If you’re buying a week’s supply of bread for someone with coeliac disease, start by choosing a packaged loaf labelled ‘gluten-free’ and check the storage instructions. If you’re mainly looking for a crusty roll to serve with a meal, a gluten-free bake-at-home roll or gluten-free ciabatta could do the job, but it won’t be exactly the same as tiger bread. Keep the bread at home away from crumbs from ordinary bread.
You’ll want to check that the packaging says ‘gluten-free’ and make sure the bread doesn’t come into contact with crumbs at home. The Voedingscentrum and the Dutch Coeliac Society emphasise the importance of the label and avoiding cross-contamination.
You’re looking for bread for breakfast and lunch, or packaged rolls for individual meals. Albert Heijn and PLUS list a range of gluten-free bread products in their online ranges.
You’re happy to try a gluten-free ciabatta or mini baguette instead of a tiger roll. Jumbo lists these types of bread online; check the packaging and baking instructions when you buy.
If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, check the packaging first. Then choose between a loaf for everyday sandwiches and rolls for planned meals, and buy an amount you can store properly.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Eating gluten-free without cross-contamination | Check the packaging for a ‘gluten-free’ label or the Crossed Grain symbol. At home, keep the bread away from crumbs from ordinary bread. | When I buy bread for someone with coeliac disease, I want to be able to check the packaging and keep the bread separate at home. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| A week’s supply and the type of bread | Compare whole or sliced loaves with packaged rolls. Check the quantity and storage instructions. | I want to have enough bread at home for breakfast and lunch, without opening more than I need. Finding the right amount for the week is the main concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| A crusty roll | Look for gluten-free bake-at-home rolls, ciabatta or mini baguettes, and follow the baking instructions. Don’t expect an identical tiger-bread crust. | For a planned lunch, I want a crusty gluten-free roll, even if it isn’t tiger bread. This type of bread is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Portions and food waste | Choose an amount you’ll use, and check how to store the bread once opened. | If I don’t eat bread every day, I want to avoid leaving an opened pack unused. Around 20% of consumers put finding the right portion size first. |
A tiger crust or product name doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
Check the packaging for a ‘gluten-free’ label or the Crossed Grain symbol. Under European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a food may be labelled ‘gluten-free’ if it contains no more than 20 mg of gluten per kilogram.
The Dutch Coeliac Society says that even crumbs can cause cross-contamination.
Keep the gluten-free bread wrapped until you’re ready to use it, and use clean hands, a clean work surface and clean utensils.
When buying a week’s supply, the storage instructions can help you decide which type of bread and pack size will be practical.
Compare portion sizes and check the packaging for advice on storing the bread once opened and whether it can be frozen.
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt.
If iodine content matters to you, check the packaging for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’.
For anyone who wants to compare different packaged gluten-free breads as part of their weekly shop.
A shop where you can compare Schär gluten-free loaves with ciabatta and mini baguettes.
For comparing everyday gluten-free loaves and rolls.
A shop where you can browse different types of Schär gluten-free bread online.
Another shop to check for its current range of gluten-free bread.
A shop where you can check for gluten-free loaves and rolls as separate products.
Don’t assume it is: the name and crust don’t mean it’s gluten-free. Choose bread whose packaging says ‘gluten-free’ or carries the Crossed Grain symbol, and avoid contact with gluten-containing crumbs at home, as advised by the Voedingscentrum and the Dutch Coeliac Society.
No, it’s a different type of bread you could consider if you’re mainly looking for a roll to bake at home. Jumbo and Dirk list gluten-free ciabatta online; before buying, check the label and baking instructions for the product you choose.
Keep the gluten-free bread wrapped until you’re ready to use it, and use clean hands, a clean work surface and clean utensils. The Dutch Coeliac Society advises keeping crumbs containing gluten away from gluten-free food.
No, you can’t assume that all bread does: according to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. If it matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for ‘baker’s salt’ or ‘iodised salt’.
