Who are these options relevant to?

Shopping for someone with coeliac disease

You’re looking for biscuits clearly labelled gluten-free, and you check the current allergen information and warnings about possible cross-contamination every time you buy them.

Comparing pack sizes

You check how much is in a pack and choose a type of biscuit that will actually be used. That way, you avoid buying a large pack that goes uneaten.

Households keen to bake at home

You want to make biscuits or baked treats using a mix explicitly labelled gluten-free, and you can prevent contact with gluten-containing flour and crumbs in the kitchen.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check the gluten-free label and the current packaging. Then decide between ready-made biscuits and baking at home, based on the quantity, type of biscuit and availability.

What to consider What should you check? Who is it important for?
Gluten-free labelling Check the label, ingredients, allergen information and warnings on the current packaging. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a food may only be labelled ‘gluten-free’ in the EU if the final product contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. When I buy biscuits for someone with coeliac disease, I want a clear label and to be able to read the warnings. For around 36% of consumers, suitability is said to be the top priority when making a first purchase.
Quantity per pack Check the net weight and best-before date, especially when choosing between small portion packs and larger packs. When I need several packs, I want to choose an amount we’ll actually finish. For around 29% of consumers, this is said to be the main consideration.
Type of biscuit Choose a type that suits how you’ll use it, such as a biscuit to have with coffee or one to crumble into a recipe. If I want to replace a familiar biscuit, the new type needs to suit when I eat or use it. This is said to be the top priority for around 21% of consumers.
Availability Check the current range before you go to a shop. If baking at home is practical for you, consider a baking mix explicitly labelled gluten-free. I don’t want to rely on a temporary shelf range when I need biscuits. For around 14% of consumers, an option that’s available straight away or a practical baking alternative is therefore said to be the main concern.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a regular biscuit is a gluten-free alternative

    Lotus Bakeries lists wheat flour and gluten as an allergen present in Lotus Biscoff Original Speculoos. This product is therefore not a gluten-free alternative for someone with coeliac disease.

    Look for a clear gluten-free label, and check the ingredients and allergen information again when buying a new pack.

  • Choosing a large pack without considering how you’ll use it

    A larger pack won’t help if the type of biscuit isn’t right for what you want to do with it, or if you can’t finish it in time.

    Check the weight and best-before date. If you’re unfamiliar with a type of biscuit, start with an amount you expect to use.

  • Relying on a discounter’s temporary range

    Lidl says its extra gluten-free products are temporary and currently unavailable on the relevant range page. So a planned trip to the shop won’t necessarily mean you’ll find suitable biscuits.

    Check what’s available before you set off, and consider another shop or a baking mix explicitly labelled gluten-free as a back-up.

  • Forgetting about cross-contamination when baking at home

    A gluten-free mix can come into contact with gluten-containing flour or crumbs while you’re preparing it in a shared kitchen.

    Use clean hands, utensils and worktops, and keep the ingredients separate while baking.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn / AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn’s gluten-free biscuits category features both AH Glutenvrij products and biscuits from other brands.

  • The category includes different types of biscuits, such as speculaas and oat biscuits.
  • Check the current packaging of the product you choose; ranges and product information can change.

Jumbo / Lekker Vrij van Gluten

Jumbo described its own-brand Lekker Vrij van Gluten range in 2019; the supermarket also features Schär biscuits in its online category.

  • The online range lists pack weights for different Schär biscuits.
  • The 2019 announcement about the own-brand range doesn’t say which biscuits are available now. Check the current gluten-free labelling on each product.

Schär

Schär is one brand to consider if you’re looking for a particular type of gluten-free biscuit.

  • Albert Heijn and Jumbo feature various Schär biscuits, including digestive biscuits and butter biscuits.
  • Biscuit types and pack weights vary by product, so compare the options and choose one that suits how you’ll use it.

Lidl

Lidl describes its extra gluten-free range as temporary.

  • A clearly labelled product in the current range could be another option when choosing where to shop.
  • Lidl says on its range page that its extra gluten-free products are currently unavailable. Don’t rely on them as the only reason for a planned shopping trip.

ALDI

ALDI sells snacks, but a regular biscuit isn’t automatically a gluten-free alternative.

  • If you’re shopping for someone with coeliac disease, choose a specific product that’s clearly labelled gluten-free and check the current packaging.

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Biscoff Original Speculoos is an example of what to avoid, not a gluten-free alternative.

  • According to Lotus Bakeries’ product information, Original Speculoos contains wheat flour and lists gluten as an allergen present.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a biscuit without wheat automatically suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

No. When choosing for someone with coeliac disease, look for an explicit gluten-free label and also read the current allergen information and warnings about cross-contamination. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, the label ‘gluten-free’ may only be used if the final product contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten.

How can I compare gluten-free biscuits when shopping on a budget?

First compare products clearly labelled gluten-free, then check the net weight and choose the type of biscuit you need. A larger pack is only practical if you’ll finish it, so check the best-before date.

Can I rely on Lidl for gluten-free biscuits?

Check what’s available now before making a special trip to Lidl. Lidl describes its extra gluten-free range as temporary and says on its range page that those products are currently unavailable.

When is baking at home with a gluten-free mix a useful alternative?

Baking at home could be a good option if you want to make more biscuits and can prevent contact with gluten-containing flour and crumbs in the kitchen. Choose a mix explicitly labelled gluten-free, check the other recipe ingredients too, and allow time for preparation.