If you’re choosing a chocolate biscuit for someone with coeliac disease, look for ‘gluten-free’ on the current packaging or the Crossed Grain symbol. Then compare the type of biscuit and check the ingredients and allergens separately: gluten-free does not automatically mean free from milk, egg, soya or nuts. If you’re considering an oat biscuit, the specific product itself must be labelled gluten-free.
A clear gluten-free label on the product you choose is essential. According to the Voedingscentrum, you can identify gluten-free products by the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging. An ingredient that appears naturally gluten-free is not enough on its own.
Other allergens, such as milk, egg, soya or nuts, may also be a concern. Check the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warning for the exact variant you’re choosing.
An oat digestive, a crunchy biscuit with chocolate chips and a soft chocolate biscuit are all different options. First check that the variant meets your gluten and allergen requirements; then compare the texture and packaging.
Start by checking the gluten-free label on the current packaging. Then check for any other allergens before comparing biscuit types and packaging.
| What to check | What to look for when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging. Don’t judge whether it’s suitable based only on the product name or image. | If I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I want to be able to check that this biscuit is labelled gluten-free. Around 36% of consumers put this clarity first. |
| Other allergens | Check the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warning for the variant you’ve chosen. | If I also need to avoid an allergen, I want to know whether this particular variant contains it or carries a warning about it. Around 29% of consumers put this additional check first. |
| Type of biscuit and other dietary requirements | Compare options such as an oat digestive, a crunchy biscuit with chocolate chips and a soft biscuit. For oat biscuits, check that the product itself is labelled gluten-free; for a lactose-free option, check the other allergens too. | Once I’ve checked the gluten-free and allergen requirements, I want a type of biscuit that suits my preference or other dietary needs. Around 21% of consumers put this choice first. |
| Packaging and availability | Check the pack size and current product information. Read the physical packaging again before eating the biscuit. | If several options are suitable, I want to choose a pack that meets my needs and is available to buy. Around 14% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
Gluten-free biscuits may still contain milk, egg or soya, or carry a warning about the possible presence of other allergens. Allergen information also varies between variants.
Read the full ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging, including any ‘may contain’ warning.
A chocolate coating or product image tells you nothing about whether a product is gluten-free. For example, Lotus Bakeries lists wheat flour as an ingredient in Lotus Speculoos with Chocolate.
If you have coeliac disease, use the gluten-free label or Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging of the product you choose as your first check.
For oat biscuits, the label on the specific product matters. ESPGHAN recommends using only oats labelled ‘gluten-free’ as part of a gluten-free diet.
Check the label on the oat biscuit itself, and read the information about other allergens too.
Ingredients and allergen information can change. Albert Heijn notes in its online product information that you should check the packaging again.
Check the pack every time you buy it and before eating, even if you’ve chosen the same biscuit before.
Jumbo displays the Crossed Grain symbol on its Digestives Milk Chocolate.
Schär offers several gluten-free biscuit options, including Choco Chip Cookies and Soft Cookies Double Chocolate.
Céréal offers chocolate biscuits described as gluten-free and lactose-free.
Verkade describes Oaties Milk Chocolate as a gluten-free oat biscuit with milk chocolate.
Albert Heijn includes AH Glutenvrij Chocolate Chip Cookies in its range of gluten-free biscuits.
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition, not a food allergy. If you’re choosing a chocolate biscuit for someone with coeliac disease, the gluten-free label on the packaging should be your first check.
Only choose an oat biscuit if the specific product is labelled ‘gluten-free’. ESPGHAN notes that oats used as part of a gluten-free diet must carry this label. Check for any other allergens too.
No. The label ‘gluten-free’ says nothing about these other allergens. Check the ingredients and allergen information for each variant, including any warning about possible traces.
Keep the biscuits separate from products containing gluten, and avoid contact with crumbs or shared kitchen utensils. The Voedingscentrum stresses that even small amounts of gluten matter for people with coeliac disease. Follow the storage instructions on the packaging too.
No. Check the current packaging before eating the biscuit too. Albert Heijn states that online ingredients, nutritional and allergen information can change.
