Who is this choice important for?

If you’re bringing something for someone with coeliac disease

You’re looking for a treat for the procession where the gluten-free label on the packaging is crucial. The Voedingscentrum points out that biscuits can contain gluten.

If you need to consider several allergens

As well as gluten, you may need to look out for egg, milk, nuts, sesame, soya or lupin. Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo shows that their gluten-free kruidnoten differ in this respect.

If you’re shopping shortly before the procession

You want to bring a ready-to-eat treat. Check that your chosen product is available shortly before you set off, and read the packaging when you buy it: an online listing doesn’t tell you what’s in stock at your local shop.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking for a gluten-free label on the packaging. Then choose based on any other allergens that matter to the group, and check that you can buy the product in time.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free label Check the bag itself for the words ‘gluten-free’; don’t rely on the product name alone. If someone with coeliac disease is coming along, I want to know what the packaging says before handing out the treats. Around 42% of consumers put this check first.
Other allergens Compare the ingredients and warnings such as ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ with the allergens that matter to those who’ll be eating them. If several food allergies are involved, gluten-free alone isn’t enough to choose a bag. For around 33% of consumers, other allergens are the main concern.
Availability Check current shop stock and still read the label on the specific bag when you buy it. If you’re shopping shortly before the procession, you need a treat that’s actually available then. Availability is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming regular kruidnoten are gluten-free

    Sinterklaas packaging or a familiar flavour tells you nothing about whether a product is labelled gluten-free. The Voedingscentrum lists biscuits among the products that can contain gluten.

    Check the current packaging and, for someone with coeliac disease, choose a product that explicitly says ‘gluten-free’.

  • Assuming ‘vegan’ means ‘free from allergens’

    Jumbo’s product page says that Jumbo Kruidnoten Vegan & Glutenvrij may contain almonds, hazelnuts, lupin, sesame and soya.

    Check the gluten-free label and the full allergen information separately.

  • Assuming a product page guarantees stock

    Jumbo no longer lists Consenza Gluten Free Kruidnoten in its online range. Even a previous listing for a seasonal product doesn’t guarantee it will be available on the day of the procession.

    Check stock shortly before you set off, and look at the packaging of the product you’re taking when you buy it.

  • Assuming gluten-free means suitable for everyone

    Albert Heijn says that AH Glutenvrij Kruidnoten contain egg and may contain milk, sesame seeds and hazelnuts, among other allergens. The Jumbo version carries different allergen warnings.

    Ask which other allergens matter to the people eating them, then compare the specific products’ packaging.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists AH Glutenvrij Kruidnoten in a 180 g pack.

  • The product information describes it as gluten-free and lists its ingredients and allergens.
  • The product contains egg and may contain milk, sesame seeds, lactose and hazelnuts; check the pack you buy if other allergies are a concern.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Kruidnoten Vegan & Glutenvrij in a 150 g pack.

  • The product page says ‘gluten-free’ and ‘vegan’, and displays the Crossed Grain symbol.
  • The same page says the product may contain almonds, hazelnuts, lupin, sesame and soya.

Consenza

Consenza includes kruidnoten among its gluten-free seasonal products.

  • According to Consenza’s own information, its products contain less than 20 ppm of gluten and carry a certified logo.
  • Jumbo no longer lists Consenza Gluten Free Kruidnoten in its online range. Check availability and read the label on any pack you find in store.

Lidl

Lidl provides information about a gluten-free range alongside its other Sinterklaas products.

  • The range information is a starting point for looking for gluten-free products.
  • Lidl says its additional gluten-free products are temporarily unavailable. Only choose kruidnoten you find if the packaging itself says ‘gluten-free’.

ALDI

ALDI lists regular baker’s kruidnoten in its Sinterklaas range.

  • This listing can help you identify products in the regular range.
  • Don’t assume these baker’s kruidnoten are suitable for a gluten-free diet; check any alternative bag for an explicit gluten-free label.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will appear soon.

Frequently asked questions

What does ‘gluten-free’ on packaging mean?

Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, the ‘gluten-free’ label means a food contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten when sold to the final consumer. Check that the pack you buy carries this label.

Are regular kruidnoten suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

Don’t assume they are: according to the Voedingscentrum, biscuits can contain gluten. For someone with coeliac disease, choose a current pack that is explicitly labelled gluten-free.

Should I check for allergens other than gluten?

Yes, if they matter to anyone in the group. Albert Heijn lists egg and warnings for milk and sesame seeds, among other allergens, in its gluten-free kruidnoten. For its vegan and gluten-free version, Jumbo warns that it may contain nuts, sesame and soya, among other allergens.

Can I buy gluten-free kruidnoten from Lidl or ALDI shortly before the procession?

Only if you find an available pack that explicitly says ‘gluten-free’. Lidl says its additional gluten-free products are temporarily unavailable; don’t treat the regular baker’s kruidnoten listed by ALDI as a gluten-free alternative unless they carry that label.

How can I keep the gluten-free treat separate when handing it out?

Keep the biscuits in their own packaging and use a separate, clean plate and clean serving utensils. This keeps the label available for anyone who wants to check the ingredients or allergens, and helps you avoid contact with regular kruidnoten.