Who is this choice important for?

Pupils with coeliac disease

For them, it’s not just the gluten-free label on the packaging that matters, but also how the croissant is packed and eaten at school. The Dutch Coeliac Association highlights the risk of cross-contamination from crumbs.

Parents short on time on a school morning

Whether you choose something to warm briefly, bake at home or take from the freezer depends on the equipment you have and how much time there is before you leave. Check the storage instructions for the product you’re packing too.

Families keeping an eye on other allergens

As well as gluten, allergens such as egg, milk, soya or nuts may be a concern. Allergen information varies between croissants, so check the packaging of the product you buy.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking the current packaging and avoiding contact with crumbs. Then choose a preparation and storage option that works for your school morning.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Keeping it gluten-free when packing Read the gluten-free label and allergen information on the current packaging. Keep the croissant separate from foods containing gluten, and use clean hands and utensils. When I’m packing for a pupil with coeliac disease, I want to check the gluten-free label and make sure ordinary bread crumbs don’t get near the croissant. For around 45% of consumers, this combination would be their main concern.
Preparation and storage Compare the oven, air fryer or microwave requirements, and check what to do after opening or thawing. If you’re buying a frozen product, make sure you have enough freezer space. On a busy school morning, I want to know whether a quick warm-up is enough or whether I need to allow extra time for baking or thawing. For around 33% of consumers, this practical planning would come first.
Other allergens Check the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings about possible traces on the specific packaging. A gluten-free label says nothing about other allergens. If another allergen is a concern as well as gluten, I don’t want to rely on the words ‘gluten-free’ alone. For around 22% of consumers, checking for other allergens would be the main consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming gluten-free means free from other allergens

    The croissants reviewed have different allergen information. For example, a lactose-free label doesn’t replace the need to check for egg or other allergens.

    Check the ingredients, allergens and warnings about possible traces on every pack you buy.

  • Packing a frozen or bake-at-home croissant without planning ahead

    AH Glutenvrij needs to be baked at home. According to Jumbo, Schär’s frozen croissants should be eaten within one day of thawing and must not be refrozen.

    Choose a preparation method that works before school, and read the storage and preparation instructions before choosing a multipack.

  • Putting a gluten-free croissant next to ordinary bread crumbs

    According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, cross-contamination from crumbs can be harmful to someone with coeliac disease.

    Use clean hands and utensils, and keep the croissant wrapped or separate from foods containing gluten for as long as possible. Ask the school what arrangements it has for lunches containing allergens.

  • Assuming a gluten-free range includes croissants

    A shop may sell gluten-free products without listing a specific gluten-free croissant.

    Before buying, check the label and allergen information on the croissant itself. Choose another lunch option if you can’t confirm that the product is suitable.

Brands to consider

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn describes its pack of two pre-baked gluten-free croissants as an option to finish baking at home.

  • Albert Heijn recommends preparing them in an oven or air fryer and says they are made in a completely gluten-free environment.
  • According to Albert Heijn, they aren’t suitable for freezing at home and may contain egg. Check the current packaging, as ingredients and allergen information can change.

Consenza

Jumbo and PLUS describe Consenza croissants in packs of three, weighing 60 g each.

  • The product information says they can be prepared in an oven or microwave; Jumbo recommends 20 seconds at 800 W in the microwave.
  • Allergen information differs between the websites: Jumbo lists egg, milk and soya; PLUS lists egg and soya, and possible traces of sesame, lupin and nuts. Check the packaging of the product you buy.

Schär

Jumbo describes Schär Croissant à la Française as gluten-free frozen croissants in a pack of four, weighing 220 g in total.

  • Frozen croissants may suit you if you want to plan lunch in advance and have freezer space.
  • According to Jumbo, the croissants must not be refrozen after thawing and should be eaten within one day. The product contains egg and milk, and may contain hazelnuts, mustard and soya, among other allergens.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a croissant labelled gluten-free enough for a pupil with coeliac disease?

Checking the current gluten-free label is essential, but it’s also important to prevent cross-contamination. Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging, and keep the croissant separate from foods containing gluten when packing it.

How should I pack a gluten-free croissant for school?

Use clean hands and utensils, and keep the croissant separate from ordinary bread and loose crumbs. The Dutch Coeliac Association recommends keeping gluten-free products wrapped for as long as possible. Also ask the school what arrangements it has for lunches containing allergens.

Can gluten-free croissants also contain egg, milk, soya or nuts?

Yes. Gluten-free doesn’t mean a croissant is free from other allergens. Albert Heijn says AH Glutenvrij may contain egg, while Jumbo lists egg and milk for Schär and warns that it may contain hazelnuts and soya, among other allergens. Always check the packaging of the croissant you choose.

Where can I find allergen information for a packaged croissant?

Check the label on the pack you’re buying. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergen information for pre-packed products must appear on the label; checking a product page you viewed earlier isn’t a substitute.