Who this choice matters to

Snackers with coeliac disease

For you, choosing a croissant starts with the gluten-free label on the packaging. Before considering how to prepare or store it, also read the current allergen information and any warnings about possible traces.

Anyone who likes to keep croissants in reserve

If you want to be able to prepare something late in the evening, it matters whether you keep a long-life pack in the cupboard or store a product in the freezer. Check which appliance you’ll need and what the instructions say about storage after defrosting.

Snackers with additional dietary requirements

Even in a gluten-free croissant, lactose, ingredients of animal origin or other allergens may be a consideration. Check these features for each product and its current packaging.

What to look for when buying

Start with the label on the specific croissant, then choose a storage and preparation method that suits when you want to eat it.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free status and allergens Look for the gluten-free label on the current packaging and read the allergen declaration and any warnings about possible traces. If I have coeliac disease, I want to know before buying whether this particular croissant meets my labelling requirements. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Preparation and storage Compare the instructions for the oven, air fryer or microwave, and check whether the product should be stored in a cool, dry place or kept frozen. Late in the evening, I want to be able to prepare a croissant using the appliance and supplies I have at home. Being able to prepare it straight away is the most important consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Other ingredients and claims Check the ingredients and product claims for things such as egg, milk, soya, lactose-free or vegan; don’t infer the iodine content from the gluten-free label. If I need to avoid ingredients as well as gluten, the composition determines whether a croissant is suitable for me. This additional requirement matters most to around 25% of consumers.

The Dutch Coeliac Association defines gluten-free as containing less than 20 mg of gluten per kg of product. This label does not replace checking for other allergens: Albert Heijn notes that its gluten-free croissants may contain egg, while the product information for the Consenza and Schär options listed by Jumbo and PLUS names other allergens.

When it comes to a late-night snack, preparation is what makes the biggest difference. According to the product information from Jumbo and PLUS, you can store the long-life Consenza croissants in a cool, dry place and prepare them in the oven or microwave. Jumbo describes Schär Croissant à la Française as a frozen product; if you choose this option, also follow the instructions for storage after defrosting.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming gluten-free means allergen-free

    The gluten-free croissants listed have different information about egg, milk, soya and possible traces of other allergens. The gluten-free label does not answer these separate questions.

    Before eating, read the ingredients and allergen declaration on the packaging you’re actually buying.

  • Mistaking a regular croissant for a gluten-free option

    A shop category for croissants, or a range of gluten-free products, doesn’t mean that every croissant in that category is gluten-free. Gluten-free rolls are a different product, too.

    Check that the specific croissant itself carries a gluten-free label.

  • Skipping the instructions for after defrosting

    For Schär Croissant à la Française, Jumbo says that the product must not be refrozen after defrosting and should be eaten within one day.

    Only defrost what you plan to use, and follow the storage instructions on the current packaging.

  • Assuming gluten-free means iodine-free

    Gluten-free describes the gluten content, not the iodine content. The Dutch Commodities Act defines baker’s salt as iodised table salt, but this doesn’t tell you which salt, or how much iodine, a particular croissant contains.

    If you need information about the iodine content of a specific product, check the ingredients and, if necessary, ask the manufacturer for product-specific information.

Brands and retailers to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn describes AH Gluten-free Croissants as a pack of two part-baked croissants for the oven or air fryer.

  • The product information says they’re made in a completely gluten-free environment and describes the product as vegan and lactose-free.
  • The same information notes that the product may contain egg and advises against freezing it at home; check the current packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists both long-life Consenza croissants and frozen Schär Croissant à la Française.

  • The product information gives you a choice between storing Consenza in a cool, dry place and keeping Schär in the freezer.
  • Allergens and instructions for after defrosting differ by product, so don’t treat the options as interchangeable.

PLUS

PLUS lists Consenza gluten-free croissants that can be stored in a cool, dry place and prepared in the oven or microwave.

  • The product information lists both preparation methods, so you can check which one suits your evening routine.
  • PLUS lists egg and soya, and possible traces of lupin, nuts and sesame; check the packaging when you buy.

Lidl

Lidl provides information about an additional gluten-free range.

  • The range page can help you find out which products to look for at that time.
  • Lidl says on that page that the additional gluten-free products are not currently available. Check the specific croissant and its current availability separately.

ALDI

ALDI lists gluten-free rolls in its information about bake-off products.

  • Rolls may be another option if you’re mainly looking for a gluten-free bake-off product for the evening.
  • A gluten-free roll isn’t a gluten-free croissant; for the latter, check a separate product listing and its packaging.

Dirk

Dirk lists gluten-free products and also has a croissant category.

  • The product categories can help you search for a specific pack.
  • Don’t assume that croissants in the regular category are gluten-free; check the label on each product.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the gluten-free label on a croissant mean?

According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, gluten-free means that the product contains less than 20 mg of gluten per kg. Also check the current packaging for ingredients, other allergens and any warnings about possible traces.

Is a gluten-free croissant also free from other allergens?

No, the gluten-free label doesn’t tell you that. Albert Heijn notes that its gluten-free croissants may contain egg; the product information from Jumbo and PLUS lists egg, milk or soya, among other allergens, for the Schär and Consenza options mentioned. Read the allergen declaration on the pack you choose.

For a late-night snack, should I choose long-life or frozen croissants?

Choose long-life croissants if you want cupboard staples that you can prepare in the oven or microwave, as stated on the packaging. The Consenza option listed by Jumbo and PLUS suits this choice. Schär Croissant à la Française is a frozen product, so allow for freezer space and follow the instructions for after defrosting.

Does gluten-free also mean iodine-free?

No, gluten-free says nothing about iodine. The Dutch Commodities Act describes baker’s salt as iodised table salt, but the gluten-free label doesn’t tell you which salt a particular croissant contains. For product-specific information, check the ingredients or contact the manufacturer.