First, identify what you need to avoid: gluten-free or lactose-free doesn’t mean a nut product is also free from nuts, peanuts or milk. The NVWA advises checking the allergen information on the packaging. For example, Albert Heijn describes its unsalted nut mix as gluten-free and lactose-free, while also listing tree nuts and possible traces of peanuts. If you have an allergy, check the exact ingredients and any warnings about possible cross-contamination.
First, check whether the exact product variant contains the type of nut, peanut or milk you need to avoid, and look for any warnings about possible presence. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) explains what allergen information must appear on pre-packed products.
You want to know whether the gluten information suits your diet, without assuming that gluten-free means nut-free. The European Commission explains the EU rules for gluten-free labelling; you should also check the information for the exact product variant.
Lactose intolerance and milk allergy require different checks: lactose is milk sugar, while a milk allergy involves milk proteins. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains the difference; you should also check the portion size and current product information.
First identify what you need to avoid, then check the flavour, ingredients and packaging. This helps you avoid confusing a feature such as ‘unsalted’ with allergen information.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| The allergen you need to avoid | Check both the allergens present and any warnings about possible presence on the current packaging. | If I need to avoid a particular type of nut, peanuts or milk, I check both statements. Around 31% of consumers prioritise avoiding allergens. |
| Gluten information | Check the gluten-free claim for the exact product variant and review the ingredients in any coating or flavouring. | I want the gluten information to suit my diet, so I also check for any coating. Around 25% of consumers prioritise avoiding gluten. |
| Lactose or milk | Distinguish between avoiding lactose and having a milk allergy; check the relevant ingredients and warnings. | If I avoid lactose, I don’t assume that the same claim tells me anything about milk allergy. Around 19% of consumers prioritise avoiding lactose. |
| Unsalted ingredients | Check whether the product variant is unsalted and review the nutritional information per 100 g. | I choose an unsalted snack once I know it meets my dietary and allergen requirements. Around 13% of consumers prioritise unsalted products. |
| Portion size and storage | Check the pack size and storage instructions after opening; use a securely sealed container when carrying it with you. | I want to take a portion with me without leaving the rest of the pack open. Around 12% of consumers prioritise portioning and storage. |
A gluten-free or lactose-free claim says nothing by itself about the tree nuts present or possible traces of peanuts. For its unsalted nut mix, Albert Heijn lists tree nuts and possible traces of peanuts alongside its gluten-free and lactose-free claims.
Check the claim against the specific substance you need to avoid, and review the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.
Albert Heijn and PLUS both warn that their nut mixes may contain peanuts. Looking at the recipe alone doesn’t give you the full picture of the allergen information.
Check both what the product contains and what the packaging says may be present.
A coated or seasoned product variant may have different ingredients and allergen information. Duyvis lists milk, peanuts and gluten for its Borrelnootjes Cocktail; this doesn’t automatically apply to every product variant from the brand.
Check the full product name and ingredients list rather than drawing conclusions about the whole brand.
200 g or 500 g packs aren’t individual lunch portions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a dry, tightly sealed container.
Portion out what you want to take with you, then seal the remaining contents as directed on the label.
The details below apply to the products or product ranges mentioned, not every product from a brand. Always check the exact variant and current packaging.
Borrelnootjes Cocktail is an example of a savoury, coated snack.
AH Notenmix ongezouten 500 g is a product variant explicitly labelled gluten-free and lactose-free.
Jumbo Noten Mix Ongezouten 200 g is a smaller unsalted variant.
Alesto includes nuts, dried fruit and party snacks; the range helps you distinguish plain nuts from mixed snacks.
Trader Joe’s Notenmelange ongezouten 500 g is an unsalted mix of almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and Brazil nuts.
PLUS Notenmix ongebrand ongezouten 500 g is an unroasted, unsalted mix.
This Joybuy selection includes nut mixes and ready-to-eat chestnut snacks for a packed lunch. One product is explicitly labelled gluten-free; for any other dietary requirement, check the information for the exact variant.
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If you avoid gluten and chestnuts fit your diet, check the gluten-free claim on the exact packaging.
The pack contains 125 g; the product information describes the chestnuts as ready to eat.
Chestnuts are an ingredient; check the current product information for other allergens.
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The individual sachets are handy if you want to take a pre-portioned snack with you.
The pack contains five 23 g sachets and lists walnuts, cashews, almonds and hazelnuts.
The pack also contains a desiccant sachet; this isn’t edible.
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If you’re looking for a raw, unsalted mix and the nuts listed suit your diet, check the warning about possible traces of peanuts too.
The mix lists hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews as ingredients.
May contain traces of peanuts.
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For several separate snack breaks, this pack contains ready-to-eat peeled chestnuts in individual sachets.
The 1 kg pack is divided into ten 100 g sachets.
Chestnuts are an ingredient; check the exact packaging for information relevant to your diet.
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The portion-sized sachets are handy to take individually when you want a pre-portioned snack.
The pack contains thirty 25 g sachets; the mix also includes dried fruit.
The allergen information lists walnuts, almonds, cashews and hazelnuts.
No. Peanuts and nuts are separate categories in allergen information. Check both if they’re relevant to you, and don’t assume one automatically covers the other.
No, a lactose-free claim doesn’t by itself mean a product is suitable for someone with a milk allergy. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that lactose intolerance relates to milk sugar, while a milk allergy involves milk proteins. If you have a milk allergy, check the ingredients and relevant warnings.
New Dutch rules on warnings about the unintended presence of allergens have applied since 1 January 2026. According to the NVWA, a risk assessment must determine whether reference values could be exceeded. The permitted wording is ‘May contain X’ and ‘Not suitable for people with an X allergy’. These are labelling rules for businesses, not a personal guarantee that a product is suitable for everyone.
No. The requirements for ‘gluten-free’ and ‘very low gluten’ claims are set out in EU Implementing Regulation 828/2014. The European Commission explains that the rules also apply to non-prepacked food; a gluten-free claim doesn’t mean a product is free from other allergens.
Pack the amount you need in a securely sealed container and follow the label instructions. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing nuts in a dry, tightly sealed container. Albert Heijn advises keeping its nut mix in a cool, dry place and closing the pack after use, while PLUS recommends storing its mix in a dry, dark place.
