If you have coeliac disease, choose only bread explicitly labelled gluten-free, and make sure the canteen can store, prepare and serve it separately from ordinary bread. Pre-packed multigrain bread makes it easier to check the label and storage instructions. Loose rolls or rolls that need baking are only an option if preparation, serving and allergen information are also properly managed. Check the latest information about other allergens for every variety.
They need a lunch option that is explicitly labelled gluten-free and does not come into contact with gluten during storage, preparation or serving. According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, even a stray breadcrumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease.
They need to offer a gluten-free option alongside ordinary bread and provide clear information about allergens when serving it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must be available wherever unpackaged products are offered.
As well as checking that a product is labelled gluten-free, they compare ingredients, other allergens and nutritional information, such as fibre and whether iodised salt is listed.
Start by checking that the bread is labelled gluten-free and that your canteen has a process in place to prevent contact with ordinary bread. Then compare which type of bread the canteen can serve reliably and what other label information diners may need.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free and served separately | Check that the bread is explicitly labelled gluten-free, and agree how to keep it, the work surface and utensils separate from ordinary bread. | If I have coeliac disease, I want my lunch to stay free from contact with gluten while it’s being prepared and served, too. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Practical lunch service | Compare packaged bread with loose or bake-off rolls; check the storage instructions and whether the product will be available for the planned lunch times. | For a regular canteen lunch, I want a type of bread the team can store and serve reliably. Practicality matters most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Other label information | Read the ingredients and allergen information; if you wish, compare fibre per 100 g and check whether iodised salt is listed. | As well as checking for gluten, I want to know whether the bread meets my other allergen requirements and what nutritional information is provided. Around 20% of consumers give these additional checks priority. |
Multigrain describes the types of grain used, not whether a product contains gluten. Bread made with wheat, rye or barley, for example, is not a gluten-free option for someone with coeliac disease.
Choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free, and check the available allergen information for unpackaged rolls.
Even bread explicitly labelled gluten-free can come into contact with crumbs from ordinary bread when it is unwrapped, prepared or served.
Store it separately and use a clean, separate work surface and clean or dedicated utensils.
Gluten-free does not mean free from soya, oats or other ingredients and allergens. Information varies by product.
Compare the latest allergen information on the packaging with the needs of the person eating the bread.
The range or availability of a specific gluten-free product can change. Relying on a single product with no alternative makes it a less dependable regular canteen option.
Check availability before planning the menu and decide in advance which suitable product could be used as an alternative.
Albert Heijn lists Schär Meesterbakker Mehrkorn as a 300 g pre-packed gluten-free multigrain bread.
Jumbo lists Schär Meesterbaker Mehrkorn gluten-free as a 300 g multigrain bread.
PLUS lists a 500 g gluten-free multiseed bread and gluten-free multiseed rolls. Multiseed bread is not necessarily the same type of product as multigrain bread.
Dirk lists various pre-packed gluten-free bread products from Schär.
ALDI includes gluten-free bread among its bake-off rolls and snacks.
Lidl describes its extra gluten-free products as a limited-time range.
No. Multigrain means that more than one type of grain has been used, and these may include grains containing gluten, such as wheat, rye or barley. If you have coeliac disease, choose bread explicitly labelled gluten-free.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must be available wherever the roll is offered. Ask which allergens it contains before choosing, and if you have other allergies, check the information for the specific roll and filling.
Only if the roll is protected from contact with ordinary bread and crumbs during storage and serving, too. Ask which tongs are used and how the roll is prepared. According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, even a stray breadcrumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease.
Because gluten-free breads do not all contain the same ingredients. According to the Dutch Nutrition Centre, bread provides around 45% of iodine intake in the Netherlands. So if you’re making a regular switch, check the label to see whether your chosen bread contains iodised salt. This alone does not tell you the product’s overall nutritional value.
