Only choose nuts if you can tolerate the type of nut they contain, and the ingredients and possible cross-contamination are suitable for your needs. A gluten-free or lactose-free claim does not automatically make a product suitable if you have a peanut, nut or milk allergy. For example, AH Raw Almonds are labelled gluten-free and lactose-free, but contain almonds and carry a warning about peanuts and other nuts. If a product contains an allergen you need to avoid, choose a different snack and check its ingredients and allergen information too.
If you need to avoid peanuts or a particular type of nut, compare the ingredients with any warnings about possible cross-contamination. Peanuts and tree nuts are different allergens, as the Food Allergy Foundation explains.
A gluten-free claim can help you choose, but check the exact variant: a coating on nuts, for example, may contain wheat. AH labels the variant AH Raw Almonds that was reviewed as gluten-free.
Lactose intolerance and milk allergy require different checks. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that lactose intolerance relates to milk sugar; if you have a milk allergy, you also need to check for milk proteins and read the allergen information.
First, work out which ingredient you need to avoid. Then check the ingredients and any warning about possible presence on the exact packaging.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding peanuts or specific nuts | Check which types are listed as ingredients and which may be present. | If I need to avoid peanuts or a particular type of nut, I also check for warnings about possible presence. Around 36% of consumers put avoiding peanuts or specific nuts first. |
| Gluten-free suitability | Look for the gluten-free claim on the exact variant and check the ingredients and warnings too. | People who eat gluten-free want to know whether any coating is suitable too. Around 29% of consumers put eating gluten-free first. |
| Avoiding lactose or milk | Work out whether you need to avoid lactose or milk; a lactose-free claim does not automatically answer questions about milk allergy. | If I avoid lactose or milk, I want to take the difference between intolerance and allergy into account when checking a product. Around 21% of consumers put this first. |
| A choice that fits your shopping routine | Check the current packaging and storage advice. If buying loose products, check the allergen information before you buy. | If you want an option that fits in with your regular shopping, check the information for the exact variant. Around 14% of consumers put practicality for everyday use or another dietary requirement first. |
A product may carry these claims and still contain a nut or warn that other allergens may be present. For example, AH Raw Almonds lists almonds and carries a warning about peanuts and other nuts.
Check each ingredient you need to avoid separately, and read any warning about possible presence too.
Ingredients can vary between flavours and variants. According to the manufacturer, Duyvis Unsalted Peanuts contains peanuts and sunflower oil, while Duyvis Cocktail Party Nuts also contains wheat and lactose from milk.
Compare the ingredients and allergen information for the exact flavour, rather than relying on the brand name or product category alone.
The PLUS almonds reviewed list almonds as an ingredient, but the product information also warns that peanuts and other types of nuts may be present.
Read both the ingredients list and the separate warning about possible presence.
The AH pack reviewed contains 450 g and the PLUS pouch 200 g; storage advice varies by product.
Choose a pack that suits how you plan to use it, and follow the advice on the specific packaging.
The product information highlights the difference between uncoated peanuts and party nuts with a flavoured coating.
AH Raw Almonds are worth considering if you want to assess claims such as gluten-free and lactose-free alongside the allergen information.
Jumbo Unsalted Nut Mix is an example of a mix where you need to consider both the types of nuts it contains and those that may be present.
Unsalted Californian pistachios are worth considering if you are looking for one specific type of nut.
The product information for the unsalted nut mix gives its product brand as TRADER JOE’S.
PLUS Raw Unsalted Almonds are worth considering if you are looking for a smaller pack of plain nuts with almonds as an ingredient.
This selection includes plain nuts, roasted cashews and chestnut kernels. For each variant, check that the listed ingredients and any allergen information are suitable for your needs.
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An option if you can tolerate peanuts and are looking for unsalted peanuts.
Contains peanuts and may contain cashews; not suitable if you need to avoid either of these ingredients.
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A plain almond option if you can tolerate almonds.
Contains almonds; not suitable if you need to avoid almonds.
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An option if you can tolerate cashews and are looking for roasted, unsalted cashews.
Contains cashews; not suitable if you need to avoid cashews.
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An option if you can tolerate pine nuts and want to use them as a snack or in dishes.
The product information also lists palm oil; avoid this variant if you need to avoid either of these ingredients.
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A chestnut option if you can tolerate chestnuts and are looking for kernels to eat as they are or add to dishes.
Contains chestnuts; not suitable if you need to avoid chestnuts.
Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about allergens present must also be available for unpackaged food. For nuts and cereals containing gluten, the specific types must be clear. The information can be given verbally or in writing, subject to certain conditions, but must be available before you buy.
No. According to the European Commission, a gluten-free claim is subject to the conditions in Regulation 828/2014, which has applied since 20 July 2016. The Association of European Coeliac Societies explains that its certification scheme sets a limit of 20 ppm. A gluten-free claim says nothing about other allergens.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that new rules for warnings about allergen cross-contamination apply from 1 January 2026. Its guidance states that the production date is the key consideration, and existing stock may still be sold after that date if the food is not unsafe. So do not assume that every older pack has already been labelled in line with the new policy.
No. Do not rely on roasting to make a nut allergen-free. The Food Allergy Foundation states that the allergen remains stable when heated.
Follow the advice on the exact packaging. For its 450 g pack of Raw Almonds, AH recommends storing the product in a cool, dark, dry place and closing the pack securely after use. For the pouch reviewed, PLUS recommends storing it in a dry, dark place.
