If you’re treating someone with coeliac disease
You’re looking for a combination of rusk and aniseed sprinkles where you can check the gluten-free labelling and allergen information for each separately.
Who are these alternatives for?
If you want to keep the rusk texture
You want a dry, crunchy base for your treat. A gluten-free rusk is a closer match than a soft slice of bread, provided the topping is suitable too.
If you’re flexible about the base
The traditional round rusk shape matters less to you. You could also consider gluten-free bread or crackers, checking each product separately.
What should you look for when choosing?
First check that the base and topping are each suitable; then decide whether you want a rusk-like texture or another gluten-free bread option.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Base and topping | Check the gluten-free labelling, ingredients and allergen information on each pack separately. | When I’m treating someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the bread base alone. For roughly 50% of consumers, checking the whole combination is the most important consideration. |
| Crunchy texture | Check whether the base is a rusk, gluten-free rusk or crunchy cracker, and whether the product you’ve chosen is available. | For a birth celebration, I mainly want to keep the dry, crisp texture of a traditional rusk. That presentation is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Other ingredients | Compare the allergen information and, if it matters to your choice, the nutritional information for fibre and the ingredients list for iodised salt. | If I’m also checking for other allergens or comparing the ingredients in my usual bread, I want to be able to assess the exact variety. For about 20% of consumers, this is the most important additional consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Only replacing the rusk
A gluten-free base doesn’t automatically make the topping gluten-free. Albert Heijn lists wheat starch and wheat allergen information for De Ruijter pink and white aniseed sprinkles.
Check the exact pack of aniseed sprinkles and any other toppings separately before serving them together.
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Assuming every bread alternative contains iodised salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So the fact that a product is gluten-free bread doesn’t tell you whether it contains iodised salt.
Check the ingredients list of the product you choose for iodised salt or baker’s salt, especially if you regularly eat other types of bread.
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Assuming gluten-free bread and gluten-free rusks are equally easy to find
Jumbo’s product page says its gluten-free rusks are no longer available, while PLUS lists Schär Zwieback as gluten-free rusks. A bread alternative also won’t necessarily give you the same crunchy texture.
Check that your preferred rusk is available before the celebration. If it isn’t, choose a gluten-free cracker or bread alternative that you’ve checked separately.
A changing range could mean an extra trip to the shops or a change to your treat.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn lists a range of products online, including gluten-free bread and other bread alternatives.
- Useful for comparing different types of gluten-free bases.
- Check the topping separately: the listed De Ruijter pink and white aniseed sprinkles contain wheat starch.
Jumbo
Jumbo sells several types of bread under its Lekker Vrij van Gluten own-brand range.
- The product information for its white and brown breads lists iodised salt.
- Jumbo’s product page says its gluten-free rusks are no longer available. For its white bread, check the rest of the allergen information too.
PLUS
PLUS lists Schär Zwieback as gluten-free rusks and also stocks gluten-free bread products.
- Schär Zwieback is a specific rusk-style alternative if you’re looking for a crunchy base.
- Check whether your chosen product is available at your local shop or for delivery to your address, and assess the topping separately.
Dirk
Dirk lists a range of gluten-free Schär products online, including bread and flatbreads.
- Offers options if you don’t need the traditional rusk shape.
- Check the exact product information for each item you choose and make sure the texture suits your treat.
Lidl
Lidl lists standard rusks and provides information online about its changing gluten-free range.
- Use the latest product information to assess any potential gluten-free alternative.
- Standard rusks aren’t suitable as a gluten-free base unless they carry the appropriate gluten-free labelling.
Aldi
Aldi lists standard rusks, toast and crackers online.
- You can check each product individually to see whether there’s a suitable option.
- Labelling for standard rusks and wheat toast doesn’t make these products gluten-free alternatives.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are ordinary aniseed sprinkles automatically gluten-free?
No, you can’t tell from the type of product alone. Albert Heijn lists wheat starch and wheat allergen information for De Ruijter pink and white aniseed sprinkles. Always check the pack of the variety you want to serve.
What does ‘gluten-free’ on a pack mean?
Under Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, a food labelled ‘gluten-free’ may contain no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. Check this labelling on the base and topping separately, and read the allergen information too.
Does gluten-free bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. The Voedingscentrum says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. If iodised salt matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the exact variety of bread.
How do I check an unpackaged gluten-free base?
Ask for the allergen information for the specific product before buying it. Check the aniseed sprinkles or other topping separately too: information about the base tells you nothing about the ingredients in the topping.