If someone with coeliac disease is coming to dinner, first choose croissants labelled ‘gluten-free’ and make sure they don’t come into contact with crumbs or shared kitchen utensils during preparation and serving. Then compare the pack size, preparation instructions and any other allergens. Information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS describes different options in packs of two, three or four, but the current label on the pack you buy is what matters.
You want to check for a clear gluten-free label in advance and make sure the croissants don’t come into contact with crumbs, shared utensils or shared dips during your Italian evening. The Dutch Coeliac Society highlights the importance of avoiding cross-contamination too.
You want to know how many gluten-free guests will be eating and whether the pack size and preparation method suit your plans. The products described come in packs of two, three or four, and they don’t all require the same equipment or storage.
As well as gluten, you may need to check for ingredients such as egg, milk, soya or wheat. Product information from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS shows that ingredients and allergen warnings vary between croissants.
First, work out what you’ll need to prepare and serve the croissants separately. Then compare the pack size with the number of guests, and check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific product if anyone has additional dietary requirements.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Most relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten and cross-contamination | Check the pack for a ‘gluten-free’ label and plan to use clean utensils and a separate serving area. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, ‘gluten-free’ means less than 20 mg of gluten per kg of product; it doesn’t prevent cross-contamination at home. | If someone with coeliac disease is joining us, I want to make sure ordinary bread crumbs or shared dips don’t get onto their croissant. This is the main concern for around 39% of consumers. |
| Quantity and preparation | Compare the number of croissants and the pack instructions with the oven, air fryer or microwave you have available. If buying a frozen product, check the storage instructions too. | When several guests are eating at the same time, I want to be able to serve enough croissants promptly. This planning is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Other allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen warnings on the current pack. A gluten-free label doesn’t mean the product is free from egg, milk, soya or wheat. | If a guest has another allergy or dietary requirement as well as avoiding gluten, the croissant you choose needs to suit that too. This is the most important consideration for around 23% of consumers. |
| Iodine in the diet | When choosing bread and bread alternatives, check the ingredients list for iodised salt rather than assuming a croissant contains iodine. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use iodised salt. | If you regularly eat very little bread, it’s worth considering how iodised salt fits into your wider diet. This is the main consideration for around 15% of consumers. |
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, crumbs and shared equipment can still bring a gluten-free croissant into contact with gluten if ordinary products are being served too.
Prepare and serve the gluten-free croissants separately. Use clean hands, a clean work surface and clean utensils, and provide separate toppings or dips.
A gluten-free croissant may contain other allergens or carry warnings about them. For example, Schär lists egg, milk and gluten-free wheat starch; information about AH Glutenvrij warns that the product may contain egg.
Ask guests about their dietary requirements in advance and check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack before serving.
Packs containing two, three or four croissants call for different amounts of planning. Storage and preparation instructions also vary between the products described.
Count your gluten-free guests in advance and check when you need to store, defrost or prepare the croissants.
Albert Heijn describes two pre-baked gluten-free croissants that you finish baking at home.
Jumbo describes Schär Croissant à la Française as a gluten-free frozen product, with four croissants per pack.
Jumbo and PLUS describe a pack of three gluten-free Consenza croissants; Jumbo says they can be prepared in the oven or microwave.
Yes, wheat starch and a ‘gluten-free’ label can appear on the same product. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, ‘gluten-free’ means less than 20 mg of gluten per kg of product; Schär lists both gluten-free wheat starch and wheat in its croissant. If a guest has a wheat allergy, check the allergen information separately.
Prepare and serve the gluten-free croissants separately, using clean hands, a clean work surface and clean utensils. Set out separate toppings and dips too, so crumbs or shared cutlery don’t come into contact with the gluten-free food.
Yes, if those allergens or dietary requirements are relevant to your guests. The croissants described vary: Albert Heijn warns of possible egg, Schär lists egg and milk, and information about Consenza lists egg and soya. Always check the current label.
No, that doesn’t follow from the ‘gluten-free’ label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that iodised salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. Check the ingredients of the specific product rather than assuming the croissant was made with iodised salt.
