People with coeliac disease
You’re looking for a treat that fits into a gluten-free diet. The crushed muisjes containing wheat starch aren’t suitable, even if they’re exactly the presentation you had in mind.
Who is this choice for?
People who value Fairtrade
You want to be able to check the Fairtrade label on the product you choose. If you also need to consider coeliac disease, you may need to choose a different type of product rather than crushed muisjes.
Parents and hosts at a baby celebration
You want to serve muisjes, but you’ll need a separate gluten-free treat for a guest with coeliac disease, along with separate serving utensils.
What should you look for when choosing?
When choosing a treat for someone with coeliac disease, suitability for a gluten-free diet comes first. Then check the Fairtrade label and decide whether you need the traditional muisjes presentation.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for someone with coeliac disease | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, and check that it is labelled gluten-free. Albert Heijn lists wheat starch in De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes. | If I’m serving something to someone with coeliac disease, I want to know first whether they can eat the product I’ve chosen. For around 50% of consumers, suitability is the top priority. |
| Fairtrade sourcing | Look for the FAIRTRADE label on the packaging. If there’s an arrow beside it, Fairtrade International advises you to read the information on the back about the ingredients and their origin. | I also want to make a verifiable Fairtrade choice when serving a gluten-free treat, and I may need to choose a different type of product. For around 30% of consumers, sourcing is the main consideration when choosing between suitable alternatives. |
| Traditional presentation | Decide whether you need crushed muisjes, and keep a separate gluten-free treat apart from the muisjes and serving utensils. | For a baby celebration, I want to keep the familiar muisjes presentation while offering the guest with coeliac disease something else. For around 20% of consumers, presentation matters most. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming crushed muisjes are chocolate
The De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes described by Albert Heijn are sugar-coated aniseed seeds, not chocolate. A Fairtrade cocoa label therefore won’t help you assess this product.
Is Fairtrade cocoa important to you? Look at a different type of product, and check separately whether it’s suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
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Checking only for Fairtrade
A Fairtrade label doesn’t tell you whether a product contains gluten. The ingredients list for the De Ruijter product described here includes wheat starch.
If you have coeliac disease, rule out products that aren’t suitable for a gluten-free diet first. Then compare the Fairtrade labels on the remaining options.
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Relying on a label you read before
A product’s ingredients and allergen information can change. You’ll also need to take care to serve it separately from products containing gluten.
Check the packaging of the exact product again when you buy it, and use separate serving utensils for the gluten-free treat.
Relevant brands and shops
De Ruijter
Relevant because Gestampte Muisjes are sold under this brand.
- Albert Heijn describes this product as crushed, sugar-coated aniseed seeds, for use on bread and crispbread, among other things.
- Wheat starch is listed in the ingredients. This product isn’t suitable for someone with coeliac disease, and shouldn’t be treated as Fairtrade chocolate either.
Albert Heijn
A shop with product information for De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes, as well as a wider range of other products.
- The product information lists the ingredients and allergens for the muisjes product described here.
- Fairtrade Nederland says that Albert Heijn stocks Fairtrade products, but that doesn’t make these crushed muisjes gluten-free or Fairtrade.
Jumbo
A shop that lists De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes in its online muisjes category.
- The category gives you a starting point for finding the exact muisjes product.
- A product appearing in this category doesn’t show that it’s suitable for someone with coeliac disease or carries a Fairtrade label. Check the packaging of the product you choose.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are De Ruijter Gestampte Muisjes gluten-free?
No. The product described by Albert Heijn isn’t suitable for someone with coeliac disease. The ingredients list includes wheat starch, and the allergen information lists wheat and cereals containing gluten.
Does ‘no chocolate’ also mean ‘gluten-free’?
No. Whether a product contains chocolate doesn’t tell you whether it contains gluten. Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that the name of any gluten-containing cereal must appear in the ingredients list.
How do I check Fairtrade on a product with several ingredients?
Look for the FAIRTRADE label on the packaging and check which ingredients the information applies to. Fairtrade International says that if the label has an arrow, you should read the information on the back for more details about the ingredients and sourcing method. Check separately whether the product is gluten-free.
Should I read the label again the next time I buy it?
Yes. Check the packaging of the exact product every time you buy it. The Dutch Coeliac Society points out that a change in ingredients is a reason to check the label again. Don’t rely on previous product information instead of checking the packaging of the product you’re buying.