If you have coeliac disease, start by looking for the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the bread packaging. A speciality variety or premium appearance tells you nothing about whether it is gluten-free. Then choose a type of bread that suits the meal and check the current label for ingredients, other allergens, nutritional information and storage instructions.
You want to see that the bread is gluten-free on the exact pack you’re buying. Only then should you choose a flavour or type of bread for your meal. The Voedingscentrum identifies the words ‘gluten-free’ and the Crossed Grain symbol as things to look for.
For a brunch, lunch or celebratory meal, you might compare seeded bread, rolls and fresh bread varieties. The chosen product must still be gluten-free above all else.
You compare fibre per 100 g, ingredients and portions, as well as how long a pack will keep once opened and whether the bread can be frozen according to the label.
For a special meal when you have coeliac disease, the first thing to check on the exact pack is that it says ‘gluten-free’ or displays the Crossed Grain symbol. After that, you can weigh up the type of bread, nutritional information and ease of storage.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Check for the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the exact pack. If you have additional allergies, also read the current ingredients and allergen information. | If I have coeliac disease, I want to see the label on my own pack before choosing bread for a meal; around 39% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Type and texture of bread | Once you’ve checked that it’s gluten-free, look at the type of bread and ingredients such as seeds or sourdough. If it’s bread to bake at home, check how it needs to be prepared. | For a special lunch, I look for slices, rolls or a seeded texture that will suit the dish; this choice is the deciding factor for around 23% of consumers. |
| Nutritional information | Compare fibre per 100 g and check your portion size and the ingredients. Look on the label to see whether iodised salt is listed. | When bread is a regular part of my meals, I want to know what my chosen portion contains; around 23% of consumers give nutritional information the most weight after checking that it’s gluten-free. |
| Storage and portions | Check how much bread is in the pack, how to store it after opening and whether it can be frozen according to the label. | If I won’t use the bread in one meal, I want to be able to store the rest according to the instructions; this is the main difference between suitable breads for around 15% of consumers. |
Words such as ‘premium’, ‘sourdough’ and ‘multigrain’ don’t tell you whether a product is gluten-free. According to the Voedingscentrum, you can identify a gluten-free product by the relevant wording or the Crossed Grain symbol.
Check for this on the exact pack before comparing flavours and types of bread.
Oats can come into contact with gluten during processing. So the word ‘oats’ on its own doesn’t mean the bread is suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
Only choose oat bread if the specific product is labelled gluten-free or carries the Crossed Grain symbol, as advised by the Voedingscentrum.
A figure per 100 g isn’t the same as the amount in a portion. Gluten-free bread may also contain other allergens or carry a ‘may contain traces’ warning.
Compare fibre using the same unit and, if you have additional allergies, always check the information on the current packaging.
The breads we looked at have different instructions for use after opening and freezing. Bread you can’t use in time may not fit your plans as well.
Compare portions and storage instructions beforehand, and only freeze bread according to the instructions for that product.
The Consenza seeded bread we looked at states that it keeps for two days after opening. Bear this in mind if you want to use the bread over several meals.
Albert Heijn’s gluten-free range includes different types of bread, including seeded bread and rolls. Compare the packaging for each product if you’re looking for both an everyday option and bread for a special meal.
Schär offers gluten-free bread and bake-at-home varieties. Check the details of each variety when choosing a type of bread for lunch or a special meal.
Consenza offers fresh breads and seeded breads. According to Consenza, its fresh breads are made in a completely gluten-free bakery certified by the Dutch Coeliac Association. You should also check the label of the product you choose.
No. Choose bread with the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the exact pack. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, the words ‘gluten-free’ may be used on a product intended for consumers if the finished product contains no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg. An artisanal appearance tells you nothing about this.
Yes, as long as the specific bread is labelled gluten-free or carries the Crossed Grain symbol. The Voedingscentrum warns that oats can come into contact with gluten during processing. If you have additional allergies, also check the information about other allergens.
You can’t assume this is the case for every loaf. Check the ingredients list of the specific product for iodised salt. If you have questions about the nutritional make-up of your usual diet, you can speak to a specialist dietitian.
Keep gluten-free bread separate from ordinary bread and watch out for crumbs on worktops and food-preparation equipment. The Voedingscentrum points out that even a stray breadcrumb can matter if you have coeliac disease.
This varies by product, so follow the instructions on the pack. Albert Heijn states that AH Glutenvrij licht meerzadenbrood can be frozen at home on the day of purchase. For Schär Meesterbakker Vital, freezing immediately after opening is listed as an option.
