If a colleague has coeliac disease, choose crackers clearly labelled ‘gluten-free’ or bearing the Crossed Grain symbol, and serve them separately from ordinary crackers and bread. Individually wrapped portions are handy for self-service. If you choose larger crackers or seed crackers for toppings, also check the allergens listed for that exact variety.
You want to be able to serve a cracker clearly labelled gluten-free, separately from other food. The Voedingscentrum and the Dutch Coeliac Society also warn about contact with crumbs and shared serving utensils.
You’re looking for crackers that attendees can easily help themselves to. Individually wrapped portions, such as Schär’s six 35 g packs, can be useful; toppings and serving utensils still need to be kept separate.
You want to serve crackers with toppings while catering for other dietary requirements. Check the ingredients, allergens and cracker shape on each pack.
Start by checking the gluten-free label and how the crackers will be served. Then compare portion sizes, cracker size and any other allergens against the needs of your meeting.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free and served separately | Check the pack for a ‘gluten-free’ label or the Crossed Grain symbol. Use a separate plate and clean serving utensils. | If a colleague has coeliac disease, I want to make sure the crackers don’t come into contact with crumbs or shared toppings. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Portions and self-service | Compare the number of portions and check whether the crackers are individually wrapped. | At a gathering where everyone helps themselves, I want to be able to offer the gluten-free option separately with ease. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Toppings and other allergens | Check the cracker size and read the allergen information for the exact variety and its toppings. | For a small meeting lunch, I want to be able to add toppings without overlooking another allergy. This is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
A product name that doesn’t mention ‘wheat’ doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for someone with coeliac disease. For example, according to Bolletje, its Protein & Low Carb Crackers contain wheat flour and wheat gluten.
For a guest with coeliac disease, check the current pack for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol.
The Dutch Coeliac Society warns that gluten-free food can come into contact with gluten when it’s being served. So a suitable cracker won’t automatically stay separate from ordinary crackers.
Keep the pack separate, use a dedicated plate and clean serving utensils, and don’t share spreads.
The varieties mentioned differ in their ingredients and potential allergens: Jumbo Seed Crackers contain egg, oats and sesame, among other ingredients, while Schär Crackers contain soya.
Ask about any other allergies, and have attendees check the allergen information on the exact cracker pack and its toppings.
These examples refer to specific product varieties. Always check the label on the pack you intend to serve before buying.
This own-brand range includes a light cracker and a seed cracker whose product pages display the Crossed Grain symbol.
According to Albert Heijn, its organic crackers with sesame and chia seeds are made in a completely gluten-free environment.
Schär Crackers are available in six individual 35 g packs.
Wasa Sesame & Sea Salt is a crispbread variety sold as gluten-free and lactose-free.
Nairn's Super Seeded Wholegrain Crackers are gluten-free crackers made with wholegrain oats and seeds.
No. If someone with coeliac disease is attending a work meeting, you also need to prevent contact with gluten crumbs and shared serving utensils. The Dutch Coeliac Society advises keeping gluten-free food separate, so put out a separate pack and use clean serving utensils and separate toppings.
Yes. Gluten-free doesn’t mean a cracker is free from other allergens. The varieties mentioned may contain sesame, egg or soya, among other ingredients. If anyone has other allergies, check the information on the exact pack and check the toppings too.
Store them in a dry place and seal an opened pack tightly. Ideally, open the gluten-free crackers just before serving, in a separate area away from ordinary crackers and bread.
