Who needs to make this choice?

Carers of a child with coeliac disease

They need a gluten-free croissant and a way to avoid gluten crumbs from standard bread products and shared fillings. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends preparing gluten-free food separately.

Nursery teams managing multiple allergies

As well as checking that a product is labelled gluten-free, they need to compare the allergens on the specific packaging with the child’s individual care plan. The Schär and Consenza croissants reviewed have different allergen information from the Albert Heijn product.

Teams preparing lunch

They need preparation and storage instructions that work with the equipment, storage space and time available. The products reviewed differ in this respect.

What should you look for when buying?

For a gluten-free nursery lunch, start with the label and a way of working that prevents cross-contamination. Then compare any other allergens and check that the nursery can manage the preparation.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free food without cross-contamination Check the gluten-free label on the current packaging. Agree how the croissant will be stored, prepared and served separately. When I’m giving a child with coeliac disease lunch, I want to make sure no gluten crumbs get onto the croissant. For around 46% of consumers, this gluten-free approach is the top priority.
Other allergens Compare the ingredients and allergens on the packaging with the child’s individual care plan; check for possible traces too. If a child has multiple allergies, I want to know whether this particular croissant fits their agreed requirements. An estimated 27% of consumers give other allergens the highest priority.
Preparation and storage Check the equipment needed, preparation time, portion size and storage instructions. I need to be able to store and prepare the croissant as part of the daily lunch routine. For around 18% of consumers, practicality is the most important factor.
A suitable way to buy it Check local availability shortly before buying, and check the current packaging again if you choose a substitute. If my usual shop doesn’t have a suitable croissant, I want to be able to find an alternative without compromising on label requirements. Around 9% of consumers put this question of where to buy first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming gluten-free means free from other allergens too

    The Schär and Consenza croissants reviewed may contain or list other allergens. A gluten-free label does not tell you whether they do.

    Read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging, and compare it with the child’s individual care plan.

  • Preparing a gluten-free croissant alongside standard croissants

    The Dutch Coeliac Society says that gluten crumbs can get onto gluten-free food via shared equipment.

    Prepare the croissant separately, using clean hands, clean utensils and a clean baking tray. Keep fillings and storage separate too.

  • Taking a standard croissant as a substitute

    According to Albert Heijn, the standard AH croissant reviewed contains wheat flour and lists wheat as an allergen. It therefore does not meet the needs of someone with coeliac disease who requires gluten-free food.

    Whenever you choose a substitute, check again that the current packaging explicitly says it is gluten-free.

  • Relying on the range staying the same

    The range can change, so a croissant you chose before may not necessarily be available for the next nursery lunch.

    Check availability before you shop, and decide in advance what label requirements and nursery arrangements any alternative must meet.

Brands to consider

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn describes a pack of two part-baked gluten-free croissants, ready to bake at home.

  • According to Albert Heijn, these croissants are made in a completely gluten-free environment and labelled vegan and lactose-free.
  • The product page also says the product may contain egg. Once opened, it must be kept chilled and has a limited shelf life; check the packaging for the latest instructions.

Schär

Jumbo describes its Croissant à la Française as a gluten-free frozen product in a pack of four, weighing 220 g in total.

  • The frozen pack may suit a lunch plan where one croissant is prepared at a time.
  • Jumbo lists egg, milk and gluten-free wheat starch, and says the product may contain hazelnuts, mustard and soya. If the child also has a wheat allergy, check the packaging and individual care plan separately.

Consenza

Jumbo and PLUS describe a pack of three gluten-free croissants, each weighing 60 g.

  • The product information reviewed gives instructions for oven and microwave preparation, and for cool, dry storage.
  • The allergen information on the retailer pages reviewed differs in detail: Jumbo lists egg, milk and soya, while PLUS lists egg and soya. Use the current physical packaging when deciding whether it is suitable for lunch.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What should you look for in a croissant for a child with coeliac disease?

Choose a pack that explicitly says it is gluten-free, then prevent cross-contamination during storage, preparation and serving. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, the gluten-free label means less than 20 mg of gluten per kg of product; even a stray bread crumb can matter for someone with coeliac disease.

Can a gluten-free croissant contain wheat starch?

Yes. The gluten-free Schär croissant described by Jumbo lists gluten-free wheat starch. Gluten-free does not automatically mean wheat-free, so if the child also has a wheat allergy, check the current allergen information and individual care plan.

How can you reduce gluten crumbs when baking croissants at the nursery?

Prepare the gluten-free croissant separately, using clean hands and equipment. For a shared oven, the Dutch Coeliac Society recommends an oven base free from crumbs, a separate baking tray or a protective layer beneath the product, and conventional top-and-bottom heat rather than a fan setting.

Is online allergen information enough to decide what to serve for lunch?

Use the current packaging for your final check, as product information can change. Compare the ingredients and allergen information for that specific croissant with the child’s requirements. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that mandatory allergens must be clearly listed on labels for prepacked foods.