Who are you choosing for?

A guest with coeliac disease

For this guest, the starting point is the ‘gluten-free’ statement on the current packaging. According to the Voedingscentrum, a lifelong gluten-free diet is the treatment for coeliac disease.

A guest who needs to watch out for additional allergens

As well as gluten, they may need to avoid ingredients such as milk, nuts, egg or lupin. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack.

An older person with a preference for a particular biscuit

Once you’ve checked that it’s gluten-free, they may want to choose between, for example, speculaas, a mild rice biscuit or a larger coconut biscuit. The type of biscuit and portion size will help you decide which option suits their coffee break.

What should you look for when buying?

Check the packaging for a gluten-free statement and any other relevant allergens. Then compare the type of biscuit and portion size with your guest’s preferences.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Gluten-free statement Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the current packaging, including for oat biscuits. For a guest with coeliac disease, I first want to know whether the biscuit is explicitly labelled gluten-free. Around 50% of consumers put this check first.
Type of biscuit and portion size Compare the type of biscuit and the number or weight per pack. For coffee, I want to choose a biscuit whose type and portion size suit the guest. For around 25% of consumers, this is the most important consideration once they’ve checked the gluten-free statement.
Other allergens and nutritional information Read the ingredients and allergen information; compare the nutritional values per 100 g or per portion if needed. If the guest has additional dietary restrictions, I want to know what other ingredients and allergens the biscuit contains. For around 25% of consumers, these additional checks matter most.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a biscuit for coffee is gluten-free

    A brand presenting a biscuit as something to enjoy with coffee says nothing about whether that specific product is labelled gluten-free. The Voedingscentrum says this check is important for people with coeliac disease.

    Check the current packaging first, then choose based on taste or brand.

  • Assuming gluten-free also means free from other allergens

    A gluten-free product may still contain other allergens. For example, a gluten-free ontbijtkoek listed by Jumbo contains milk and lupin and may also contain nuts and egg. This example says nothing about the ingredients in other biscuits.

    For every pack you choose, read the ingredients and allergen information relevant to your guest.

  • Relying only on an online product page

    A product range page can help you find options, but it may not show the information on the pack you buy. Availability can also vary.

    Check the current packaging and confirm availability before planning your coffee break.

Brands to consider

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn’s AH Glutenvrij range includes, among other things, oat biscuits with hazelnut and biscuits with almond.

  • You can compare different types of biscuit within the same online category.
  • Check the current gluten-free statement and allergens on the chosen pack, including the nuts listed.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij

Jumbo’s Lekker Vrij van Gluten range includes, among other things, speculaas and digestives with milk chocolate.

  • Offers a choice of familiar types of biscuit to enjoy with coffee.
  • Check the allergens for each product: another item in this range, the ontbijtkoek, contains milk and lupin according to Jumbo.

Schär

Jumbo lists Schär Choco Chip Cookies Glutenvrij 100 g.

  • An option to consider if your guest would like a chocolate biscuit.
  • Check the current ingredients and allergens on the packaging before offering this biscuit.

Cereal

Jumbo lists Cereal Gluten-Free & Lactose-Free Chocolate Biscuits 150 g.

  • The product name says that it is both gluten-free and lactose-free.
  • Lactose-free does not automatically mean a product is free from milk ingredients or other allergens, so check the specific pack.

Heerlijck Banket

ALDI lists gluten-free coconut macaroons and coconut rings by Heerlijck Banket.

  • A coconut option for anyone who’d prefer to offer a larger biscuit rather than a small one.
  • Check whether the variety you want is available, and read the packaging for ingredients and allergens.

Matching products on Joybuy

Matching products will appear soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I recognise a gluten-free biscuit for a guest with coeliac disease?

Check that ‘gluten-free’ is clearly stated on the current packaging of the biscuit you’ve chosen. A brand name, type of biscuit or online category listing is no substitute for this check.

Is Lotus Biscoff automatically a gluten-free choice to enjoy with coffee?

No, not automatically. Lotus Bakeries presents Biscoff as a biscuit to enjoy with coffee, but for a guest with coeliac disease you need to check the gluten-free statement on the packaging of the exact product you’re serving.

Should I also check for milk, nuts and egg in a gluten-free biscuit?

Yes, if those allergens are relevant to your guest. ‘Gluten-free’ doesn’t mean the biscuit is free from other allergens, so read the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack.

Can I use online nutritional information to compare biscuits?

Yes, it can help you find and compare options, but check the packaging of the product you’ve chosen before buying. Ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change; Albert Heijn points this out in its product information.