If you’re looking for a multigrain roll for lunch for someone with coeliac disease, first look for an explicit gluten-free label and check the current packaging: the name ‘multigrain’ doesn’t tell you whether bread contains gluten. If you’re buying a loose roll or one filled on the premises, you’ll also need allergen information and reassurance about contact with ordinary bread. Only then compare loaves, rolls and petits pains by preparation, other allergens and nutritional information.
For you, a clear gluten-free label matters more than how a multigrain roll looks. If you’re buying a loose or filled roll, you’ll also want to know how contact with ordinary bread is prevented.
You’re looking for a gluten-free roll that suits when you plan to eat it. Check whether it’s ready to eat or needs preparing first, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.
As well as checking the gluten-free label, you’ll want to compare fibre, salt and other allergens. Check whether the ingredients list iodised salt or bakers’ salt, too: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be made with bakers’ salt.
Choose this if: you want to check the gluten-free label and allergens on the packaging before buying.
Bear in mind: loaves, rolls and petits pains can differ in their ingredients, storage requirements and preparation instructions.
Only an option if: the seller can confirm that the roll is gluten-free and provide allergen information.
Also check: contact with ordinary bread can happen during slicing, filling and display; ask how this is prevented.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free status and careful handling | Look for an explicit gluten-free label or a recognised gluten-free certification mark. If buying loose or filled rolls, ask about allergens and contact with ordinary bread. | When buying lunch for someone with coeliac disease, I want to be able to confirm that the roll is gluten-free and handled carefully; around 50% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
| Convenience at lunchtime | Check whether the roll is ready to eat or needs preparing, what equipment is required and how to store it after opening. | For lunch on the go, I don’t want to rely on having an oven or air fryer. Around 30% of consumers put this convenience first. |
| Ingredients and other allergens | Compare fibre and salt per 100 g, read the allergen information and, if you regularly replace ordinary bread, check whether iodised salt or bakers’ salt is listed. | If I often replace ordinary bread, I also want to take nutritional information and other allergens into account. For around 20% of consumers, the ingredients are the first thing they consider. |
Multigrain, wholemeal, spelt and sourdough don’t mean that bread is gluten-free. Wheat, rye and barley contain gluten.
For a packaged product, check the current gluten-free label or a recognised gluten-free certification mark; don’t choose based on the name or colour alone.
If a roll is unwrapped or filled on the premises, it also matters how it’s sliced, filled and displayed. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergen information must also be available for non-prepacked foods.
Before buying, ask the seller for the allergen information and how contact with ordinary bread is prevented. If the answer isn’t clear, choose a clearly labelled product in sealed packaging.
Gluten-free seeded products may contain other allergens: PLUS, for example, lists sesame seeds in its gluten-free seeded petits pains. Nutritional values also vary from product to product.
Read the allergen information and, if you eat these regularly, compare the nutritional values, including fibre and salt, per 100 g.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers’ salt contains iodine, but bread doesn’t have to be made with it. The bread’s name won’t tell you which type of salt has been used.
If you regularly replace ordinary bread, check the ingredients for iodised salt or bakers’ salt.
Albert Heijn has a product page for AH Glutenvrij Meerzaden broodjes.
Jumbo lists Lekker Vrij van Gluten Meerzaden Brood and also provides information about gluten-free bread varieties.
PLUS lists gluten-free seeded petits pains and a gluten-free seeded loaf.
When you search for multigrain bread, Dirk displays gluten-free multigrain products from Schär, among others.
Lidl describes the gluten-free options in its range.
Aldi lists gluten-free bread and rolls among its bread products.
No. ‘Multigrain’ doesn’t mean that bread is gluten-free; it may contain wheat, rye or barley, for example. If you’re buying lunch for someone with coeliac disease, check the current packaging for an explicit gluten-free label or a recognised gluten-free certification mark.
Only if it’s clear that the roll is gluten-free and the seller can provide allergen information. If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, also ask how contact with ordinary bread is prevented during slicing, filling and display.
As well as checking the gluten-free label, read the full allergen information: PLUS, for example, lists sesame seeds in its gluten-free seeded petits pains. If you eat these rolls regularly, also compare the fibre and salt per 100 g on the packaging.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be made with bakers’ salt. If you regularly replace ordinary bread, check the ingredients for iodised salt or bakers’ salt.
Follow the preparation instructions for your chosen product, as they vary from roll to roll. Albert Heijn recommends 5 minutes in a preheated air fryer for its AH Glutenvrij Meerzaden broodjes, while PLUS recommends oven cooking for its gluten-free seeded petits pains. Use clean equipment that hasn’t been in contact with ordinary bread.
