Choose gingerbread for a school lunchbox as a small extra, not as a replacement for a lunch that includes, for example, wholemeal bread, vegetables and fruit. The Voedingscentrum lists gingerbread as a small daily treat. An individually wrapped portion saves preparation time, while with a no-added-sugar variety you should also check the sugar content per portion and whether it contains polyols. Check the allergens on the packaging for every variety, and follow your school’s rules.
You don’t need to cut a pre-portioned slice at home. Jumbo lists the individually wrapped Peijnenburg variety as containing 28 g slices; also check the nutritional information per slice and how much packaging you’ll use.
Compare the nutritional values per 100 g and per portion. A product labelled ‘no added sugars’ does not mean it contains no sugars; check for sweeteners and polyols too.
Check the label on the product you choose and your school’s rules. Albert Heijn lists rye, wheat and cereals containing gluten among the ingredients in its Peijnenburg wholemeal variety; PLUS also states that its baker’s gingerbread may contain nuts.
First decide whether you want gingerbread as a convenient extra to take with you, a variety whose nutritional values you want to compare, or a treat. Then check the portion size and the label for that specific variety.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Easy-to-pack portion | Individual wrapping and the weight of each slice. | If I’m short on time in the morning, I want to be able to pack a pre-portioned slice straight away. For around 36% of consumers, convenience is the most important factor. |
| Sugar and fibre | Nutritional information per 100 g and per portion; for no-added-sugar varieties, check for polyols too. | If I want to choose gingerbread based on its nutritional value, I compare the portion that will actually go in the lunchbox. Around 29% of consumers put this comparison first. |
| Allergens and school policy | Current ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements, as well as your school’s rules. | If my child or their class needs to take allergens into account, suitability comes before taste or convenience. For around 21% of consumers, this is the first consideration. |
| Distinctive flavour | Whether the gingerbread is sliced and what portion you want to pack. | For an occasional treat, I’m more likely to look for a distinctive flavour than a regular lunchbox choice. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
A special name or distinctive flavour doesn’t change the role gingerbread plays in a school lunch. The Voedingscentrum lists gingerbread as a small daily treat and recommends building lunch around foods from the Dutch Wheel of Five.
Put lunch together first, then decide whether there’s room for a little extra.
According to the product information, the no-added-sugar Peijnenburg variety still contains sugars and uses xylitol. The packaging warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Compare the sugar content per portion and read the ingredients and nutritional information for the variety you choose.
A wholemeal or rye variety isn’t gluten-free just because it’s made with wholemeal flour or rye. The gingerbread products reviewed list cereals containing gluten; some packaging also warns that the product may contain nuts.
Check the current allergen information every time you buy, and follow your school’s rules.
The range includes plain, wholemeal, individually wrapped and no-added-sugar varieties.
The gingerbread range includes several types, including a separate Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten variety.
PLUS includes its Bakkers ontbijtkoek naturel in its premium cake and biscuit range.
ALDI offers a sliced Zero variety and premium gingerbread with pearl sugar under this name.
Lidl has offered Tastino gingerbread as part of a limited-time in-store promotion.
These gingerbread products suit two different school lunchbox needs: a portable option and a sliced wholemeal variety. Treat them as a small extra, and check the packaging before packing a slice.
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An option if you want to pack a portion of gingerbread in a school lunchbox. Compare the sugar content per bar on the packaging; if you need to avoid gluten or nuts, also check the current allergen information and your school’s policy.
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This sliced wholemeal variety is a good choice if you don’t want to cut it at home. Compare sugar and fibre on the same basis, and check the current label carefully if gluten or other allergens are a concern.
No. It’s best to treat gingerbread as a small extra. The Voedingscentrum recommends wholemeal or brown bread as part of the lunch and lists gingerbread as a small daily treat.
No. Rye is a cereal that contains gluten. If you’re packing a gluten-free lunch, check that the product you buy is explicitly labelled gluten-free, as well as checking for other allergens and following your school’s rules.
No. The no-added-sugar Peijnenburg variety described by Jumbo contains 1,4 g of sugars per 28 g portion and contains xylitol. The packaging warns that excessive consumption may have a laxative effect.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for your variety. PLUS says its sliced gingerbread should be stored in a cool, dark place; instructions may differ for other products.
