If you’re choosing bread for someone with coeliac disease, look for ‘gluten-free’ clearly stated on the current packaging, and keep the bread away from crumbs from ordinary bread while preparing and packing the lunch. Then decide which format suits your plans: a whole loaf may be practical for several days, while small rolls can be handy for an individual lunch. If you use the bread regularly, also check the nutritional information, other allergens and the ingredients list for iodised salt.
For you, checking that the bread is labelled gluten-free and avoiding crumbs from ordinary bread go hand in hand. The Voedingscentrum points out that even a stray breadcrumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease.
You’re looking for a pack size that suits the number of lunches you need, and want to be able to store the portions separately from ordinary bread. Check the storage advice for the product you choose.
As well as checking that the bread is labelled gluten-free, you’ll want to look at the nutritional information and any other allergens. The ingredients list is also relevant if you’re checking for iodised salt: according to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use bakers’ salt.
Start by checking that the bread is labelled gluten-free and avoid contact with ordinary bread. Then compare the pack size, nutritional information and type of bread to find the right fit for your lunch.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free and protected from cross-contact | Look for ‘gluten-free’ clearly stated on the current packaging. When preparing the lunch, use clean utensils and keep them separate from ordinary bread. | I’m packing lunch for someone with coeliac disease and want to keep ordinary bread crumbs out of their food. For around 33% of consumers, this safety check comes first. |
| Pack size for the days you need lunch | Compare the pack contents, the number of portions you need and the storage advice. | If I’m planning lunches for several days of the school holidays, I want to know whether a whole loaf or individual rolls will suit them better. For around 27% of consumers, this practical consideration comes first. |
| Nutritional information and ingredients | Compare fibre on the same basis, for example per 100 g. Check for other allergens and see whether iodised salt or bakers’ salt is listed among the ingredients. | If bread is a regular part of my diet, I want to know what’s in it as well as checking that it’s labelled gluten-free. Around 20% of consumers prioritise checking the nutritional information and ingredients. |
| Type of bread and variety | Choose between options such as sliced bread and rolls according to the lunch eater’s preferences; check the packaging of each product separately. | For a day out, I want to bring a type of bread the person eating it will enjoy. This comes first for around 20% of consumers, once they’ve checked that the bread is gluten-free. |
A statement about wheat is no substitute for an explicit ‘gluten-free’ label. Under European rules, foods can be labelled ‘gluten-free’ if they contain no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten.
If you’re choosing bread for someone with coeliac disease, look for ‘gluten-free’ on the current packaging and check the allergen information too.
The Voedingscentrum points out that even a stray breadcrumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease. So choosing the right bread isn’t enough on its own when preparing lunch.
Use a clean board, a clean knife and a clean lunchbox. Make sure fillings and spreads are also kept free from crumbs from ordinary bread.
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use bakers’ salt. So the term ‘gluten-free’ tells you nothing about whether iodised salt has been used.
Check the ingredients list of the bread you choose for iodised salt or bakers’ salt, and consider your sources of iodine as part of your overall diet.
Ingredients and allergen information can change. The version shown online may also differ from the bread you end up buying.
Use the product page to plan your lunch, but check the packaging of the product you actually buy before using it.
These names can help you compare types of bread and labels; their inclusion doesn’t tell you whether a particular shop has them in stock.
Albert Heijn’s online gluten-free category features own-brand bread and Schär bread.
Jumbo lists gluten-free bread online, including 500 g loaves from its Lekker Vrij van Gluten range.
PLUS’s online category features gluten-free bread from its own brand and other brands.
Dirk’s online search results show several gluten-free Schär breads and rolls.
Schär is a brand of gluten-free bread products featured in the online supermarket ranges shown here.
This product’s name suggests it could suit the idea of small baguettes for an individual lunch. Before choosing it, check what the pack actually contains and whether ‘gluten-free’ is clearly stated on the packaging.
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This product may be worth considering if you’re packing individual portions for lunch. Before buying, check whether the pack contains mini baguettes or a mix, how they need to be prepared, and whether ‘gluten-free’ is clearly stated on the current packaging. Read the ingredients and allergen information too before choosing it for someone with coeliac disease.
Choose bread with ‘gluten-free’ clearly stated on the current packaging. Under European rules, this means the food contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. Also check for any other allergens that are relevant to the person eating the lunch.
No. You also need to avoid contact with ordinary bread when preparing and packing the lunch. The Voedingscentrum points out that even a stray breadcrumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease, so use clean utensils and take care with fillings and sauces too.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use bakers’ salt. Check the ingredients list of the bread you choose to see whether it contains iodised salt or bakers’ salt, especially if bread is a regular part of your diet.
Read the allergen information on the label of the pack you buy. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked products; ‘gluten-free’ doesn’t rule out other allergens.
