Who is this choice important for?

Parents of a child with coeliac disease

For parents and carers who want to pack a gluten-free lunch and also need to prevent the food from coming into contact with gluten-containing crumbs at school.

Families considering crispbread as a bread alternative

For families who want to include crispbread more often in school lunches and consider its fibre content, sources of iodine and variety as part of the overall diet.

Parents dealing with additional allergens or school arrangements

For parents who also need to watch out for an ingredient such as sesame, or want to agree with the school how their child should handle shared food, spreads and cutlery.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking the gluten-free label on the packaging and how the lunch will be packed. Then compare the nutritional information and, if needed, discuss mealtime arrangements with the school.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Gluten-free and kept separate Check the current packaging for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain trademark. Also think about how to ensure the crispbread reaches school without contact with crumbs or shared spreads. If my child has coeliac disease, I want to feel confident about both the product choice and the lunch routine; for around 50% of consumers, that reassurance is the top priority when choosing.
Its place in the overall diet Compare fibre per 100 g and per portion. If it regularly replaces bread, check whether iodised salt is used and how the overall diet is made up. When crispbread often replaces bread, I want to know how fibre and iodine fit into the diet; for around 30% of consumers, this is the most important question when choosing.
Other allergens and school arrangements Read the ingredients and allergen information, and ask what arrangements the school has for shared food and clean equipment. My child may also need to avoid sesame, or need help keeping food separate; for around 20% of consumers, these additional allergens and school arrangements are the most important considerations when choosing.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all crispbread is gluten-free

    Crispbread and crackers can contain wheat, rye or barley. A crunchy texture or a claim about fibre says nothing about whether a product is suitable for someone with coeliac disease.

    Before buying, check the current packaging for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain trademark, and read the ingredients list.

  • Assuming ‘gluten-free’ means ‘free from all allergens’

    A gluten-free product may contain other allergens. For example, Jumbo’s product information lists sesame seeds in Wasa Sesame & Sea Salt.

    Check the allergen information for the child who will be eating the lunch, and discuss any additional restrictions with the school.

  • Replacing bread with crispbread without considering the bigger picture

    A gluten-free label does not tell you how much fibre a product contains or whether iodised salt has been used. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers in the Netherlands are not required to use baker’s salt.

    Compare the nutritional information and consider the overall diet if crispbread regularly replaces bread. Discuss any questions about a medically necessary gluten-free diet with a specialist dietitian.

  • Checking the packaging but not the school lunch routine

    Gluten-free crispbread can come into contact with gluten-containing crumbs, shared spreads or used cutlery while it is being prepared or eaten.

    Pack the food separately and agree clear arrangements with the school about sealed packaging, spreads and clean equipment. The checklist from The National School Breakfast and the Dutch Coeliac Association recommends separate, sealed gluten-free lunch packs.

Relevant brands to consider

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn lists AH Glutenvrij Vezelrijk crispbread as one of its own-brand products.

  • A specific crispbread option to compare on the packaging with other gluten-free choices.
  • Base your choice on the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional value; Albert Heijn notes that product information may change.

Wasa

Jumbo describes Wasa Sesame & Sea Salt, 240 g, as gluten-free and lactose-free crispbread.

  • The product description identifies both its gluten-free and lactose-free qualities.
  • The description lists sesame seeds. If your child has a sesame allergy, check the current packaging and don’t choose it based on the gluten-free label alone.

Schär

In its gluten-free crackers and crispbread category, Albert Heijn lists products including Schär Hafer knäckebrot glutenvrij and Knusperbrot dunkel glutenvrij.

  • These varieties give you separate products whose labels you can compare.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on each pack before choosing a variety for a child.

Leev

Albert Heijn lists Leev glutenvrije havercrackers rozemarijn in its broader gluten-free crackers and crispbread category.

  • An oat cracker to consider if a cracker, rather than crispbread alone, would work for lunch.
  • An oat cracker is not automatically the same type of product as crispbread. Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can a child with coeliac disease take ordinary crispbread to school?

Only choose crispbread whose current packaging says ‘gluten-free’ or carries the Crossed Grain trademark. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ordinary crackers and crispbread can contain gluten-containing grains. Keep the product separate from gluten-containing food when packing and eating it, too.

Does ‘gluten-free’ mean a product contains no gluten at all?

No. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a product sold to the final consumer may be labelled ‘gluten-free’ if it contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. So the label does not literally mean zero gluten.

How can you keep gluten-free crispbread separate in a school lunch?

Pack the crispbread separately and keep it sealed until it is time to eat; use clean cutlery and clean containers for spreads. The checklist from The National School Breakfast and the Dutch Coeliac Association recommends separate, sealed gluten-free lunch packs. Agree with the school how your child can keep their lunch separate during shared mealtimes.

Does gluten-free crispbread always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell from the gluten-free label. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers in the Netherlands are not required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list and consider sources of iodine in the overall diet if crispbread regularly replaces bread.