Who is this choice relevant to?

Buffet organiser catering for a guest with coeliac disease

You’ll need a croissant labelled gluten-free, as well as a separate area and clean utensils to prevent contact with crumbs.

Planner with limited oven or freezer space

You want to match the number of croissants and the preparation method to the space available during the buffet.

Shopper checking for other allergens too

You check each option for egg, milk, soya or possible traces of other allergens that may affect your guests.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide how you’ll prepare and serve the gluten-free croissants separately. Then choose a pack size and preparation method to suit your buffet.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free and served separately Check that the pack says ‘gluten-free’. Use a clean preparation area and separate baking and serving utensils. If a guest has coeliac disease, I want to prevent crumbs from getting onto their croissant. For around 50% of consumers, choosing the right product and serving it separately are the top priorities.
Portions and preparation Compare packs of two, three or four, and check the preparation and storage instructions for your chosen option. With limited oven or freezer space, I want to prepare enough croissants without being left with an awkward amount in the pack. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this kind of buffet planning.
Other allergens and dietary requirements Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack; ‘gluten-free’ doesn’t tell you whether it contains egg, milk or soya, for example. If a guest needs to avoid something other than gluten as well, I want to know whether this particular option is suitable. For around 20% of consumers, checking for additional allergens is the main concern.

Common buffet mistakes

  • Putting a gluten-free croissant on a shared platter

    Even a suitable product can come into contact with gluten through crumbs, a shared knife or serving tongs. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends preparing gluten-free food separately.

    Set out a separate plate and use clean, dedicated utensils from the moment you open the pack.

  • Assuming gluten-free means free from other allergens too

    The options mentioned have different allergen information: AH says its product may contain egg, Schär contains egg and milk, and Consenza contains egg and soya.

    For each guest, check the ingredients and any possible traces on the pack you’re actually buying.

  • Leaving storage checks until buffet day

    Schär croissants are frozen and, according to the product information, should be eaten within one day of defrosting. AH croissants are not suitable for refreezing at home.

    Plan the number of portions and when to bake them in advance, following the storage instructions on your chosen pack.

  • Letting iodine be the deciding factor when choosing a croissant

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes bread made with bakers’ salt as a source of iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. One buffet item says little about someone’s overall diet.

    For this purchase, prioritise the ‘gluten-free’ label, avoiding cross-contamination and your guests’ allergens.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Glutenvrij Croissants is a pack of two for baking at home.

  • Albert Heijn says this option is made in a fully gluten-free production environment and labels it vegan and lactose-free.
  • The pack may contain egg, so check the current label if anyone has an egg allergy. Refreezing at home is not recommended.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists both Schär Croissant à la Française Glutenvrij and Consenza Glutenvrije Croissants.

  • Schär comes in a frozen pack of four; Consenza contains three croissants weighing 60 g each.
  • Schär contains egg and milk. According to Jumbo’s product information, Consenza contains egg, milk and soya. Check the current label for each option.

PLUS

PLUS lists Consenza Croissants in a pack of three, weighing 180 g in total.

  • PLUS says this option is suitable for a gluten-free and wheat-free diet and gives a baking time of 10 minutes at 200 °C.
  • The product information lists egg and soya, and says it may contain sesame, lupin and nuts.

Lidl

Lidl promotes a gluten-free range.

  • That range can be a useful starting point when looking locally for a suitable product.
  • Only choose a croissant for a guest with coeliac disease if the exact pack is clearly labelled ‘gluten-free’.

ALDI

ALDI lists gluten-free bread options in its bakery range.

  • You can look through the bakery range for products specifically labelled gluten-free.
  • A gluten-free roll doesn’t tell you whether a croissant is suitable; check the product name and label separately.

Dirk

Dirk has product range pages for gluten-free items and croissants.

  • You can use both categories to narrow down your search for a product.
  • A croissant in the regular category isn’t gluten-free by default. Check the exact pack before buying.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I serve a gluten-free croissant alongside regular croissants on the buffet?

Not on a shared platter if the gluten-free croissant is for someone with coeliac disease. Crumbs and shared serving utensils can transfer gluten, so set out a separate plate with its own pair of tongs.

Can I bake gluten-free and regular croissants in the same oven?

Only use the same oven if you can prevent contact with gluten. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends using a crumb-free oven and conventional top-and-bottom heat rather than a fan setting when sharing an oven. Keep baking trays and racks separate too.

Is the Schär croissant suitable for someone with coeliac disease if wheat is listed in the allergen information?

Schär Croissant à la Française is labelled gluten-free and contains gluten-free wheat starch, but wheat is also listed as an allergen. This is a different consideration for someone with a wheat allergy than for someone with coeliac disease. Check the current pack and your guest’s dietary requirements.

Should iodine influence my choice for the Christmas buffet?

Don’t let iodine determine which croissant you choose for this buffet; gluten-free suitability and other relevant allergens come first. Iodine may be a separate consideration for someone following a gluten-free diet or eating little bread over the long term. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use bakers’ salt.