If you have coeliac disease, choose a cake or biscuit whose current packaging says ‘gluten-free’ or displays the Crossed Grain symbol. A Kano-style shape or a ‘wheat-free’ label alone is not enough. Individually wrapped portions are handy for travelling, while a larger cake needs to be cut and served separately. In either case, check for other allergens and read the storage instructions.
They want to take a familiar gluten-free snack with them and avoid it coming into contact with gluten when served. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends looking for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol, while the Dutch Coeliac Society offers advice on avoiding cross-contamination.
They are looking for individual cakes to share out, or a cake to serve at the table. If anyone has additional allergies, they should also check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging they choose.
They need a product whose storage instructions suit their journey. For frozen cakes, transport and how long they keep after defrosting are particularly important.
First, check the gluten-free label on the packaging. Then compare the portions, storage instructions and other allergens with what you need for your holiday.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free for coeliac disease | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging, and read the label. | If I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the shape or a ‘wheat-free’ label alone. This check is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Portions for travelling | Check how many cakes are included, whether they are individually wrapped and how they should be stored. | On a travel day, I want to take a portion with me without opening a whole cake. This is the most important practical consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| A cake-like treat | Decide whether you want a mini cake, a cake to share or a biscuit, and check the flavour and portion size. | For a coffee break or picnic, I’m looking for something more like cake than a cracker or bar. Around 20% of consumers give this preference top priority. |
| Other allergens and storage | Read the relevant ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements, and check any defrosting instructions. | If a travel companion has another allergy or keeping food cool is difficult, these factors will also influence my choice. They matter most to around 10% of consumers. |
You can’t tell by looking at the outside of a cake whether it is suitable for someone with coeliac disease. ‘Wheat-free’ does not mean the same as gluten-free either.
Start by looking for the current ‘gluten-free’ label or the Crossed Grain symbol, then read the label on the pack you are buying. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre identifies both as indicators to look for.
A gluten-free cake may still contain ingredients that matter to a travel companion. For example, Jumbo lists egg and soya in Céréal Mini Cakes, while Jumbo lists egg in Schär Lemon Cake.
Check the current ingredients and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the specific product for everyone concerned.
Albert Heijn says that AH Glutenvrij Roze koeken are sold frozen and have a limited shelf life after defrosting. They must not be refrozen.
Before setting off, read the defrosting and storage instructions. If you won’t have suitable refrigeration on your journey, only choose a product whose packaging says it can be taken along in those conditions.
The Dutch Coeliac Society warns that gluten can accidentally get onto gluten-free food. Crumbs and shared utensils are therefore things to watch out for at your holiday accommodation too.
Keep the snack wrapped until you’re ready to eat it and serve it separately using clean utensils. Don’t share a dip that has been used with snacks containing gluten.
Jumbo lists a pack of 6 Mini Cakes, weighing 230 g in total, in this range. They’re an option if you want cakes to share out over several travel days.
Céréal Mini Cakes with chocolate pieces are an option if you’re looking for individually wrapped cakes and also want a lactose-free label.
Schär Lemon Cake, 250 g, is a lemon cake to share at your holiday accommodation, rather than a pack of individual mini cakes.
Albert Heijn has a gluten-free range that includes AH Glutenvrij Roze koeken.
No. If you have coeliac disease, look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging and read the label. Gluten can also come from grains other than wheat, including rye and barley.
Yes, check the packaging of the product you actually buy. Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values, and information about dietary requirements and allergens can change.
Keep the cake wrapped for as long as possible and use clean hands and clean utensils kept separate from others. The Dutch Coeliac Society warns that gluten can accidentally get onto gluten-free food, so don’t share a dip that has been used with snacks containing gluten either.
Not automatically. Check the specific packaging for any allergens that matter to you or a travel companion. According to Jumbo’s product information, Céréal Mini Cakes contain egg and soya and may contain nuts, while Schär Lemon Cake contains egg and may contain soya, lupin and nuts.
