Hotel guest with coeliac disease
Wants a pre-packed cracker to enjoy with coffee and checks for a gluten-free label rather than relying on the type of grain, fibre content or a carbohydrate claim.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Traveller looking for small portions
Prefers to take a small amount of crackers that can be eaten in the room without any preparation, perhaps with a topping brought from home.
Fan of substantial crackers
Is looking for a crunchy base with seeds or a different fibre content, but needs to check the ingredients, such as sesame and oats, as well as the gluten-free label.
What should you look for?
First check whether the cracker meets your gluten-free requirements. Then compare the pack size, followed by the texture and nutritional value.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free label | Check the current packaging for a ‘gluten-free’ label or the Crossed Grain symbol. Also read the ingredients and allergen information. | If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on ‘low carb’ or ‘wheat-free’ as proof that a cracker is gluten-free. For around 50% of consumers, this could be their first concern. |
| Portions and storage | Check the number of individual packs and the storage advice for an opened pack. | If I’m only eating a few crackers in my room, I want to be able to keep the rest dry and sealed. Compact portions could be a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Texture and nutritional value | Compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and check the allergens in crackers containing seeds or oats. | I might want a more substantial cracker for toppings, but ingredients such as sesame need to be suitable for me to eat. Around 20% of consumers are expected to give this consideration the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘low carb’, ‘high fibre’ and ‘gluten-free’ mean the same thing
A claim about carbohydrates or fibre doesn’t confirm that a cracker is gluten-free. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, ‘gluten-free’ means a product contains less than 20 mg of gluten per kilogram.
If you have coeliac disease, check the current packaging for a gluten-free label before comparing other features.
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Forgetting about other allergens
Gluten-free crackers may still contain ingredients or warnings relating to allergens such as soya, sesame, oats or milk.
Read the full allergen information. For example, the Wasa crispbread reviewed contains sesame, so it isn’t suitable for anyone with a sesame allergy.
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Leaving an opened pack unsealed
If you’re only eating a few crackers in your hotel room, it’s worth checking the storage advice for a larger pack once opened.
If needed, choose smaller individual packs or bring a sealable container or bag for the rest.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
The 130 g AH Gluten-Free Crackers are a light option for breakfast or a snack.
- Albert Heijn describes this product as gluten-free, made with rice flour and maize flour, and produced in a completely gluten-free environment.
- The product may contain milk and lactose. Check the allergen information on the packaging, as product details can change.
Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten
The light 130 g crackers reviewed are made with rice flour and maize flour.
- Jumbo lists the Crossed Grain symbol and 20 portions per pack.
- According to the product information, these crackers contain 2.3 g of fibre per 100 g. Compare the nutritional information if fibre is an important factor in your choice.
Schär
The thin gluten-free crackers reviewed come in six 35 g packs.
- Jumbo describes the small pack size as handy for taking on the go.
- This product contains soya and lists 1.6 g of salt per 100 g.
Wasa
The gluten- and lactose-free crispbread with sesame and sea salt reviewed offers a more substantial alternative.
- Jumbo lists 10 g of fibre per 100 g for this product.
- It contains sesame and may contain milk, mustard and soya.
Nairn's
The gluten-free wholegrain seed crackers reviewed contain oats and can be used as a base for toppings.
- According to the product information, they contain 7.9 g of fibre and 10 g of protein per 100 g.
- Jumbo states that the product may contain milk and isn’t suitable for anyone with an avenin allergy.
Products at Joybuy
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is a high-fibre or low-carb cracker also gluten-free?
No, those characteristics alone don’t confirm that a cracker is gluten-free. If you have coeliac disease, check the current packaging for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol.
Is ‘wheat-free’ enough if you have coeliac disease?
No, ‘wheat-free’ doesn’t mean the same as ‘gluten-free’. For a gluten-free option, look for the relevant label or symbol on the packaging and read the ingredients.
What should I check if I’m eating crackers in my hotel room?
Check the crackers’ packaging, read the allergen information and store an opened pack according to the instructions on the packaging. If the hotel serves toppings without packaging, ask for the ingredient information. The gluten-free label on your crackers doesn’t automatically apply to what you put on them.
Are seed crackers a better choice if I’m looking for fibre?
Compare the fibre per 100 g in the products you’re considering, along with their ingredients and allergens. Jumbo lists 10 g of fibre per 100 g for the Wasa crispbread reviewed, compared with 2.3 g per 100 g for the light crackers from Albert Heijn and Jumbo reviewed. The Wasa product also contains sesame.