People with coeliac disease who check labels
You want to be able to confirm that the specific bread is labelled gluten-free and prevent it coming into contact with bread containing gluten or crumbs at home.
Who are these options relevant to?
Regular bread eaters comparing nutritional information
You eat bread regularly at breakfast or lunch and compare things such as fibre per 100 g. You also want to know whether the bread contains iodised salt, rather than assuming that every loaf does.
People weighing up bread types and preparation
You’re choosing between sliced bread, rolls, bake-at-home products and baking your own. The portions you need, the time you have to prepare it and the range available in your shop all play a part.
What should you look for when choosing?
You can assess pre-packaged bread straight from the label; bake-at-home bread and bread mixes also require you to consider how they’re prepared. Whichever option you choose, keep the gluten-free product separate from bread containing gluten.
Pre-packaged bread
Choose this if: you’re looking for bread for breakfast or lunch and want to check the packaging before using it.
Bear in mind: online product information and your shop’s range can change, so check the bread you actually buy.
Bake-at-home bread or rolls
Choose this if: individual portions or baking it at home suit the way you use bread.
Bear in mind: prepare the product without letting it come into contact with bread containing gluten, crumbs or shared surfaces.
Bake your own with a bread mix
Choose this if: you want to decide when to bake and how much to make, and have an oven or bread maker.
Bear in mind: a mix isn’t bread until you’ve prepared it, and you’ll need a gluten-free preparation area. Check which salt you use too.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling and cross-contamination | Check the current packaging for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the allergen information. At home, keep the bread away from crumbs containing gluten. | If I’m buying bread for someone with coeliac disease, I want to see the label on the exact product and be able to keep it separate at home. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Nutritional information and iodine | Compare fibre and salt on the same basis, for example per 100 g. Check the ingredients to see whether iodised salt or bakers’ salt has been used. | People who eat bread often also want to compare nutritional information and know which salt it contains. This is the first consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Type of bread and range | Choose between sliced bread, rolls, bake-at-home bread and a mix based on when you’ll use it. Check what your shop actually has available. | For breakfast or lunch, I want to choose a type that suits my portions and the time I have to prepare it. This is the deciding factor for around 21% of consumers. |
| Availability and portions | Check local availability and choose a pack size that suits the way you’ll use it. | If I’m buying bread in advance, I want to know whether it’s available and whether I can use or store the pack in a way that suits me. This is the main practical consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Relying only on gluten-free ingredients
An ingredients list alone doesn’t tell you everything about how the specific bread is labelled or how it’s handled after purchase. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre stresses that people with coeliac disease need to follow a gluten-free diet.
Check the current packaging for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol. Store and prepare the bread without letting it come into contact with bread containing gluten or crumbs.
-
Assuming all gluten-free bread contains iodised salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers’ salt contains iodine, but bakers don’t have to use it. The type of bread alone won’t tell you which salt it contains.
Check the ingredients for iodised salt or bakers’ salt. If the bread is unwrapped, ask the baker.
-
Assuming an online range matches the in-store label
A category page can help you find different types of bread, but product information and availability can change. PLUS notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change.
Check the packaging of the bread you buy or receive, and check availability at your local shop in advance.
Supermarkets to explore
These supermarket ranges give you an idea of the types of bread you can compare; an online listing doesn’t tell you whether a specific branch has it in stock.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s online category shows AH Glutenvrij breads alongside other brands and types of bread.
- You can browse sliced bread, rolls and sourdough options, among other things.
- Check the label and availability of the product you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s online category includes different types of gluten-free bread, including white and brown bread, ciabatta and rolls.
- The category helps you compare different types of bread.
- General information about ingredients is no substitute for checking the label on the specific product.
PLUS
PLUS provides ingredients, allergen information and nutritional values for some of its gluten-free bread products.
- The online listing for PLUS Wit glutenvrij includes iodised salt in the ingredients list.
- PLUS says product information may change, so check the current packaging.
Dirk
Dirk’s online search results include Schär gluten-free bread, baguettes and rolls.
- The search results give you options to explore different types of bread.
- Check which products are available in your shop.
Lidl
Lidl has a page for gluten-free products and also refers to its standard range.
- The page is a useful starting point for exploring the range.
- Don’t assume a specific additional gluten-free bread product will be available without checking the latest information from your local shop.
ALDI
ALDI lists gluten-free bread and rolls among its bakery products.
- Both bread and rolls are listed as options.
- Check what’s available locally and the packaging of the specific product.
Bread mix for home baking on Joybuy
If you want to bake your own gluten-free bread, a bread mix is an alternative to ready-made or bake-at-home bread. Before buying, check the current packaging and prepare the mix without letting it come into contact with products containing gluten.
Image unavailable
Schär Bread Mix-Mix B Gluten Free, 1 kg
For anyone who wants to bake their own bread rather than buy it ready-made. This is a 1 kg gluten-free bread mix that still needs to be prepared and baked.
Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergen information. If you want to know whether the mix contains iodised salt, check which type of salt is listed.
Frequently asked questions
How can I identify gluten-free bread if I have coeliac disease?
Check the current packaging of the specific bread for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the ingredients and allergen information. Don’t rely solely on an online product title or supermarket filter.
Can I choose bread from a regular bakery counter?
If you have coeliac disease, don’t choose unwrapped bread from a bakery counter without checking first. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must also be available for unpackaged food. Ask about the ingredients and how contact with bread containing gluten is prevented, and don’t assume it’s suitable unless it’s clearly labelled gluten-free.
Does gluten-free bread always contain iodine?
No, you can’t tell from the gluten-free label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers’ salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. Check the label for iodised salt or bakers’ salt, or ask the baker.
How can I keep gluten-free bread separate at home?
Store and prepare gluten-free bread separately from bread containing gluten. Take particular care with crumbs and with utensils or surfaces that are also used for regular bread.