If you have coeliac disease, first choose a specific product with substantiated gluten-free status, then compare the energy content of the amount you actually eat. Almonds are not low in energy, so portion size matters more than a small difference between the labels we reviewed. Both AH products reviewed state that they are gluten-free; always check the current packaging and warnings for other products too.
You want to choose a product whose gluten-free status is substantiated for that exact product. Don’t ignore a wheat or gluten warning because of an appealing flavour or nutrition claim. The Dutch Coeliac Society explains why cross-contamination matters.
You want to keep eating almonds while checking the energy content of your weighed portion, rather than assuming that ‘unroasted’ or ‘unsalted’ means low in calories. Albert Heijn’s product information shows why it’s useful to compare the same quantity.
You’re looking for a roasted product and want to weigh up flavour and preparation against ingredients and gluten warnings. Both an unsalted roasted product and a savoury seasoned one need to be checked against their own product information.
First check the gluten-free information for the specific product, then compare like-for-like portions, and finally consider flavour, ingredients and storage.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free status | Check the statement on the exact packaging, the ingredients and any warnings about the possible presence of gluten-containing cereals. | If I’m buying almonds for a gluten-free diet, I want to be able to assess the product information without ignoring a warning. Around 34% of consumers prioritise substantiated gluten-free status. |
| Energy per portion | Compare kcal per 100 g and calculate the value for the same weighed quantity. | If I want to manage my snack portion, I look at what I actually weigh out, not just how the product is prepared. Around 33% of consumers give the energy content of a portion top priority. |
| Flavour and preparation | Read the product’s ingredients and gluten information; don’t infer its calorie content or gluten-free status from terms such as ‘unroasted’ or ‘roasted’. | If I’m mainly looking for a particular flavour or preparation, I also want to know which ingredients and warnings apply to that product. Around 20% of consumers start with flavour and preparation method. |
| Weighing and storage | Check the pack weight, stated portion and storage instructions; seal the packaging properly after use. | If I want to use a pack over several snack occasions, I consider portioning and storage. Around 13% of consumers prioritise practical use. |
A preparation claim says nothing about the possible presence of gluten in the product. Duyvis warns that Almonds Original may contain wheat and gluten.
Let the gluten information for the exact product guide your choice, and don’t treat a claim about oil or fat as a substitute for it.
The AH labels we reviewed differ only slightly in calculated energy per 25 g portion. Both state much higher energy per 100 g than the European threshold for a ‘low energy’ claim.
Compare the same quantity and weigh your portion; don’t treat a small difference on the label as a reason to consider a product low in calories.
A PLUS list from September 2023 does not confirm the current product information for a specific pack.
Check the current information for the exact product and follow the packaging on the one you buy.
Two products we reviewed list almonds as an ingredient and state that they are gluten-free on the official product page.
The unsalted product we reviewed is roasted and contains sunflower oil as well as almonds.
The unroasted, unsalted product is worth considering if you want to compare a simple ingredient list and the energy stated on the label.
Almonds Original is a savoury, seasoned roasted product.
Lidl lists Alesto Spanish almonds in several varieties and also has a product listing for unsalted almonds.
Aldi describes unroasted Trader Joe’s almonds in a resealable pack.
These products are useful for comparing the ingredients and energy per portion of different almond varieties. Their suitability for coeliac disease has not been established here: before eating them, check the current packaging and warnings for the exact product.
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The stated energy per 100 g can help you calculate the energy in a weighed portion; if you have coeliac disease, check the current gluten information on the packaging.
The product information states 100% almonds and 622 kcal per 100 g.
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This product can help you compare energy per portion; the product information does not establish its suitability for coeliac disease, so check the packaging.
The product information lists almonds as an ingredient and states 591 kcal per 100 g.
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The stated energy can be calculated for a weighed portion; check the gluten information and warnings on the exact packaging.
The product information lists almonds and salt as ingredients and states 620 kcal per 100 g.
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This product can be used to compare energy for a weighed quantity; its gluten-free status for coeliac disease must be confirmed by the information on the exact packaging.
The product information states 100% almonds and 578 kcal per 100 g.
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Use the energy per 100 g to compare a weighed portion; if you have coeliac disease, also check the gluten information on the packaging.
The product information lists 97% almonds, sunflower oil and salt as ingredients, and states 667 kcal per 100 g.
Not according to the European threshold for a ‘low energy’ claim on solid foods. The European Commission sets the limit at 40 kcal per 100 g; the AH products we reviewed state 613 and 627 kcal per 100 g. You can still limit the energy in your snack by weighing out a smaller amount of the same product.
No, the statement does not automatically mean zero gluten. Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 sets harmonised requirements for information about the absence or presence of gluten; AOECS describes a limit of no more than 20 ppm for the ‘gluten-free’ label. Also check the product information and warnings for the exact product.
This type of warning indicates possible cross-contamination; it does not necessarily mean that wheat has been deliberately added as an ingredient. Take the warning seriously and don’t assume a product is suitable based on the ingredients list alone.
Make sure the almonds don’t come into contact with gluten-containing products or crumbs when you portion or serve them. Even a product you bought as gluten-free can come into contact with gluten at home through cross-contamination.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The AH products we reviewed advise storing them in a cool, dark, dry place and closing the pack securely after use. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a sealed container in a dry place because they are susceptible to mould.
Not simply because it is sold as a diet product. The European Commission distinguishes between foods that are naturally gluten-free and products specially formulated for people who avoid gluten. Assess the information for the exact product, rather than relying only on where it is placed on the shelf or its product name.
Follow the current packaging and, if anything is unclear, contact the seller before eating the product. Ingredients, nutrition values and allergen information can change; Albert Heijn and PLUS both point this out themselves.
