If you’re choosing crackers for a guest with coeliac disease, first look for the gluten-free label on the current packaging; low-carb or wholegrain isn’t a substitute. Then compare light crackers, seed crackers and crispbread based on the toppings you want to serve, portion sizes, fibre and salt. If there are additional allergies, check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variety you’ve chosen.
For your drinks and nibbles spread, first look for crackers labelled gluten-free. Descriptions such as high-fibre, wholegrain or low-carb don’t tell you whether they carry that label. Also check what you’re serving on the crackers.
You want to choose between a light cracker for delicate toppings and a seed cracker or crispbread for a more substantial bite. Check the packaging too if you want to serve the crackers in smaller portions.
Gluten-free doesn’t mean free from milk, egg, sesame or soya. So check the ingredients and allergens for the flavour and pack you’ve chosen, even if you already know the crackers are gluten-free.
For a guest with coeliac disease, the gluten-free label is the first thing to look for. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, the way you plan to serve the crackers and any additional dietary requirements or allergies will help you choose the right one.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Especially relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free label | Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the current packaging, including for crackers containing oats. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority links this label to the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 828/2014. | If someone with coeliac disease is joining us, I want to know whether the crackers are labelled gluten-free before considering any other features; for around 50% of consumers, this check is their top purchasing priority. |
| Toppings and portions | Compare the shape of the cracker and the pack size with the toppings you plan to serve. | For my sharing platter, I want crackers that are easy to top and serve in suitable portions; for around 30% of consumers, ease of serving is the deciding factor between gluten-free options. |
| Nutrition information and allergens | Compare fibre and salt per 100 g. Also read the allergen list and, if relevant, the information about possible traces. | If a guest needs to avoid another allergen, or I want to compare fibre and salt, I need the details for the specific variety I’ve chosen; around 20% of consumers prioritise these additional requirements. |
Information about carbohydrates or fibre tells you nothing about the amount of gluten. Under Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a product may be labelled gluten-free if it contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten.
When choosing for a guest with coeliac disease, start by checking for the gluten-free label on the current packaging. Only then compare the other features.
A gluten-free cracker may still contain ingredients such as oats, egg, sesame or soya. This could be important for a guest with an additional allergy.
Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety, including information about possible traces if this is relevant to your guests.
Albert Heijn lists 11 g of fibre and 0.9 g of salt per 100 g for AH Gluten-Free High-Fibre Seed Crackers. Jumbo lists 7.8 g of fibre and 3.63 g of salt per 100 g for its gluten-free seed crackers. So neither figure tells the whole story when comparing these two varieties.
Compare both fibre and salt per 100 g, and check which allergens the cracker you’ve chosen contains.
Ingredients and allergen information can change. Albert Heijn also points this out in its product information.
Check the packaging again before serving the crackers on St Nicholas’ Eve, and check the best-before information too.
Albert Heijn offers several crackers labelled gluten-free, including seed and mini varieties.
The range reviewed includes both light crackers and seed crackers, each bearing the Crossed Grain symbol.
Schär offers gluten-free thin crackers in six individual 35 g packs.
The Sesame & Sea Salt variety reviewed is gluten-free and lactose-free crispbread.
Nairn's Super Seeded Wholegrain Crackers are oat crackers with seeds, labelled gluten-free.
Bolletje sells spelt, multigrain and crispbread varieties, among others.
Van der Meulen lists gluten-free Rice Toast in its wider range; this is a different product from regular Melba Crackers Original.
Lidl describes an additional gluten-free range, although availability may vary.
Under its Goud Gebakken range, ALDI sells low-carb and rye crackers, among other products.
No. A statement about carbohydrates isn’t a gluten-free label. If you’re choosing for a guest with coeliac disease, check that the pack says gluten-free; under Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this label is linked to a maximum gluten content of 20 mg/kg.
Yes, a cracker labelled gluten-free can contain oats. Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 requires the oats to have been specially produced, prepared or processed to avoid contamination with wheat, rye, barley or their crossbreeds, and to contain no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. If you have coeliac disease, check that the cracker itself is labelled gluten-free.
As well as checking for the gluten-free label, read the ingredients and allergens on the exact pack. For example, the AH and Jumbo seed crackers reviewed contain egg and sesame, while the Schär Crackers reviewed contain soya. Also check for information about possible traces if this is relevant to your guest.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and seal it well once opened. The product information reviewed from Jumbo, Albert Heijn and Wasa recommends storing crackers in a cool, dry place. Also check the best-before date on your own pack.
