Start with the substance you need to avoid: ‘unsalted’ and ‘vegan’ don’t, by themselves, prove that a nut snack is suitable for someone with an allergy. For a gluten-free diet, the Dutch Coeliac Society recommends checking the label and cross-contamination information. The Food Allergy Foundation and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre explain that milk allergy concerns milk proteins, while lactose intolerance concerns lactose.
When choosing a snack for a TV night, check which specific allergen you need to avoid and look for relevant information about possible cross-contamination. A statement about a different substance won’t answer that question. Allergy Centres Netherlands also explains that peanuts are legumes, not nuts.
The way nuts and crunchy coated peanuts are prepared can make a difference. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends checking the gluten-free statement and cross-contamination information on the label before making your choice.
Milk allergy, lactose intolerance and a vegan preference are different considerations. The Food Allergy Foundation and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre explain the difference between milk proteins and lactose. A vegan statement is no substitute for checking allergen information.
First decide which substance you need to avoid. Then check the ingredients and any coating, before considering flavour and packaging.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding the right allergen | Check which types of nuts or peanuts are listed, and look for relevant cross-contamination warnings. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) explains the requirements for providing information about allergens present. | If I have a food allergy, I want to be able to check every relevant ingredient and warning before choosing. Around 36% of consumers make avoiding their own allergen their top priority. |
| Choosing gluten-free | Check the gluten-free statement, the ingredients in any coating, and warnings about cereals containing gluten. The Dutch Coeliac Society highlights this label information as something to look out for. | When eating gluten-free, I also want to know what’s around the nut, not just which nut the snack contains. Around 29% of consumers prioritise choosing gluten-free. |
| Milk, lactose or vegan | First establish which need applies to you, then check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product variant. The Food Allergy Foundation and the Netherlands Nutrition Centre explain the difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance. | If my choice depends on milk proteins, lactose or a vegan preference, I don’t want to confuse these considerations. Around 21% of consumers give this selection priority. |
| Portioning and storage | Compare the pack size and closure, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says rancid, chewy or mouldy nuts are signs to look out for. | If I’m mainly looking for an easy snack to enjoy over several TV nights, I consider portioning and storage. Around 14% of consumers make this their main priority. |
A product may be free from one substance but still contain a nut or peanut you need to avoid.
Start with the specific substance you need to avoid, then check the ingredients and relevant cross-contamination information separately.
A coating can add ingredients that matter for your diet. Duyvis lists peanuts and gluten as allergens in its Borrelnootjes Provencale, and says the product may contain traces of nuts.
Check the exact flavour and the coating ingredients, especially if you need to eat gluten-free.
Milk allergy concerns milk proteins, while lactose intolerance concerns milk sugar. A vegan statement doesn’t automatically answer every question about allergens.
Work out which need applies to you, then check the ingredients and allergen information for the variant you’ve chosen.
Nuts can lose their quality. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says rancidity, a chewy texture and mould are signs to look out for.
Check the closure and storage instructions, and reseal the remaining nuts after portioning.
Borrelnootjes Provencale is an example of a coated, crunchy snack for drinks and nibbles.
AH Unsalted Nut Mix is a supermarket own-brand option to consider if you’re looking for an unsalted mix.
Jumbo Unsalted Nut Mix is a supermarket own-brand option in a 200 g pack.
Lidl describes a 200 g nut mix made with unroasted, unsalted nuts.
ALDI describes a 200 g pack of Trader Joe’s Unroasted Nut Mix.
PLUS Unroasted Unsalted Nut Mix, 200 g, has a vegan statement specific to this product.
This Joybuy selection includes walnuts, chestnuts, individual types of nuts and a nut mix. If you have a specific dietary need, always check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.
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An option if you’re specifically looking for walnuts and they’re suitable for your dietary needs. The product information describes thin-shell walnuts in a 128 g pack. Check the packaging for the full, up-to-date ingredients and allergen information.
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An option if you’d prefer chestnuts to a nut mix for your TV night. The product name specifies 125 g of roasted chestnuts. Check the packaging for the full, up-to-date ingredients and allergen information.
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An option if almonds suit your dietary needs and you’re looking for an unsalted variety. The product name specifies raw almonds in a 200 g pack.
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An option if cashews suit your dietary needs and you’re looking for a roasted, unsalted variety. The product name specifies cashews in a 200 g pack.
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An option if the nuts listed suit your dietary needs and you’re looking for an unsalted mix. The product information lists hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews, and says the mix may contain traces of peanuts and other nuts. Check the packaging for the latest information.
No, don’t assume that. Allergy Centres Netherlands explains that peanuts are legumes, not tree nuts, but that doesn’t automatically make peanuts suitable for your dietary needs. Follow the advice you’ve been given and check the product information.
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, this type of warning indicates a real risk that the product contains more than 20 mg of gluten per kilo. Take the warning into account when choosing, rather than looking only at the intended ingredients.
No. Don’t use a vegan statement as a substitute for checking the allergen information for the specific variant. Milk proteins are relevant for a milk allergy, so check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a low-lactose diet is usually enough. Lactose intolerance is different from milk allergy, where milk proteins are the relevant concern. A dietitian can help you choose foods to suit your needs.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and reseal it after portioning. PLUS recommends storing the mix covered in a cool, dry, dark place; ALDI says the Trader Joe’s Nut Mix described is in a resealable pack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says rancid, chewy or mouldy nuts are signs to look out for.
