Only choose almonds for guests who can eat them, then check the information for the specific ingredient each guest needs to avoid. A gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan label does not mean a product is free from almond allergens. When serving, keep suitable snacks separate from the other nibbles.
You want to know which guests can eat almonds and which other allergens they need to avoid before putting together a snack platter. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the allergen information provided on pre-packed products.
You’re looking for a snack for someone who avoids gluten and are checking the information for the specific product variant. The Dutch Coeliac Society advises reading labels and explains how gluten can be transferred through contact.
You’re buying for guests with lactose intolerance, a milk allergy or a vegan preference, and you’re keeping these different needs separate. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy.
Start with the specific ingredient a guest needs to avoid. Then check the product information and consider how you’ll serve the snack at the party.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding the right allergen | Ask which allergen the guest needs to avoid, then check the ingredients and warnings for the exact variant. Almonds are tree nuts, so they’re not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid almonds. | If a guest needs to avoid a specific allergen, I want to rule out that ingredient rather than relying on a general ‘free from’ label. Around 31% of consumers put avoiding the right allergen first. |
| Gluten-free at product level | Check the gluten-free claim and the full information on the packaging. The Dutch Coeliac Society advises reading labels. | For someone who avoids gluten, I want to check the information for the variant I’ve chosen rather than relying on the basic ingredient alone. Around 25% of consumers give avoiding gluten top priority. |
| Distinguishing between lactose, milk and vegan | Work out which requirement applies, then check the ingredients and relevant claims separately. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre distinguishes between lactose intolerance and milk allergy. | If I’m catering for someone avoiding dairy or with a vegan preference, I want to know which of those requirements applies to the guest. Around 19% of consumers put this check at the top of their list. |
| Serving separately | Use separate plates and clean serving utensils, and keep bread and snacks containing gluten well away. The Dutch Coeliac Society explains that gluten can be transferred via hands and crumbs, among other things. | At a shared party table, I want to prevent a suitable snack from coming into contact with other nibbles. Around 13% of consumers make serving food separately their main consideration. |
| A simple recipe | Compare the ingredients for the exact variant: the AH and PLUS almonds checked list almonds as the only ingredient, while the Jumbo and Duyvis variants checked also list sunflower oil. | If I’m looking for a simple, unsalted snack, I want to check the ingredients rather than relying on the brand name alone. Around 12% of consumers give this preference priority. |
A gluten or lactose claim doesn’t change the fact that almonds themselves are an allergen. So a product that seems suitable for one dietary need may not be suitable for a guest who needs to avoid almonds.
Ask which ingredients the guest needs to avoid and check the information for the specific variant before serving almonds.
Unsalted almonds may also contain sunflower oil, as is the case with the Jumbo and Duyvis variants checked.
Read the ingredients list if you’re looking for a simple recipe, and check the relevant allergen warnings too.
Crumbs or hands that have touched other snacks can transfer gluten. The Dutch Coeliac Society describes this as a possible route for cross-contamination.
Set up a separate serving area with clean plates and serving utensils, and keep snacks containing gluten well away.
Separate plates and serving utensils take extra preparation.
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the AH Unsalted Almonds 190 g checked are roasted and have product-specific vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free claims.
PLUS Unroasted and Unsalted Almonds 200 g are an option if you’re looking for an unroasted variety with a simple recipe.
According to Jumbo, the Jumbo Unsalted Almonds 140 g checked contain 99% almonds and sunflower oil.
The Duyvis Unsalted Almonds 125 g and Duyvis Almonds Original 125 g checked are different variants.
Lidl lists Alesto Spanish almonds in 200 g packs, with several variants available.
ALDI product information describes Trader Joe’s almonds, 200 g, as roasted and salted or smoke-flavoured.
These Joybuy products are almond snacks for guests who can eat almonds. Check the information for each guest’s specific dietary requirements.
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A snack option for guests who can eat almonds; not suitable for anyone who needs to avoid them.
The product information lists 100% almond kernels and says they’re ready to eat as a snack.
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An unsalted snack option for guests who can eat almonds; check separately whether the variant suits their other dietary needs.
The title describes raw, unsalted almonds; the product information lists almonds as the only ingredient.
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An almond snack for guests who can eat almonds, provided the rest of the product information suits their dietary needs.
The product information lists almonds as the only ingredient and describes the product as ready to eat.
Not on the basis of that claim alone. Lactose intolerance concerns milk sugar, while a milk allergy involves milk proteins. If someone has a milk allergy, check the ingredients and relevant milk warnings separately. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre makes the same distinction.
No. Don’t rely on roasting to make almonds suitable for someone who needs to avoid them. The Food Allergy Foundation states that nut allergens remain stable when heated.
Serve them on separate, clean plates with clean serving utensils, and prevent contact with bread crumbs or hands that have touched snacks containing gluten. The Dutch Coeliac Society describes these kinds of contact as possible routes for cross-contamination; these steps cannot guarantee zero risk.
Compare the warning on the packaging with the relevant guest’s advice on what to avoid, and choose another snack if you’re unsure. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, new rules for precautionary allergen warnings on pre-packed foods have applied since 1 January 2026. Their use must be based on a risk assessment.
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, businesses must tell consumers about relevant legally defined allergens before purchase. For unpackaged products, this information can be given in writing or verbally, provided it’s clear that it can be requested. This is a business’s legal duty, not a separate legal obligation for a private host.
