If you’re catering for someone with coeliac disease, choose cornflakes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or bearing the Crossed Grain symbol, and check the label on the packet you’ll be serving. A supermarket own-brand gluten-free option is convenient if you’re doing the rest of your brunch shopping at the same store; if you’d also like to compare a specialist brand, take a look at Consenza. Regular Kellogg's Corn Flakes are not suitable: the Dutch ingredients list includes barley malt extract.
If you have coeliac disease, the label on the packet isn’t the only thing that matters: the cornflakes must also be served without contact with bread crumbs or shared kitchen utensils. The Dutch Nutrition Centre warns that even a small amount of gluten can cause symptoms.
You’ll want to pair the cornflakes with the rest of your brunch shopping and work out in advance how much you need. Albert Heijn and Jumbo both list gluten-free cornflakes in 200 g packets; check the packet you buy.
You’d like to look beyond supermarket own brands and consider a specialist brand too. Jumbo lists Consenza Pure & Free Glutenvrije Cornflakes in a 250 g packet; check any brand claims on the specific packaging.
Start by checking for a gluten-free label and taking steps to prevent contact with crumbs. Then compare packet sizes and what else you’ll be serving, without skipping that first check.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free and served separately | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the packet. At brunch, use a clean, separate bowl and serving spoon. | If someone with coeliac disease is joining us, I want to make sure the cornflakes don’t contain gluten or come into contact with bread crumbs. This check comes first for around 50% of consumers. |
| Packet size and up-to-date label | Compare the net weight with the number of guests and read the ingredients and allergen information on the packet you buy. | For a small brunch, I want to know whether one packet will be enough and whether I can pick it up with my other shopping. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration. |
| Other brunch products | Check the labels on toppings and any other products you’ll serve with the cornflakes too. | I want to serve the cornflakes alongside the rest of brunch without overlooking another dietary preference my guest may have. This is the first additional consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
The type of grain alone doesn’t tell you enough. For example, the Dutch ingredients list for Kellogg's Corn Flakes includes barley malt extract; barley contains gluten.
For a guest with coeliac disease, choose a packet labelled ‘gluten-free’ or bearing the Crossed Grain symbol, and check the current label.
The Dutch Nutrition Centre says that even a small amount of gluten can cause symptoms in people with coeliac disease. Choosing a suitable packet won’t prevent it coming into contact with crumbs on the table.
Serve the cornflakes separately with a clean bowl and serving spoon of their own. Don’t use utensils that have also been used with bread or other products containing gluten.
Albert Heijn points out that ingredients, nutritional values and allergy information can change. The product name alone is no substitute for checking the label.
Check the packaging each time you buy, and make sure it’s the packet you’ll actually use for brunch.
Albert Heijn lists AH Glutenvrij Cornflakes, 200 g, in its gluten-free range.
Jumbo lists Lekker Vrij van Gluten Cornflakes in a 200 g packet.
A specialist gluten-free brand; Jumbo lists Consenza Pure & Free Glutenvrije Cornflakes, 250 g.
Regular Dutch Kellogg's Corn Flakes are a useful example when checking ingredients lists.
Don’t assume they’re suitable just because they’re made with maize: check whether the specific packet is labelled gluten-free or bears the Crossed Grain symbol. For example, Kellogg's Netherlands lists barley malt extract in the ingredients for its regular Corn Flakes.
Use a separate, clean bowl and serving spoon, and keep the cornflakes away from bread crumbs and shared utensils. The Dutch Nutrition Centre warns that even a small amount of gluten can cause symptoms in people with coeliac disease.
Use the product page to find an option, but check the packaging of the packet you’ve bought before serving. Albert Heijn says ingredients, nutritional values and dietary or allergy information can change.
