If you have coeliac disease, choose muesli whose current packaging explicitly says ‘gluten-free’ or carries the Crossed Grain symbol. If it contains oats, check that they’re labelled gluten-free too. If you want to take breakfast for one with you, check whether the portions are individually wrapped. With a larger pack, you’ll need to measure out a portion and transfer it using clean equipment; be sure to check the allergen information for the exact variant.
You’re looking for an explicit gluten-free statement or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging, not just an ingredients list that doesn’t mention wheat. The Dutch Coeliac Association advises checking that oats are labelled gluten-free.
You want to take a portion with you or prepare it in advance. A serving size listed on a larger bag helps you measure it out, but doesn’t mean the contents are packed in individual sachets.
As well as gluten, you may need to consider ingredients such as oats, soya or nuts. Ingredients and allergens vary between muesli varieties, so read all the information on the packaging.
First, check for a gluten-free statement. Then decide whether you need individually wrapped portions or can measure one out yourself, and compare the ingredients that matter to you.
| What to look for | What to check before buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten and oats | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging. If the muesli contains oats, check that they’re labelled gluten-free too. | If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on an ingredients list that simply doesn’t mention wheat. For around 50% of consumers, clear information about gluten and oats comes first. |
| Individual portions | Check whether the pack contains individual sachets or pots; the number of servings listed on a large bag doesn’t tell you this. | If I’m taking breakfast with me, I want to know whether I can grab a sealed portion or need to transfer one myself. Individual portions are the main priority for roughly 30% of consumers. |
| Other ingredients | Read the allergen list and compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion you use. | As well as gluten, I want to take ingredients such as soya and nuts, or the nutritional make-up of my breakfast, into account. For around 20% of consumers, these additional ingredients and nutritional values are the deciding factors. |
Muesli without wheat may still contain other gluten-containing cereals. The ingredients list alone also can’t tell you whether the finished product meets your gluten-free requirements.
Before choosing the muesli, check for a gluten-free statement or the Crossed Grain symbol on the exact pack.
A manufacturer may state the number of servings on a large pack without wrapping the contents individually.
Look for an explicit mention of individual sachets or pots. If you’re taking a portion from a larger pack, use a clean, airtight container.
Gluten-free muesli may still contain ingredients such as oats, soya or nuts. The ingredients vary between varieties.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the flavour and pack you’re actually buying.
Ingredients and ranges can change. An old product listing doesn’t tell you what’s in the pack you’re buying now.
Check the current product information before buying and compare it with the packaging label.
Albert Heijn lists a 40 g serving and 11 servings per pack for AH Glutenvrij Muesli.
The Dutch Coeliac Association lists Consenza multi-grain chocolate muesli among mueslis carrying the Crossed Grain symbol. Check other varieties individually.
The Dutch Coeliac Association lists several Leev muesli varieties carrying the Crossed Grain symbol.
The Dutch Coeliac Association lists Zonnatura apple and cinnamon muesli and toasted dark chocolate muesli as carrying the Crossed Grain symbol.
Look for an explicit gluten-free statement or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging. If the muesli contains oats, also check that they’re labelled gluten-free; an ingredients list that doesn’t mention wheat is no substitute for these checks.
No. Don’t assume ordinary oats are suitable: according to the Dutch Coeliac Association, oats can come into contact with gluten-containing cereals. Check that the oats are explicitly labelled gluten-free and that oats are suitable for you.
No. The number of servings doesn’t automatically tell you how each portion is packaged. Albert Heijn lists AH Glutenvrij Muesli as 40 g per serving, with 11 servings per pack; if you need individual sachets, look for a separate statement confirming that they’re included.
Yes. ‘Gluten-free’ doesn’t tell you whether the muesli contains ingredients such as oats, soya or nuts. Read the allergen information for the exact variety and check it again if you buy a different flavour or pack.
Measure out the amount you want with a clean, dry spoon and use clean, airtight containers. Reseal the original pack and don’t use a spoon or storage jar that’s also used for ordinary muesli.
