Who is this guide for?

People with coeliac disease

You want to be able to check on the packaging whether that particular biscuit is gluten-free. The Voedingscentrum identifies a ‘gluten-free’ label and the Crossed Grain symbol as helpful indicators.

People looking for a particular type of biscuit

You want to choose from different types of gluten-free biscuits, such as chocolate chip cookies, digestives, speculaas-style biscuits or soft cake-style options. Schär and Albert Heijn offer a range of different products.

People with additional dietary requirements

As well as checking that a product is gluten-free, you may also want to check for things like soya, lactose, specific ingredients or nutritional information. Check each requirement separately on the packaging of the variety you choose.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, check that the current packaging says the product is gluten-free. Only then choose a type of biscuit and check for any additional requirements.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Gluten-free suitability Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging; don’t rely on ‘wheat-free’ alone. I’m choosing for someone with coeliac disease and don’t want to rely on a brand name or product photo. For around 50% of consumers, confirmed gluten-free suitability comes first.
Biscuit type and occasion Compare the style of biscuit and pack size for how you plan to use it. I’m looking for a different biscuit to have with tea than I would for a dessert base, even after checking the gluten-free label. Biscuit type and occasion are the main considerations for roughly 30% of consumers.
Other ingredients Read the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements for the variety you choose. I need to check for an ingredient other than gluten and want to know what’s in this particular biscuit. For around 20% of consumers, this additional requirement is the top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a brand name means a product is labelled gluten-free

    A brand or product photo doesn’t tell you whether the variety you’ve chosen is gluten-free for someone with coeliac disease.

    Check the current packaging for the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol.

  • Assuming every oat biscuit is suitable

    Oats can come into contact with gluten-containing cereals during production or processing.

    If you have coeliac disease, choose an oat biscuit whose packaging explicitly identifies it as gluten-free or carries the Crossed Grain symbol.

  • Overlooking other allergens

    Gluten-free doesn’t mean a biscuit is free from other allergens. For example, Jumbo lists soya in Schär Choco Chip Cookies, and soya as well as possible traces of lupin and egg in Schär Digestive Landtaler.

    Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and ‘may contain’ statements for the variety you choose.

  • Assuming a changing range will always be available

    A biscuit you found before may not be available the next time you look. Product information can change too.

    When you buy it again, check both the availability and the packaging of the specific product.

Brands to consider

Schär

Schär’s gluten-free range includes digestives, butter biscuits, chocolate chip cookies and madeleines.

  • Offers a range of biscuits and cake-style options to compare for different occasions.
  • Check each product for other allergens: according to Jumbo, the Choco Chip Cookies contain soya; the Digestive Landtaler contains soya and may contain lupin and egg.

Albert Heijn (AH Glutenvrij)

Albert Heijn lists AH Glutenvrij biscuits alongside gluten-free products from other brands in its online biscuit category.

  • The category makes it easy to compare different types of biscuits and pack sizes.
  • Albert Heijn recommends checking the packaging, as product information can change.

Damhert

Damhert describes a gluten-free range that, according to the brand, sometimes includes products with additional claims such as lactose-free or vegan.

  • Worth exploring if you have a specific requirement in addition to needing a gluten-free product.
  • An additional claim doesn’t automatically apply to the whole range, so check the packaging of the product you choose.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘wheat-free’ mean the same as gluten-free for coeliac disease?

No. A ‘wheat-free’ label doesn’t confirm that a biscuit is gluten-free. If you’re choosing for someone with coeliac disease, look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging.

Are oat biscuits automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease?

No. Oats can come into contact with gluten-containing cereals during production or processing. Check that the oat biscuit you’re buying is labelled gluten-free or carries the Crossed Grain symbol.

Is a gluten-free biscuit also free from other allergens?

Not automatically. Jumbo lists soya in Schär Choco Chip Cookies. For Schär Digestive Landtaler, Jumbo lists soya and possible traces of lupin and egg. Read the allergen information for the variety you choose.

Can I rely solely on the online product information?

Use the current packaging as your final check. Albert Heijn notes that a product’s ingredients, nutritional values and dietary or allergen information can change.

What should I look out for at home after buying gluten-free biscuits?

Keep gluten-free biscuits away from crumbs from products containing gluten. The Voedingscentrum highlights the importance of preventing cross-contamination if you have coeliac disease, even when the product you’ve chosen is gluten-free.