Start with the ingredient a guest needs to avoid: gluten-free or lactose-free does not automatically mean free from peanuts or tree nuts. A clearly labelled nut snack may suit guests who can eat the nuts it contains; for others, choose an alternative whose ingredients and warnings meet their needs. Check the current packaging, and keep snacks and serving utensils separate during the party.
You don’t want to mistake a gluten-free or vegan label for confirmation that a snack is suitable for someone with a peanut or nut allergy. Check the ingredients and warnings for the specific variant, and have a separate alternative ready if needed. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) explains allergen information on prepacked products.
You’re looking for a snack for a gluten-free Christmas party and can eat the nuts it contains. Pay particular attention to crunchy coatings and flavour mixes: the Dutch Coeliac Association recommends checking the ingredients of seasoned or coated nuts.
You’re looking for a vegan or lactose-free snack, but don’t want to confuse those labels with information about cow’s milk or nut allergies. Check both the specific dietary claim and the allergen information; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains the difference between lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| The allergen to avoid | Check which types of nuts are present and which allergens are listed on the packaging. The NVWA explains allergen information on prepacked products. | If I’m choosing a snack for a guest with a specific allergy, I want to know whether that particular ingredient is in it or mentioned in a warning. Around 36% of consumers put avoiding a specific allergen first. |
| Gluten in a coating or mix | Check the ingredients of the exact variant and look for a gluten-free claim. The Dutch Coeliac Association also stresses the importance of checking the ingredients list for coated and seasoned nuts. | When I avoid gluten but can eat nuts, I pay particular attention to any coatings or additions around the nut itself. Around 29% of consumers give avoiding gluten the highest priority. |
| Lactose-free or vegan | Distinguish between lactose-free, vegan and milk-protein-free, then check the ingredients and allergen information. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains the difference between lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy. | If I’m looking for a plant-based or lactose-free snack, I want to assess that feature separately from other allergies. Around 21% of consumers start with this dietary requirement. |
| Serving separately | Use separate bowls and clean serving utensils, and keep the packaging with the snack. The Dutch Coeliac Association explains how shared scoops or crumbs can transfer food between snacks. | When I put snacks for different dietary needs on the table, I want to reduce the risk of mix-ups and contact with other snacks. Around 14% of consumers prioritise clear labelling and separate serving. |
A gluten-free or lactose-free label doesn’t mean a snack contains no peanuts or tree nuts. For example, the Albert Heijn cashews reviewed are labelled gluten-free and lactose-free, but contain cashews.
Identify the ingredient your guest needs to avoid, then check both the ingredients and the warnings on the current packaging.
A coating or flavour mix can add ingredients. Duyvis lists milk, peanuts and gluten for Borrelnootjes® Cocktail; this applies to this variant, not automatically to every snack from the brand.
Check the full ingredients for the flavour variant you’ve chosen, even if you’ve bought another product from the same brand before.
Crumbs or a shared scoop can still bring snacks into contact after purchase. The Dutch Coeliac Association explains how this can happen.
Use separate bowls and serving utensils, keep the packaging with the snack, and don’t top up a bowl with another variant.
Borrelnootjes® Cocktail is a peanut with a crunchy coating.
The variant reviewed is AH Unsalted Cashews, 225 g.
The Jumbo Unroasted Nut Mix reviewed is a 200 g mix.
The Alesto range includes nuts, dried fruit and party snacks.
The product description reviewed is Trader Joe’s Unsalted Nut Mix, 500 g.
The PLUS Unroasted Unsalted Nut Mix reviewed comes in a 200 g bag.
These nut snacks are for guests who can eat the specific nuts they contain. Check the ingredients and warnings on the current packaging, and keep different variants separate when serving.
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Suitable for guests who can eat peanuts and are looking for an unsalted peanut snack.
The product description lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil, with no added salt. The allergen information lists peanuts and cashews.
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A chestnut snack to consider when your guests can eat chestnuts.
The product description lists 100% chestnuts; they are peeled and baked, and described as ready to eat.
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Suitable for guests who can eat cashews and are looking for a roasted, unsalted nut snack.
The product description lists roasted cashews, with cashews as an ingredient.
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A mix to consider if your guests can eat the types of nuts listed.
The product description lists hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews. The mix is described as unroasted and unsalted, and may contain peanuts and other nuts.
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Suitable for guests who can eat walnuts and would like walnuts in their shells.
The product information lists walnuts as an ingredient and says they must be cracked before eating. The description mentions individual packaging.
No. Peanuts and tree nuts are different categories. A peanut is a legume, so check which specific allergy is involved and what the packaging says rather than relying on the word ‘nuts’ alone.
No, you can’t assume that from a lactose-free label. Lactose intolerance relates to milk sugar, while cow’s milk allergy relates to milk proteins. If someone has an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information for their specific needs.
Use a clean, separate bowl and dedicated serving utensils, and keep crumbs and other snacks out of the bowl. The Dutch Coeliac Association describes shared scoops and crumbs as possible ways food can be transferred; serving a product separately doesn’t make an unsuitable product suitable.
Bear in mind the choking warning for young children. The Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS product pages reviewed mention this point; a dietary claim doesn’t change that warning.
Since 1 January 2026, the NVWA has monitored stricter rules for allergen warnings on prepacked products. A risk assessment determines whether a warning is needed; the NVWA lists ‘May contain X’ and ‘Not suitable for people with an X allergy’ as permitted wording. These rules apply to food businesses and don’t guarantee that every pack or web page is already correct.
