Hosts welcoming a guest with coeliac disease
You want to serve a gluten-free croissant to one guest while ordinary snacks are also on the table. The Dutch Coeliac Society advises taking care with crumbs, hands and shared kitchen utensils.
If you’re hosting a guest with coeliac disease, choose a croissant whose current packaging clearly says ‘gluten-free’ and keep it separate from snacks containing gluten during storage, heating and serving. The Consenza croissants at PLUS come with oven and microwave instructions; the Schär frozen croissants at Jumbo need freezer space and some preparation. Check the packaging for other allergens, too.
You want to serve a gluten-free croissant to one guest while ordinary snacks are also on the table. The Dutch Coeliac Society advises taking care with crumbs, hands and shared kitchen utensils.
You’re looking for clear instructions for a warm snack. PLUS gives Consenza croissants instructions for both the oven and microwave; also check that the packaging is suitable for your guests’ other allergies.
You want to buy several portions in advance and can store a frozen pack separately. Jumbo lists Schär Croissant à la Française as a gluten-free frozen pack of four.
First, decide how you’ll keep the croissant separate from snacks containing gluten. Then choose a storage option and preparation method that suit when you’ll be serving it.
A good choice if: you want to heat them shortly before serving; PLUS provides instructions for both the oven and microwave.
Bear in mind: the product page lists egg and soya, and possible traces of sesame, lupin and nuts.
A good choice if: you want to stock up on four croissants and have room to store them frozen.
Bear in mind: you’ll need freezer space and time to follow the preparation instructions on the packaging.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free and served separately | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging. Use clean, separate utensils and serve the croissant in a crumb-free area. | If someone with coeliac disease is eating with us, I want to make sure the gluten-free croissant doesn’t come into contact with ordinary snacks. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Heating for snack time | Read the instructions for the oven or microwave you plan to use, and use a clean, separate dish or baking tray. | I want to be able to prepare a warm croissant just before serving without losing sight of the need to use separate utensils. This is the main planning consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Portions and storage | Compare the number of croissants, storage instructions and the specific croissant pack available in store. | When serving several people, I want to know how many croissants I need and whether there’s room in the freezer. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this planning. |
The Dutch Coeliac Society says that even a crumb of gluten can be harmful to someone with coeliac disease. Gluten-free packaging won’t prevent transfer via hands, tongs or a worktop.
Prepare and serve the gluten-free portion first or completely separately, using clean hands and dedicated utensils.
Albert Heijn and PLUS say that product information, including ingredients and allergens, can change.
Check the physical packaging again when you buy and prepare the croissants.
The PLUS product page for Consenza croissants lists egg and soya, and possible traces of sesame, lupin and nuts.
Ask which other allergens are relevant to your guests and check the current packaging for details.
A shop’s listing of gluten-free products doesn’t mean that a croissant has the same label. An ordinary roll or croissant isn’t a suitable substitute for your guest with coeliac disease.
Check the label on the croissant you actually plan to serve.
PLUS lists Consenza Croissants as a gluten-free product in a pack of three, weighing 180 g in total.
Jumbo lists Schär Croissant à la Française as a gluten-free frozen product, with four croissants weighing 220 g in total. Albert Heijn lists the same product range.
Albert Heijn lists AH Glutenvrij Croissants and Schär Croissant à la Française online.
Jumbo lists the gluten-free Schär Croissant à la Française as a frozen pack of four, weighing 220 g.
PLUS lists Consenza croissants and provides information about ingredients, allergens, storage and preparation.
Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. A product title online or a general dietary filter isn’t a substitute for checking the pack; once you’ve bought the croissant, keep it separate from products containing gluten, too.
Only if you can prevent contact with crumbs containing gluten and avoid sharing utensils. Use a clean, separate baking tray or dish, tongs and serving area for your guest with coeliac disease; the Dutch Coeliac Society stresses the importance of preventing cross-contamination, too.
No. ‘Gluten-free’ doesn’t tell you which other allergens a croissant contains. For Consenza croissants, PLUS lists egg and soya, and possible traces of sesame, lupin and nuts; check the current packaging for every relevant allergy.
It doesn’t mean that every gluten-free croissant contains bakers’ salt or added iodine. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that bakery products can contain iodine compounds from bakers’ salt, and sets a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg for this salt. If this is relevant to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific croissant.
Don’t assume so: gluten-free rolls and gluten-free croissants are different products. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list specific gluten-free croissants; check the product and packaging at the shop where you’re buying.