Parents putting together a gluten-free lunchbox
As well as checking the packaging, you’ll need to consider crumbs, shared kitchen utensils and the arrangements at your child’s school or after-school club.
Who might find these options useful?
Parents looking for a wholegrain lunchbox staple
You want to compare the proportion of wholegrains and the amount of fibre, rather than judging by how the packaging looks.
Parents comparing options with extra protein
You’re weighing up a high-protein option alongside a high-fibre one, and checking that the ingredients and allergens suit your child and the school’s arrangements.
What should you look for?
Start by checking for any ingredient or allergen restrictions. Then compare the nutritional information and practical portion sizes of the options you’re considering for the lunchbox.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information; check for a gluten-free label and the school’s arrangements if needed. | If gluten needs to be kept out of the lunchbox, I also want to prevent crumbs from other foods getting onto the crispbread. This is the top priority for an estimated 15% of consumers. |
| Wholegrains and fibre | Compare the proportion of wholegrains and the amount of fibre per 100 g. | For a regular lunch, I’m looking for a crisp wholegrain base with nutritional information I can compare. Around 39% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Protein and fibre | Check both protein and fibre per 100 g, and see which grains the option contains. | I want to weigh up a higher-protein option against a high-fibre one without overlooking the ingredients. Extra protein is the top priority for an estimated 23% of consumers. |
| Packaging and portions | Check the pack size, number of pieces and current product information. | For regular school days, I want to know how many lunch portions a pack provides and whether the option fits into my usual shopping routine. This matters most to around 23% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Treating ‘premium’ as a nutritional measure
The label doesn’t tell you how much wholegrain, fibre or salt a particular option contains, and it says nothing about allergens.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and read the ingredients list on the pack you’re buying.
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Putting an ordinary rye or wheat cracker in a gluten-free lunchbox
Rye and wheat are gluten-containing grains. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that even small amounts of gluten from crumbs can cause problems for people with coeliac disease.
Check for an explicit gluten-free label, and keep the crispbread, fillings and lunchbox separate from products containing gluten.
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Confusing pack weight with the number of lunch portions
A larger pack doesn’t tell you how many pieces you’ll want to pack for each school day.
Check both the net weight and the number of pieces or portion information on the current packaging.
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Assuming every school has the same allergy arrangements
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises schools to take food allergies and intolerances into account, but practical arrangements can vary from school to school.
Ask your child’s school or after-school club what arrangements are in place before packing a product containing relevant allergens.
Brands and own-label options to consider
Wasabröd / Wasa
The range includes high-fibre, wholegrain, high-protein and gluten-free crispbread options.
- The Wasa High Fibre option described by Albert Heijn lists 69% wholegrains and 26 g of fibre per 100 g.
- These figures don’t apply to every Wasa option. Check the grains and other allergens on each pack too.
Albert Heijn
The own-label range includes a specific gluten-free crispbread option to compare with regular varieties.
- Albert Heijn describes AH Gluten-Free High Fibre as gluten-free and made in a completely gluten-free environment.
- This option lists 6.5 g of fibre and 2.4 g of salt per 100 g; assess the nutritional information separately from the gluten-free label.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists several types of Wasa products, including high-fibre and high-protein options.
- The product information for Wasa Protein Wheat lists 20 g of protein per 100 g.
- A range overview can’t tell you whether a particular option meets a child’s allergy requirements; check the label for that.
Ryvita
Dark Rye Crispbread is a rye option whose ingredients you can compare with those of other crispbreads.
- Ryvita lists 92 g of wholemeal rye flour per 100 g of Dark Rye product.
- Rye contains gluten; check the current packaging for other relevant allergens too.
Lidl
Lidl lists crispbread varieties with sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
- The pack described contains 264 g.
- Before choosing an option for the lunchbox, check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the pack in store.
ALDI / Goud Gebakken
Goud Gebakken offers a wholegrain crispbread option in a pack of 25 pieces.
- ALDI lists a pack weight of 375 g.
- For a lunchbox where allergies are a concern, read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.
Crispbread for a regular lunch
These Joybuy products offer options for a school lunch where you’re looking for a crisp grain-based staple. Check the current label and school arrangements for each product; this selection is not a guide to choosing a gluten-free lunchbox.
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Wasa High-Fiber Crackers 300 g
An option to consider if you’re looking for a high-fibre cracker for lunch. The pack contains 300 g; check the label for ingredients, allergens and the number of pieces.
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Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread 265 g
A wholegrain crispbread option to compare if you’re looking for a crunchy lunchbox staple. The pack contains 265 g; check the current label for grains, allergens and portion information.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers 235 g
A rye option for a lunchbox without a gluten restriction. The pack contains 235 g; rye is a gluten-containing grain, so check the label for other allergens too.
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g'woon Wholemeal Crispbread 375 g
A wholegrain crispbread option to compare for regular lunch days. The pack contains 375 g; check the current label for ingredients, allergens and portions.
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Wasa Thin Crisp Rosemary & Salt
A thin cracker with rosemary and salt to consider for lunch. Before planning portions, check the net weight, nutritional information and allergens on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is gluten-free crispbread necessary for every school lunchbox?
No, a gluten-free option isn’t needed for every lunchbox. If gluten needs to be avoided, check for a clear gluten-free label and prevent contact with crumbs containing gluten. If your child has a wheat allergy, check for wheat separately too.
How do I check for gluten and other allergens?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens in prepacked foods must be clearly identifiable in the ingredients list. For grains containing gluten, check which type of grain is listed too.
Does crispbread always contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume it does. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. Check the ingredients for your chosen option if this is important to the make-up of the lunchbox.