Almonds are not an allergen-free snack: almond is itself a tree nut allergen, as the Dutch Food Allergy Foundation explains. If you need to avoid another ingredient, check the ingredients and any cross-contamination information for the exact variant. ‘Unsalted’, ‘unroasted’ or ‘no added oil’ on its own tells you nothing about whether the product meets that specific dietary requirement.
You’re looking for a snack without a specific ingredient and want to distinguish ingredient information from warnings about possible cross-contamination. Almonds are not suitable if you need to avoid almonds.
You’re putting together a range of pre-packed snacks and want customers to be able to check the Dutch product and allergen information before choosing.
You can eat almonds and are mainly interested in how they’re prepared, such as whether they’re unsalted or unroasted. These characteristics don’t prove that a product is free from other allergens.
The NVWA says allergen information must appear on the label of pre-packed products. Business.gov.nl states that mandatory product information must be available in Dutch in the Netherlands, including online when products are sold online.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Specific dietary restriction | Check the ingredients and relevant allergen information for the exact variant. Be clear about which ingredient you want to avoid. | If I need to avoid a particular ingredient, I want to assess the exact variant rather than rely on the product name alone. Around 36% of consumers put suitability for their dietary needs first. |
| Cross-contamination information | As well as the ingredients, read any warning about possible cross-contamination, if it’s relevant to your dietary restriction. | If I need to avoid an allergen, I also want to know about any possible cross-contamination mentioned on the packaging. Around 29% of consumers say clear information on this is their top priority. |
| Preparation and flavour | Compare the description of the exact variant, such as unsalted, unroasted, or roasted and salted. | If I can eat almonds, I choose the preparation that suits my snacking preferences without confusing it with a dietary claim. Around 21% of consumers look at this first. |
| Pack size and storage | Check the net weight and follow the storage instructions for the pack you choose. | If I’m restocking snacks, I want to choose a pack size that suits how I’ll use it and follow the instructions on the packaging. Around 14% of consumers prioritise stock levels and cost. |
Almond is itself a tree nut allergen. So a general ‘allergen-free’ or ‘nut-free’ claim is not appropriate for an almond product.
Specify what needs to be avoided, and don’t present almonds as generally allergen-free or nut-free.
These descriptions relate to preparation; they don’t tell you whether a variant is suitable for a specific dietary restriction.
First check that it meets the dietary requirements you need, then consider the salt, roasting or added oil.
Albert Heijn and PLUS advise customers to read the packaging, as product information can change. Out-of-date shelf information can mean extra work when you need to update your communications.
For each new delivery, make sure the information matches the product variant actually delivered and its current label.
Duyvis describes a 125 g pack, Jumbo a 140 g variant and PLUS a 200 g stand-up pouch. Pack sizes therefore vary between product variants.
Compare the net weight and storage instructions for the exact variant with how you expect to use it.
Duyvis describes both unsalted almonds and Almonds Original, a roasted variant.
AH Unsalted Almonds is a product reference for anyone specifically looking for unsalted almonds.
Jumbo Unsalted Almonds 140 g is a specific example to check for pack size and storage advice.
PLUS describes a 200 g stand-up pouch of unroasted, unsalted almonds.
Lidl describes Alesto Spanish almonds in 200 g variants and also offers a separate unsalted variant.
The TRADER JOE'S 200 g variants described are roasted and salted or have a smoky flavour.
These product options are for people who can eat almonds and want to compare ingredients, preparation or packaging features. None of these characteristics replaces checking the exact variant against your dietary requirements.
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An option if you can eat almonds and are looking for a snack described as containing 100% almond kernels.
The description says the kernels are ready to eat. Contains almonds; not suitable if you need to avoid almonds or nuts.
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A good fit if you prefer raw, unsalted almonds, as described in the product name, and can eat almonds.
The product name specifies almonds, raw and unsalted, in a 200 g pack. Contains almonds; not suitable if you need to avoid almonds or nuts.
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A savoury roasted option if you can eat almonds and are looking for salted almonds.
The product name specifies roasted, salted almonds in a 500 g pack. The description mentions possible traces of peanuts and other nuts; bear this in mind if it’s relevant to your diet. Contains almonds.
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An option if you can eat almonds and are looking for a larger pack for snacking.
The description specifies 100% almonds in a 500 g pack. Contains almonds; not suitable if you need to avoid almonds or nuts.
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A good fit if you prefer roasted, salted almonds and can eat almonds.
The product name specifies roasted, salted almonds; the description mentions a resealable 150 g pouch. Contains almonds; not suitable if you need to avoid almonds or nuts.
No. Almond is itself a tree nut allergen, as the Dutch Food Allergy Foundation explains. Being potentially suitable for another specific dietary restriction doesn’t make almonds nut-free.
The NVWA says allergen information must appear on the label. Business.gov.nl states that mandatory product information must be available in Dutch, including online when products are sold online. These are information requirements, not a voluntary quality mark.
Yes. The NVWA and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport’s Regular Consultation on the Commodities Act state that the new policy on warnings about possible allergen cross-contamination has been in force since 1 January 2026. Check the warning on the label of the exact variant.
No. The Dutch Coeliac Society describes such a warning as indicating a possible risk, not proof that the allergen is present in every pack. If you need to avoid that allergen, take the warning into account when choosing.
No. These words describe how the product is prepared, not the absence of a specific allergen. Check the ingredients and relevant cross-contamination information for the exact variant.
Yes. Albert Heijn and PLUS advise customers to read the packaging because product information can change. So check the variant you’re actually buying, even if you’ve chosen it before.
