Almonds aren’t an allergen-free snack: don’t pack them if your child needs to avoid almonds or if the school doesn’t allow nuts. Albert Heijn lists AH Amandelen ongezouten 190 g as gluten-free and lactose-free, but that information applies to this particular variety. It doesn’t make the product suitable for someone with an almond allergy or automatically suitable for someone with a milk allergy.
If your child can eat almonds and the school allows them, check the information for the exact variety. Albert Heijn lists AH Amandelen ongezouten 190 g as gluten-free and lactose-free; this doesn’t automatically tell you anything about other products or varieties.
First, check whether almonds are allowed for your child and under the school’s or childcare provider’s rules. A gluten-free or lactose-free almond product still contains almonds, which Stichting Voedselallergie classifies as a tree nut allergen.
If your child can eat almonds, you can compare the ingredients, preparation method and packaging. The Voedingscentrum lists unsalted nuts as a possible snack for children aged 4 to 12; also consider the eating situation and supervision.
Start by checking whether almonds are allowed for your child and under the school’s or childcare provider’s policy. Then look at the specific gluten or lactose information, the ingredients and the eating situation.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Allergies and school policy | Check whether almonds need to be avoided and read the allergen information on the exact packaging. Stichting Voedselallergie classifies almonds as a tree nut allergen. | If an allergy, medical advice or school policy might rule almonds out, I want to know before comparing flavour or ingredients. Around 36% of consumers make allergies and suitability their top priority. |
| Avoiding gluten or lactose | Look for information on the exact variety and also check its ingredients and allergen information. A lactose-free claim on its own does not confirm that a product is suitable for someone with a milk allergy. | If my child can eat almonds, I want a clear statement about the substance we need to avoid. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this specific dietary information. |
| Ingredients and preparation | Compare the ingredients, added salt and oil separately; unsalted doesn’t necessarily mean oil-free. Jumbo lists sunflower oil in the ingredients of its unsalted almonds. | If I’m mainly looking for a simple, unsalted snack to use regularly, I want to know what else it contains besides almonds. Around 21% of consumers put ingredients first. |
| Eating situation and storage | Consider whether whole nuts are suitable for your child’s age and the time they’ll be eating them. Amsterdam UMC advises eating whole nuts calmly at the table and under supervision; also follow the storage instructions on the packaging. | If the snack is going to school, I want it to suit the break and to know how to store the packet. Around 14% of consumers make the eating situation and packaging convenience their top priority. |
A gluten-free or lactose-free claim doesn’t change the fact that the product contains almonds. The AH variety checked also warns that it may contain peanuts and other nuts.
Start with the allergen or substance that needs to be avoided. Then check the dietary claim and the rest of the allergen information for the exact variety.
PLUS lists almonds as the only ingredient, but also says that the product may contain peanuts and other nuts.
Check the ingredients list and any warnings about possible presence separately.
Duyvis describes its almonds as oven-roasted without added oil or fat, but salt is included in the ingredients. Jumbo lists sunflower oil in its unsalted almonds.
Check salt and added oil separately; don’t assume either from the preparation description alone.
Even older children can choke on whole nuts, warns Amsterdam UMC. Choosing a suitable variety doesn’t remove this risk.
Consider the eating situation and available supervision before packing whole almonds.
The AH Amandelen ongezouten 190 g variety reviewed is roasted. Albert Heijn lists it as gluten-free and lactose-free.
According to the retailer, PLUS Amandelen ongebrand en ongezouten 200 g contains almonds as its only ingredient.
Jumbo Ongezouten Amandelen 140 g is a variety to consider if you’re looking for unsalted almonds.
Duyvis Almonds Original is a savoury, oven-roasted almond variety in a 125 g pack.
Lidl Nederland lists Amandelen ongebrand as a product variety.
ALDI describes Trader Joe's Ongebrande amandelen as untreated and lists a resealable 200 g pack.
This selection includes natural or unsalted almonds, as well as roasted, salted varieties. Check the allergen information on each pack and make sure the preparation suits your preferences.
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An option if you’re looking for ready-to-eat almond kernels; the product description lists 100% almond kernels.
Pack size: 160 g. Contains almonds; not suitable if almonds need to be avoided. The eating situation and supervision are important when serving whole nuts.
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Suitable if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds; the product information lists almonds as an ingredient.
Pack size: 200 g. The description advises storing in a tightly sealed pack. Contains almonds; check the packaging for allergen information.
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A natural almond variety for anyone looking for a snack that, according to the product description, is ready to eat.
The description lists 100% almonds and advises storing in a cool, dry place. Contains almonds; consider the eating situation when serving whole nuts.
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A roasted, salted variety if that’s the preparation and flavour you’re looking for.
Pack size: 500 g. The product description mentions snacking and storing in a tightly sealed pack. Contains almonds and is salted; check the allergen information on the packaging.
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A roasted, salted option if you fancy a savoury almond snack.
Pack size: 150 g. The product information lists 97% almonds, sunflower oil and salt, and warns that the product may contain peanuts and other nuts. Contains almonds and is salted.
No, not on the basis of that claim alone. Lactose is milk sugar; with a cow’s milk allergy, the immune system reacts to milk proteins. So check the allergen information relevant to your child, even if a product is described as lactose-free.
They warn that an allergen may be present unintentionally, but they don’t make a product containing almonds nut-free. The NVWA says that rules for these warnings apply from 1 January 2026, including a requirement for them to be based on a risk assessment. The specified wording is ‘May contain X’ and ‘Not suitable for people with an X allergy’.
No. Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 sets requirements for the claims “gluten-free” and “very low gluten”. The European Commission says these rules have applied since 20 July 2016; Regulation (EC) No 41/2009 was repealed on that date.
No, the eating situation and supervision are still important. Amsterdam UMC advises giving children under 4 nut butter instead of whole nuts and warns that older children can choke too. For whole nuts, the hospital recommends eating calmly at the table and staying with the child.
If you have a dietary requirement, don’t simply rely on whichever of the two claims seems more favourable. Albert Heijn and PLUS advise checking the packaging before eating the product and contacting their customer service teams if you have any questions.
