Who is this choice relevant to?

Checking labels with coeliac disease

You’re looking for a breakfast cake that is clearly labelled gluten-free, and you also read any warnings about possible cross-contamination. Checking the ingredients list alone isn’t enough.

Cutting your own portions at home

You want to cut an uncut breakfast cake into slices. In that case, the pack size, storage instructions and allergen information for your chosen product all matter.

An individual portion for on the go

You’re looking for a breakfast cake bar that you can take with you. If you have other allergies, check for allergens such as milk, lupin, nuts or sesame as well as gluten.

What should you check when buying?

If you have coeliac disease, start by checking the gluten-free statement and warnings on the packaging. Then compare the other allergens and choose a format that suits how you’ll use it.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free labelling and cross-contamination Read the gluten-free statement on the current packaging and check for warnings about cereals containing gluten. When I’m buying breakfast cake for someone with coeliac disease, I want to assess what the label says about gluten and cross-contamination. This check comes first for around 50% of consumers.
Other allergens Check the allergen information for your chosen product, including milk and lupin, as well as any ‘may contain’ statements. If I have another allergy, I don’t want to assume that ‘gluten-free’ also tells me anything about milk or lupin. Checking for these additional allergens is the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Pack size Compare an uncut cake with an individual bar, and check the net weight and storage instructions. For on the go, I want an individual portion; at home, I can cut my own slices. How and when it will be eaten is the deciding factor between these formats for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming that no wheat in the ingredients list means it’s gluten-free

    Gluten can also get into a product through cross-contamination. According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, a warning about cereals containing gluten can indicate a relevant risk.

    If you have coeliac disease, check both the gluten-free statement and the full warning text on the packaging you buy.

  • Skipping checks for other allergens once you see ‘gluten-free’

    Product information from Jumbo, PLUS and Albert Heijn lists milk and lupin for the breakfast cakes discussed here. Some varieties also list other possible allergens.

    If you have other allergies or intolerances, read the allergen information for the exact product you choose.

  • Assuming breakfast cake serves the same purpose as bread made with iodised salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread made with iodised baker’s salt is an important source of iodine in the Netherlands. Don’t automatically assume that breakfast cake provides the same amount.

    If you change your breakfast habits, check which sources of iodine are included in your diet.

Brands to consider

Jumbo Lekker Vrij

Jumbo describes a 300 g gluten-free, uncut breakfast cake and displays the crossed grain symbol.

  • An uncut cake that you can slice yourself.
  • According to the product information, this variety contains milk and lupin; also check for any other listed possible allergens.

Peijnenburg

PLUS lists a 285 g gluten-free, uncut Peijnenburg breakfast cake. A Jumbo listing for this variety displays the crossed grain symbol.

  • An uncut format for anyone who wants to cut their own portions at home.
  • The product information lists milk and lupin. Check the current packaging, even if you’re relying on the symbol.

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn lists a 65 g gluten-free breakfast cake bar as an individual portion.

  • An individual bar that you don’t need to cut yourself.
  • According to the product information, the bar contains milk, lactose and lupin, and may contain sesame seeds and nuts.

Damhert

Jumbo listed a 300 g gluten-free Damhert breakfast gingerbread, but says this product is no longer available in its online range.

  • Don’t use older product information as a substitute for the label on a product that may still be available.

Breakfast cake at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in breakfast cake if I have coeliac disease?

Check that the current packaging says ‘gluten-free’ and read any warnings about cereals containing gluten. According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, these warnings can indicate a relevant risk of cross-contamination.

Is breakfast cake automatically gluten-free if there’s no wheat in the ingredients list?

No. The absence of wheat from the ingredients list doesn’t tell you everything about possible cross-contamination. If you have coeliac disease, base your choice on the gluten-free statement and the full warning text on the current packaging.

Should I also check for milk and lupin in gluten-free breakfast cake?

Yes, if those allergens are relevant to you or the person you’re buying for. The product information discussed here from Jumbo, PLUS and Albert Heijn lists milk and lupin; also check for any ‘may contain’ statements on each variety.

Can gluten-free breakfast cake replace bread as a source of iodine?

Don’t assume that breakfast cake provides as much iodine as bread made with iodised baker’s salt. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre identifies this bread as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands. If you change your breakfast habits, check which sources of iodine are included in your diet.