If you’re buying rice cakes for someone with coeliac disease, choose only products whose current packaging explicitly says they’re gluten-free or displays a gluten-free symbol; rice as an ingredient isn’t enough. A plain or unsalted variety makes a simple snack to enjoy with coffee, while a chocolate version is more of a treat. Check the label on each variety and keep the rice cakes separate from gluten-containing pastries when serving.
They’re looking for rice cakes with a clear gluten-free label that can be served separately from gluten-containing pastries. The Dutch Coeliac Association highlights the importance of checking the label and preventing cross-contamination.
They want a plain or unsalted rice cake to enjoy on its own or add their own toppings to. Even with a simple variety, the gluten-free label is important if someone with coeliac disease will be eating it.
They’re looking for a chocolate or other flavoured rice cake as a treat, provided that particular variety is labelled gluten-free on its current packaging.
If someone with coeliac disease will be eating them, start by checking for a gluten-free label. Then choose between a plain rice cake and a flavoured variety, and consider how you’ll serve them alongside other pastries.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free for coeliac disease | Check the current packaging for a gluten-free label or symbol. Also look for any warnings on the label. | If someone with coeliac disease is joining me, I want to be able to see that this specific pack is suitable. For around 50% of consumers, this clear confirmation of suitability would be the main reason to buy. |
| Plain or unsalted | Compare the ingredients and salt content per 100 g of the variety you’ve chosen. If you have coeliac disease, check for a gluten-free label here too. | For a relaxed coffee break, I want a plain rice cake that I can enjoy as it is or add my own toppings to; for around 30% of consumers, simplicity would come first. |
| Chocolate or another flavour | Check the ingredients, allergen information and gluten-free label on the packaging of the specific variety. | Sometimes I’m looking for a sweet treat with my coffee rather than a plain rice cake. Around 20% of consumers would choose a flavoured variety first. |
The fact that a rice cake is made from rice doesn’t tell you how the finished product is labelled. The Dutch Coeliac Association recommends checking the label for a gluten-free statement or symbol.
If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, choose a current pack that clearly displays this information.
Ingredients and allergen information can change, even when a product still has the same name.
Check the label again every time you buy, especially if the packaging has changed.
The Dutch Coeliac Association warns that crumbs and shared utensils can lead to cross-contamination.
Serve the rice cakes separately on a clean plate, using clean hands and cutlery. Keep toppings separate too.
Plain, unsalted and chocolate varieties may have different ingredients and nutritional information. The name alone doesn’t tell you what’s on the label for the variety you’ve chosen.
Compare the packaging if ingredients or portion size are important to your choice.
Albert Heijn labels its AH Rijstwafels naturel as gluten-free; according to the product information, they contain wholegrain rice and 0.2% sea salt.
Jumbo’s online category features a range of rice cakes, including plain and chocolate varieties.
ALDI describes its Goud Gebakken rice cakes with sea salt as gluten-free and lists the pack size as 130 g.
PLUS lists, among other products, a Consenza rice cake with no added salt and a Consenza GV chocolate variety.
Lidl stocks rice cakes and lists rice cakes under its Sondey brand.
No. Rice as an ingredient isn’t enough to determine this. The Dutch Coeliac Association recommends checking the current packaging for an explicit gluten-free label or symbol.
Don’t ignore the warning if you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease. Read all the information on the specific packaging and don’t rely solely on rice being the main ingredient.
Serve them separately from gluten-containing pastries, on a clean plate and with clean cutlery. The Dutch Coeliac Association recommends keeping gluten-free food separate to prevent cross-contamination from things like crumbs.
Check the packaging of the product you’re actually buying. Shops such as Albert Heijn and PLUS note that ingredients and allergen information can change.
