The right choice depends on what you need to avoid: the AH option is labelled gluten-free and lactose-free, but contains almonds and warns that it may contain peanuts and other nuts. If you have an almond allergy or need a completely nut-free snack, almonds are not suitable; for any other dietary requirements, always check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product.
You’ll want to find out first whether almonds, and any warnings about other nuts or peanuts, are compatible with your diet. So check the exact packaging before choosing a brand or flavour. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the Food Allergy Foundation provide general information about allergens, but this is no substitute for checking the product label.
You can eat almonds but are looking for an option with a specific, clearly stated dietary attribute. A label on one product does not automatically apply to other varieties. For example, Albert Heijn lists these attributes for AH Unsalted Almonds 190 g.
You want to choose between unroasted almonds, almonds with added oil and savoury seasoned varieties. The ingredients and preparation method can help you compare them. Product information from Jumbo, PLUS and Duyvis, among others, describes different options.
First check that almonds and any relevant warnings are compatible with your diet. Then consider gluten, lactose and how you want the almonds prepared.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens | Check whether almonds are listed in the ingredients, and read any warnings about possible traces of peanuts or other nuts. | If you need to avoid almonds, this snack category is not for you; warnings may also be a deciding factor if you have an allergy to other nuts or peanuts. Around 36% of consumers put allergen safety first when making a purchase. |
| Gluten | Look for the gluten-free label on the exact product and also read any warnings about cereals containing gluten. | If you avoid gluten, look for a specific product label rather than making assumptions based on the type of product. Around 29% of consumers prioritise avoiding gluten. |
| Milk or lactose | Distinguish between lactose and milk protein, and check the ingredients and allergen information relevant to your needs. | If you avoid milk or lactose, you’ll need to know which of the two you mean; a lactose-free label alone does not mean a product is suitable for someone with a milk allergy. Around 21% of consumers say this is their main consideration. |
| Preparation and packaging | Check whether the almonds are unroasted, roasted or roasted in oil, and whether herbs, salt or resealable packaging are mentioned. | Once you’ve checked that the product meets your dietary requirements, flavour, preparation and storage may determine your choice. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these product features. |
A product may be labelled gluten-free or lactose-free and still contain almonds or carry warnings about peanuts and other nuts.
Start by identifying what you need to avoid, then check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product.
The Duyvis Oven roasted variety checked is labelled vegan, but it also lists almonds and carries warnings about wheat, peanuts and various nuts.
Don’t treat a vegan label as a substitute for checking the ingredients list and allergen warnings.
Duyvis describes its oven-roasting method as using no added oil or fat, but the product information does list salt.
Check the preparation method and salt content separately if both matter to your choice.
The details below apply to the specific products or varieties mentioned; they do not describe every product in a brand’s range.
AH Unsalted Almonds 190 g is a roasted almond product explicitly labelled gluten-free and lactose-free.
Almonds Original and Oven roasted are savoury almond snacks; the product information mentioned is for the 125 g variety.
Jumbo Unsalted Almonds 140 g is a roasted variety made with sunflower oil.
The own-brand products described are 150 g roasted unsalted almonds and 200 g unroasted unsalted almonds.
ALDI lists TRADER JOE'S unroasted almonds in a 200 g pack.
Lidl sells almonds under the Alesto brand; the Spanish almonds mentioned are available in several 200 g varieties.
This Joybuy selection includes plain or unroasted almonds and roasted varieties, including salted options. Check the ingredients and allergen information for each product; as they contain almonds, they are not suitable if you need to avoid them.
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A good choice for a simple almond snack: the product information lists 100% almonds and says they are ready to eat.
Ingredient: 100% almonds. Not suitable if you need to avoid almonds.
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A good choice if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds; both features appear in the product title, and the ingredients list includes almonds.
There is conflicting information in the product details: the ingredients list includes almonds, while the allergen statement says the product contains none of the 14 main EU allergens. Don’t rely on this contradictory statement when choosing a product for your diet; check the packaging and contact the seller if you’re unsure.
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A good choice if you’re looking for a roasted, salted almond snack; the product information says it can be eaten as a snack.
Contains almonds. The product information warns about nut allergies and the risk of choking for young children; it is not described as suitable for babies.
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A good choice if you’re looking for a simple almond snack; the product information lists 100% almonds and says they can be eaten as a snack.
Ingredient: 100% almonds. Not suitable if you need to avoid almonds.
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A good choice if you’re looking for roasted, salted almonds; the product information also mentions resealable packaging.
According to the product information, this variety contains 97% almonds, as well as sunflower oil and salt. Possible traces of peanuts and other nuts are also mentioned.
No. Almonds are themselves an allergen, so allergen information is important. A gluten-free or lactose-free label doesn’t change the fact that the product contains almonds; also read any warnings about possible traces of other nuts or peanuts.
No. A milk allergy is a reaction to milk protein, whereas lactose is milk sugar. If you have a milk allergy, check the ingredients and relevant allergen information; a lactose-free label alone does not answer that question.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging. The product information checked recommends storing it in a cool, dry place and putting an opened pack in an airtight, light-proof container.
Not necessarily: the product information for the varieties checked warns that they can pose a choking risk to young children. Check the warning on the specific packaging and don’t choose whole almonds as a snack for children without taking these risks into account.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label. Check this information for the exact variety; product-specific allergen information is also important when you eat out.
