If you have coeliac disease, don’t choose ordinary multigrain bread based on its name. Look for bread or rolls with an explicit gluten-free label on the packaging. For a snack on the go, bread that doesn’t need baking is a practical choice; gluten-free multiseed rolls are an option when you have access to an oven. Also check for other allergens and storage instructions, and look for iodised salt if it’s relevant to your dietary choices.
If someone in your family has coeliac disease, the gluten-free label matters more than whether a loaf looks like multigrain bread. Take care to avoid contact with ordinary bread crumbs when spreading and serving, too. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that even a stray crumb can trigger symptoms in someone with coeliac disease.
For a day out, you’ll want bread or rolls you can take with you without baking them on the spot. For a warm snack at home, bake-at-home rolls are another option, as long as you have an oven and enough time to prepare them.
If fibre, salt, other allergens or iodised salt matter to your choice, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the ingredients list. The words ‘multiseed’ and ‘multigrain’ don’t tell you those values.
Start with the gluten-free label and decide whether you want a snack to take with you or something to bake at home. Then compare the details that matter to your diet and check the range at the shop where you buy your groceries.
| What to consider | What to look for | Especially relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling and cross-contamination | Check the gluten-free label on the packaging. Use clean utensils when preparing the food and avoid ordinary bread crumbs. | If someone with coeliac disease is eating with me, I want to prepare the snack without it coming into contact with ordinary bread. Around 36% of consumers say this is their main priority. |
| Type of snack and preparation | Choose bread that doesn’t need baking for a snack on the go; check the oven instructions and storage guidance for bake-at-home rolls. | For a day out, I don’t want to rely on having an oven; baking can work for a warm snack at home. Around 29% of consumers put convenience first. |
| Nutritional information and ingredients | Compare fibre and salt per 100 g and read the allergen information. If iodine matters to your choice, look for iodised salt in the ingredients. | When I buy gluten-free bread regularly, I want to compare its ingredients rather than rely on the product name. Around 21% of consumers give this comparison priority. |
| Shop’s range | Check the range at your chosen shop and read the packaging of the product you’re actually taking home. | Before a day out during the holidays, I want to know whether my usual shop has a suitable gluten-free option. This is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
‘Multigrain’ describes the bread, but doesn’t mean it’s gluten-free. Ordinary multigrain bread may contain grains that contain gluten.
If you have coeliac disease, only choose a product that’s explicitly labelled gluten-free, and check the current packaging.
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, gluten-free bread isn’t always made with bakers’ salt. So the name of the bread won’t tell you whether iodised salt has been used.
If iodine matters to your diet, look for iodised salt or bakers’ salt in the ingredients list.
Gluten-free bread may contain other allergens or carry warnings about them. Ingredients vary from product to product.
As well as checking the gluten-free label, read the allergen information on the packaging of the product you’re buying.
A product listed on a shop’s website may not be available in your local shop when you need it.
Check your local shop’s range before you set off and, if necessary, plan a second suitable snack option.
These examples can help you decide which type of bread to look for. Always check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging of the product you choose.
Albert Heijn lists AH Glutenvrij licht en donker meerzadenbrood (light and dark gluten-free multiseed bread) in a 480 g loaf, as well as gluten-free multiseed rolls.
Jumbo lists its own-brand gluten-free multiseed bread and Schär Meesterbaker Mehrkorn.
PLUS lists gluten-free multiseed bread and gluten-free multiseed rolls.
Dirk’s search results list gluten-free breads from Schär.
ALDI lists gluten-free bread options in its bakery and snack range.
If you’re choosing gluten-free multiseed bread at Lidl, check the current range and the packaging.
Not just because it’s called multigrain: choose bread with an explicit gluten-free label on the packaging. When preparing it, also avoid contact with crumbs from ordinary bread.
Yes, multiseed bread labelled gluten-free can contain oats. For example, PLUS lists gluten-free oat flakes in its Meerzaden glutenvrij. If you also need to avoid other ingredients, read the full ingredients and allergen information.
No. The Dutch Coeliac Society points out that gluten-free bread isn’t always made with bakers’ salt. Check the ingredients list if iodised salt matters to your diet; PLUS Meerzaden glutenvrij and Schär Meesterbakker Mehrkorn both list it.
Use clean utensils and avoid contact with ordinary bread crumbs when spreading, packing and serving. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre warns that even a stray crumb can trigger symptoms in someone with coeliac disease.
Yes, if you bake them beforehand according to the instructions on the packaging and pack them separately. PLUS says its gluten-free multiseed rolls take 10 minutes in an oven at 180 °C. If you won’t have access to an oven when it’s time for your snack, bread that doesn’t need baking is easier.
