For a child with coeliac disease, choose bread clearly labelled ‘gluten-free’ and keep it separate from ordinary bread when storing, preparing and serving it. Small rolls or pitta breads are handy for individual portions; a whole loaf works if you want to make sandwiches yourself and have a clean, separate preparation area. Check the current packaging, allergen information and preparation instructions for every product you choose.
If ordinary bread is also being served, gluten-free bread needs its own place and clean, separate cutting and serving utensils. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre and the Dutch Coeliac Society point out that even crumbs can be a problem.
Mini baguettes, rolls and pitta breads make it possible to prepare a gluten-free portion separately. Be sure to check how each product needs to be prepared, and keep the filling or toppings separate too.
Several supermarket chains list gluten-free bread and rolls in their online ranges. Before the party, check the specific product, local availability and the use-by date on the packaging.
Start by checking for a gluten-free label and separate preparation. Then choose a type of bread you can serve without it coming into contact with ordinary bread or shared toppings.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Labelling and cross-contamination | Look for the ‘gluten-free’ label on the packaging. Set out clean, separate utensils and toppings before preparing the food. | If a child has coeliac disease, I want to make sure that no bread crumbs or shared knives come into contact with their food. For around 50% of consumers, safe preparation comes first. |
| Individual portions | Check the type of bread and the preparation instructions; find out whether you can keep the portions separate after preparing them. | For a party lunch, I want to be able to give a child their own recognisable roll without having to do lots of cutting on the spot. Portion size is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Availability | Check the specific product, local availability and use-by date before the party. | When I’m shopping for a party on a set date, I want to know whether I can get the bread I’ve chosen in time. Around 20% of consumers give this planning the highest priority. |
The Dutch Coeliac Society says crumbs can get onto gluten-free bread from a chopping board, knife or shared pack of toppings.
Set out a clean board and a separate knife or pair of tongs. Use toppings that have been kept separate and serve the gluten-free bread in its own place.
‘Wheat-free’ is not a substitute for the ‘gluten-free’ label. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a product can only be labelled ‘gluten-free’ if it contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten.
For a child with coeliac disease, look for ‘gluten-free’ on the current packaging and check the ingredients and allergen information too.
An online category shows the types of bread a chain lists, but it doesn’t tell you whether the product you want will be available locally on the day of the party.
Check the specific product, availability, use-by date and any preparation time well in advance. If necessary, choose a suitable alternative as a back-up.
If your chosen bread turns out to be unavailable, you may need to make an extra trip to the shops.
The Dutch Bakery Centre states that using baker’s salt containing iodine is not a legal requirement. So an ingredient listed on one loaf’s label tells you nothing about another loaf.
Check the ingredients list on the product you buy if you want to know whether it contains iodised salt.
The shops listed offer different types of gluten-free bread. Always compare the specific product, as ranges, packaging and local availability may vary.
Lists gluten-free bread and bakery products online, including rolls and BFree pitta breads.
Lists gluten-free bread and ciabattas online, among other products.
Lists gluten-free bread and smaller rolls online.
Product listings include Schär Mini baguette gluten-free, 150 g, and other rolls.
Lists gluten-free options among its bakery and bake-at-home products.
Has an online range featuring gluten-free products.
These mini baguettes are a good fit if you’re planning to serve individual portions of bread at the children’s party. Check the packaging and preparation method before buying; even with individual portions, you’ll still need clean, separate utensils.
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The Joybuy product listing describes these mini baguettes as gluten-free; their shape makes them suitable for serving individually.
Check the packaging to see how many portions this variety contains and how it needs to be prepared. If you have other allergies, also check the latest information on soya and possible traces of lupin and mustard.
Store, prepare and serve the bread separately from ordinary bread and shared toppings.
No. Look for the ‘gluten-free’ label on the packaging. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this label can only be used when the gluten content is no more than 20 mg/kg; ‘wheat-free’ is no substitute for checking.
Only if the gluten-free bread is kept separate and doesn’t come into contact with crumbs or shared utensils. Use a separate plate or basket, clean serving utensils and separate toppings, as the Dutch Coeliac Society recommends to prevent cross-contamination.
No, but serving one gluten-free meal to everyone makes it easier to keep the food separate. If you’re also serving ordinary bread, keep the gluten-free food, toppings and serving utensils separate, as recommended by the Dutch Coeliac Society.
No, don’t assume it does. The Dutch Bakery Centre says there’s no legal requirement to use baker’s salt containing iodine; check the ingredients list of the bread you choose.
