Who is this choice relevant for?

People buying a gift for someone with coeliac disease

You want to check the gluten-free claim on the exact product, rather than assume that chocolate is automatically suitable.

People looking for an alternative to a box of chocolates

You want to give a chocolate gift and are happy to put together a set yourself if you can’t confirm that a box of chocolates is labelled gluten-free.

People who also need to check for other allergens

As well as gluten, you need to consider allergens the recipient avoids, such as milk, soya or nuts.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free claim Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the packaging or product page for the exact variety, and read the ingredients and allergen information. If I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to judge the box by its appearance. For around 50% of consumers, confirmation that the exact product is labelled ‘gluten-free’ comes first.
Type of gift Check the chosen box separately. If you can’t confirm the gluten-free claim, consider sealed products that each carry that claim. I want a chocolate gift I can give without relying on an unverified box of chocolates; for around 30% of consumers, the type of gift or a suitable alternative takes priority.
Other allergens Ask which allergens the recipient avoids, then check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings for each product. If the recipient also avoids other allergens, I want to be able to check each pack. This additional check comes first for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming chocolate is automatically gluten-free

    The type of product doesn’t confirm whether the exact variety is gluten-free. Ingredients and allergens vary from product to product.

    Before buying, check that the packaging or product page for that variety explicitly says ‘gluten-free’.

  • Mistaking a category of chocolates for a gluten-free selection

    A category of chocolates and pralines tells you nothing about the gluten-free claim for an individual box.

    Check the information for the exact box. If you can’t confirm the claim, choose individually checked products for a gift set.

  • Stopping reading after seeing ‘gluten-free’

    A gluten-free chocolate product may still contain other allergens. For example, the Céréal milk chocolate described by Jumbo contains milk and soya, and carries warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

    Ask which allergens the recipient avoids and check the current information for the exact product.

Relevant brands to consider

Céréal

An example of packaged chocolate with a product-specific gluten-free claim, but not a box of chocolates.

  • Jumbo describes the 100 g Céréal milk chocolate bar as gluten-free and lactose-free.
  • This bar contains milk and soya, and may contain nuts, egg, lupin, peanuts and sesame, among other allergens. Check the packaging if the recipient avoids other allergens too.

AH Glutenvrij

A product range to explore if you want to add individually packaged products to a gift set alongside chocolate.

  • Albert Heijn lists chocolate chip biscuits among the products in this range.
  • A gluten-free biscuit product doesn’t confirm that a box of chocolates carries the same claim; check each item you choose individually.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

A product range that may be useful for putting together a gift set with products other than chocolates.

  • Jumbo lists Lekker Vrij van Gluten Digestives Milk Chocolate in its gluten-free range.
  • Digestives aren’t a box of chocolates. Check the packaging and allergen information for every product you plan to give.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What does ‘gluten-free’ mean on chocolate packaging?

Under Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, the claim ‘gluten-free’ may be used if the food contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten when sold to the final consumer. Check that the claim appears on the exact variety of chocolate you plan to give.

Is a box of chocolates with no visible biscuits suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

You can’t tell just by looking at the chocolates. Read the packaging for the exact box, and only choose it as a gift if its gluten-free claim has been confirmed for that specific product.

Should I check for other allergens in gluten-free chocolate too?

Yes, if the recipient avoids other allergens too. The gluten-free Céréal milk chocolate described by Jumbo contains milk and soya, and may contain nuts, egg, lupin, peanuts and sesame, among other allergens. So be sure to read the information on the exact packaging.

What should I do about unpackaged or shop-packed chocolates?

Before buying, ask for allergen information about the specific chocolates and whether there’s any risk of cross-contamination. Jumbo says cross-contamination can’t be ruled out for some products packed in store; if you can’t get a clear answer, don’t assume the product is suitable.