Label confidence when you have coeliac disease
You want to be able to check the information for the exact snack before buying, even if the ingredients or warnings change. The NCV explains how to read food labels.
Who is this guide for?
Fans of the crunchy coating
You’re looking for specifically seasoned, coated peanuts and want to know whether you can still enjoy them or should choose an uncoated alternative. The NCV generally does not consider cocktail nuts gluten-free.
Shoppers with additional allergies
As well as coeliac disease, you may need to take milk, peanuts or other nuts into account. A gluten-free assessment doesn’t automatically answer those questions too.
What should you look for when choosing?
If you have coeliac disease, confirmed suitability for a gluten-free diet comes before flavour or packaging. Choose a specific coated variety only if the product information confirms it’s suitable; otherwise, you could consider an uncoated alternative.
Coated cocktail nuts
Choose these when: you specifically want the seasoned, crunchy coating and the current product information confirms that the exact variety is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Things to consider: check the full ingredients list and warnings because of the coating; the Duyvis, AH, Jumbo and PLUS varieties reviewed declare gluten-containing cereals or gluten.
Uncoated peanuts or nuts
Choose these when: you don’t mind going without the coating and are looking for a simpler type of snack. The NCV lists separately packaged, unroasted and roasted peanuts and nuts as product types to look at.
Things to consider: the texture and flavour differ from coated cocktail nuts; check the exact packaging and take any peanut or nut allergies into account.
| What matters when buying | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Suitability for a gluten-free diet | Check the label on the exact variety, the types of cereal, any gluten-free claim or certification, and warnings about accidental presence. The NVWA explains that cereals containing gluten are listed in the ingredients information. | I want to check before buying whether this particular pack is suitable for my gluten-free diet; around 36% of consumers put confidence in labels first. |
| Keeping the crunchy coating | Check the full ingredients list, including the types of flour and starch, for the flavour and pack you’ve chosen. | If I’m specifically looking for a seasoned, crunchy coating, I only want to keep it if the variety is suitable; around 29% of consumers prioritise keeping the coating and flavour above all else. |
| Other allergens | Check the ingredients and warnings for any allergens that are relevant to you. Gluten-free doesn’t automatically mean free from other allergens. | If I also need to avoid things such as milk, peanuts or nuts, I want to be able to check those separately; around 21% of consumers put additional allergies first. |
| Packaging and practical value | Compare the quantities of suitable products and check the closure, storage instructions and use-by information on the pack. | Once I’ve confirmed a product is suitable, I want to choose an amount that works for how I’ll use and store it; around 14% of consumers prioritise packaging and practical value above all else. |
Common mistakes
-
Checking just one type of flour or starch
Jumbo Borrelnoten Cocktail 300 g declares wheat and gluten. So an ingredient that isn’t wheat in itself doesn’t tell you what the coating is made of overall.
Read the full ingredients list and check the exact flavour and pack.
-
Assuming a vegan or vegetarian label means gluten-free
PLUS Borrelnoten Oriental Style declares gluten-containing cereals despite its vegan and vegetarian labels. The Duyvis Cocktail pack reviewed is described as containing no artificial colourings, but it also declares gluten-containing cereals.
When choosing products for coeliac disease, rely only on information that confirms the exact variety is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
-
Assuming gluten-free means free from all allergens
Products may also contain ingredients or warnings relating to milk, peanuts or other nuts, for example. The NVWA explains how allergens and gluten-containing cereals are shown on labels.
Check the ingredients and warnings for any allergens that are relevant to you.
Brands and varieties to check
Duyvis
Duyvis describes Cocktail as peanuts with a crispy coating and savoury flavour. The manufacturer lists several pack sizes.
- Albert Heijn lists gluten-containing cereals, wheat, milk and peanuts for Duyvis Borrelnootjes Cocktail 275 g.
- This variety reviewed is therefore not a suitable choice for the coeliac disease scenario described.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes AH Borrelnoten Cocktail 250 g; the product information says it comes in a resealable pack.
- The product information lists ingredients and allergens.
- Gluten-containing cereals and wheat are declared for this variety.
Jumbo
Jumbo Borrelnoten Cocktail is a coated variety; the product information lists the ingredients and allergens for the 300 g pack.
- The information for this variety includes wheat flour and starch containing wheat.
- The declared gluten and wheat mean this isn’t a suitable choice for the coeliac disease scenario described.
PLUS
PLUS sells Borrelnoten Oriental Style, including the 300 g pack reviewed.
- The product information lists the ingredients and allergens for this variety.
- The variety contains wholemeal wheat flour and declares gluten-containing cereals; vegan or vegetarian labels don’t change that.
Lidl
Lidl lists cocktail nuts in several varieties in 300 g packs, with article number 154224.
- The range listing helps you identify the product category and varieties.
- Check the ingredients and warnings on the pack of the exact variety before choosing it.
ALDI
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s Borrelnoten 300 g in Poesta, paprika and bacon cheese flavours.
- The flavour and pack size help distinguish the variety listed.
- A flavour name or retailer listing doesn’t confirm that a product is suitable for a gluten-free diet; check the exact pack.
Joybuy products
These product options are alternatives to coated snacks. Before choosing a product if you have coeliac disease, check the current packaging and warnings.
No image available
Titiz roasted chestnuts 125 g
An alternative if you don’t mind going without the seasoned cocktail nut coating. The product description says these are peeled, roasted chestnuts and makes a gluten-free claim; check the current packaging and warnings before deciding whether they’re suitable.
The product description lists chestnuts as the only ingredient.
No image available
Kanjers Fresh Class pistachio kernels 100 g
An alternative if you’re looking for a different nut product from coated cocktail nuts. The product description says these are shelled pistachio kernels for snacking or cooking; check the packaging for gluten-free information and allergens.
The product description recommends sealing the pack carefully after opening.
No image available
Three Squirrels New & Unique sweet chestnut kernels 400 g
An alternative if you’d prefer chestnuts to a seasoned dough coating. The product description lists chestnut kernels as the only ingredient and says they come in individual packs; check the current packaging for information relevant to your diet.
The product description says the chestnuts are ready to eat.
No image available
7FRESH chestnut kernels 300 g
An alternative if you don’t need the seasoned cocktail nut coating. The product description lists chestnuts as the only ingredient and says they come in individually wrapped portions; check the current packaging and warnings before choosing.
The product description says the chestnuts are ready to eat.
Frequently asked questions
Does the word ‘gluten’ have to appear in the ingredients list?
No. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), the cereal containing gluten that’s used must be listed; the word ‘gluten’ doesn’t always have to appear in the ingredients list itself. So also check for ingredients such as wheat and barley, and any listed derivatives.
Can a product containing wheat still be labelled gluten-free?
Yes, if the product meets the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, according to the NVWA. The cereal type will still be listed, so check that the exact product’s gluten-free status is substantiated rather than relying on the word ‘wheat’ alone.
How should I assess a warning about possible cross-contamination?
Read the warning alongside the ingredients list: the NCV explains that statements such as ‘may contain’ and ‘not suitable for people with coeliac disease’ indicate possible accidental presence. The NVWA says that, from 1 January 2026, Dutch rules apply to when and how businesses must issue these warnings.
How can I reduce cross-contamination when serving?
Use a clean bowl and serving utensil, and keep snacks containing gluten separate. The NCV points out that shared scoops at pick-and-mix counters pose a risk and advises asking for a new bag and a clean scoop if needed.
Can I rely on an online ingredients list alone when choosing?
Use online information to help you prepare, but check the pack you actually have before eating the product. Albert Heijn warns that ingredients and allergen information can change; if the information conflicts, contact the retailer or manufacturer.