Who is this choice relevant to?

Anyone buying speculaas for someone with coeliac disease

Look for an explicit gluten-free label, and read the allergen information and any cross-contamination warnings on the packaging too.

Anyone who wants to factor in Fairtrade

You want to be able to see whether the Fairtrade claim applies to the speculaas you have chosen or to a clearly named ingredient, rather than relying on the shop’s wider product range.

Anyone who also needs to avoid almonds

As well as checking for a gluten-free label, check the current allergen information. Albert Heijn has issued a warning about possible undeclared almonds in AH Glutenvrij Speculaasbrok with a best-before date of 26 March 2027.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking whether the product is suitable for someone with coeliac disease. Only then consider whether the Fairtrade claim applies to the product you have chosen, and check for any other allergens that are relevant to you.

What to check What should you check? Who is it important for?
Gluten-free label Read the current packaging: does it say ‘gluten-free’, and is there a warning about possible cross-contamination with cereals containing gluten? The Dutch Coeliac Society explains why both statements deserve attention. When I buy speculaas for someone with coeliac disease, I first want to know whether the specific product is labelled gluten-free and what warnings appear on the packaging. This check is the top priority for around 50% of consumers.
Fairtrade claim Check whether the claim applies to the speculaas variant you have chosen or to a named ingredient, such as cocoa if the product contains it. When choosing between gluten-free variants, I want to know exactly what the Fairtrade claim refers to; a claim about the shop’s range is not enough. Around 30% of consumers prioritise checking that the claim applies to the specific product.
Other allergens and product variant Compare the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging with your needs. If a relevant safety warning has been issued, check the product name and best-before date too. If I also need to avoid almonds, a warning about a specific variant and best-before date could change my choice. For around 20% of consumers, up-to-date allergen and variant information is the most important thing to check.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a Fairtrade range means the speculaas is Fairtrade

    Fairtrade Nederland lists Fairtrade products at Albert Heijn and Jumbo. That does not mean every speculaas variant they sell carries a Fairtrade claim.

    Check the packaging or product information for the exact variant you want to buy, including whether the claim applies to the product itself or to one of its ingredients.

  • Searching for ‘speculaas’ or ‘vegan’ without checking for gluten

    A product name or another dietary label is no substitute for a gluten-free label. Any cross-contamination warning is also relevant for someone with coeliac disease.

    First read the gluten-free label and any warnings on the packaging. Then check the Fairtrade claim.

  • Trusting an online product description more than the packaging

    Albert Heijn warns that ingredient and allergen information can change. Its warning about AH Glutenvrij Speculaasbrok with a best-before date of 26 March 2027 also shows why the exact variant and date matter.

    Check the packaging when you buy the product and before you eat it. If you have an almond allergy, do not eat the specific speculaasbrok named in the warning with this best-before date.

Brands to consider

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

Jumbo lists Lekker Vrij van Gluten Speculaas 125 g in its gluten-free range.

  • Jumbo identifies the Crossed Grain symbol on this speculaas as its gluten-free label.
  • The fact that other products in Jumbo’s range are Fairtrade does not automatically mean this speculaas is Fairtrade-certified. Check for a claim on the specific variant.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Glutenvrij Speculaas. Fairtrade Nederland also lists Fairtrade products in Albert Heijn’s wider range.

  • The product information gives you a starting point for identifying the speculaas variant you have chosen.
  • Albert Heijn advises checking the packaging because ingredient and allergen information can change. Check separately for any Fairtrade claim on this variant.

Consenza

Jumbo lists Consenza Glutenvrije Speculaasjes 100 g as gluten-free speculaas biscuits.

  • Jumbo’s product listing identifies the speculaas biscuits as gluten-free and names Consenza BV as the manufacturer.
  • If Fairtrade is a condition of your purchase, check whether the current packaging carries a claim for these speculaas biscuits or a specific ingredient.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is ordinary speculaas automatically suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

No. Don’t rely on the product name alone. Choose a variant that is explicitly labelled gluten-free, and also read the allergen information and any cross-contamination warnings on the current packaging.

Does a Fairtrade logo also mean the speculaas is gluten-free?

No. The Fairtrade claim and the gluten-free label answer different questions. Check both separately on the variant you have chosen, and check whether the Fairtrade claim applies to the product itself or to a named ingredient.

Is the allergen information on a webshop enough?

Use it to help you decide what to buy, but compare it with the packaging before eating the product. Albert Heijn warns that ingredient and allergen information can change, and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that prepacked products must show allergen information on the label.

What should I do if I have AH Glutenvrij Speculaasbrok with a best-before date of 26 March 2027?

If you have an almond allergy, do not eat the specific speculaasbrok with this best-before date. Albert Heijn warns that it may contain undeclared almonds and advises customers to return the product. The warning does not automatically apply to other gluten-free speculaas.