Who is this relevant to?

Café-goers with coeliac disease

You want to be able to check the gluten-free label and any warnings about cereals containing gluten before eating. The Dutch Coeliac Society stresses the importance of these warnings.

People bringing their own portion

You’re looking for a biscuit that can stay sealed until you have it with your drink. For example, Albert Heijn says its Twix Chocolate & caramel cookies gluten free are individually wrapped.

Shoppers with additional allergen requirements

As well as gluten, you may need to watch out for milk, eggs, soya or nuts, for example. A gluten-free label doesn’t replace checking the full allergen information.

What should you look for when choosing?

Check the current label first. Then choose packaging that suits taking the biscuits with you or sharing them, and check for any other allergens separately.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free status and cross-contamination Read the gluten-free label and check for warnings about possible cereals containing gluten. If I have coeliac disease, I want to be able to check what the packaging says before eating. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers.
Taking them with you and portion size Check whether the biscuits are individually wrapped, or bring a portion in a clean, sealed container. When I’m out for a drink, I want to be able to bring one sealed portion without sharing an open pack. Convenience for taking them along is the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Other allergens Read the full allergen information, even for a lactose-free product. If I need to avoid milk, eggs, soya or nuts as well as gluten, I want to know which allergens are listed on the label. This additional check is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a regular biscuit served with coffee is gluten-free

    A familiar brand or the custom of serving a biscuit with coffee tells you nothing about its ingredients. At a café, the packaging may not be readily available either.

    Ask for the allergen information before accepting the biscuit, or choose your own pre-packed product so you can read the current label.

  • Checking only for the words ‘gluten-free’

    Gluten-free chocolate biscuits may also contain allergens such as milk, eggs, soya or nuts. Lactose-free doesn’t automatically mean a product is free from milk ingredients.

    Compare the full allergen information with the ingredients you need to avoid, and check for statements about possible traces too.

  • Putting an open pack on a shared platter

    Crumbs from regular biscuits can come into contact with a gluten-free portion.

    Keep your biscuit in a clean, sealed container and don’t place it among other biscuits on a shared platter.

Brands to consider

Verkade

Verkade Oaties Melkchocolade is an oat biscuit with milk chocolate that Verkade offers as gluten-free.

  • According to Verkade, this variety contains gluten-free oat flakes, gluten-free oat flour and 25% milk chocolate.
  • The biscuit contains milk and soya. Joybuy’s product information also says it may contain nuts; check the current label.

Albert Heijn

AH Glutenvrij Chocolate chip cookies come in a larger pack, making them easy to portion out at home or take with you.

  • According to Albert Heijn, these biscuits are made in a completely gluten-free environment.
  • The product information lists milk, egg and hazelnut as allergens. Check the packaging information when you buy them.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij

Jumbo lists Lekker Vrij van Gluten Digestives Melkchocolade in this product range.

  • Check the ingredients and allergen information on the specific pack before choosing the biscuits for a café visit.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a gluten-free label enough to choose a chocolate biscuit if you have coeliac disease?

As well as checking the gluten-free label, read the current ingredients and any warnings about possible cereals containing gluten. The Dutch Coeliac Society points out that such a warning may indicate a relevant risk of cross-contamination.

Can I ask about the allergens in a biscuit at a café?

Yes, ask for the allergen information before taking the biscuit. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, food businesses must inform customers about allergens in food they prepare or sell.

What’s the benefit of bringing your own pre-packed biscuit?

You can read the gluten-free label, ingredients and allergen information on the packaging yourself, and keep the portion sealed until you’re ready to eat it. Do check whether you’re allowed to bring your own food to the café.

Is every chocolate oat biscuit suitable for people with coeliac disease?

No, don’t choose one based on the word ‘oat’ alone. Check that the specific variety is labelled gluten-free and read the other allergen information. According to the product information, Verkade Oaties Melkchocolade also contains milk and soya.

Does lactose-free mean a chocolate biscuit can’t contain milk?

No, ‘lactose-free’ and ‘free from milk ingredients’ mean different things. If you have a milk allergy, check the allergen information for the specific product. Jumbo says that Céréal Glutenvrije & Lactosevrije Chocoladekoekjes may contain milk.