When choosing a biscuit or individual bar with a food allergy, start by checking which allergens you need to avoid against the current packaging for the exact product. A ‘gluten-free’ label tells you nothing about other allergens: for example, according to Jumbo, its Jumbo Gevulde Koek Gluten Vrij contains milk, almond, lupin, soya and egg. Without knowing your personal list of allergens, it isn’t possible to recommend a specific product as suitable.
You’re looking for a biscuit or bar, but first need to check whether your allergen appears in the ingredients or allergen information on the exact product packaging. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre emphasises the importance of checking labels if you have a food allergy.
A gluten-free label on its own isn’t enough. According to Jumbo, its Jumbo Gevulde Koek Gluten Vrij also contains milk, almond, lupin, soya and egg.
You’re looking for a small portion for one snack break. Even then, check the packaging for the specific product you’ve chosen: Albert Heijn warns that online ingredient and allergy information can change.
Start with your own list of allergens and the packaging for the exact product. Only then compare gluten-free labels or the convenience of an individual portion.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Personal allergens | Read the ingredients, listed allergens and any relevant warnings on the current packaging. | When choosing a snack, I want to rule out my own allergen first, before considering flavour or portion size. For around 50% of consumers, this check comes first. |
| Gluten-free label | As well as checking the gluten-free label, check for any other allergens you need to avoid. | When looking for gluten-free options, I don’t want to overlook the fact that a biscuit may also contain milk, egg or nuts. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this combination of needs. |
| Individual portion | Check the exact flavour and packaging; don’t rely on allergen information for a different product variant. | When I’m out and about, I want to take one biscuit or bar with me without skipping the checks for that particular product. The convenience of individual portions matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
According to Jumbo, its Jumbo Gevulde Koek Gluten Vrij contains milk, almond, lupin, soya and egg. So the gluten-free label doesn’t tell you whether this biscuit is suitable if you have other allergies.
Use the label to find possible options, then check the full allergen information on the current packaging.
Albert Heijn says that online ingredient and allergy information can change. Information about one product isn’t a substitute for checking the label on the biscuit or bar you choose.
Make sure the flavour and product variant match the packaging in front of you, and read the label before eating it.
According to Jumbo, the Nākd Cocoa Delight variant contains cashew nuts and carries a warning that it may contain, among other things, soya and peanuts.
For a bar, check both the allergens it contains and any warnings that are relevant to your list of allergens.
The Lotus Biscoff Speculoos snack pack at Albert Heijn is an example of a biscuit sold in a smaller pack.
The Jumbo Gevulde Koek Gluten Vrij is a 60 g gluten-free biscuit.
Albert Heijn lists the Schär Crisp bar in its range of gluten-free bars.
Cocoa Delight is a fruit and nut bar, so it isn’t necessarily a suitable alternative if you avoid nuts.
No. A gluten-free label doesn’t mean that other allergens are absent. According to Jumbo, its Jumbo Gevulde Koek Gluten Vrij contains milk, almond, lupin, soya and egg. Check the current packaging for all the allergens you need to avoid.
Yes, to find possible products, but before eating one, also check the current packaging for the exact variant. Albert Heijn says that online ingredient and allergy information can change.
The label helps you check which of the listed allergens are relevant to you. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre emphasises the importance of this information for food allergies. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of packaged foods.
Only if the ingredients and warnings for that specific bar are suitable for your list of allergens. According to Jumbo, the Nākd Cocoa Delight variant contains cashew nuts and carries a warning that it may contain, among other things, soya and peanuts.
