Choose almonds based on the ingredient you need to avoid, rather than relying on a general ‘free from’ label. For example, Albert Heijn lists its Unroasted Almonds 450 g as gluten-free and lactose-free, but the product contains almonds and may contain peanuts and other nuts. If you have an almond allergy or follow a strict nut-free diet, almonds are not suitable. Otherwise, check the label on the exact product first, then consider flavour, packaging and storage.
If you need to avoid gluten and can eat almonds, check the claim and any cross-contamination warnings on the exact product. The Dutch Coeliac Society and the European Commission provide background on cross-contamination warnings and the requirements for gluten-free claims.
If you avoid lactose, check the claim on the specific pack. Lactose-free does not mean suitable for someone with a cow’s milk allergy; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains the difference between lactose intolerance and a reaction to milk proteins.
Once you’ve established whether a product suits your diet, the seal, pack size and storage instructions can help determine how practical it is to take with you. For example, Albert Heijn and ALDI provide storage information and list resealable packaging for specific products.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens | The type of nut listed, the ingredients and any warnings on the packaging. | If I have an almond allergy or need to avoid peanuts and other nuts, I check the exact label and, if necessary, choose something other than almonds. Around 36% of consumers put allergen avoidance first. |
| Gluten | An explicit gluten-free claim and any warnings about cereals containing gluten. | If I need to avoid gluten, I want to be able to check the claim and cross-contamination information for the specific product. Around 29% of consumers give avoiding gluten top priority. |
| Lactose or milk protein | Which ingredient you need to avoid, and which claims or ingredients appear on the label. | If I avoid lactose, I bear in mind that lactose-free does not mean free from milk proteins. Around 21% of consumers put avoiding lactose first. |
| Packaging and storage | The net weight, whether the pack is resealable and the storage instructions for the exact product. | Once I know a snack suits my diet, I want to be able to reseal and store it easily when I’m out and about. Around 14% of consumers give convenience when travelling top priority. |
A product may carry a gluten-free or lactose-free claim and still contain almonds, with the possibility of peanuts or other nuts also being present.
First work out which ingredient you need to avoid, then check the label on the exact product against that requirement.
Jumbo Unsalted Almonds contains sunflower oil. The information for Duyvis Oven Roasted Almonds lists a seasoning mix and the possibility of wheat, peanuts and other nuts being present.
Check the preparation method, ingredients and allergens separately; the product name is no substitute for allergen information.
The ingredients and allergen information on the packaging apply to the specific product you have in your hands.
Check the label again, especially if your choice depends on particular ingredients or warnings.
AH Unroasted Almonds 450 g is a specific product to consider if you’re looking for explicit gluten-free and lactose-free claims.
PLUS Unroasted and Unsalted Almonds 200 g could suit anyone who wants to take the ingredients list into account.
Jumbo Unsalted Almonds 140 g is a product to consider if you’re looking for unsalted almonds.
TRADER JOE’S Unroasted Almonds 200 g at ALDI has a handy packaging feature for when you’re out and about.
Lidl has product pages for unroasted almonds and Alesto Spanish almonds in several varieties.
Duyvis Oven Roasted Almonds 125 g is a savoury, seasoned option.
Below are almond products available at Joybuy. Compare the listed ingredients and packaging with your dietary needs, and always check the allergen information for the exact product.
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An option if you’re looking for ready-to-eat almond kernels.
The product information lists 100% almond kernels and a pack size of 160 g.
Reseal the pack securely after opening. Contains almonds and is not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
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An option if you’re looking for unroasted, unsalted almonds.
The product title says Raw & Unsalted and 200 g; the product information lists almonds as an ingredient.
Reseal the pack securely after opening. Contains almonds and is not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
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An option if you’re looking for natural almonds that are ready to eat.
The product information lists 100% almonds and a pack size of 500 g.
Contains almonds and is not suitable for anyone with an almond allergy.
Not if you have an almond allergy or need to avoid all nuts: almonds are themselves a tree nut allergen. If you’re allergic to another type of nut, your avoidance diet and the warnings on the exact pack will help determine whether it’s suitable. Gluten-free or lactose-free does not mean nut-free.
No. Lactose intolerance relates to milk sugar, while a cow’s milk allergy is a reaction to milk proteins. Choose based on the ingredient you need to avoid and check the product information accordingly.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked foods. European requirements for claims such as ‘gluten-free’ and ‘very low gluten’ are set out in Regulation (EU) 828/2014. From 1 January 2026, new rules apply in the Netherlands on how and when to warn about allergen cross-contamination.
No. The warning indicates a possible risk, not that the allergen is present in every pack. If you need to avoid gluten, the warning is still relevant when deciding what to buy; don’t ignore it just because the ingredients list looks simple.
Follow the instructions for the exact product. For its Unroasted Almonds, Albert Heijn advises storing the product in a cool, dark, dry place and sealing the bag securely after use; PLUS advises storing its product in a dry, dark place. A resealable bag can be handy, but it doesn’t replace the storage instructions.
