Parents catering for coeliac disease
You’re looking for a treat that’s explicitly labelled gluten-free, and also want to check whether any other allergens matter to the child or the class.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents handing out treats to the whole class
You want to find out in advance which treats the school allows and whether any children have allergies or other dietary requirements. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking this.
Parents looking to hand out small portions
You’re looking for breakfast cake that you can divide into suitable portions for party bags, without having to choose a larger bar for each child.
What should you look for when choosing?
First check that it’s labelled gluten-free, then agree the treat with the school, and only then decide whether to cut it yourself or choose a bar.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free status and allergens | Look for the ‘gluten-free’ label on the packaging and read the allergen information. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, products labelled ‘gluten-free’ must contain no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten in the finished product. | If the cake is also for a child with coeliac disease, I wouldn’t rely on the product name and would check for any other relevant allergens too. For around 42% of consumers, product suitability would be their first concern when buying. |
| School and class rules | Ask whether edible treats are allowed and whether there are any allergies or dietary requirements in the class. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends asking about such needs in advance. | If I’m handing out treats to the whole class, I want to know whether the cake complies with the school’s rules and whether every child can have something suitable. Around 33% of consumers would put class and school rules first. |
| Portions and serving | Compare an uncut cake with a bar and work out how many pieces you need. Peijnenburg says its 285 g uncut cake makes nine portions; an AH Ontbijtkoekreep weighs 65 g. | For party bags, I want to be able to hand out small pieces without having lots left over. For around 25% of consumers, dividing the cake into suitable portions would be their main concern. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming breakfast cake or ‘wheat-free’ means gluten-free
Rye contains gluten. So neither the product category nor the absence of wheat in a description makes a cake suitable for a child with coeliac disease.
Check the physical packaging to make sure the product is explicitly labelled ‘gluten-free’.
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Only checking for gluten
Gluten-free breakfast cake may contain other allergens. Peijnenburg lists lupin protein concentrate and whey protein concentrate from milk among the ingredients in its gluten-free plain variety.
Ask which allergies are relevant in the class and check the latest packaging before cutting or wrapping the pieces.
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Wrapping the cake before checking the school’s rules
Whether edible treats and the chosen size are allowed depends on the school’s or after-school club’s rules.
Check the rules first, then decide how many portions to make.
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Assuming all breakfast cake contains baker’s salt
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bakery products through baker’s salt. This doesn’t mean that all breakfast cake is made with baker’s salt.
For a specific cake, check the ingredients on the packaging rather than drawing conclusions about the product from the general rule.
Brands and product ranges to consider
Peijnenburg
Peijnenburg describes its Glutenvrij Naturel as an uncut 285 g breakfast cake, making nine portions.
- You can cut an uncut cake into smaller pieces yourself for party bags.
- Peijnenburg lists lupin protein concentrate and whey protein concentrate from milk; check the latest packaging and wrap any pieces you cut yourself carefully.
Jumbo Lekker Vrij
Jumbo lists an uncut, gluten-free 300 g breakfast cake in its Lekker Vrij range.
- Jumbo says this product carries the Crossed Grain trademark.
- You’ll need to portion the cake yourself; also check the latest ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
AH Glutenvrij
Albert Heijn lists a 65 g gluten-free breakfast cake bar.
- The bar is an option if you don’t want to portion an uncut cake yourself.
- Check the allergens on the physical packaging and make sure a 65 g bar fits the school’s rules.
Damhert
Damhert Glutenvrij Ontbijt Peperkoek 300 g is another product to consider if you’re thinking of giving breakfast cake as a treat.
- It’s a breakfast cake variety labelled gluten-free.
- Jumbo lists milk and lactose for this variety. Check the packaging and make sure the product is available before choosing it for a treat.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is regular breakfast cake suitable for a child with coeliac disease?
Don’t assume it is unless the packaging explicitly says ‘gluten-free’. Rye contains gluten, and under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, ‘gluten-free’ can only be used if the finished product contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten.
Should I check with the school or after-school club first?
Yes. Ask which treats are allowed and which allergies or other dietary requirements are relevant to the group. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends checking in advance whether any children avoid certain products.
Does gluten-free also mean that breakfast cake contains no milk or other allergens?
No. Peijnenburg lists lupin protein concentrate and whey protein concentrate from milk in its gluten-free plain variety. Always check the latest allergen information on the packaging of the cake you’re buying.
Does the rule about baker’s salt mean that all breakfast cake contains iodine?
No, you can’t draw that conclusion about an individual product from the rule. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that iodine compounds may be present in bakery products through baker’s salt; check the ingredients for the cake you’ve chosen.