Choose a biscuit whose current packaging clearly states that it is gluten-free, and, ideally, serve it from a new, unopened pack, separate from ordinary biscuits and crumbs. For a guest with coeliac disease, the label and how the biscuit is served matter more than a familiar coffee-time flavour; check for other allergens too.
They need to be able to see that the specific biscuit is gluten-free and that it won’t come into contact with ordinary biscuits, bread or crumbs when served. The Dutch Coeliac Society advises using new, unopened packs to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
They need to be able to check the label and know how the biscuit is stored and served. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must be available to guests.
Once they have checked the gluten-free labelling, they can choose between different types of biscuit and portion sizes. If other allergens are also a concern, the information on the current packaging remains the deciding factor.
For coffee in a hotel room, start by checking the gluten-free labelling on the specific biscuit. The packaging, how it is served and the type of biscuit you want will then help you decide what’s practical.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Check for ‘gluten-free’ on the current packaging and read the ingredients and allergen information. | If I have coeliac disease, I want to see that this particular biscuit is gluten-free on its packaging. For around 50% of consumers, that reassurance comes first. |
| Packaging and serving | Check whether a new pack can be served unopened and whether the biscuit can be kept separate from ordinary biscuits and bread. | When I serve the biscuit in a hotel room, I want to avoid contact with crumbs and shared serving plates. For around 30% of consumers, how it is served is the main consideration. |
| Choice of biscuit | Compare the type of biscuit, portion size and any other allergens listed on the label within the gluten-free range. | Once I know it is gluten-free, I want to choose a type of biscuit and portion that suit the coffee break. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this choice within the gluten-free range. |
The fact that a biscuit is often served with coffee says nothing about whether that specific product is suitable for someone avoiding gluten. Lotus Bakeries presents regular Biscoff as a biscuit to enjoy with coffee; that use does not mean it is gluten-free.
For a guest with coeliac disease, choose only a product whose current packaging clearly says ‘gluten-free’.
A gluten-free biscuit can come into contact with crumbs or products containing gluten when it is served. The Dutch Coeliac Society therefore advises using new, unopened packs to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Store and serve the biscuits separately and well wrapped. If you’re using a multipack, check how the portions are actually packaged.
Ingredients and allergen information can change. Albert Heijn notes in its product information that these details may change.
Read the label on the pack being served to the guest, even if the product has been ordered or served before.
‘Gluten-free’ does not tell you whether a product contains, for example, milk, egg, nuts or soya. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says guests must be able to get information about relevant allergens.
Ask about any other allergens and check the information for the specific biscuit.
These examples show the types of biscuits sold as gluten-free. For hotel service, the label and packaging of the chosen product remain the deciding factors.
Jumbo lists products including Schär Digestive Landtaler Glutenvrij 3 x 50 g and Schär Butterkeks Glutenvrij 4 x 41 g.
Jumbo’s range includes products such as Lekker Vrij van Gluten Speculaas 125 g and Lekker Vrij van Gluten Digestives Melkchocolade 165 g.
Albert Heijn’s gluten-free biscuit category includes products such as almond biscuits and oat biscuits with hazelnut.
ALDI Nederland describes Heerlijck Banket’s coconut macaroons and coconut biscuits as gluten-free, with six biscuits in each pack.
Lotus Bakeries describes Biscoff as a biscuit to enjoy with coffee. That tells you when it’s eaten, not whether it is gluten-free.
Choose a biscuit whose current packaging clearly says ‘gluten-free’ and prevent it from coming into contact with ordinary biscuits or crumbs when serving. Check the allergen information too if other ingredients are relevant to the guest.
If you use an open dish, you’ll need to take steps to prevent contact with products containing gluten and crumbs. The Dutch Coeliac Society advises using new, unopened packs; offering a separate, sealed pack makes it easier to keep the biscuits apart.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that catering businesses must inform guests about allergens in the food they offer. For prepacked biscuits, allergen information is on the label. If serving them unpackaged, ask how the hotel makes this information available.
No. The fact that it goes well with coffee doesn’t prove that the specific biscuit is gluten-free. For a guest with coeliac disease, always check the current packaging for clear gluten-free labelling.
Not automatically: ‘gluten-free’ says nothing about those other allergens. Read the allergen information on the packaging of the chosen biscuit, or ask the hotel for the product information.
