If you have coeliac disease, it’s best to take biscuits in a sealed pack labelled ‘gluten-free’ or bearing the Crossed Grain symbol. That way, you can check the current ingredients, allergen information and use-by date before you set off. For unpackaged biscuits from a festival stall, you’ll need to ask for this information on the spot, and an answer about allergens doesn’t rule out cross-contamination. Regular Lotus Biscoff Speculoos aren’t gluten-free: Albert Heijn lists wheat flour as an ingredient.
You want to check before the festival that biscuits in a sealed pack are clearly labelled gluten-free. The Voedingscentrum (Netherlands Nutrition Centre) lists the words ‘gluten-free’ and the Crossed Grain symbol as things to look for on packaging.
You want to check the packaging and portions at home, then take biscuits with you rather than having to buy them unpackaged at the festival. Check the storage instructions for your chosen variety too.
You need to be aware of another allergen as well as gluten, or you’re sharing biscuits with someone who does. Check the allergen information for the exact variety: gluten-free biscuits may contain milk, egg, soya or nuts, among other things.
If you have coeliac disease, first check that the exact pack is labelled gluten-free and review its allergen information. Then choose a portion size and type of packaging that will be convenient at the festival.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the pack; make sure it’s sealed and undamaged. | I have coeliac disease and don’t want to rely on a brand name alone or the fact that there’s no visible wheat. This check comes first for around 39% of consumers. |
| Portions and packaging | Check how many biscuits are in each portion and whether the packaging is suitable for taking along unopened. | I want to be able to take a biscuit out of my bag during the festival without opening the whole pack. For around 23% of consumers, choosing a practical portion size is the priority. |
| Other allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. | I need to avoid another allergen as well as gluten, and want to know whether I can eat or share these biscuits. For around 23% of consumers, this additional check is their main concern. |
| Flavour and range | Compare flavours and pack sizes only after checking the gluten-free labelling and any relevant allergens. | I’d like to choose from different biscuits, but only from varieties that meet my requirements. Around 15% of consumers put this choice first. |
Albert Heijn lists wheat flour as an ingredient in the Lotus Biscoff Speculoos reviewed. A familiar brand or convenient biscuit format doesn’t change the ingredients.
Check the exact pack for ‘gluten-free’ labelling or the Crossed Grain symbol. If you need strictly gluten-free biscuits, don’t choose regular Lotus Biscoff Speculoos.
Gluten-free varieties can differ considerably in their ingredients; for example, the biscuits reviewed contained soya, egg, milk or almonds.
Check the allergen information for each flavour and variety again, especially if you plan to share the biscuits with someone else.
Information about the allergens present doesn’t automatically tell you how a biscuit was prepared or whether contact with gluten-containing products was avoided.
Ask the stall about the ingredients and preparation before buying. If you can’t establish whether the biscuit is suitable, stick to a sealed gluten-free pack that you’ve checked yourself.
For Verkade Gv Oaties Melkchocolade, Joybuy notes that a small number of people with coeliac disease may be sensitive to oat protein (avenin). This variety also contains milk and soya and may contain nuts.
Check whether gluten-free oats fit with your existing dietary guidance, and read the other allergen information on the pack you choose.
Albert Heijn offers several types of gluten-free biscuits under its own brand, including almond biscuits.
This range from Jumbo includes gluten-free speculoos biscuits and pink cake.
Schär offers a range of gluten-free biscuits and cookies; Jumbo describes its Choco Chip Cookies as gluten-free biscuits.
The regular Lotus Biscoff Speculoos reviewed isn’t a gluten-free option for someone with coeliac disease.
According to Joybuy’s product information, Verkade Gv Oaties Melkchocolade is an oat biscuit made with gluten-free oats.
No. According to Albert Heijn, the Lotus Biscoff Speculoos reviewed contains wheat flour. Don’t choose this variety if you need strictly gluten-free biscuits because of coeliac disease.
Ask about the allergens in the specific biscuit and how it’s prepared before buying, but don’t treat an answer about the ingredients as proof that contact with gluten has been ruled out. If you have coeliac disease and can’t assess whether unpackaged biscuits are suitable, you can take a sealed gluten-free pack that you’ve checked yourself.
Read the full allergen information for the exact variety, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. Gluten-free biscuits may contain egg, milk, soya or nuts, for example.
Not necessarily. For Verkade Gv Oaties Melkchocolade, Joybuy notes that a small number of people with coeliac disease may be sensitive to oat protein (avenin). Check the packaging and follow any existing dietary guidance you have about oats.
It’s best to take them in a sealed pack and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Keep opened gluten-free biscuits separate from snacks containing gluten.
