Who are these options relevant to?

People with coeliac disease

Before choosing a biscuit, they want to check the gluten-free label and any cross-contamination warnings on the current packaging. The Dutch Coeliac Society highlights the importance of these warnings.

Fans of digestive biscuits

They’re looking for a gluten-free biscuit to enjoy with tea or use as a biscuit base, and compare ingredients, allergens and fibre per 100 g. Jumbo describes Schär Digestive Landtaler as a gluten-free biscuit that can also be used as a cake base.

People looking for variety at the supermarket

They’re considering other types of gluten-free biscuits as well as digestives. Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s product listings offer some options, but ranges can change, so the packaging of the product you choose is what matters.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking the gluten-free label and any warnings on the packaging. Then compare only biscuits that meet your other requirements, looking at the type of biscuit, ingredients and nutritional information.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters most to
Gluten-free label and warnings Read the gluten-free label and any warnings about cereals containing gluten on the current packaging. When I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the biscuit’s name to spot a possible cross-contamination warning. This check comes first for around 36% of consumers.
Type of biscuit, fibre and oats Compare the type of biscuit and fibre per 100 g; if it’s an oat biscuit, check whether the oats are labelled gluten-free. For a biscuit to enjoy with tea or use as a base, I’m specifically looking for a digestive-style biscuit, but I want to know whether the variety contains oats. Around 29% of consumers give this product choice top priority.
Other allergens Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements against your own dietary restrictions. A gluten-free label isn’t enough for me if I also need to avoid milk, soya or another allergen. These additional restrictions are the biggest consideration for around 21% of consumers.
Range and choice of shop See which types of gluten-free biscuits the shop currently stocks and check the label of the variety you choose. If my usual biscuit isn’t available, I want to be able to choose another type without skipping the label check. This choice of shop comes first for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘digestive’ means ‘gluten-free’

    Digestive describes a type of biscuit, not whether it’s gluten-free. Albert Heijn’s product information lists wheat flour and cereals containing gluten for regular Lotus Biscoff Speculoos.

    Use the biscuit’s name to find a flavour or texture you like, but check the current packaging to see whether it’s suitable for someone with coeliac disease.

  • Overlooking other allergens

    Gluten-free digestives may still contain other allergens. According to Jumbo’s product information, Schär Digestive Landtaler contains soya and may contain lupin and egg; Jumbo Lekker Vrij chocolate digestives contain milk, oats and soya and may contain nuts.

    Even with a trusted gluten-free product, check the ingredients and allergen information against your personal dietary restrictions.

  • Checking only the ingredients list

    A warning about possible cross-contamination gives you information that you won’t find from the ingredients list alone. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, ‘may contain cereals containing gluten’ and ‘not suitable for people with coeliac disease’ indicate the same possible risk.

    Read the whole pack, including the warnings, before choosing a biscuit for someone with coeliac disease.

  • Assuming the range never changes

    A biscuit shown in a shop’s product listing may not be available in every store at all times. Gluten-free product listings may also include different types of biscuits.

    Check what’s currently available when planning your shop, and check the packaging again if you choose an alternative.

Brands to consider

Schär

Schär Digestive Landtaler is a gluten-free digestive biscuit for anyone looking for a variety without chocolate.

  • Jumbo’s product information lists the Crossed Grain symbol and 7.4 g of fibre per 100 g for Digestive Landtaler.
  • This product contains soya and may contain lupin and egg; check the current packaging for this information.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij

Jumbo’s gluten-free range includes Digestives Melkchocolade and other types of biscuits.

  • According to Jumbo, the chocolate digestives are made with gluten-free oats and display the Crossed Grain symbol. They contain 7.2 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • This variety contains milk, oats and soya, and may contain nuts.

Consenza

Consenza offers a range of gluten-free biscuits for people looking for something other than just digestives.

  • Its gluten-free range includes speculaas, syrup waffles and coconut biscuits.
  • Compare the nutritional information and allergens for each product; different types of biscuits don’t necessarily have the same ingredients.

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn’s gluten-free biscuit listing is a starting point if you’re considering types of biscuits other than digestives.

  • The listing includes gluten-free speculaas and syrup waffles.
  • A category listing is no substitute for checking the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the variety you choose.

Lotus Biscoff

Regular Lotus Biscoff Speculoos can serve as a familiar biscuit for comparison, but it isn’t a gluten-free option for someone with coeliac disease.

  • Albert Heijn’s product information clearly lists the ingredients in this specific variety.
  • It lists wheat flour and cereals containing gluten. Check any other Lotus products separately.

Biscuits on Joybuy

If you’re considering a gluten-free oat biscuit with milk chocolate as an alternative to digestives, this Verkade Oaties variety is another type to look at. If you have coeliac disease, check the current packaging, including any warnings.

Verkade Gv Oaties Milk Chocolate, 150 g pack

Verkade Gv Oaties Milk Chocolate 150 g

An oat biscuit with milk chocolate for anyone looking for something other than a digestive and who can eat oats.

Joybuy’s product information lists gluten-free oats. Check the gluten-free label and any warnings about cross-contamination with gluten on the current packaging.

The product information lists milk, oats and soya, and states that the product may contain nuts. Joybuy also notes that some people with coeliac disease may be sensitive to oat protein.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What does ‘gluten-free’ mean on a biscuit pack?

The ‘gluten-free’ label is subject to specific requirements: according to the Dutch Coeliac Society, a product can use this label if it contains less than 20 mg of gluten per kg of product. Also check the current ingredients and warnings. The European Commission sets out the requirements for gluten-free labelling in the EU.

Are regular Lotus Biscoff Speculoos suitable as a gluten-free biscuit?

No, regular Lotus Biscoff Speculoos isn’t a gluten-free option. Albert Heijn’s product information lists wheat flour and identifies wheat and cereals containing gluten as allergens. Don’t assume the same applies to other Lotus varieties.

Can I choose a gluten-free oat biscuit if I have coeliac disease?

An oat biscuit may be suitable if the product itself is labelled gluten-free and oats are right for you. Check the other allergens and the packaging too: Joybuy’s product information lists gluten-free oats for Verkade Gv Oaties and notes that some people with coeliac disease may be sensitive to oat protein.

What should I do if there’s a warning about cereals containing gluten?

Take any warning about possible cross-contamination into account, even if gluten isn’t listed as an ingredient. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, ‘may contain cereals containing gluten’ and ‘not suitable for people with coeliac disease’ indicate the same possible risk. Don’t base your choice solely on the product name or where it’s placed in the shop.

Why should I check a biscuit I’ve bought before?

Read the current packaging every time you buy, as ingredients and allergen information can change. Albert Heijn recommends checking the packaging even if you’ve bought the product before.