Shoppers checking for gluten-free labelling
If you have coeliac disease, a clear gluten-free label comes first. Avoiding contact with crumbs from ordinary bread is also more important than finding something that looks like tiger bread.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Tiger bread fans looking for a different type of bread
If you’re mainly looking for a similar crust or something to enjoy at the same mealtime, you can compare gluten-free ciabattas, rolls and seeded bread without assuming they’re meant to imitate tiger bread.
Families who regularly buy gluten-free bread
If you buy gluten-free bread regularly, pack size, storage advice and nutritional information all matter. Fibre and whether the product contains iodised salt are also worth checking for each product.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking the gluten-free labelling on the specific product. Then compare the bread type, packaging and nutritional information with what you need at home.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free options | Check the current gluten-free labelling and allergen information on the packaging. Also think about how to prevent contact with ordinary bread crumbs at home. | If I have coeliac disease, I want to choose a product clearly labelled gluten-free first and keep it separate from ordinary bread. This is the top priority for an estimated 50% of shoppers. |
| Bread type and how you’ll use it | Compare a whole or half loaf with gluten-free ciabattas and rolls; check the pack size and storage advice. | I’m looking for bread that works for sandwiches or a lunch with rolls, even if it doesn’t have a tiger-style crust. This is the most important factor for around 30% of shoppers. |
| Packaging and nutritional information | Check the pack size, fibre in the nutritional information, and the ingredients for iodised salt or baker’s salt. | If I buy gluten-free bread regularly, I want to know how much is in the pack and what it says about fibre and salt. Around 20% of shoppers prioritise these everyday considerations. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing bread because its crust looks like tiger bread
Appearance and the word ‘fresh’ don’t tell you whether bread is gluten-free. Ordinary bread made with gluten-containing grains is not a suitable alternative if you have coeliac disease.
Check the gluten-free labelling on the packaging of the exact variety you’re buying; the Crossed Grain symbol can make it easier to identify.
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Checking the label but not the kitchen
At home, gluten-free bread can come into contact with crumbs from ordinary bread, for example on a knife, chopping board or in a toaster.
Keep the two types of bread separate and use clean or separate utensils and a clean work surface.
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Assuming all bread contains iodised salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers don’t always use it. Its presence therefore varies from product to product.
Check the ingredients on the packaging if the type of salt used is important to your choice.
Brands and shops to explore
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s online gluten-free range includes AH Gluten-Free loaves and bread products from Schär.
- AH Gluten-Free dark and light seeded bread are listed in 480 g packs.
- Check the current packaging for the variety you choose; the loaves listed are not automatically gluten-free tiger bread.
Jumbo
Jumbo has an online gluten-free bread category, including Lekker Vrij white and brown bread and a range of rolls.
- The Lekker Vrij white and brown loaves listed each come in a 500 g pack.
- The Crossed Grain symbol shown by Jumbo for Lekker Vrij Brown shouldn’t be assumed to apply to other varieties; check each product.
PLUS
PLUS lists its own gluten-free white and seeded bread, rolls and Schär bread varieties online.
- There are both loaves and individual rolls to compare by bread type and when you plan to eat them.
- PLUS notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change, so check the packaging of the product you receive.
Joybuy product for home baking
If you’d like to bake your own gluten-free alternative, you could try a bread mix. A bread mix isn’t ready-made tiger bread, and it’s still important to prepare it in a clean environment.
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Schär Bread Mix-Mix B Gluten Free, 1 kg
For anyone who wants to make gluten-free bread at home rather than choosing a ready-made loaf.
This is a 1 kg bread mix. Before use, check the current packaging for gluten-free labelling, allergens and preparation instructions; check the ingredients if the type of salt matters to you.
Prepare the bread with clean or separate utensils to avoid contact with crumbs from ordinary bread.
Frequently asked questions
Is ordinary tiger bread suitable if you have coeliac disease?
Don’t assume it is: only choose a specific product with clear gluten-free labelling on the packaging. The name or crust of tiger bread tells you nothing about its ingredients or the possibility of contact with gluten.
Can I ignore a warning about the possible presence of wheat?
No. If you have coeliac disease, check the entire packaging, even if wheat isn’t listed among the ingredients. If in doubt, choose an alternative clearly labelled gluten-free and ask your dietitian about any unclear warnings.
Does gluten-free bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that every loaf does. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but not every baker uses it; check the ingredients on the packaging of the product you choose.
How can I keep gluten-free bread separate from ordinary bread at home?
Use clean hands, a clean work surface and clean or separate utensils. Pay particular attention to crumbs on chopping boards and knives, and in a toaster that’s also used for ordinary bread.