If you have a peanut allergy, peanuts are not a suitable choice, even if the packaging says gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan. Choose a peanut-free alternative instead, and check its ingredients and allergen information. The NVWA advises checking allergen information on the packaging, while claims such as gluten-free or vegan only relate to that specific dietary requirement. An unsalted peanut snack may be suitable for a get-together if peanuts are compatible with everyone’s diet.
You’re buying snacks for a group that includes someone with a food allergy. Your main concern is distinguishing a suitable free-from product from peanuts, which a guest may need to avoid. Jeroen Bosch Hospital advises people with a peanut allergy not to eat food containing peanuts.
You can eat peanuts, but you’re looking for a variety that is explicitly labelled for your gluten or lactose requirements, rather than relying on a general free-from claim. Albert Heijn lists these features for the 300 g unsalted variety reviewed.
You’re looking for a vegan snack for King’s Day and also want to know what’s in the pack. A vegan claim alone says nothing about whether a product is suitable for someone with a peanut or nut allergy.
First, work out which ingredient someone needs to avoid. If you’re considering peanuts or a suitable alternative for King’s Day, the main things to check are allergens, specific dietary claims and what’s in the snack you’re serving.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Avoiding the relevant allergen | Check the ingredients and any warnings about the possible presence of allergens. | If someone with a peanut allergy is coming, I won’t choose a peanut snack for them, and I’ll check the alternative for the relevant allergens. Around 39% of consumers put avoiding allergens first. |
| Gluten or lactose claim | Check the claim on the exact variety; lactose-free does not mean suitable for someone with a milk allergy. | If I can eat peanuts but avoid gluten or lactose, I look for a specific claim that meets my needs. Around 31% of consumers base their choice mainly on this. |
| Vegan claim | Check the vegan claim and look at the allergen information separately. | If I’m looking for a plant-based snack to share, I want to know whether the variety I’ve chosen is labelled vegan. Around 15% of consumers choose mainly to meet this need. |
| Simple unsalted snack | Compare the ingredients, added salt, net weight and storage instructions. | If I’m looking for a simple unsalted snack to share, I also consider how much I can use and store. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this practical choice. |
Peanuts are an allergen in their own right. A claim such as gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan does not make a product containing peanuts suitable for someone who needs to avoid them.
Find out which ingredient needs to be avoided, then check the ingredients and warnings on the exact pack. The NVWA provides information about allergens in pre-packed products.
A coating or marinade changes the recipe. Duyvis describes coated varieties as having a layer of batter, so claims about plain peanuts do not automatically apply to these different varieties.
Check the ingredients and allergen information for each flavour and product variety separately.
For the Jumbo unsalted variety reviewed, the product information lists 0.01 g of salt per 100 g, from naturally occurring sodium.
When comparing products, distinguish between added salt and the total salt content shown in the nutrition table.
On 20 May 2026, Albert Heijn published a safety warning for AH Extra Large Salted Peanuts in a tub with a best-before date of 04-11-2026, due to the possible presence of metal fragments. The warning concerns that specific pack, not the 300 g unsalted variety reviewed.
If there’s a safety warning, compare the product name, packaging and best-before date with the product you have.
Do not eat a pack that exactly matches the warning.
The range includes plain, roasted, marinated and coated peanuts.
For the 300 g unsalted bag reviewed, Albert Heijn lists specific dietary claims.
The variety reviewed is a simple 250 g bag of unsalted peanuts.
Lidl Netherlands lists 285 g of unsalted peanuts for in-store purchase.
ALDI Netherlands lists 250 g of Trader Joe’s roasted unsalted peanuts.
According to PLUS, the 250 g unsalted bag reviewed is labelled vegan.
This selection includes coated, unsalted, in-shell, seasoned and salted peanuts for consumers who can eat peanuts. These are not peanut-free or general allergen-free alternatives.
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A crispy coated peanut snack to share, if peanuts are suitable for your diet.
The product information lists 70% peanuts and a crispy coating; the product also contains wheat/gluten and soya.
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An unsalted option to share, if peanuts are suitable for your diet.
The product information lists 99% peanuts and sunflower oil; the product may contain traces of cashews.
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This variety is an option if you want to serve peanuts in their shells and peanuts are suitable for your diet.
The product information lists peanuts as an ingredient and notes that nuts may be present; the peanuts need to be shelled before eating.
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A seasoned snack for anyone who can eat peanuts and is looking for a Sichuan pepper variety.
The product information lists peanuts, Sichuan pepper and salt. The desiccant in the pack is not edible.
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A salted peanut snack for consumers who can eat peanuts.
The product information lists peanuts, sunflower oil and salt; the variety may contain different types of nuts.
No. Lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy are different types of food sensitivity. If you have a milk allergy, check the information about milk ingredients and possible presence, not just the lactose-free claim.
According to the NVWA, you must be able to get allergen information about unpackaged foods before buying them. This can be provided in writing or verbally; if it’s given verbally, there must be a visible notice telling you that you can ask for it. This information requirement does not guarantee that a snack is suitable for your allergy.
No. Warnings about possible presence refer to assessed risks of unintended presence; the ingredients still matter too. The information about the European list of allergens also does not automatically cover allergies to other substances.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against giving whole peanuts or nuts to children under 4 because of the risk of choking. Older children should sit calmly while eating, and you should stay with them. This is food safety advice, not a legal age limit; ground peanuts do not remove any allergy-related restrictions.
Store nuts in a dry place in a tightly sealed container, and follow the instructions on the packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing nuts in a dry place in a well-sealed container; the PLUS bag reviewed also says to store it in a dark place.
