People with coeliac disease who want bread late at night
You’re looking for a product labelled gluten-free and want to avoid it coming into contact with crumbs from ordinary bread during storage or preparation.
Who is a gluten-free bread alternative suitable for?
Consumers replacing their wholemeal sandwich bread
You want to assess gluten-free options on more than just colour or taste, and compare their fibre content and whether they list iodised salt or baker’s salt.
Consumers looking for a quick or warm snack
Your choice depends on how much time you have: eat a slice straight away or prepare a roll first. Either way, the gluten-free label is key.
What should you look for in a late-night bread snack?
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free status and cross-contamination | Read the gluten-free label and allergen information on the packaging. Keep the bread and utensils free from ordinary bread crumbs. | With coeliac disease, I want to be able to grab some bread for a quick evening snack without it coming into contact with ordinary crumbs. Around 42% of consumers give this reassurance top priority. |
| Fibre and salt used | Compare fibre per 100 g or per portion, and check the ingredients to see whether iodised salt or baker’s salt has been used. | If I’m replacing my usual wholemeal bread, I want to be able to compare the nutritional information of the alternatives. For around 33% of consumers, this nutritional profile matters most. |
| Preparation and portion size | Check the portion size, preparation instructions and storage guidance after opening. | Late at night, I want to know whether I can eat a slice straight away or need to prepare a roll first. Convenience comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when choosing gluten-free bread
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Assuming spelt, dark or seeded bread is gluten-free
Spelt is a type of wheat and contains gluten. A dark colour or visible seeds don’t mean that bread is suitable for people with coeliac disease either.
Check for an explicit gluten-free label and the up-to-date allergen information, rather than relying on the product name alone.
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Overlooking crumbs during preparation
Gluten-free bread can come into contact with gluten-containing crumbs at home, for example on a chopping board or in a shared toaster.
Store it separately and use clean utensils and a separate toaster.
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Assuming it has the same nutritional profile as wholemeal bread
Gluten-free bread that’s dark or contains seeds doesn’t automatically have the same fibre content as your usual wholemeal bread. The Voedingscentrum also says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt.
Compare the fibre in the nutritional information and check whether each product lists iodised salt or baker’s salt in its ingredients.
Brands with relevant gluten-free bread ranges
AH Glutenvrij
Albert Heijn’s gluten-free range includes packaged seeded bread, rolls and snack products.
- Offers a choice of loaves and smaller bread options for different snacking occasions.
- Check the gluten-free label and nutritional information on each pack; the online range doesn’t indicate what’s in stock at your local shop.
Schär
Schär’s gluten-free bread ranges include Meisterbäcker loaves, ciabatta and baguettini.
- Offers bread options for eating straight away or preparing, depending on the product.
- Check the preparation method, ingredients and nutritional information for the specific variety; the features of one loaf don’t apply to the whole range.
Consenza
Consenza’s range includes fresh gluten-free loaves, bread rolls, bake-at-home products and frozen options.
- According to Consenza, its fresh bread is made in a fully gluten-free bakery certified by the Dutch Coeliac Association.
- Check availability, storage instructions, ingredients and nutritional information for each loaf.
Joybuy products for bread snacks and home baking
These products offer two different options: Gv Baguette Mini if you’re looking for a small bread format, and a Schär bread mix if you’d rather bake bread yourself in advance. For both products, check the gluten-free label on the current packaging, and find out how the baguettes need to be prepared.
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Gv Baguette Mini, 7 pieces
A small bread option to consider if you’re planning a late-night snack. The product name states that there are 7 pieces; check the packaging to see whether the rolls need baking or you need to make the dough first, and read the gluten-free label and allergen information.
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Schär Bread Mix-Mix B gluten-free bread mix, 1 kg
For anyone who wants to bake bread in advance, rather than enjoy a ready-to-eat late-night snack. The product name states that the pack contains 1 kg of mix; check the preparation instructions, gluten-free label, ingredients and nutritional information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat ordinary wholemeal or spelt bread if I have coeliac disease?
Not as a substitute for bread labelled gluten-free. Spelt is a type of wheat; with dark or seeded bread, check the packaging rather than relying on the name.
What does ‘gluten-free’ mean on a bread pack?
Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a food intended for the final consumer may be labelled ‘gluten-free’ if it contains no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg. The label doesn’t remove the need to avoid contact with gluten-containing crumbs during preparation.
What should I look for if gluten-free bread is replacing my wholemeal bread?
Compare the fibre per 100 g or per portion, and check which type of salt is listed in the ingredients. The Voedingscentrum says that bakers don’t have to use baker’s salt, so don’t rely on the bread’s name alone if you want to know whether it contains iodised salt.
How can I keep quick gluten-free toast free from ordinary bread crumbs?
Use a separate toaster and clean utensils, and store gluten-free bread separately from ordinary bread. When adding toppings, watch out for crumbs on the worktop and on knives too.