Choose almonds only if you don’t need to avoid them: almonds are themselves a tree-nut allergen. Then check that the information on the exact packaging meets your specific dietary needs. Unsalted, unroasted or lactose-free does not automatically mean allergen-free or milk-free. The Crossed Grain symbol can help people with coeliac disease choose gluten-free products, but it says nothing about other allergens.
If you want to avoid an allergen, check the packaging for information about that specific allergen. Almonds are themselves a tree-nut allergen, so they aren’t a suitable choice if you need to avoid almonds. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority lists almonds in its allergen information.
If you can eat almonds, check separately whether the variety is suitable for your gluten-free diet or lactose restriction. The Dutch Coeliac Society describes the Crossed Grain symbol as a way to help you choose tested gluten-free products. Lactose-free does not mean the same as milk-protein-free.
If almonds fit your diet, you can check the salt content, how they’re prepared and the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends unsalted nuts and variety between types of nuts. This advice doesn’t make an almond product suitable for anyone who needs to avoid almonds.
First, identify the ingredient you need to avoid or limit. Then check the information relevant to that specific dietary need, and only after that consider salt, preparation and packaging.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding the right allergen | Check which allergen you need to avoid, as well as the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety. Look out for any warnings about cross-contamination too; the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the labelling rules. | If I have a food allergy, I want to know whether my particular allergen could be present. Around 31% of consumers prioritise avoiding a food allergen. |
| Gluten-free suitability | Check the gluten-free information on the packaging. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, the Crossed Grain symbol can help you make your choice. | If I can eat almonds but need to avoid gluten, I look for information specifically about gluten. Around 25% of consumers prioritise gluten-free suitability. |
| Lactose or milk allergy | Distinguish between lactose and milk protein. A lactose-free label doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with a cow’s milk allergy. | If I need to limit lactose, I want to know whether the lactose information fits my diet. Around 19% of consumers have lactose restrictions as their main purchasing consideration. |
| Choosing unsalted almonds | Check whether the exact variety is unsalted, and assess its suitability for your diet separately. Unsalted and unroasted are different characteristics. | If I can eat almonds and mainly want an unsalted snack, I compare this feature across varieties. Around 13% of consumers prioritise unsalted snacks. |
| Packaging and convenience | Compare the pack size and resealability with your snacking habits, and follow the storage advice on the packaging. | If I’m looking for a pack that’s practical for several snacking occasions, I check its size and closure. Around 12% of consumers prioritise practical packaging. |
A label may refer to one specific feature. It doesn’t make almonds suitable for someone who needs to avoid them.
First identify the ingredient you need to avoid, then check the packaging for information about that ingredient.
Lactose is milk sugar, while cow’s milk allergy is caused by milk proteins. So one label doesn’t prove that a product is suitable for someone with the other restriction.
If you have a milk allergy, check the information about milk and milk protein, not just whether a product is lactose-free.
Unroasted, unsalted and roasted without added oil describe different product characteristics. None of them proves that a product is free from allergens.
Assess the salt, preparation and ingredients separately, and check the allergen information as well.
Duyvis describes several varieties, including Unsalted Almonds and Almonds Original.
AH Amandelen ongebrand is a variety for anyone specifically looking for unroasted almonds.
Jumbo Ongezouten Amandelen is a variety sold in a 140 g pack.
Lidl lists a variety called Amandelen ongezouten.
ALDI describes Trader Joe's Ongebrande amandelen in a 200 g pack.
PLUS Amandelen ongebrand en ongezouten is a 200 g stand-up pouch.
These almond varieties are for people who can eat almonds and are looking for a simple or unsalted snack. For other dietary restrictions, always check the information on the exact packaging.
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An option if you can eat almonds and are looking for a simple almond snack.
The ingredients list contains only almond kernels. The pack contains 160 g and is resealable. Contains almonds and isn’t suitable if you need to avoid them.
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An option if you can eat almonds and are looking for raw, unsalted almonds.
The product name specifies raw, unsalted almonds in a 200 g pack. Contains almonds and isn’t suitable if you need to avoid them.
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An option if you can eat almonds and are looking for a ready-to-eat almond snack.
The product information states that the pack contains 500 g and has no added salt. Contains almonds and isn’t suitable if you need to avoid them.
No. Almonds are a tree-nut allergen. If you need to avoid almonds, an almond snack isn’t suitable; another ‘free from’ label doesn’t change that.
The European Commission sets out requirements for the terms ‘gluten-free’ and ‘very low gluten’. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, the Crossed Grain symbol supports independently tested products; it isn’t a general declaration that a product is allergen-free.
No. Lactose is milk sugar, while cow’s milk allergy is caused by milk proteins. So don’t treat a lactose-free label as proof on its own that a snack is suitable for someone with a cow’s milk allergy.
Prepacked products must include allergen information on the label. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Dutch rules have also applied since 1 January 2026 on how and when food businesses must warn about allergens that may be unintentionally present due to cross-contamination. These are information and production requirements for businesses, not personal licence requirements for snack buyers.
Follow the storage advice on the exact packaging. For the unsalted almonds reviewed, Jumbo advises storing them in a cool, dry place away from light; ALDI describes Trader Joe's unroasted variety as resealable. This doesn’t provide general storage guidance for other varieties.
