If you have coeliac disease, first choose a croissant explicitly labelled ‘gluten-free’. Then compare the other allergens and preparation requirements: according to Albert Heijn, the AH version reviewed is vegan and lactose-free, but may contain egg and needs to be baked at home; the Schär and Consenza versions reviewed contain egg and milk. Check the current label when you buy, even if you’ve already read the product information online.
They’re looking for a croissant explicitly labelled gluten-free. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this claim may be used for food as sold that contains no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg.
As well as gluten, they need to check which allergens are present or may be present. Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s product information shows that the croissants reviewed differ in this respect.
They want to know in advance how many croissants they’ll need, and whether baking, freezer storage or microwave preparation will suit their morning routine. The packs and instructions reviewed differ in these respects.
Start by checking for a gluten-free claim, then assess other allergens, portion size and preparation requirements separately. A gluten-free claim alone doesn’t tell you whether a croissant contains, for example, egg or milk.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it’s particularly relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free claim | Look for the explicit ‘gluten-free’ claim on the packaging. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, food as sold bearing this claim must contain no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg. | If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely solely on an ingredients list without a gluten-free claim. For around 56% of consumers, this check comes first. |
| Other allergens | Read both the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ information on the current label. The versions reviewed differ in allergens including egg, milk and soya. | If I need to avoid another allergen, that determines which croissant is suitable for me. For around 22% of consumers, this second restriction matters most. |
| Preparation and portions | Compare the number of croissants, the equipment you’ll need and the storage instructions, especially for a frozen version. | I want enough croissants for breakfast, without choosing a preparation method or storage option that doesn’t fit my plans. For roughly 22% of consumers, this practical choice is the deciding factor. |
A gluten-free claim says nothing about other allergens. According to Albert Heijn and Jumbo’s product information, the croissants reviewed differ in the allergens they contain or may contain.
Every time you buy, also read the full ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
The AH croissants reviewed need to be baked at home, the Schär version is a frozen product, and Consenza provides oven and microwave instructions. So not every pack requires the same preparation.
Before buying, check which appliance and storage space you’ll need. Follow the instructions on the packaging when preparing them.
A product you’ve seen at a supermarket before may not be available on your next visit.
Check what’s currently available if you’re relying on gluten-free croissants for a particular breakfast.
These details apply to the croissant versions mentioned, not to each brand’s entire range.
Albert Heijn describes a pack of two 80 g gluten-free croissants that are baked at home.
Jumbo describes Schär Croissant à la Française as a gluten-free frozen version, with four croissants weighing 220 g in total.
Jumbo describes a pack of three 60 g gluten-free Consenza croissants, with instructions for oven and microwave preparation.
Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, the ‘gluten-free’ claim may be used if food as sold contains no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg. If you have coeliac disease, check that the packaging of the croissant you choose carries this claim.
Yes. The Schär version described by Jumbo lists gluten-free wheat starch and names wheat, egg and milk as allergens; the Consenza version reviewed contains egg, milk and soya. If you have another allergy, read all the information on the current label.
Check the packaging of the croissants you’re buying. Albert Heijn warns in its product information that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change.
You can’t assume this is the case for every croissant. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes baker’s salt as a possible source of added iodine in bakery products, but this doesn’t tell you how much is in any particular croissant. Check the label or ask the manufacturer about the specific version if you need this information.
According to Jumbo’s product information, this Schär version should be stored at −18 °C. Once thawed, it must not be refrozen; keep it in the fridge and eat it within one day.
