If you have coeliac disease, start by checking the current packaging. Look for the words ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol, which the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends as useful markers. Then check for other allergens and choose a texture to suit your toppings: a light rice or corn cracker, a seeded cracker or gluten-free crispbread.
You want to choose a cracker to enjoy with tea without mistaking ‘wheat-free’ or ‘low-carb’ for a gluten-free claim. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol. Check the packaging of the product you’re actually buying.
You’re looking for a size and texture that work well with cheese, a spread or a dip. For seeded crackers and crispbread, check the ingredients and allergen information too: for example, the varieties described from Albert Heijn and Wasa contain sesame.
You want to compare fibre and salt levels across crackers labelled gluten-free. Check the nutritional values per 100 g on the current packaging, alongside the ingredients that matter to you.
Start by checking the gluten-free claim on the packaging. Then compare other allergens, the texture for your chosen toppings and the nutritional information separately.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free claim | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. | When I’m serving crackers to someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the product name alone; around 36% of consumers prioritise a recognisable gluten-free claim. |
| Other allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ statements. | If sesame or oats are also a concern, I want to know what the cracker contains; around 22% of consumers give other allergens top priority. |
| Texture and toppings | Check the product type and size: a light cracker, seeded cracker and crispbread don’t all provide the same base for toppings. | For a cracker with a spread or dip, I’m looking for a shape that works well; around 21% of consumers prioritise texture and how the cracker works with tea. |
| Nutritional information | Compare fibre and salt per 100 g on the packaging of products that meet your gluten-free criteria. | If I’m choosing between suitable crackers, I want to compare their nutritional values side by side; this is also a top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
These descriptions are no substitute for a gluten-free claim when coeliac disease is a factor. For example, a wheat-free cracker may still contain ingredients from other gluten-containing grains.
Check the current packaging specifically for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol.
A gluten-free cracker may contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for a guest for other reasons. Albert Heijn lists sesame and oats in its organic sesame and chia seed crackers.
Check the ingredients and allergen information of your chosen product for every guest.
A higher fibre level won’t tell you which allergens a cracker contains or how much salt it has. The nutritional information also needs to relate to the right variety.
Only compare fibre and salt per 100 g after checking the gluten-free claim and any relevant allergens.
Albert Heijn describes both crackers and an organic variety with sesame and chia seeds in this range.
Jumbo lists Light Crackers in this range, made with rice flour and maize flour.
The Sesame & Sea Salt variety described is gluten-free crispbread with sesame, for anyone looking for something other than a light cracker.
The Super Seeded Wholegrain Crackers described are a gluten-free oat and seed variety.
No. ‘Wheat-free’ on its own isn’t a gluten-free claim. If you have coeliac disease, look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging. Wheat-free products may still contain ingredients from other gluten-containing grains.
Because ‘gluten-free’ doesn’t mean a cracker is free from other allergens. Albert Heijn lists sesame and oats in its organic sesame and chia seed crackers. Check the packaging of your chosen product for any ‘may contain’ statements too.
Yes, a cracker labelled gluten-free may contain gluten-free oats. According to Jumbo’s product information, the Nairn's variety described contains gluten-free wholegrain oats and isn’t suitable for anyone with an avenin allergy. So check both the gluten-free claim and the ingredients information.
Follow the storage advice on the packaging and seal the crackers well after opening. Albert Heijn recommends storing its crackers in a sealed container once opened; Jumbo advises keeping its light crackers in a cool, dry, dark place.
