Vegan label readers
You’re looking for almonds for a plant-based shop and want to check the ingredients and vegan claim for the exact variant, without assuming that vegan means allergen-free.
Who is this guide for?
People with a specific ingredient to avoid
You can tolerate almonds but want to avoid gluten or another ingredient, for example. Check the product listing and any warnings on the packaging. This is not a guide for people with an almond allergy.
Regular snackers who prefer plain almonds
You’re looking for an unsalted snack or simple topping, and want to choose an amount that suits how you use and store it.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide which ingredient you want to avoid and whether you can tolerate almonds. Then check the ingredients, vegan claim, preparation method and packaging.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding the right ingredient | Check the ingredients, the specific free-from claim and the warnings on the exact packaging. | If I need to avoid a particular ingredient, I want to know exactly what’s in the product and which warnings apply. Around 36% of consumers put this first. |
| A vegan recipe | Read the full ingredients list and check that the vegan claim applies to this variant. | I’m looking for a plant-based recipe and don’t want to assume that another variant from the same brand has the same features. Around 29% of consumers put vegan suitability first. |
| Unsalted almonds | Check whether the almonds are unsalted and whether they’re raw or roasted. | For regular snacking or as a topping, I want a simple, unsalted option. Around 21% of consumers put this first when choosing. |
| Suitable packaging | Compare the net weight with how much you use and check the storage advice. | I want an amount I can use and store properly, without unnecessary leftovers. Around 14% of consumers put pack size first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘free from’ means completely allergen-free
Almonds are themselves a tree nut allergen. Even plain variants may carry warnings about peanuts or other nuts.
Be specific about which ingredient you want to avoid, then check the ingredients and warnings for the variant you’ve chosen.
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Taking a vegan claim as proof that a product is safe for allergy sufferers
A vegan product may still carry an allergen warning. Vegan suitability and allergen information answer different questions.
Assess the vegan claim and your allergen restriction separately.
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Confusing ‘no added oil’ with ‘no salt’
Duyvis describes Almonds Original as roasted without added oil or fat. The variant contains salt and flavourings, and carries warnings for ingredients including wheat and peanuts.
As well as checking how the almonds are prepared, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variant.
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Choosing a large bag without thinking about how you’ll use it
Once opened, almonds need to be kept somewhere dry in a tightly sealed container. A pack that doesn’t suit how much you use may sit around longer than you intended.
Choose an amount that suits how often you eat almonds, and seal the pack tightly after opening.
Once opened, you’ll need a regular storage spot where the pack can stay dry and tightly sealed.
Brands and product ranges for reference
Albert Heijn
The AH Amandelen ongezouten 190 g and AH Terra Ongebrande amandelen 500 g variants reviewed are listed as vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free.
- Albert Heijn lists almonds as the sole ingredient in both variants.
- Both variants contain almonds and, according to the product information, may contain peanuts and other nuts. These features don’t automatically apply to other AH products.
PLUS
PLUS Amandelen ongebrand en ongezouten 200 g is a plain variant with a vegan claim.
- The product information lists almonds as an ingredient.
- The product page warns that it may contain peanuts and other types of nuts. A vegan claim is not a free-from declaration for these allergens.
Jumbo
Jumbo Ongezouten Amandelen 140 g is an unsalted variant containing almonds and sunflower oil.
- The published ingredients give you specific information to assess the recipe.
- The ingredients list is not an explicit vegan certification. The product information identifies almonds as an allergen and says that peanuts may be present.
Duyvis
Almonds Original 125 g is worth considering if you’re looking for a savoury, oven-roasted variant.
- Duyvis describes this variant as roasted without added oil or fat.
- The recipe contains salt and flavourings, and states that wheat, peanuts and other nuts may be present. The preparation claim doesn’t prove that the product is suitable for vegans or allergen-free.
Lidl
The Alesto range includes Spanish almonds in several 200 g variants.
- The product range and pack size give you a useful starting point when looking for a variant.
- Check the ingredients, preparation method and dietary claims for each variant individually.
ALDI
The Dutch product page lists TRADER JOE'S Amandelen 200 g as roasted and salted, or roasted with a smoky flavour.
- The product page states that the packaging is resealable.
- Flavoured variants may have different ingredients. A range name or smoky flavour doesn’t confirm vegan suitability or a specific free-from claim.
Almond products at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are almond variants for plain or roasted and salted use. Check the packaging to make sure the exact variant meets your vegan criteria and any free-from requirements.
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Jia Zhou Yuan Ye Original Almond Kernels 160 g
An option to consider for snacking or cooking with almonds. Check the ingredients and dietary information on the packaging.
The product name specifies almond kernels and a pack size of 160 g.
Contains almonds; not suitable for people with an almond allergy.
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g'woon Almonds Raw & Unsalted 200 g
For anyone looking for plain almonds with no added salt. Check that the packaging meets your dietary needs.
The product name specifies raw, unsalted almonds and a pack size of 200 g.
Contains almonds; not suitable for people with an almond allergy.
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Anatolia Badem Natural (Almond) 500 gr
A plain variant to consider if you’re looking for a larger pack. Check the exact ingredients and dietary information.
The product name specifies almonds and a pack size of 500 gr.
Contains almonds; not suitable for people with an almond allergy.
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Anatolia Roasted Salted Almonds 500 g
For anyone looking for roasted, salted almonds. This preparation differs from a plain, unsalted option.
The product name specifies roasted, salted almonds and a pack size of 500 g.
Contains almonds and salt; not suitable for people with an almond allergy.
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g'woon Roasted & Salted Almonds 150 g
For anyone looking for a roasted and salted almond snack. Check the full product information if you need to avoid an ingredient.
The product name specifies roasted, salted almonds and a pack size of 150 g.
Contains almonds; not suitable for people with an almond allergy.
Frequently asked questions
Are vegan almonds suitable for people with an almond allergy?
No. Almonds are themselves a tree nut allergen, regardless of whether a product is labelled vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free. If you’re allergic to another type of nut, you’ll need to find out separately which nuts you can tolerate.
What does ‘may contain’ mean on packaging?
The warning refers to the possibility of accidental presence, for example through cross-contamination, rather than an ingredient that has been deliberately added. A vegan claim doesn’t make a relevant allergen warning unnecessary. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority oversees the applicable labelling rules.
How can I identify allergens in the ingredients list?
For pre-packed foods, relevant allergens must be clearly distinguishable from the other ingredients in the ingredients list. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that there are exceptions, for example when there is no ingredients list or the allergen is already clear from the product name.
Is ‘gluten-free’ a regulated claim?
Yes. Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 governs the claims ‘gluten-free’ and ‘very low gluten’. According to the European Commission, the rules have applied since 20 July 2016 and replaced the earlier Regulation (EC) No 41/2009.
What if the packaging differs from the online product information?
Base your choice on the exact packaging, and ask the seller for clarification if the ingredients or allergen information differs. This is particularly important if you need to avoid a specific ingredient.