Almonds are not a nut-free snack: the NVWA classifies almonds as a tree nut allergen. If a guest can eat almonds, choose according to their specific dietary needs and check the product’s own free-from claims, ingredients and warnings; unsalted or vegan does not automatically mean allergen-free. A lactose-free claim also does not, by itself, mean a product is suitable for someone with a milk protein allergy.
You want to check whether almonds themselves are suitable and which warnings about peanuts or other nuts are relevant before putting together a snack platter. The NVWA lists almonds as a tree nut allergen; Stichting Voedselallergie explains that peanuts are a separate allergen.
You’re looking for a product-specific gluten-free option and don’t want to mistake a warning about wheat on a seasoned variety for confirmation that it is gluten-free. Albert Heijn labels the AH variety reviewed as gluten-free; according to the product information, the Duyvis variety reviewed may contain wheat.
You want to distinguish between lactose intolerance and a milk protein allergy. Voedingscentrum explains that these are different conditions, so a lactose-free claim alone does not answer whether a product is suitable for someone with a milk protein allergy.
The NVWA classifies almonds as a tree nut allergen. First check whether almonds themselves are suitable, then look at the other ingredients, dietary claims and warnings on the exact pack.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should bear this in mind? |
|---|---|---|
| Almonds, peanuts and other nuts | Check whether almonds themselves are suitable, and read the warnings for each allergen listed separately. | If I’m not sure whether a guest needs to avoid almonds, peanuts or another nut, I check each allergen individually. Around 29% of consumers prioritise allergens related to almonds, peanuts or other nuts. |
| Gluten-free | Look for the claim on the exact variety and check for warnings about cereals containing gluten, such as wheat. | If I want to serve gluten-free snacks, I check the packaging rather than relying on the type of product or its flavour. Around 29% of consumers prioritise avoiding gluten. |
| Milk or lactose | Distinguish between lactose, milk protein and milk; check the ingredients and relevant allergen information for the specific dietary need. | If I’m avoiding milk or lactose, I first check which of these is relevant. Around 24% of consumers prioritise avoiding milk or lactose. |
| Flavour, salt and packaging | Compare how the almonds are prepared, the salt content per 100 g, the pack size and whether the pack can be resealed. | If the snack suits the dietary needs, I choose based on flavour and convenience, and follow the storage instructions after opening. Around 18% of consumers focus mainly on flavour, salt or convenience. |
A gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan claim does not change the fact that almonds themselves are a tree nut allergen.
Check which ingredient the guest needs to avoid, and don’t serve almonds if they need to avoid almonds or nuts.
A product that lists almonds as its only ingredient may still carry a warning about the possible presence of peanuts or other nuts.
Read both the ingredients list and the allergen warnings on the packaging of the exact variety.
The preparation method alone says nothing about the salt content or whether the product is suitable for a gluten-free diet. The Duyvis variety reviewed carries a warning about the possible presence of wheat.
Assess preparation, salt and allergen information as separate product features.
The oven-roasted variety reviewed is a seasoned almond snack for entertaining.
According to Albert Heijn, the AH Unsalted Almonds variety reviewed is roasted and has specific dietary claims.
The unsalted variety reviewed is an almond product made with sunflower oil.
Lidl has a Dutch product page for unsalted almonds.
The TRADER JOE'S variety reviewed consists of unroasted almonds.
The PLUS variety reviewed consists of unroasted, unsalted almonds in a 200 g pack.
These Joybuy products are almonds for snacking or entertaining. Check the ingredients and warnings on the exact variety against your guests’ dietary needs; all the products listed contain almonds.
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The product description says these almonds are ready to eat as a snack.
According to the description, almond kernels are the only ingredient and make up 100% of the product.
Contains almonds and is not suitable for guests who need to avoid them.
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The product name indicates raw, unsalted almonds; the description lists almonds as an ingredient.
Check the packaging of the exact variety for allergen information relevant to your guests.
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The product name describes roasted, salted almonds for snacking.
The product description states that it contains 1.0 g of salt per 100 g.
The product description warns of a choking hazard for young children and says the product is not suitable for infants.
Contains almonds and is not suitable for guests who need to avoid them.
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The product description suggests enjoying them as a snack or using them in baking, cooking and salads.
According to the description, the product consists of 100% almonds.
Contains almonds and is not suitable for guests who need to avoid them.
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The product name describes roasted, salted almonds; the description mentions a resealable pack.
The product description lists 97% almonds, sunflower oil and 0.7% salt.
The description warns of the possible presence of peanuts and other nuts.
Not on the basis of that claim alone. Lactose intolerance relates to milk sugar, while a cow’s milk allergy is a reaction to milk proteins. If someone has a cow’s milk allergy, check the ingredients and relevant warnings separately.
Legally required allergens must be clearly identifiable in the ingredients list; the NVWA gives almonds as an example of a nut that must be clearly named. Gluten-free claims must also meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 828/2014.
This type of warning indicates a possible risk of the named allergen being present unintentionally. According to the NVWA, rules for risk-based warnings on prepacked products have applied since 1 January 2026. The absence of a warning is not a general declaration that a product is free from all allergens.
Yes. When unpackaged food is offered professionally, information about any legally required allergens present must be available, with the specific nut named. The NVWA permits verbal information under certain conditions: it must be available before purchase, accessible to staff and inspectors in writing or electronically, and accompanied by a clearly visible sign at the point of sale. This is not a general requirement for a private get-together at home.
Ingredients and dietary or allergy information can change. Albert Heijn advises customers to read the packaging before eating the product, so base your choice on the exact variety you have bought.
