A guest with coeliac disease
You need a gluten-free alternative that stays separate from ordinary rolls when it’s being topped and served, too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that even a stray bread crumb can cause symptoms.
Who is this choice important for?
A brunch host short on preparation time
You’re looking for a packaged gluten-free roll to go with a sweet Easter brunch. Albert Heijn lists gluten-free raisin buns; other gluten-free rolls and bakes may also work if the currant-bun shape is less important.
A home baker who wants to choose the filling
You want to decide how many currants or raisins go into the buns. Albert Heijn publishes a recipe for gluten-free currant buns, but you’ll still need to check all the ingredients and prevent cross-contamination.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how you’ll prepare and serve the gluten-free product separately. Then consider whether you’d prefer a familiar raisin bun, another brunch roll or something homemade.
Gluten-free raisin buns
A good choice if: you want to serve a raisin bun that resembles a currant bun, without baking it yourself.
Bear in mind: the range and ingredients may change, so check the packaging you receive.
Other gluten-free brunch options
A good choice if: a varied bread selection matters more than finding a roll with exactly the same shape and filling as a currant bun.
Bear in mind: a croissant, brioche or plain roll will have a different flavour and texture.
Bake your own currant buns
A good choice if: you want to choose the filling and shape of the buns yourself.
Bear in mind: you’ll need time to prepare them and a method that prevents cross-contamination with gluten.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten and cross-contamination | Look for the ‘gluten-free’ label and check the allergen information. If you’re also serving ordinary bread, use separate utensils and a separate serving plate. | When I’m serving someone with coeliac disease, I want to make sure a suitable roll doesn’t come into contact with ordinary crumbs. Around 36% of consumers say gluten safety is their top priority. |
| Convenience at brunch | Choose a suitable ready-made product and check the current range and the packaging you receive. | When the brunch is already planned, I want to serve something without baking a batch myself. Around 29% of consumers put convenience first. |
| A familiar flavour and filling | Check whether the roll contains currants or raisins, or consciously choose a different kind of sweet bake. | I want the alternative to still feel like a fruity bun, even if I bake it myself. For around 21% of consumers, a similar flavour is their main priority. |
| Baker’s salt if you eat less bread | Check the bread label to see whether baker’s salt has been used, if this is relevant to your usual diet. | If I regularly eat less ordinary bread, I want to know what role baker’s salt plays. Around 14% of consumers put this question about their wider diet first. |
Common mistakes when choosing and serving
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Assuming a roll is gluten-free because it looks wheat-free
A product’s appearance or name, or a label such as ‘vegan’, won’t tell you how much gluten it contains. Under Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a food can only be labelled ‘gluten-free’ if the gluten content of the product sold to the final consumer is no more than 20 mg/kg.
For a guest with coeliac disease, choose a product that is clearly labelled gluten-free and check the allergen information on the current packaging.
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Serving gluten-free and ordinary bread together
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that even a stray bread crumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease. A gluten-free product can come into contact with crumbs when it’s being sliced, topped or served.
Keep it separate and use its own plate, tongs and knife. Prepare and serve the gluten-free option before handling ordinary bread.
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Relying only on the online product description
Albert Heijn says that ingredients, nutritional values and dietary or allergy information may change.
Use the online range to choose an option, but check the packaging you’ve actually received before serving it.
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Confusing baker’s salt with a gluten-free label
Baker’s salt doesn’t tell you whether a roll is gluten-free. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre also says that bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt.
For someone with coeliac disease, check the gluten-free label and how the food will be served first. Then check whether baker’s salt is listed, if that matters for their usual diet.
Brands with relevant gluten-free bakes
AH Glutenvrij
Albert Heijn’s gluten-free rolls range includes raisin buns and muesli rolls.
- The raisin buns are a ready-made option when a fruity roll would suit your Easter brunch.
- Check the packaging again: Albert Heijn says that ingredients and allergen information may change.
Schär
Albert Heijn lists gluten-free Bon Matín, multigrain rolls and bread mix from this brand.
- A roll or bread mix could work if you’re not specifically looking for a ready-made raisin bun.
- Check the packaging of the product you choose; these types of products aren’t the same as a currant bun.
Consenza
Jumbo lists gluten-free Consenza croissants, brioche, bagels and white rolls.
- A croissant or brioche could work if you’d like a different sweet option for brunch.
- These products don’t have the same specific shape and filling as a currant bun, so check the product information on each pack.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
What does ‘gluten-free’ mean on a roll?
Under Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this label can be used in the Netherlands if the gluten content of the food sold to the final consumer is no more than 20 mg/kg. Check the label on the packaging of the roll you’re buying.
Can someone with coeliac disease eat an ordinary currant bun if the currants are removed?
No. Removing the currants doesn’t make the bun gluten-free. Choose an alternative that is clearly labelled gluten-free and prevent contact with ordinary bread crumbs. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that even small amounts of gluten can cause symptoms.
How should I serve gluten-free rolls alongside ordinary Easter bread?
Keep the gluten-free rolls separate and use their own plate and utensils. If you’re buying unpackaged rolls, ask about the allergens present, too. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that sellers must provide consumers with this information.
Does gluten-free bread have to contain baker’s salt?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt. The label will tell you whether it has been used; this information is particularly relevant if you regularly eat less bread outside Easter brunch, too.
What can I choose if I can’t find a suitable gluten-free currant bun?
A gluten-free raisin bun or raisin bread is a good choice if you’re after a fruity roll. A gluten-free croissant or brioche is a different kind of sweet brunch option. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list these types of products in their ranges, but check the packaging and current availability of the product you’re buying.