Who is this choice important for?

Parents of children with coeliac disease

They’re looking for a gluten-free snack base that can be kept separate from ordinary bread. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, even bread crumbs can be a problem for people with coeliac disease.

Families who also need to watch out for other allergens

They need to check the ingredients and warnings on each pack. Product information from Albert Heijn and Jumbo shows that gluten-free breads can also contain ingredients such as soya.

Parents who plan snacks in advance

They want to portion, store or freeze bread without overlooking the rules for gluten-free food. Storage instructions vary by product.

What should you look for?

Start by checking the gluten-free label and other allergens. Then compare the nutritional information and the practical differences between sliced bread, individual portions and a bread mix.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Gluten-free suitability Look for the explicit ‘gluten-free’ label on the current packaging; don’t rely on the word ‘multigrain’ alone. If my child has coeliac disease, I need to know that the bread is gluten-free and won’t come into contact with ordinary bread crumbs. For around 36% of consumers, gluten-free suitability is the top priority.
Other allergens and school arrangements Read the allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warning. Ask about the school or after-school club’s rules for food brought from home. If another food allergy is also a concern, I need to check each pack separately and understand how the snack will be handled at school. Around 29% of consumers give this the highest priority.
Nutritional information and salt Compare fibre on the same basis, such as per 100 g, and check the ingredients list to see whether iodised salt or baker’s salt is used. If the bread is eaten regularly, I want to be able to compare the nutritional information of different breads rather than judging them by their name. This is the top buying priority for around 21% of consumers.
Portions and storage Check the pack size and storage instructions, including advice on freezing after purchase or opening. If I prepare snacks in advance, I want to be able to store portions and have them ready in time to pack. This practical convenience comes first for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘multigrain’ means ‘gluten-free’

    Multigrain bread can contain gluten-containing grains. So the type of grain is not a suitable way to choose bread for a child with coeliac disease.

    Before considering anything else, check that the current packaging explicitly labels the bread as gluten-free.

  • Assuming gluten-free also means free from other allergens

    The breads and mixes listed may contain other allergens or carry a ‘may contain’ warning. Warnings vary by product.

    Compare the label on the pack you choose with your child’s allergies and any arrangements made with the school or after-school club.

  • Letting the bread come into contact with ordinary bread after purchase

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, even bread crumbs can be an issue for people with coeliac disease. Gluten-free packaging won’t prevent contact while the bread is being spread or packed.

    Use clean hands, a clean knife and a clean lunchbox, and keep the snack separate from ordinary bread.

  • Assuming all bread contains iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt when baking bread is not compulsory. The type of bread therefore doesn’t tell you which salt has been used.

    Check the ingredients list of your chosen gluten-free bread for iodised salt or baker’s salt.

Brands and product ranges to consider

These details apply to the products listed, not automatically to every bread or mix from the same brand.

Schär

Schär Meesterbakker Mehrkorn is a pre-packed gluten-free multigrain bread with seeds.

  • Albert Heijn lists 9,9 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt for this bread.
  • The bread contains soya and may contain lupin, sesame and mustard. Follow the instructions for use or freezing after opening.

AH Glutenvrij

The light multiseed bread is a 480 g half loaf, which Albert Heijn says you can freeze on the day of purchase.

  • The product information lists 9,9 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check the current allergen information: the product information mentions possible traces of, among other things, egg, milk, soya, oats, almonds and hazelnuts.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

According to Jumbo, this multiseed bread is made with tapioca and potato starch, and contains kernels and seeds.

  • The product information lists 5,7 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt.
  • The bread contains soya and may contain almonds, egg and milk.

Consenza

The gluten-free multigrain bread mix is an option if you want to bake bread at home and can then pack it safely.

  • Jumbo’s product information lists buckwheat, linseed and iodised salt in this mix.
  • The mix listed contains soya and may contain egg, nuts and sesame. Check the current ingredients and availability before buying.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is ordinary multigrain bread suitable for a child with coeliac disease?

Don’t assume it is: multigrain bread can contain wheat, rye or barley. If your child has coeliac disease, choose only bread that is explicitly labelled gluten-free on the packaging.

Does ‘multigrain’ also mean ‘gluten-free’ or ‘wholemeal’?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, multigrain bread contains at least three types of grain. The term alone says nothing about whether the bread is gluten-free or wholemeal.

Do I need to check for other allergens in gluten-free bread?

Yes. Gluten-free doesn’t mean the bread is also free from ingredients such as soya, milk, egg or nuts. Read both the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the pack you send with your child.

What should I agree with the school or after-school club about a gluten-free snack?

Ask how food brought from home is stored, prepared and, if relevant, shared. If your child has coeliac disease, discuss how the bread will be kept separate from ordinary bread, and check what arrangements the school or after-school club has in place.

Does gluten-free bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt is not compulsory. Check the ingredients list of the specific bread for iodised salt or baker’s salt.