Choose almonds only if your guests can eat them: almonds are an allergen in their own right, even when a particular variety is labelled gluten-free or lactose-free. For other dietary requirements, check the information for the exact product variety. Also look out for warnings about possible traces and take care to avoid contact with other snacks when serving.
You want to know which ingredient a guest avoids before you go shopping. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum) classifies almonds as an allergen, so a gluten-free or lactose-free label does not mean a product is almond-free.
You’re serving different nibbles side by side and want to be able to check the labels after putting something in a bowl. The Dutch Coeliac Society explains how crumbs can cause cross-contamination, so it’s important to use separate bowls and serving utensils.
You’re looking for a flavour and ingredient list that suit your spread, and don’t want to mistake unsalted or unroasted for allergen-free. The product information reviewed from Albert Heijn, PLUS and Jumbo shows that ingredients can vary between product varieties.
First, find out which ingredient a guest needs to avoid. Then compare the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety, and think about how you’ll serve the snacks separately.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Specific dietary requirement | Check the ingredients and product information for the ingredient someone avoids. Assess the specific variety listed. | If I’m catering for someone avoiding gluten or lactose, I want to know whether that particular variety is suitable. Around 36% of consumers prioritise specific dietary suitability. |
| Possible unintended contact | Read warnings such as ‘may contain’ alongside the ingredients list. Keep suitable snacks and serving utensils separate. | When guests have different dietary requirements, I want to be able to check the labels and keep the snacks separate. Around 29% of consumers prioritise possible cross-contamination and contact during serving. |
| Ingredients and flavour | Check whether oil, salt or seasonings have been added. Unroasted and unsalted describe preparation, not allergen status. | If I’m looking for a simple ingredient list or a savoury party flavour, I compare the ingredients in each variety. Around 21% of consumers prioritise ingredients and flavour for nibbles. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose a pack size to suit the guests who can eat this snack, and follow the storage instructions on the label. | For a garden party, I want to have enough without leaving opened leftovers out for too long. Around 14% of consumers focus mainly on quantity, packaging and storage. |
A label stating that a product is free from one specific ingredient does not remove the almond allergen. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists almonds as an allergen.
Make a note of the ingredient a guest avoids and check the product information accordingly. If someone has an almond allergy, an almond product is not suitable.
A warning about possible accidental presence is separate from information about ingredients deliberately used in the product.
Read warnings such as ‘may contain’ too, and take them into account for the guest concerned.
The way a product is prepared does not, on its own, tell you whether it’s suitable for someone avoiding gluten. Duyvis states that Almonds Original may contain wheat.
Check the dietary claim and allergen information separately for the exact variety.
Crumbs or contact with other ingredients can change the situation once a product has been opened or served.
Keep snacks that need to stay separate apart, and use dedicated serving utensils. If unwanted contact occurs, you may need to set out a separate snack.
The AH Unsalted Almonds 190 g variety reviewed is worth considering if gluten or lactose avoidance is relevant.
PLUS Unroasted and Unsalted Almonds 200 g is an option if you’re looking for a simple ingredients list.
The 140 g unsalted variety reviewed is worth considering if you don’t mind added sunflower oil.
Almonds Original is a savoury, oven-roasted variety for anyone looking for a seasoned party nibble.
ALDI describes its 200 g almonds as available in roasted and salted or roasted and smoked varieties.
Lidl’s product listing includes unsalted almonds as a shopping option.
These are almond snacks, including both natural and salted varieties. They are not an almond-free option. Check the product information and current packaging for the specific dietary details that matter to your guests.
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Suitable as a snack or an addition to dishes; the product description says the almond kernels are ready to eat.
The ingredients list states 100% almond kernels. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies almonds as an allergen.
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An option if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds with a simple ingredient list.
The product information lists only almonds as an ingredient and advises sealing the pack tightly after opening. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies almonds as an allergen.
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The product description says they can be enjoyed as a snack or used in dishes.
The ingredients list states 100% almonds. The product information warns of a choking hazard for young children and says the product is not suitable for babies. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies almonds as an allergen.
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A savoury option if you’re looking for roasted, salted almonds.
The product information lists almonds and salt as ingredients and advises storing the product in a cool, dry place. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies almonds as an allergen.
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A smaller pack for anyone looking for a roasted, savoury almond snack.
The product information lists 97% almonds, sunflower oil and salt, and says the pack is resealable. It also states that the product may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies almonds as an allergen.
No. Lactose intolerance affects the digestion of milk sugar, while a milk allergy is a reaction to milk proteins. If someone has a milk allergy, check for milk ingredients and relevant warnings, not just the ‘lactose-free’ label.
It warns of possible accidental presence and is separate from information about ingredients deliberately used in the product. Dutch guidance on precautionary allergen labelling says these warnings should be based on a risk assessment; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has been responsible for monitoring labelling since 1 January 2026.
Keep snacks separate from ingredients and crumbs that guests avoid, use dedicated serving utensils for each bowl, and keep the labels. These are practical precautions, not a guarantee that a snack is suitable for every guest.
Yes. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 sets conditions for the claims ‘gluten-free’ and ‘very low gluten’. It has applied since 20 July 2016; the European Commission also notes that Regulation (EC) No 41/2009 was repealed at that time.
Don’t assume whole almonds are suitable as a snack for young children. The AH packaging reviewed warns of a choking hazard for small children; check the warnings on the pack you buy too.
