If you need to avoid cashews, don’t choose cashew nuts: a gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan label doesn’t change that. If you can eat cashews but want to avoid gluten or lactose, the 100 g and 170 g AH options are worth considering: Albert Heijn labels them gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan. Always check the warnings on the exact pack. If you’re going to the cinema, it’s also worth checking the venue’s rules in advance.
If you’re buying for someone who needs to avoid a specific allergen, first check whether cashews themselves are safe for them. Then check both the ingredients and any warnings about the possible presence of other allergens. The NVWA states that pre-packed products must show allergen information on the label.
If you can eat cashews but want to avoid gluten or lactose, check the information for the exact variety. Albert Heijn labels its 100 g and 170 g unsalted cashew nuts as gluten-free and lactose-free; these labels don’t automatically apply to other products.
If you’re looking for a vegan snack, check the ingredients and allergen warnings too. A vegan label doesn’t replace these checks. The Dutch Vegetarian Society explains why vegan products may still carry a warning about the possible presence of milk.
The percentages below relate to consumers considering cashew nuts as a film snack; if you need to avoid cashews, choose something outside this product category.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding allergens | Check whether cashews are listed in the ingredients and read any warnings about the possible presence of other nuts or peanuts. | If I’m buying for someone with an allergy, I first want to know whether cashews themselves and any cross-contamination warnings are suitable. Around 25% of consumers prioritise avoiding allergens. |
| Gluten-free information | Look for a gluten-free label on the exact pack; also check for warnings about wheat or cereals containing gluten. | If avoiding gluten is my main priority, I want an explicit label for the variety I’m buying. Around 25% of consumers prioritise gluten-free information. |
| Vegan, lactose-free or milk-related information | Check the dietary label, ingredients and allergen information separately. | If I want a plant-based snack or need to avoid lactose, I check which information is relevant to my needs. Around 25% of consumers prioritise a plant-based or lactose-conscious choice. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare the net weight with the stated portion size and check the storage instructions for after opening. | For a film night, I want to know how much I need and how to store the rest. Around 25% of consumers prioritise portion size and convenience. |
A gluten-free or lactose-free label doesn’t mean a product is free from cashews, peanuts or other nuts. The AH varieties reviewed contain cashews and carry warnings about peanuts and other nuts.
First identify which allergen needs to be avoided, then check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.
The Duyvis sea salt variety is labelled vegan, but also carries a warning about wheat and cereals containing gluten.
Check vegan and gluten-related information separately. If you need a gluten-free product, take any warning about wheat or cereals containing gluten into account.
Albert Heijn lists four 25 g portions for its 100 g variety. So a whole bag isn’t automatically one portion.
Decide in advance how much you want to take, then seal the rest after the film according to the storage instructions.
A larger pack may leave you with leftovers after the film. Portioning helps you open only as much as you need.
A relevant option if you’re after a savoury cashew variety with sea salt; the product information relates to the specific 125 g bag.
The unsalted 100 g and 170 g varieties reviewed have specific dietary labels.
The unsalted 200 g and 130 g varieties differ in recipe and packaging information.
The Dutch product page identifies a 500 g unsalted cashew product.
ALDI Netherlands lists Trader Joe's roasted, unsalted cashew nuts, 250 g.
The 200 g unsalted, unroasted cashew nuts are a specific variety whose recipe and allergen information you can check.
These Joybuy products are cashew nuts for consumers who can eat cashews. Before buying, check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack; the product names and recipes listed below don’t guarantee that a product is gluten-free or allergen-free.
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A good choice for a film night if you can eat cashews and are looking for a simple recipe.
Ingredients: cashew kernels as the only ingredient, according to the product description.
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A salted variety for anyone who can eat cashews and wants a savoury film snack.
Ingredients: 98% cashews, sunflower oil and 1% salt, according to the product description.
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The product name specifies roasted, unsalted cashew nuts for anyone looking for this variety.
Ingredients: cashew nuts, according to the product information.
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The product description says these cashews can be eaten straight from the pack.
Pack size: 500 g, according to the product name.
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The product description recommends these salted cashews as a film-night snack.
Ingredients: cashew nuts and salt, according to the product information. Pack size: 120 g.
Not if by allergen-free you mean that they don’t contain cashews: cashews are an allergen themselves. A product may carry a label relating to another ingredient, such as gluten or lactose, so always check exactly which ingredient the label refers to.
No. Lactose is milk sugar, whereas a milk allergy relates to milk proteins. If you have a milk allergy, check the ingredients and allergen warnings separately; a lactose-free label doesn’t replace these checks.
The warning indicates that the product may have been unintentionally contaminated through cross-contamination; it doesn’t necessarily mean the ingredient was added to the product. Since 1 January 2026, the NVWA has been enforcing the new Dutch rules: warnings must be based on a risk assessment and must not be used if there is no risk of exceeding the reference values. This is an obligation for food businesses, not a guarantee that a product is suitable for every individual allergy.
Yes. Implementing Regulation (EU) 828/2014 sets out the conditions for the labels ‘gluten-free’ and ‘very low gluten’. The European Commission states that the regulation has applied since 20 July 2016; Regulation (EC) 41/2009 was repealed on that date.
Don’t assume this is generally allowed; check the cinema’s policy in advance. Pathé states on its official page for school visits that food and drink brought from outside may not be consumed there. This is a house rule for that specific context, not an established nationwide legal requirement.
