Who are you making the calendar for?

Buying for someone with coeliac disease

You’ll want to see an explicit gluten-free label on every biscuit and check the allergen information on the packaging you actually buy.

Looking to fill the compartments with variety

You’re looking for biscuits that fit in the calendar and want to alternate between different flavours. Check the label separately for every additional variety.

Taking several dietary requirements into account

As well as gluten, you may need to look out for lactose, milk, nuts, eggs, soya or other allergens that are relevant to the recipient.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking that the specific biscuit is labelled gluten-free. Then choose a size that fits the compartments and check for any other allergens in each flavour.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free label Look for an explicit gluten-free label and read the packaging of the product you buy. I don’t want to rely on a flavour name or vegan label when buying for someone with coeliac disease. For roughly 50% of consumers, checking the gluten-free label would be their first concern when buying.
Size and variety Compare the number of portions in the pack with the space in the calendar compartments, and check every flavour you choose. I want to divide the biscuits between the compartments while still offering a choice of flavours. For around 30% of consumers, this would be their main consideration.
Other allergens Check the ingredient information and any warnings about possible traces of allergens the recipient needs to avoid. I need to take another allergy or intolerance into account as well as gluten. For around 20% of consumers, this additional check would come first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming vegan or speculoos means gluten-free

    A vegan product can still contain ingredients that contain gluten. For example, Makro lists wheat flour in Lotus Biscoff Speculoos Topping.

    Look for an explicit gluten-free label on the specific biscuit, then check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.

  • Using one label check for every flavour

    Different varieties of biscuits can contain different ingredients and allergens. Even if you buy the product again later, a label you read previously isn’t enough.

    Check every variety on the packaging of the product you’re using for the calendar.

  • Overlooking other allergens

    Gluten-free doesn’t mean a biscuit is also free from soya, eggs, milk or nuts, for example. For its gluten-free and lactose-free Céréal chocolate biscuits, Jumbo lists soya and warnings about other possible allergens.

    Ask which allergens are relevant to the recipient and check any ‘may contain’ warnings on each product too.

  • Relying on a promotional range as a regular option

    Lidl says that extra gluten-free promotional products aren’t always available. This means a calendar you plan to fill in advance will depend on what’s in stock when you shop.

    Check the current range and keep an alternative with a clear gluten-free label in reserve.

Brands to compare

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn’s gluten-free biscuit range includes speculaas, chocolate chip biscuits and almond biscuits.

  • The different types of biscuits give you a choice of flavours and sizes for individual calendar compartments.
  • According to Albert Heijn, AH Glutenvrij Koekjes amandel also contains eggs, soya, almonds and gluten-free wheat starch. Check the allergens for each variety separately.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij

Jumbo’s range includes gluten-free speculaas, stroopwafels, digestives and a filled biscuit.

  • The different types of biscuits are useful for comparing flavours when putting together your own calendar.
  • Check the allergens on each pack you choose and make sure the biscuits fit in your calendar compartments.

Schär

Albert Heijn’s gluten-free biscuit selection includes Schär butter biscuits, digestives and chocolate chip biscuits.

  • The biscuits and cookies give you different options to compare for your calendar.
  • Check the allergens and pack size for each Schär product.

Céréal

Jumbo describes one Céréal chocolate variety as gluten-free and lactose-free.

  • This specific variety is worth considering if lactose also needs to be avoided.
  • According to Jumbo, the variety contains soya and may contain eggs, milk, nuts, sesame and lupin, among other allergens. Lactose-free doesn’t mean dairy-free.

Lotus Biscoff

Speculoos may be a flavour you’d like to include as an advent treat, but the flavour or brand name doesn’t confirm that a product is gluten-free.

  • Makro lists wheat flour in Lotus Biscoff Speculoos Topping. Only choose a different, specific product if it’s explicitly labelled gluten-free and you’ve checked the label.

Joybuy products to consider

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

What does ‘gluten-free’ mean on a biscuit?

Under EU Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, food labelled ‘gluten-free’ must contain no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg. If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, choose a specific biscuit with this label and check the packaging you buy.

Should I read the packaging if the product page says it’s gluten-free?

Yes. Albert Heijn recommends checking the packaging because product information can change. Do this for every flavour you put in the calendar.

Does vegan mean the same as gluten-free?

No. Makro lists wheat flour in a vegan Lotus Biscoff speculoos topping. A vegan label doesn’t replace the gluten-free label on the specific product.

Is a gluten-free biscuit also lactose-free or nut-free?

Not necessarily. Jumbo describes its Céréal chocolate biscuits as gluten-free and lactose-free, but also lists soya and possible traces of milk and nuts, among other allergens. Check for any allergens that are relevant to the recipient.

Can I rely on promotional gluten-free products for my calendar?

Don’t rely on a promotional product without checking what’s currently available. Lidl says that extra gluten-free products may not always be in stock, so keep an alternative in reserve when planning.