Who are these choices relevant to?

People buying for someone with coeliac disease

Your first priority is seeing ‘gluten-free’ on the packaging. Then check the ingredients and allergen information for the biscuit you’re actually buying.

People choosing a suitable pack size

You’re looking for a familiar type of biscuit and, once you’ve checked that it’s labelled gluten-free, comparing the contents and portions of suitable packs.

People with additional dietary requirements

As well as gluten-free, you might also be looking for a lactose-free label or need to avoid other allergens. An additional label like this doesn’t replace checking the full ingredients and allergen information.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check the gluten-free label and allergen information for the exact biscuit. Then choose a type of biscuit and pack size that suit how you’ll use it.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Gluten-free label Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the current packaging; don’t rely on words such as ‘wheat-free’ or ‘oats’ alone. If I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I want to see that label before choosing a type of biscuit. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Pack size For the same type of biscuit, compare the weight and number of portions in packs that are otherwise suitable. When shopping on a budget, I want to choose an amount I’m likely to use up. Around 30% of consumers put this consideration first.
Other allergens Check the ingredients list and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements for the exact product. As well as being gluten-free, the biscuit may need to meet another dietary requirement, or I may need to avoid another allergen. This is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers.
Type of biscuit and portions Choose the type you want and check how many biscuits or portions the pack contains. I’m looking for a biscuit that suits my taste and works as a snack or to share. Around 20% of consumers put this choice first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘wheat-free’ or ‘made with oats’ means ‘gluten-free’

    In the EU, specific requirements apply to the ‘gluten-free’ label. Under EU Regulation 828/2014, oats in a product carrying this label must be specially produced, prepared or processed to avoid contamination with certain gluten-containing cereals.

    If you’re buying biscuits for someone with coeliac disease, look for the explicit ‘gluten-free’ label on the current packaging, even if the biscuits contain oats.

  • Assuming a gluten-free biscuit is free from other allergens

    The Jumbo Lekker Vrij speculoos biscuits reviewed list egg and several potential allergens. The gluten-free and lactose-free Céréal chocolate biscuit described by Jumbo contains soya.

    For each exact product, check both the ingredients list and the information about allergens that are present or may be present.

  • Relying on an old product description instead of the label

    Albert Heijn states that ingredients, nutritional values and dietary or allergy information can change. So a product page you looked at earlier may not match the packaging in your hand.

    Use online product information to help you decide, then check the current packaging before use.

Brands and product ranges to explore

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes gluten-free speculoos biscuits and other types of biscuits.

  • Albert Heijn says the AH Glutenvrij Speculaas reviewed is made in a completely gluten-free environment.
  • The speculoos biscuits reviewed contain egg and may contain sesame and nuts. Another AH biscuit reviewed lists gluten-free wheat starch and wheat as an allergen; check the exact product.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij

Jumbo’s range includes various gluten-free biscuits and snacks, including speculoos biscuits, syrup waffles and digestives.

  • According to Jumbo, the Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten Speculaas reviewed carries the Crossed Grain symbol.
  • Those speculoos biscuits list egg and several potential allergens, including milk, nuts, lupin and sesame. Check the information on the pack you choose.

Schär

Schär’s Dutch range includes various types of biscuits and cakes, such as petit beurre biscuits, chocolate-chip biscuits and digestives.

  • The range gives you a choice of different types of biscuit.
  • Check each exact product: a range overview won’t tell you which ingredients, allergens or portion sizes are listed on the packaging.

Céréal

The Céréal product reviewed is a chocolate biscuit that Jumbo describes as gluten-free and lactose-free.

  • This combination of labels may be useful if you’re looking for both on the packaging.
  • The biscuit reviewed contains soya and may contain other allergens. ‘Lactose-free’ doesn’t mean you can skip checking the allergen information.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

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

Under EU Regulation 828/2014, the ‘gluten-free’ label may be used if the finished product contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. If you’re choosing biscuits for someone with coeliac disease, check that the label appears on the current packaging.

Are biscuits containing oats automatically gluten-free?

No. Oats on the ingredients list don’t, by themselves, mean a product is labelled gluten-free. Under EU Regulation 828/2014, oats in a product labelled gluten-free must be specially produced, prepared or processed to avoid contamination with wheat, rye, barley or their crossbreeds. The oats must also meet the limit of 20 mg/kg of gluten. So always check the label on the packaging.

Does ‘gluten-free’ also mean ‘wheat-free’ or ‘free from other allergens’?

No. For example, the AH gluten-free almond biscuit reviewed lists gluten-free wheat starch and wheat as an allergen. If you also need to avoid another allergen, check the full ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack.

How do I choose a suitable pack when shopping on a budget?

Compare the contents and portions of the same type of biscuit only after checking the gluten-free label and any relevant allergens. A pack you can finish may suit your needs better than a larger one. Check the product information again on the packaging you buy.