Who is this choice relevant to?

People with coeliac disease who put label checks first

You want to choose a late-night snack based on the gluten-free label on the packaging. When preparing it, you also take care to keep ordinary bread crumbs away from the product and its toppings.

Fans of a crunchy rusk snack

You’re specifically looking for rusks or Zwieback for a dry, crunchy snack. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list gluten-free versions of these products; check the packaging of the one you choose.

Late-night snackers open to a different type of product

It doesn’t have to be rusks: gluten-free crackers, crispbread or bread may also work, depending on the texture you want and the toppings you choose.

What should you look for when buying?

If you’re looking for a gluten-free late-night snack in the Netherlands, check the label on the packaging first. Then compare rusks with Zwieback and other types of product, based on what you fancy eating.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it’s most relevant to
Gluten-free labelling Check the current packaging for a ‘gluten-free’ label or the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the ingredient information. If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the type of grain or an old product page. For around 50% of consumers, confidence in the label comes first.
Rusks or Zwieback Check whether the product is rusks or Zwieback, and whether the packaging confirms that it meets your gluten-free requirements. For a late-night snack, I specifically want the dry, crunchy texture of rusks. This type of product is the main deciding factor for around 30% of consumers.
Other types of product Compare gluten-free crackers, crispbread or bread for the texture you want, and check the label of each product you choose. I also want to be able to choose something else if rusks don’t go with my toppings or aren’t available. Around 20% of consumers give this flexibility top priority.

Common mistakes

  • Relying on an ingredient that is naturally gluten-free

    The name of an ingredient alone tells you nothing about possible cross-contamination during processing. That’s why the Dutch Coeliac Society stresses the importance of checking labels and looking for the Crossed Grain symbol.

    If you have coeliac disease, choose a product labelled gluten-free on the current packaging and read the ingredient information too.

  • Letting gluten-free rusks come into contact with ordinary bread crumbs

    A knife, chopping board or spread jar with crumbs from ordinary bread can still contaminate your snack. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends preparing gluten-free food separately.

    Use clean cutlery and a clean surface, and choose a spread that hasn’t been touched by a knife with ordinary bread crumbs on it.

  • Treating an old product page as a definitive label

    Albert Heijn warns in its product information that ingredients and allergen information, among other details, can change.

    Check the packaging you receive every time you buy the product, even if you’ve bought it before.

  • Assuming gluten-free means iodine-free

    A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you what type of salt was used in the rusks.

    If you want to know whether a particular product contains iodised salt, check the ingredients list on its packaging.

Brands to consider

Damhert

Albert Heijn lists Damhert Gluten-Free Rusks; Jumbo lists Damhert Nutrition Gluten-Free Rusks Biscottes 125 g.

  • An option if you’re specifically looking for gluten-free rusks.
  • Check the current packaging: Albert Heijn warns that product information can change.

Schär

Albert Heijn lists Schär Zwieback Gluten-Free Rusks, a rusk-style product for anyone looking for Zwieback.

  • A specific option if Zwieback is the type of product you’re after.
  • Check the packaging you receive for the latest ingredient and allergen information.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

Jumbo lists 120 g gluten-free rusks in this range.

  • A rusk option for which Jumbo provides the pack size.
  • Check the current packaging to confirm the gluten-free label and other product information.

Joybuy products for this topic

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are ordinary rusks automatically suitable for people with coeliac disease?

No. A brand name or the word ‘rusks’ doesn’t mean a product is gluten-free. Check the current packaging for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the ingredient information.

What should I check if I replace rusks with crackers or crispbread?

Check the packaging of crackers and crispbread separately for a gluten-free label too. Then choose the type of product that suits the texture and toppings you want for your late-night snack.

How can I keep crumbs out of a gluten-free late-night snack?

Prepare your snack with clean cutlery on a clean surface. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends preparing gluten-free food separately, so don’t use spreads that have been contaminated with crumbs from ordinary bread either.

Does gluten-free also mean that rusks don’t contain iodised salt?

No. You can’t tell what type of salt has been used from the gluten-free label. Check the ingredients list of the specific rusk product instead.