Anyone hosting a guest with coeliac disease
You’re looking for an alternative without rye that is clearly labelled gluten-free on the packaging. The European Union classifies rye as a gluten-containing cereal.
Who is this choice important for?
A cook who wants to make sharing bites
You want to warm and fill bread rather than simply serve slices alongside the meal. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Schär Flatbreads are sold as gluten-free flatbread.
A shopper who prefers to serve sliced bread
You’re looking for bread to use for toast, toppings or small sandwiches, and comparing the packaging and allergen information for each variety. Albert Heijn and Jumbo list sliced gluten-free bread options in their online ranges.
What should you look for when choosing?
For a guest with coeliac disease, the chosen product must be clearly labelled gluten-free. Then decide whether you want something to fill, slices to top or an accompaniment that doesn’t involve bread.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the current packaging and check the ingredients for rye. | I don’t want to serve my guest with coeliac disease rye or a product without clear gluten-free labelling. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| How it’s served | Choose flatbread to fill and fold, or sliced bread for toast and toppings. | I want to serve warm bites for sharing, so I’m looking for a shape that suits the dish. How it’s served matters most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Packaging and availability | Compare the number of portions and check the retailer’s current product information. | For a single meal, I want to choose a pack that suits the number of guests and is available to buy. Around 20% of consumers give this the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Judging rye bread by its appearance or how it’s made
Being dark, wholemeal or artisan doesn’t make it suitable for someone with coeliac disease. The European Union classifies rye as a gluten-containing cereal.
Don’t choose a product containing rye for this guest. Check that any alternative is labelled gluten-free on the current packaging.
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Looking only at the main ingredient
A bread or side dish made with rice or corn isn’t automatically labelled gluten-free. Other ingredients and allergen information also matter in the finished product.
Check the ‘gluten-free’ label and the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety you’re serving.
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Choosing a type of bread that doesn’t suit the bites
Sliced bread works well for toast or toppings; flatbread is better for bites you want to fill and fold. The shape affects what you can serve.
Before you buy, think about how you plan to use the bread and how many portions you’ll need.
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Assuming all bread contains baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread does not have to be baked with baker’s salt in the Netherlands.
If you want to know what type of salt was used in a loaf, check the ingredients list or ask the baker.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s online gluten-free range includes sliced bread and Schär Flatbreads, among other products.
- You can compare the bread types available with the way you plan to serve the bites.
- Albert Heijn notes that ingredient, nutritional and allergen information can change; check the packaging for the variety you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists a gluten-free bread category online, including Lekker Vrij van Gluten Bruin.
- The type of bread is worth considering if you want to make toast or topped bites.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the individual product packaging before serving a variety to a guest.
Schär
Albert Heijn sells Schär Flatbreads as gluten-free flatbread for bites you want to warm and fill.
- According to the product information, you can warm this flatbread briefly.
- The variety described contains oats and may contain traces of mustard and soya. Check the current packaging if these allergens are relevant to your guest.
A Joybuy product for bread bites
These mini baguettes are designed for small bites; they’re not flatbreads to fold. If you’re serving a guest with coeliac disease, always check that the current packaging is labelled gluten-free and review the ingredients.
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Gv Baguette Mini, 7 pieces
A mini baguette for small bread bites instead of rye bread. Before serving it to a guest with coeliac disease, check that the packaging is labelled gluten-free and review the ingredients.
Also check the allergen information if soya, lupin or mustard are relevant to your guest.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone with coeliac disease eat rye bread?
Rye bread containing rye isn’t suitable: the European Union classifies rye as a gluten-containing cereal. Choose an alternative that is explicitly labelled gluten-free. Under EU Implementing Regulation 828/2014, this label may only be used if the finished product contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten.
Is bread made with rice, corn or buckwheat automatically gluten-free?
No. The main ingredient alone isn’t enough to determine whether the finished product is suitable. For a guest with coeliac disease, check the gluten-free label and the current ingredient and allergen information.
Should I check for other allergens in gluten-free flatbread?
Yes, if a guest needs to avoid other ingredients or allergens. The Schär Flatbreads product described contains oats and may contain traces of mustard and soya; check the packaging for the exact variety you’re buying.
Does gluten-free bread automatically contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt in the Netherlands. Check the ingredients list or, for unpackaged bread, ask what type of salt was used.