If you’re travelling with someone who has coeliac disease, take bread, rolls or crackers that are clearly labelled gluten-free, and keep them separate from regular bread when preparing and packing them. Then choose a size that suits your journey, compare the nutritional information for each product and make sure you can keep it chilled if you’re taking perishable fillings.
You’re looking for a snack that’s clearly labelled gluten-free, and want to avoid ordinary bread crumbs getting on it while it’s being prepared, packed or eaten. The Dutch Coeliac Society points out that cross-contamination with gluten must also be avoided.
You want to know more than just whether a product is gluten-free; you also want to compare its ingredients and nutritional information. When comparing fibre, use the same quantity, such as per 100 g, rather than relying on terms such as multigrain or wholemeal.
You want to find suitable sizes in advance, from loaves to small rolls or crackers. Online ranges at shops such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo, PLUS and Dirk can help you compare options; check the packaging and in-store availability when you buy.
If you have coeliac disease, first check that the product is labelled gluten-free and avoid contact with ordinary bread crumbs. Then consider its size, storage requirements and nutritional information.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free status and crumbs | Look for a gluten-free label on the packaging. Keep the product separate from ordinary bread, and use clean hands and utensils. | When I take a snack for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want ordinary bread crumbs getting onto it during preparation. Around 33% of consumers put gluten-free status and separate preparation first. |
| Size and storage | Read the storage instructions and choose a suitable size. Make sure you can keep it chilled if you’re using perishable fillings. | When travelling, I want to be able to eat a portion without opening a whole loaf, and fillings need to be stored properly until it’s time to eat. This practical aspect of storage is the main concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Fibre and iodine | Compare fibre per 100 g and check the ingredients to see whether iodised salt or baker’s salt has been used. | When I replace regular wholemeal bread, I want to know how much fibre the alternative contains and what type of salt it uses. This nutritional information is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Finding products before setting off | Compare the range in advance, but check current in-store availability and the label on the product you choose. | I want to choose my snacks before the journey, so I don’t have to settle for an unsuitable alternative along the way. Around 20% of consumers give this preparation top priority. |
These terms alone don’t tell you whether a bread snack is suitable for someone with coeliac disease. The Dutch Coeliac Society says that a product labelled gluten-free must contain less than 20 mg of gluten per kg.
Look for a gluten-free label and read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the product you’re buying.
The Dutch Coeliac Society explains that crumbs can cause cross-contamination via hands and utensils. A gluten-free label won’t prevent contact with ordinary bread after the packaging has been opened.
Prepare the snack with clean hands and utensils, and store it separately in a sealed container.
A roll with perishable fillings needs to be handled differently from a dry snack. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises not leaving perishable food out of the fridge for more than 2 hours.
Keep perishable fillings properly chilled, or choose a snack that doesn’t need them.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So the name of a loaf doesn’t tell you whether it contains iodised salt.
Check the ingredients list if the type of salt used matters to you.
The online bread ranges at these shops can help you plan ahead. Always check the gluten-free label and other product information on the packaging of the product you buy.
Albert Heijn has a dedicated gluten-free bread category online.
Jumbo lists a range of gluten-free breads online, including multiseed bread and ciabatta.
PLUS lists gluten-free bread online, including brown, multiseed and white varieties.
Dirk lists Schär gluten-free products online, including bread and mini baguettes.
Lidl has a page dedicated to gluten-free products.
ALDI lists gluten-free options among its rolls and snacks.
Regular wholemeal bread made from grains that contain gluten isn’t suitable. Choose a product that’s clearly labelled gluten-free, and also avoid contact with ordinary bread crumbs when packing and eating it.
No, those terms don’t confirm that a product is gluten-free. Look for a gluten-free label on the packaging and check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product you’re taking with you.
Prepare them with clean hands and utensils, and pack them separately from bread containing gluten. Keep perishable fillings chilled: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, perishable food shouldn’t be left out of the fridge for more than 2 hours.
No, you can’t tell from the type of bread. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt; check the ingredients list to see what type of salt is in the loaf you’ve chosen.
