If you have coeliac disease, first choose bread that is clearly labelled gluten-free on the current packaging. Then think about the type of bread and how much you’ll actually use; a larger pack won’t help if some of it goes to waste. If bread is an important source of iodine for you, check the ingredients too: gluten-free bread doesn’t automatically contain baker’s salt.
If you have coeliac disease, you shouldn’t rely on a bread’s name or a grain that appears to be gluten-free. The Voedingscentrum advises checking for a clear gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol. Only then should you weigh up pack size and convenience.
If you often eat sandwiches, a larger pack may be practical. Make sure you’ll use the bread in time or can freeze it according to the instructions. Rolls and sliced bread don’t always work in the same way for breakfast or lunch.
If you eat little ordinary bread and want to know whether your gluten-free bread contains baker’s salt, check the ingredients on each pack. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt.
When choosing bread for someone with coeliac disease, first check that it is labelled gluten-free. Then consider how much you’ll use and what type of bread you need, what the ingredients say and whether the product is available where you shop.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging. Check that the pack is intact too. | If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to guess from the product name when choosing bread for home. For around 36% of consumers, having a clearly identifiable gluten-free option is the top priority. |
| A usable quantity | Check the net weight and storage instructions; choose an amount you’ll use or can freeze. | If you regularly eat sandwiches, you’ll want enough bread at home without leaving some of it unused. Around 29% of consumers give this usable quantity top priority. |
| Iodine in the ingredients | Check whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed in the ingredients; don’t assume every loaf contains it. | If bread usually contributes to my iodine intake, I want to know what’s in my gluten-free alternative. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Bread type and availability | Choose between options such as sliced bread and bake-at-home rolls, depending on how you’ll use them; check whether the product is available at your shop. | For my regular breakfast, bread is no use if it doesn’t suit the meal or isn’t available when I do my shopping. This matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
On its own, a label like this doesn’t mean the bread is suitable for a gluten-free diet if you have coeliac disease. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, cross-contamination with gluten is also important to consider.
Choose bread with an explicit gluten-free label on the current packaging, rather than relying on the bread’s name or type of grain.
Baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it, according to the Voedingscentrum. So the type of bread won’t tell you which salt has been added.
Check the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt if bread is an important source of iodine for you. Talk to a specialist dietitian if you have questions about your overall diet.
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, crumbs and cross-contamination can also cause problems if you have coeliac disease.
Store the bread separately and keep it well wrapped. Use a clean chopping board and clean cutlery, and watch out for crumbs in shared spreads.
Albert Heijn has an online gluten-free bread category, including AH Gluten-Free Dark Multiseed Half Loaf.
Jumbo offers Lekker Vrij van Gluten white and brown bread in 500 g packs, among other types of bread.
Lidl describes gluten-free products as part of its range for different dietary needs.
ALDI lists gluten-free bread options in its bread and bake-at-home range.
PLUS lists own-brand gluten-free white, brown and multiseed bread, as well as bread from Yam.
Dirk’s search results include gluten-free multigrain bread and ciabatta from Schär.
If you want to bake small rolls at home, this is a different type of bread from sliced bread for everyday sandwiches. Before choosing, check the current gluten-free labelling, contents and ingredients on the pack.
Image unavailable
For anyone who wants to bake small rolls at home instead of using sliced bread. The product description says it is gluten-free and lists iodised salt and soya; check the current packaging, especially if you have allergies. Check the net contents before choosing, as the details about weight and packaging differ.
No, that won’t make ordinary bread gluten-free. Choose bread that is explicitly labelled gluten-free and, according to the Dutch Coeliac Society, avoid contact with crumbs from ordinary bread when cutting, spreading and storing it too.
No. Baker’s salt contains iodine, according to the Voedingscentrum, but bakers aren’t required to use it. Check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt if bread is an important source of iodine for you.
A larger pack makes sense if you’ll use the bread in time or can freeze it according to the packaging instructions. Check the use-by date and storage instructions so you don’t buy more than you can use.
