Start by checking for the ingredient you need to avoid: AH Unsalted Almonds 190 g is labelled gluten-free and lactose-free, but contains almonds and may contain peanuts and other nuts. Then choose a pack size that suits how much you need; a free-from claim doesn’t replace checking for allergens you need to avoid.
You’re looking for a snack with an explicit claim about the ingredient you avoid. Also check whether the nuts and allergen warnings are suitable for you. The NVWA sets out the information that must appear on labels for pre-packed products; Albert Heijn lists these specific claims for its unsalted almonds.
You need to avoid a particular nut, peanut or other allergen. So check both the ingredients and any warnings about possible traces. The NVWA explains allergen information on labels, while Stichting Voedselallergie provides information about nut allergens.
You want to choose an amount that suits what you’ll use soon, rather than automatically opting for a large pack. The PLUS and Jumbo packs reviewed range from 110 g to 500 g.
First check the ingredients and warnings for the item you need to avoid. Then choose a variety and pack size that suit your needs.
| Consideration | What should you look for? | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding a specific allergen | Check which nuts are present and look for any warnings about possible traces. | If I need to avoid a particular nut or peanuts, I want to check all the allergen information rather than rely on a general free-from claim. Around 37% of consumers put avoiding a specific allergen first. |
| Gluten-free or lactose-free | Check the claim on the exact product, as well as the ingredients and allergen information. | If I avoid gluten or lactose, I look for an explicit claim about that specific ingredient and also check for any other ingredients that aren’t suitable for me. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this type of claim. |
| Choosing the right amount | Compare the net weight with what you’ll need for the occasions you have in mind. | If I only need a small top-up, I’d rather choose a pack to match than buy more than I need. Around 18% of consumers prioritise pack size. |
| Unsalted ingredients | Read the nutritional information and ingredients for the exact flavour. | If I’m looking for unsalted nuts, I check this separately from the allergen information and any free-from claims. Around 9% of consumers make an unsalted option their first consideration. |
A product can be gluten-free and lactose-free while still containing almonds or carrying a warning about peanuts and other nuts.
Match each claim to the specific ingredient you avoid, and check the ingredients and warnings too.
A flavouring or crunchy coating can change the ingredients. Duyvis Borrelnootjes® Provencale lists peanuts and gluten.
Check the exact flavour, not just the brand or product category.
The PLUS and Jumbo walnuts reviewed list walnuts as the ingredient, but also carry warnings about peanuts and other nuts.
Read the ingredients and warnings as separate parts of your checks before buying.
The packs reviewed range from 110 g to 500 g. A larger pack won’t necessarily suit a small top-up.
Choose an amount based on how much you expect to use, and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
A supermarket own-brand option for a top-up, with product-specific free-from information.
A brand with seasoned party nuts among its range; the ingredients depend on the exact flavour.
A supermarket own-brand option if you’re considering a larger pack of unroasted walnuts.
Lidl’s Alesto range includes nuts, dried fruit and party snacks.
One option reviewed is Trader Joe’s unsalted nut mix.
A supermarket own-brand option for a smaller top-up of walnuts.
This selection on Joybuy includes almonds, peanuts, individual nuts and a nut mix for snacking or adding to dishes. Check each product’s ingredients and warnings to make sure they’re suitable for the allergens you need to avoid.
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A good fit if you’re looking for almonds to snack on or add to dishes.
The description lists 100% almond kernels; the pack contains 160 g and the product contains almonds.
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A good fit if you’re looking for an unsalted peanut snack and can eat peanuts.
The pack contains 250 g; the product contains peanuts and may contain cashew nuts.
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A good fit if you’re looking for raw, unsalted almonds to snack on or add to dishes.
The pack contains 200 g; the product contains almonds.
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A good fit if you’re looking for roasted, unsalted cashew nuts to snack on or use in dishes.
The pack contains 200 g; the product contains cashew nuts.
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A good fit if you’re looking for a raw, unsalted mix to snack on or add to dishes.
The 200 g pack contains hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashew nuts; the product may contain peanuts.
No. Gluten-free doesn’t mean a product contains no nuts. AH Unsalted Almonds is labelled gluten-free, but contains almonds and may contain other nuts and peanuts.
No. Lactose intolerance is a reaction to lactose, whereas a milk allergy involves milk proteins. So don’t treat a lactose-free claim as a general indication that a product is suitable for someone with a milk allergy.
Don’t assume so: according to Stichting Voedselallergie, nut allergens remain stable when heated. Roasted therefore doesn’t mean allergen-free.
Choose a pack based on what you’ll need for the occasions you have in mind. The PLUS, AH and Jumbo packs reviewed contain 110 g, 190 g and 500 g respectively. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack you choose.
Check the pack again before eating the product. Albert Heijn says that ingredient and allergy information can change; contact customer services if you have any questions.
