Visitors with coeliac disease
You’re looking for a roll for the procession that is explicitly labelled gluten-free, not an ordinary wheat Kaiser roll that looks the same. Check the packaging for other allergens that may be relevant to you, too.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Families preparing food shortly before setting off
You want to fill or bake rolls at home at short notice. Pre-baked, long-life Kaiser rolls don’t need time to defrost; if you choose a frozen option, you’ll need to plan ahead.
Planners with freezer space
You want to buy rolls in advance for several people. With frozen Kaiser rolls, you’ll need to follow the defrosting and storage instructions, including for any rolls left over.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, check the gluten-free labelling and any relevant allergens. Then choose a type of bread that suits your departure time and the preparation options you have at home.
Long-life Kaiser rolls
A good fit if: you want to prepare rolls just before the procession without having to defrost anything first.
Keep in mind: follow the packaging instructions for storage and use after opening.
Frozen Kaiser rolls
A good fit if: you shop in advance, have freezer space and want to prepare several rolls.
Keep in mind: allow time to defrost and follow the instruction not to refreeze defrosted rolls.
Another type of gluten-free bread
A good fit if: you don’t need a Kaiser roll and a gluten-free bread roll or another type of bread would work just as well.
Keep in mind: ingredients and preparation instructions vary from product to product.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling and allergens | Read the gluten-free label and the latest ingredients and allergen information on the packaging. According to the European Commission, the term ‘gluten-free’ may be used for food sold to consumers when it contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. | If I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I need to be able to tell the roll apart from an ordinary Kaiser roll; if there are other allergies, I’ll check the allergen information too. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Preparation and storage | Compare the baking or defrosting time and read the storage instructions for before and after preparation. | Before setting off, I want to know whether there’s time to prepare the roll and what to do with any leftovers. For around 33% of consumers, this planning is the most important factor. |
| Type of bread and ingredients | Compare the number of rolls per pack and the type of bread. Check the nutritional information per 100 g if fibre or other nutritional characteristics matter to you. | If a bread roll or another type of bread would also work with the meal, I can choose based on the shape and pack size once I’ve checked that it’s labelled gluten-free. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this choice. |
Common mistakes
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Choosing an ordinary Kaiser roll because it has the same shape
The shape of the bread tells you nothing about whether it’s labelled gluten-free. An ordinary roll is therefore not a suitable substitute for someone with coeliac disease.
Choose a separate roll that is explicitly labelled gluten-free, and keep the packaging to hand so it’s clear who it’s for.
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Relying only on the online product page
Albert Heijn notes that product and allergen information can change. That’s why it’s important to check the packaging of the product you actually receive.
When you buy or receive it, check the gluten-free label, ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Taking frozen rolls out of the freezer only when you’re about to leave
Jumbo lists 1–2 hours of defrosting as one preparation option for Schär Kaisersemmel. Once defrosted, this product must not be refrozen.
Plan ahead before setting off, and don’t take more rolls out of the freezer than you can use according to the storage instructions.
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Assuming ‘gluten-free’ means ‘free from all allergens’
The long-life Kaiser rolls we looked at contain soya and may contain mustard. Jumbo also notes that the frozen Kaiser rolls may contain egg, hazelnuts and milk.
Check the packaging of your chosen option for all allergens that are relevant to the person eating it.
Brands and retailers to consider
Schär
Schär offers a long-life, pre-baked Kaiserbrötchen option and a frozen Kaisersemmel option.
- You can choose the preparation method that fits your plans for the procession.
- The options differ in packaging, storage and allergen warnings, so check the packaging of the one you choose.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s product information describes Schär Kaiser brötchen gluten-free in a 240 g pack.
- The product page provides information about ingredients, allergens, storage and preparation.
- Albert Heijn warns that product information can change, so check the packaging you receive as well.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists both Schär Kaiserbrötchen, with 4 rolls weighing 240 g, and frozen Schär Kaisersemmel, with 6 rolls weighing 350 g.
- The two packs offer a choice between long-life and frozen rolls.
- The frozen option has different allergen warnings and instructions for after defrosting.
PLUS
PLUS lists gluten-free bread rolls and other gluten-free breads as possible alternatives.
- A bread roll could work if you don’t need the distinctive shape of a Kaiser roll.
- For each product you choose, check the gluten-free label, allergens and preparation instructions.
Lidl
Lidl has product information for regular Kaiser rolls and a separate gluten-free range.
- When choosing, you can look directly on the packaging for an explicit gluten-free label.
- Don’t treat a regular Lidl Kaiser roll as a gluten-free alternative just because of its shape.
Dirk
The Dirk Kaiser rolls described are regular bake-at-home rolls.
- It’s easy to distinguish this type of product from a roll explicitly labelled gluten-free.
- If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, don’t rely on the name ‘Kaiser roll’ alone; check the product’s gluten-free label.
Bread alternative on Joybuy
These mini baguettes are another type of bread for anyone who doesn’t specifically need a Kaiser roll for the procession. Before buying, check the gluten-free label and preparation instructions on the packaging.
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Gv Baguette Mini, 7 pieces
A mini baguette is a different type of bread from a Kaiser roll, so it’s only suitable if that shape works for your meal.
Pack size: 7 pieces. Before the procession, read the preparation instructions and check the gluten-free label and any relevant allergens on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take an ordinary Kaiser roll for someone with coeliac disease?
No. An ordinary Kaiser roll is not a substitute for a roll explicitly labelled gluten-free. Check the packaging of the product you buy; the Dutch Coeliac Association also advises checking the label or packaging for gluten-free bread.
When should I prepare frozen Schär Kaisersemmel?
According to Jumbo’s product information, allow 1–2 hours for defrosting, or bake the rolls for 8–10 minutes at 180 °C. Don’t refreeze them after defrosting; keep them in the fridge and use them within one day.
Can I take long-life Schär Kaiserbrötchen with me without baking them?
Yes. According to the product information, the pre-baked Kaiser rolls described can also be eaten cold. If you want to take them warm, follow the preparation instructions on the packaging you buy.
Does every gluten-free Kaiser roll contain iodised salt?
You can’t tell from the shape of the bread or the gluten-free label. The ingredients list for the long-life Schär Kaiserbrötchen described here includes iodised salt; check the ingredients list for any other product.
Are gluten-free Kaiser rolls also free from other allergens?
No. The gluten-free label alone tells you nothing about other allergens. The long-life Schär Kaiserbrötchen described here contain soya and may contain mustard; for the frozen Kaisersemmel, Jumbo lists soya and possible traces of egg, hazelnuts, milk and mustard. If you have other allergies, always check the packaging of the option you choose.