Who is this choice relevant to?

Organisers handing out treats

You want to give each guest something to take away without having to cut the gingerbread on the spot. Individually wrapped slices are one option.

Buyers catering for dietary requirements

You’re buying for guests who need to avoid gluten or other allergens. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product, even if it’s labelled gluten-free.

Buyers serving a treat to share

You’re serving Dutch gingerbread to a small group you know and can portion it yourself. In that case, pack size and how you’ll serve it matter more than individual wrapping.

What should you look for in Dutch gingerbread?

When choosing Dutch gingerbread for a retirement or leaving-do treat, first decide how you want to hand it out. Then check that the ingredients suit your guests and that you have enough portions.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Handing out individual portions Check how many slices are individually wrapped and how much each one weighs. Peijnenburg says its Naturel 10-pack contains ten slices weighing 28 g each. I want to give guests something to take away without cutting it myself. For around 40% of consumers, ease of handing it out comes first.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list and allergen statement on the exact pack; a gluten-free label says nothing about other allergens. If guests have different dietary requirements, I want to know what each person can have. For around 30% of consumers, this check takes priority.
Serving it to share Check the net weight, the number of slices or portions, and whether you’ll need to cut the loaf yourself. For a small group around the table, I want to portion it myself and know whether one pack will be enough. Serving it to share is the main consideration for around 30% of consumers.

Common misconceptions when choosing

  • Treating Dutch gingerbread and a box of chocolates as the same kind of purchase

    Dutch gingerbread to hand out and a box of chocolates as a personal retirement gift don’t necessarily serve the same purpose. The packaging and ingredients you’ll want to check also depend on the product you choose.

    First decide whether you’re serving something to several guests or looking for a gift for one person. Then compare products within that category.

  • Assuming gluten-free means free from other allergens

    The gluten-free Peijnenburg gingerbread described by PLUS contains lupin and milk. So the gluten-free label doesn’t make this variant suitable for every guest with an allergy.

    Find out which ingredients matter to your guests and read the full allergen statement on the exact pack.

  • Assuming all Dutch gingerbread contains iodine in the baking salt

    A general reference to baking salt doesn’t tell you whether the pack of Dutch gingerbread you’ve chosen contains baking salt with iodine.

    Don’t let an assumption about iodine determine your choice; check the ingredients for the specific product if this matters to you.

Brands to consider

Peijnenburg

Peijnenburg offers Dutch gingerbread in a range of pack formats, including a Naturel 10-pack for handing out individual slices.

  • According to Peijnenburg, the Naturel 10-pack contains ten individually wrapped slices weighing 28 g each.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens for each variant; the information about the 10-pack doesn’t automatically apply to other Peijnenburg products.

AH Biologisch

Albert Heijn describes a 400 g uncut AH Biologisch gingerbread loaf for anyone who wants to slice their own portions.

  • Albert Heijn labels this variant organic, vegan and lactose-free.
  • The same product information lists rye and possible traces of ingredients including nuts and wheat. Check the label for the guests you’re serving.

Tastino

Lidl listed Tastino gingerbread in pack sizes of 465–550 g, making it suitable for portioning out yourself for a group.

  • The stated pack weight helps you work out how much you’ll need.
  • Lidl’s listing was part of an in-store promotion that ended on 4 October 2026. Check which pack size is available before planning your treat.

Products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Should I check the label again if I’ve bought the same Dutch gingerbread before?

Yes. Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you’re buying now, especially if your guests have dietary requirements. Information from PLUS and Albert Heijn shows that gingerbread variants can differ in ingredients such as rye, milk and lupin, and may contain nuts.

Is gluten-free Dutch gingerbread also free from other allergens?

No. Gluten-free doesn’t mean a product is free from all other allergens. For example, the gluten-free Peijnenburg variant described by PLUS contains lupin and milk, so be sure to read the rest of the allergen statement too.

Should I choose Dutch gingerbread because of the iodine in baking salt?

No. Don’t assume that all Dutch gingerbread contains baking salt with iodine. Check the ingredients of the specific product if baking salt is relevant to your choice.

How should I store an opened pack of Dutch gingerbread for a treat?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and seal it properly after opening. Albert Heijn recommends keeping its organic gingerbread in a cool, dark, dry place and storing it in a sealed tin after opening. For the gluten-free variant it describes, PLUS recommends a dry, dark place and preferably a sealed tin or container.