Who are these options for?

Coffee drinkers with coeliac disease

An explicit gluten-free label and awareness of cross-contamination are essential. Also read the allergen information on the packaging of the product you’re actually using.

Hosts who want to serve them warm

If you want to bake croissants just before coffee, pay particular attention to the preparation method, the number of croissants per pack and the storage instructions.

Shoppers with other dietary requirements

As well as being gluten-free, a lactose-free or vegan label may matter, along with warnings about eggs, milk, soya, nuts, sesame or lupin.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, choose a croissant whose current packaging meets your gluten-free requirements. Then compare the preparation method, storage instructions and any other allergens.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Gluten-free labelling Look for ‘gluten-free’ and any warnings about cereals containing gluten on the current packaging. The Dutch Coeliac Society states that the ‘gluten-free’ label means the product contains less than 20 mg of gluten per kg. When I serve croissants to someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the ingredients list alone: cross-contamination matters too. For around 42% of consumers, this check is the most important consideration.
Preparation and storage Compare oven or air fryer instructions, the number of croissants per pack and the storage guidance. Schär is a frozen option; before buying, check that you can store and use it according to the packaging instructions. I want to serve the croissants warm without thawing more than I need. Preparation and storage are the main considerations for around 33% of consumers.
Other allergens and dietary requirements As well as the gluten-free label, read the ingredients and allergen information. Check whether a product is lactose-free or vegan on a case-by-case basis. If someone has another allergy or dietary requirement, the croissant you choose needs to meet that too; ‘gluten-free’ alone isn’t enough. This additional requirement comes first for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a standard croissant is gluten-free

    Not seeing an obvious gluten-containing ingredient is not the same as seeing a gluten-free label, especially for someone with coeliac disease. The Dutch Coeliac Society also says that warnings about cereals containing gluten may indicate a relevant risk of cross-contamination.

    When buying, check for an explicit gluten-free label, then read the packaging and warnings again before serving the croissant.

  • Confusing gluten-free with free from other allergens

    Product information varies: AH Glutenvrij Croissants may contain eggs, Schär contains egg and milk, and Consenza contains egg, milk and soya.

    Ask in advance which other allergens need to be avoided, then check the current allergen information for that specific product.

  • Opening a frozen pack without planning the portions

    According to Jumbo’s product information, Schär croissants must not be refrozen once thawed. They should then be kept chilled and used within one day.

    Check the thawing instructions before deciding how many croissants you need for one coffee break.

  • Assuming every croissant contains iodised baker’s salt

    You can’t assume that every gluten-free croissant contains baker’s salt or iodine.

    If you want to know what a specific croissant contains, check the current packaging rather than making assumptions based on the product category.

Brands and shops to explore

Albert Heijn

AH Glutenvrij Croissants is a pack of two pre-baked croissants for the oven or air fryer.

  • The product information describes them as gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free, and says they are made in a completely gluten-free environment.
  • The product information warns that they may contain eggs and says they are not suitable for freezing at home.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists Schär Croissant à la Française as a frozen product containing four croissants, and Consenza Glutenvrije Croissants as an oven-baked option containing three.

  • The two different pack and storage options let you choose what suits your planned coffee break.
  • Schär contains egg and milk; Consenza contains egg, milk and soya. Check each pack for any other allergen warnings too.

PLUS

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

  • The product information recommends baking them in the oven for 10 minutes at 200 °C.
  • Check the current packaging for full allergen information and any changes.

Lidl

Lidl provides information about its gluten-free range.

  • A general statement about the range doesn’t tell you whether a specific croissant is gluten-free. Check the product label in store.

ALDI

ALDI lists gluten-free options in its bakery range.

  • This doesn’t mean its standard butter croissant is labelled gluten-free. Only choose a specific croissant if its label says it is.

Dirk

Dirk provides information about gluten-free products and also has a croissants category.

  • These aren’t shared product characteristics: check the packaging of any specific croissant for a gluten-free label.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can a croissant containing wheat starch still be gluten-free?

Yes. The presence of wheat starch doesn’t in itself rule out a gluten-free label. The Dutch Coeliac Society states that the label means the product contains less than 20 mg of gluten per kg, so check the label and warnings on the current packaging. A wheat allergy requires a separate assessment of the allergen information.

How can I reduce the risk of cross-contamination when serving?

Use clean hands, a clean work surface and clean utensils for gluten-free croissants, and serve them separately from standard croissants and bread crumbs. Also check the packaging for warnings about the possible presence of cereals containing gluten.

Which option is also labelled lactose-free or vegan?

Albert Heijn’s product information labels AH Glutenvrij Croissants as lactose-free and vegan. Check the current packaging for your dietary requirements and allergens: the product information also says they may contain eggs.

Can I assume gluten-free croissants contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, don’t assume this of a specific croissant. If the ingredients matter to your choice, check the current product information; the Voedingscentrum’s general information about bread and iodine doesn’t tell you what every gluten-free croissant contains.