Brunch planner buying for someone with coeliac disease
First, look for a croissant labelled ‘gluten-free’. The Dutch Coeliac Society explains the legal limit for using this label; also check the current packaging for other allergens.
Who is this choice important for?
Host planning for a small group
You’ll want to know how many croissants are in a pack, and what equipment and storage space you’ll need. The packs shown contain two, three or four croissants, but they also differ in how they’re prepared and stored.
Shopper with additional dietary requirements
As well as gluten-free, you may be looking for a vegan or lactose-free option, or need to take a separate food allergy into account. The gluten-free label alone won’t answer these additional questions.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking the gluten-free label for the guest with coeliac disease. Then compare the pack with your serving plans, and check the ingredients and allergen information for your chosen product if there are additional dietary requirements.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Most relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free label | Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the packaging and read the latest allergen information. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this label may be used if the finished product contains no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg. | If I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I want to check the gluten-free label before comparing other features. Around 42% of consumers would put this check first. |
| Serving and storage | Compare the number of croissants, preparation method, and storage and defrosting instructions. AH shows two bake-at-home croissants, Consenza three long-life croissants and Schär four frozen croissants. | For a planned brunch, I want to serve enough croissants using the equipment and storage space I have. For around 33% of consumers, this would be the main practical consideration. |
| Other dietary requirements and allergens | Read the ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ information on the packaging. Jumbo’s and PLUS’s product information for Consenza differs on milk or lactose. | If a guest has a separate dietary requirement or allergy as well as needing gluten-free food, the croissant must meet that need too. For around 25% of consumers, this additional requirement would be the deciding factor. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘gluten-free’ means ‘free from other allergens’
According to Jumbo’s product information, Schär croissants contain egg and milk. Jumbo and PLUS list egg and soya in Consenza croissants; Albert Heijn says its variety may contain egg.
If a guest has an additional allergy, check the ingredients, allergens and ‘may contain’ information on the packaging you buy.
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Choosing an ordinary croissant from a range that also includes gluten-free products
A reference to gluten-free rolls tells you nothing about the regular croissants in the same shop’s range. ALDI lists both types of product on its bakery page.
If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, choose a separate product labelled ‘gluten-free’ and check the packaging.
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Leaving your choice of product until the day itself
A general shop page doesn’t guarantee that the specific croissant you want to serve will be suitable. Preparation and storage instructions also affect how much you can get ready in advance.
Choose a specific variety in good time, and check with the shop that it’s available when you do your shopping.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn / AH Glutenvrij
Albert Heijn shows a pack of two gluten-free bake-at-home croissants.
- The product page describes them as vegan and lactose-free, and says they can be prepared in an oven or air fryer.
- The same page says they may contain egg and are not suitable for freezing at home.
Schär
Jumbo lists Schär Croissant à la Française as a gluten-free frozen product, with four in a pack.
- The product page shows the crossed-grain symbol and lists four 55 g croissants.
- According to Jumbo, the product contains egg, milk and gluten-free wheat starch. Once defrosted, it must not be refrozen.
Consenza
Jumbo and PLUS list long-life gluten-free croissants from Consenza, in packs of three 60 g croissants.
- Both shop pages say they can be prepared in an oven or microwave.
- The shop pages give different information about milk or lactose. Check the packaging, including for egg, soya and possible traces of other allergens.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists both Schär frozen croissants and Consenza long-life croissants.
- These two products offer different storage and preparation options.
- Their ingredients and allergens differ, so compare the individual packs rather than relying on the gluten-free label alone.
PLUS
PLUS lists long-life Consenza Croissants in a pack of three, weighing 180 g in total.
- The product page gives the preparation instructions and allergen information for this pack.
- PLUS notes that ingredients and allergen information may change. Check the label when you buy.
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Frequently asked questions
When can a croissant be labelled ‘gluten-free’?
Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, the label ‘gluten-free’ may be used when the finished product contains no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg. If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, look for this label on the packaging, rather than relying only on the absence of visible wheat flour.
Is a gluten-free croissant also suitable for someone with a wheat allergy?
Not necessarily: Jumbo lists both gluten-free wheat starch and wheat in the allergen information for Schär Croissant à la Française. If someone has a wheat allergy, check the allergen declaration on the specific pack.
Can I buy the croissants in advance and freeze them at home?
It depends on the product. Albert Heijn says its bake-at-home croissants are not suitable for freezing at home. According to Jumbo, Schär is a frozen product, but it must not be refrozen once defrosted and should then be eaten within one day. Follow the storage instructions on your chosen pack.
Does the rule about baker’s salt mean that every gluten-free croissant contains iodine?
No, that rule doesn’t tell you how much iodine a particular croissant contains. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out conditions for adding iodine through baker’s salt in bakery products. If the ingredients are important to your choice, check the product information or ask the manufacturer.