Who is this choice relevant to?

Travellers with coeliac disease

You want to be able to check the gluten-free claim and allergen information. When you’re on the road, you’ll also want to make sure crumbs containing gluten don’t get onto your snack.

Travellers who want to eat on the go

You’re looking for an individual bun that you don’t need to slice first. If you’re taking sliced raisin bread, you can pack the portions you want separately in advance.

Travellers who plan portions ahead

You want to decide in advance how much to take with you. Bakker Leo says its buns can be frozen; YAM recommends freezing its raisin bread by the slice.

What should you look for when choosing?

Before choosing a gluten-free snack for a road trip, check the current label. Then choose the product format that suits eating on the go, any other allergies and your plans.

What to look for What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free and kept separate Look for the ‘gluten-free’ claim or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current label. Keep the snack separate from food containing gluten. If I have coeliac disease, I want to be able to check my snack and prevent crumbs getting onto it while I’m on the road. For around 36% of consumers, being able to verify that a choice is gluten-free comes first.
A portion for the journey Compare individual buns with sliced bread and decide whether you need to pack portions in advance. I want to be able to eat during the journey without slicing bread or putting together a portion. Ease of eating straight away is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers.
Other allergens and nutritional information Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ statement. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g if they matter to your choice. As well as gluten, I may need to avoid egg, milk or soya, or I may want to compare nutritional values. This additional requirement takes priority for around 21% of consumers.
Stock and product format Check availability before you set off and see whether the buns or slices you choose can be frozen. I’d rather shop in advance and take only the portions I need for the journey. Planning ahead matters most to around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a raisin bun is automatically gluten-free

    Raisins tell you nothing about the gluten in the bread. So, if you have coeliac disease, the product name isn’t a reliable way to check.

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, look for the ‘gluten-free’ claim or the Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging, and read the current ingredients too.

  • Overlooking other allergens

    Gluten-free doesn’t automatically mean free from egg, milk or soya. Bakker Leo lists egg and possible traces of milk and soya in its currant buns, and says milk is handled in the bakery.

    For every option, read the current allergen information, including warnings about the possible presence of other allergens.

  • Assuming a product listing guarantees it’s in stock

    Availability can vary by shop and time. If you have a particular bun or loaf in mind, you may still need another option just before you set off.

    Check stock at your chosen shop in advance and have a suitable alternative ready.

  • Assuming baker’s salt always contains iodine

    According to brood.net, the use of iodine-enriched baker’s salt is not legally required in the Netherlands. The product format won’t tell you which type of salt has been used.

    Check the ingredients list if the type of salt matters to your choice.

Brands to consider

Bakker Leo Glutenvrij

Bakker Leo makes gluten-free raisin and currant buns in an individual-bun format.

  • The product page lists four 70 g buns, gluten-free certification and says they can be frozen.
  • The buns contain egg. The producer also warns of the possible presence of milk and soya, and says milk is handled in the bakery.

YAM Glutenvrij

YAM offers sliced gluten-free raisin bread as an alternative to individual currant buns.

  • YAM displays the Crossed Grain symbol and describes its bread as free from gluten, wheat, lactose, cow’s milk and egg.
  • It isn’t an individual bun, so pack the slices you want in advance if you’d like separate portions on the go. Check the current label too.

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn lists AH Glutenvrij Raisin Buns as a supermarket option in its gluten-free bakery category.

  • The category lists the raisin buns in packs of two.
  • Before buying, check the current ingredients and allergen information for these exact buns, especially if you need to avoid anything besides gluten.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

If I have coeliac disease, can I eat an ordinary currant bun if wheat isn’t mentioned in the name?

No. The name doesn’t tell you whether a currant bun is gluten-free. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, check for the ‘gluten-free’ claim or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging, and read the ingredients and allergen information.

How can I keep a gluten-free snack separate in the car?

Keep the snack wrapped and separate from sandwiches and snacks containing gluten. Make sure it doesn’t come into contact with crumbs or hands that have touched food containing gluten; the Dutch Coeliac Society describes this as a risk of cross-contamination.

Is iodine-enriched baker’s salt required in Dutch currant buns?

No. According to brood.net, the use of iodine-enriched baker’s salt is not legally required in the Netherlands. If the type of salt used matters to you, check the ingredients list for the currant buns you choose.

Can I ask a baker about allergens in unwrapped currant buns?

Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must also be available for unwrapped food. Ask the baker specifically about cereals containing gluten and any other allergens that are relevant to you.