Who is this relevant to?

Families looking for gluten-free options

If coeliac disease is a consideration at lunchtime, you’ll want to see ‘gluten-free’ on the roll you choose. Check the current allergen information too, especially if other allergies are involved.

Lunch-makers short on time

If the rolls need to go in the oven or air fryer shortly before lunch, the preparation method and stated cooking time will determine whether an option fits your schedule.

Families with other ingredient preferences

If you’re choosing between white and multiseed rolls, you can also consider seeds, nutritional information and allergens such as sesame or soya. The packaging for the option you choose is the best guide.

What should you look for?

Start by checking that the specific roll is labelled gluten-free. Then compare the preparation instructions and ingredients of the options you’re considering for lunch.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free label Look for ‘gluten-free’ clearly stated on the product you’ve chosen, and read the current ingredients and allergen information. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this claim may only be used when the food contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten as sold to the final consumer. If coeliac disease is a consideration at lunchtime, I don’t want to rely on the name of the bread; I want to see a clear gluten-free label. Around 42% of consumers put that reassurance first.
Preparation and storage Compare the stated oven or air-fryer cooking time, and read the storage and freezing instructions for the option you choose. When lunch needs to be on the table quickly, I want to know whether the baking time fits my schedule. For around 33% of consumers, this practical convenience comes first.
Ingredients and allergens Check for sesame and soya, among other ingredients, as well as any warnings about other allergens. Compare nutritional values on the same basis, for example per 100 g. If several family members will be eating the same roll, I want to consider the seeds and other allergens after checking that it’s gluten-free. For around 25% of consumers, this is the most important factor in their choice after that.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a regular or spelt roll is gluten-free

    The name of a bread doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for a gluten-free diet. For example, Jumbo’s frozen white rolls list wheat flour; spelt is also a type of wheat that contains gluten.

    Choose based on the clear ‘gluten-free’ label on the specific product, not terms such as spelt, sourdough or multigrain.

  • Stopping at the gluten-free label

    A gluten-free roll may still contain other allergens. PLUS lists sesame in its multiseed rolls; Albert Heijn warns that its white option may contain, among other things, egg, milk, soya, almond and hazelnut.

    Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for everyone in your family. If you’re buying unpackaged bread, ask for allergen information before you buy.

  • Assuming you know the preparation and storage requirements

    Albert Heijn’s white bake-at-home rolls and PLUS’s multiseed rolls have different stated oven times. Albert Heijn also says that its white option is not suitable for refreezing at home.

    Check the preparation method and storage instructions for the product you’re buying before planning your lunches.

  • Relying on an old product or category page

    A listing for a type of bread doesn’t mean the same option is still available or has unchanged ingredients. Albert Heijn’s product page says that its gluten-free multiseed rolls have been discontinued.

    Check the exact product just before buying and read the label again.

Brands to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists white gluten-free rolls to bake at home.

  • According to the product page, the white rolls can be cooked for 6–7 minutes in an oven at 180 °C or for 5 minutes in a preheated air fryer.
  • Check the warnings about possible traces of egg, milk, soya, almond and hazelnut. Albert Heijn says the white option is not suitable for refreezing at home.

PLUS

PLUS lists white and multiseed rolls in its gluten-free range.

  • According to PLUS, the multiseed option labelled gluten-free contains, among other things, linseed, sesame, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
  • It contains sesame, an allergen. PLUS gives an oven time of 10 minutes at 180 °C for the multiseed option.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers gluten-free bread alternatives, including shapes other than rolls.

  • A different type of bread may work if you don’t need a roll for lunch; check that the specific product you choose is labelled gluten-free.
  • Don’t confuse an alternative like this with Jumbo’s frozen white rolls: the product page lists wheat flour and cereals containing gluten.

Dirk

Dirk’s gluten-free search results include other types of bread, such as Schär Kaiserbrötchen and ciabatta.

  • These give you options if the bread doesn’t have to be exactly like a roll.
  • Check the gluten-free label, allergens and preparation method for each product; a search category is no substitute for the product label.

Aldi

Aldi has a product page for a regular white roll.

  • If you’re looking for a roll for this lunch in store, check the packaging of the specific product.
  • Don’t assume a regular roll is gluten-free unless the specific product is clearly labelled ‘gluten-free’.

Mini baguettes as a bread alternative

This Joybuy selection features mini baguettes for anyone who isn’t set on having a roll for their school holiday lunch. Before buying, check the gluten-free label, allergens and preparation instructions on the specific product.

Gv Baguette Mini, 7 pieces

Gv Baguette Mini, 7 pieces

A mini baguette is an alternative if you don’t need a roll for lunch. Before buying, check whether the current packaging says ‘gluten-free’ and how to prepare the product; don’t assume it’s ready to bake. If you have other allergies, also read the information about soya and possible traces of lupin and mustard.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

When can a roll be labelled ‘gluten-free’?

Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a food can be labelled ‘gluten-free’ if it contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten as sold to the final consumer. Check for this label on the specific roll rather than relying on its name or type of bread.

Is a spelt roll a gluten-free alternative?

No. Spelt is a type of wheat that contains gluten. If coeliac disease is a consideration, a spelt roll is not a substitute for bread labelled ‘gluten-free’.

Do I need to look out for other allergens in gluten-free rolls?

Yes. Check the other allergens on the current packaging too. Albert Heijn’s white gluten-free rolls may contain, among other things, egg, milk, soya and nuts; PLUS’s gluten-free multiseed rolls contain sesame.

Does every gluten-free roll contain iodised baker’s salt?

You can’t assume that every roll does. Albert Heijn’s white gluten-free roll lists iodised salt. The Commodities Act Decree on the Addition of Micronutrients to Foods defines baker’s salt as iodised table salt used in bread and other baked goods; check the ingredients of the option you buy.

Which bake-at-home roll takes less time to prepare?

For the options mentioned, Albert Heijn says its white gluten-free rolls take 6–7 minutes in the oven at 180 °C, or 5 minutes in a preheated air fryer. PLUS gives an oven time of 10 minutes at 180 °C for its gluten-free multiseed rolls. Follow the instructions on the packaging of the product you’re actually using.