If you’re choosing rolls for someone with coeliac disease, pick one that is explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the packaging of the product you buy. If you’re preparing rolls for a Sinterklaas procession, also consider the baking instructions, other allergens, and how to prepare and serve them separately. A regular roll, including one made with spelt, is not a gluten-free alternative.
You want someone with coeliac disease to be able to join in. Check that the product is labelled gluten-free and look at the current packaging. Make sure the roll doesn’t come into contact with crumbs from regular rolls during preparation or serving.
You’re preparing rolls before heading to the procession. The baking instructions, and whether you can take and serve a roll separately, will help determine what’s practical.
As well as gluten, sesame, soya, egg, milk or nuts may be relevant, for example. A gluten-free label doesn’t mean a roll is free from these allergens too.
Start by checking that the specific roll is labelled gluten-free. Then choose packaging and a preparation method that suit when you plan to serve it.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Check that the packaging explicitly says ‘gluten-free’; don’t rely on the type of bread alone. | If someone with coeliac disease is joining in, I want to be sure about the roll I’m actually serving. For around 42% of consumers, this check comes first. |
| Preparation and serving | Read the baking instructions and use clean, separate utensils for preparation and serving. | I want to prepare the rolls before the procession without them coming into contact with crumbs from regular rolls. Around 25% of consumers give this practical approach top priority. |
| Other allergens | Read the allergen information for the specific product, even if it is labelled ‘gluten-free’. | If someone also needs to avoid sesame or wheat, for example, I want to know what this particular roll contains. For around 17% of consumers, this additional check is the main concern. |
| Availability | Check your chosen shop and, if necessary, consider another type of roll that is explicitly labelled gluten-free. | If I can’t find gluten-free crusty rolls, I look for a suitable alternative to serve at the same time. For around 16% of consumers, this is the most important consideration. |
The name of a type of bread doesn’t prove that a roll is gluten-free. Spelt is one of the gluten-containing grains.
Look for the explicit ‘gluten-free’ label on the packaging and read the allergen information too.
Glutenvrij.nl explains that crumbs in the kitchen can end up on a gluten-free roll.
Use a clean work surface and separate utensils if you’re also preparing or serving regular rolls.
According to PLUS, its multiseed crusty rolls contain sesame. Albert Heijn says its white gluten-free crusty rolls may also contain egg, milk, soya and nuts, among other allergens.
Ask which other allergens are relevant to the person eating and check the packaging of the product you choose.
A product listed online won’t necessarily be available at the shop where you plan to do your shopping.
Check your chosen shop before setting off and, if necessary, have another gluten-free roll in mind as a back-up.
These brands give you a starting point for looking for crusty rolls or other types of bread. Always check the label of the specific product.
Albert Heijn describes its white gluten-free crusty rolls as par-baked rolls, sold in packs of two.
PLUS lists white and multiseed versions of its gluten-free crusty rolls.
PLUS lists the Ouni Glutenvrij crusty roll as one roll per bag.
Dirk’s gluten-free search results include several Schär bread products, including Kaiser rolls and ciabatta.
Jumbo has an online category for gluten-free products and a separate category for crusty rolls.
If you’re considering a different type of roll from a crusty roll for the Sinterklaas procession, you could take a look at these mini baguettes. Before serving them to someone with coeliac disease, check that the current packaging explicitly labels the product gluten-free.
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These mini baguettes are a different type of bread from crusty rolls. Check the current packaging for the gluten-free label, allergen information and preparation instructions before serving them to your guest.
No. A regular or spelt crusty roll is not a gluten-free alternative for someone with coeliac disease. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 sets a maximum of 20 mg of gluten per kg of food for the ‘gluten-free’ label. Choose a product with that explicit label and check the packaging.
No, the ‘gluten-free’ label doesn’t mean that it is. According to the product information, the Ouni Glutenvrij crusty roll also lists wheat as an allergen. If you have a wheat allergy, check the allergen information for the specific product.
Avoid contact with crumbs by using a clean work surface and separate utensils when preparing and serving the rolls. Glutenvrij.nl points out that cross-contamination can also happen in the kitchen if crumbs get onto a gluten-free roll.
You can’t assume that every gluten-free crusty roll does. If iodised salt is important to your choice, check the ingredients list on the roll you buy.
