you have a cow’s milk allergy, check the information about milk protein and allergens rather than relying on the lactose-free label alone.
These terms describe salt or preparation, not the absence of allergens. Jumbo also states that the salt content of its unsalted almonds comes from naturally occurring sodium.
Consider nutritional characteristics, preparation method and allergen information separately.
Duyvis describes separate unsalted almonds and its Almonds Original variety as oven-roasted.
AH Unsalted Almonds is a supermarket own-brand option for anyone looking for unsalted almonds.
Jumbo has a product page for Unsalted Almonds 140 g.
Lidl lists Unsalted Almonds as a product variety.
ALDI sells Trader Joe’s Unroasted Almonds; Trader Joe’s is the product brand name.
PLUS Unsalted Almonds is an own-brand variety in a 150 g stand-up pouch.
These Joybuy products are almonds for shoppers who can eat almonds. The varieties differ in salt content, preparation and packaging, among other things.
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An option if you can eat almonds and are looking for a ready-to-eat snack.
The product description states that it contains 100% almond kernels. Contains almonds and is not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
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An option if you can eat almonds and are looking for a raw, unsalted variety.
The product name describes raw, unsalted almonds. Contains almonds and is not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
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An option if you can eat almonds and are looking for a ready-to-eat snack.
The product description states that it contains 100% almonds and no added salt. After opening, the description advises sealing the packaging. Contains almonds and is not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
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An option if you can eat almonds and are looking for a roasted, salted variety.
The product name describes roasted, salted almonds. Contains almonds and is not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
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An option if you can eat almonds and are looking for a roasted, salted snack.
The product name describes roasted, salted almonds. The ingredients list includes almonds, sunflower oil and salt; the packaging is resealable. May contain traces of peanuts and other nuts. Not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
No. The NVWA lists almonds as a tree nut allergen. So a product that excludes a different specific substance is not universally allergy-free.
No. Lactose is milk sugar, while milk protein is a different substance. HagaZiekenhuis explains that a lactose-free product may still contain milk protein, so check the information relevant to the specific substance you need to avoid.
The NVWA describes the mandatory declaration of fourteen allergens. Allergen names must be clearly distinguishable in the ingredients list. The information you’ll find also depends on the product packaging and how the product is presented.
Yes. According to the NVWA, the rules on how and when businesses must warn about the unintended presence of allergens have applied since 1 January 2026. That date has passed; before making your choice, still check the warning on the packaging of the exact variant.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging. For Jumbo Unsalted Almonds 140 g, Jumbo recommends storing them in a cool, dry, dark place. ALDI describes its unroasted almonds as coming in resealable packaging; that alone does not tell you how long they’ll keep after opening.
