If you’re making a cake for someone with coeliac disease, choose biscuits clearly labelled ‘gluten-free’ and check the ingredients, allergens and warnings on the current packaging. A crisp gluten-free spiced or digestive-style biscuit could work well for a crumb base. Consider the flavour and texture, and keep gluten-free ingredients and utensils separate from gluten-containing products while preparing the cake. Lotus Biscoff Original is not suitable: according to Lotus Bakeries, it contains wheat flour.
Whether you’re making a cake base, crumb layer or decoration, start by checking for a gluten-free label and reading the current packaging. The Dutch Coeliac Society also recommends using a clean work surface and keeping gluten-containing and gluten-free ingredients separate.
If you want a spiced crumb base, look for a biscuit explicitly labelled gluten-free. Regular Lotus Biscoff Original is not a suitable alternative: Lotus Bakeries lists wheat flour and gluten as an allergen.
Albert Heijn and Jumbo list a range of gluten-free biscuit types online. Use these listings to find options, but check availability and read the packaging when you buy.
First, check that the biscuit is labelled gluten-free and read the packaging. Then choose a flavour and texture to suit your base or decorations, and check where the product you want is available.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Check the ‘gluten-free’ label, allergen information and any cross-contamination warnings on the packaging. | When I’m making a cake for someone with coeliac disease, I want to be able to check the label before choosing a biscuit. Around 50% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
| Flavour and texture | Compare gluten-free spiced biscuits with digestive-style or buttery biscuits, for example. If needed, try crumbling a small amount first. | For a crumb base, I want the flavour to go well with the filling and the biscuit to crumble as needed. For around 30% of consumers, the result of the base is the main priority. |
| Availability | Check the current range and availability at the shop or delivery service; check the packaging again when your order arrives. | When I want to bake in a hurry, I want to be able to find a suitable biscuit without relying on a temporary offer. Availability is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
A biscuit isn’t gluten-free just because it seems suitable as a cake ingredient. Lotus Bakeries lists wheat flour and gluten for Lotus Biscoff Original.
For a speculoos-style base, look for a version labelled ‘gluten-free’ and check the current packaging.
When choosing for someone with coeliac disease, allergen information and any cross-contamination warnings are also important.
Read the whole pack, including warnings such as ‘may contain cereals containing gluten’ or ‘not suitable for people with coeliac disease’.
The Dutch Coeliac Society notes that crumbs or flour dust from gluten-containing products can come into contact with food during preparation.
Clean the work surface, baking tin and utensils, and keep gluten-containing ingredients separate.
The biscuit types shown in a shop’s online listing may not be available at all times or in every store.
Check availability before you shop, and check the packaging of the product you choose when you buy it.
Albert Heijn’s online category makes it easier to compare different biscuit types for a base, crumb layer or decoration.
Jumbo’s gluten-free range offers options if you want to use a spiced or digestive-style biscuit.
Schär’s range includes several types of biscuits and crackers in Albert Heijn’s online gluten-free category.
Regular Original Speculoos can be a flavour reference, but it isn’t a gluten-free biscuit for a cake made for someone with coeliac disease.
Lidl is only an option if a suitable product is available.
No, not for a cake made for someone with coeliac disease. According to Lotus Bakeries, Lotus Biscoff Original contains wheat flour and lists gluten as an allergen. Look for a biscuit labelled gluten-free.
Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this claim may only be used if the food sold to consumers contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. Also check the current allergen information and any warnings on the packaging.
Keep gluten-free ingredients and utensils separate from gluten-containing products. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends using a clean work surface and avoiding flour dust from gluten-containing flour in the preparation area.
Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s online categories list gluten-free spiced biscuits and digestive-style biscuits, among other options. Check which products are available and read the label on the pack you buy before using it.
