If the croissant is for a child with coeliac disease, choose a product labelled gluten-free on its current packaging and avoid contact with ordinary bread crumbs. Check for other allergens before deciding based on quantity, preparation or storage: the AH Glutenvrij, Schär and Consenza croissants differ in these respects.
For a child with coeliac disease, it’s not just the gluten-free label on the packaging that matters; preparation must also be clean and separate. According to the Voedingscentrum, even a small amount of gluten can cause symptoms.
A gluten-free croissant may still list ingredients such as egg, milk, soya or wheat. The right option depends on which allergens the child needs to avoid.
The number of children, the equipment available and when you plan to serve them will all help determine whether a pack of two pre-baked, three ambient-stored or four frozen croissants is most practical.
First, check that the product and its preparation meet the child’s gluten-free needs. Then compare the other allergens. The quantity, equipment and storage requirements will help you decide which suitable option is easiest to serve.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free status and separate preparation | Look for the gluten-free label on the current packaging, and plan to use clean, separate equipment when serving. | If my child has coeliac disease, I also want to avoid the croissant coming into contact with ordinary bread crumbs at home. An estimated 42% of consumers consider this their top priority. |
| Other allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including any may-contain statements, and compare it with the allergens that need to be avoided. | If a child needs to avoid allergens other than gluten, a gluten-free option may still not be suitable. For around 33% of consumers, checking allergens is the most important consideration. |
| Quantity, preparation and storage | Compare the number of croissants, the equipment needed, and the storage and defrosting instructions. | I want to have enough croissants to serve at the planned time without leaving a defrosted pack unused. This practical planning is the top priority for an estimated 25% of consumers. |
The croissants reviewed differ in their statements about ingredients such as egg, milk, soya and wheat, as well as the possible presence of other allergens. So a gluten-free label doesn’t answer every allergy-related question.
Before buying, and again before serving, check the current packaging against the allergens the child needs to avoid.
According to the Voedingscentrum, even a small amount of gluten can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease. A gluten-free product can still come into contact with crumbs at home.
Use a clean plate and clean equipment, and keep the croissant and its filling separate from ordinary croissants.
Schär’s pack of four frozen croissants needs to be kept in the fridge after defrosting and eaten within one day; it should not be refrozen. According to the product information, the AH croissants are also not suitable for refreezing at home.
Choose the pack size and storage method before planning when to serve them, and follow the instructions on the current packaging.
For an afternoon tea at school or nursery, rules about allergens, packaging and sharing food may affect what you can bring.
Ask the school, nursery or organiser in advance what arrangements apply for the occasion.
These product ranges mainly differ in quantity, storage format and allergen information. Always check the packaging of the particular option you’re buying.
Two pre-baked gluten-free croissants to finish baking at home.
A pack of four gluten-free frozen croissants.
Three gluten-free croissants which, according to the product information, can be stored in a cool, dry place and prepared in the oven or microwave.
If a child has coeliac disease, don’t choose an ordinary croissant without a gluten-free label. Check the current packaging of a gluten-free option, and avoid contact with ordinary croissants during preparation and serving. According to the Voedingscentrum, even a small amount of gluten can cause symptoms.
Yes. For example, the product information for Schär lists egg, milk and wheat in a gluten-free croissant. Consenza lists egg, milk and soya; AH Glutenvrij states that the product may contain egg. So compare the current allergen information with what the child needs to avoid.
Consenza recommends heating the croissants for 20 seconds in an 800 W microwave or for 10 minutes in an oven at 200 °C. AH Glutenvrij recommends 8–9 minutes in an oven at 170 °C or 5–6 minutes in a preheated air fryer at 180 °C. Follow the current packaging and use clean equipment when preparing food for someone who needs a strictly gluten-free diet.
No. The gluten-free label doesn’t tell you which type of salt has been used. Consenza’s product information lists bread salt; check the ingredients list of the croissants you choose if this is important to you.
