Families living with coeliac disease
If you’re buying for a family member with coeliac disease, a clear ‘gluten-free’ label matters more than the name or colour of the bread. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, rye contains gluten.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Families who regularly choose bread alternatives
If you’re buying bread for several breakfasts or lunches each week, consider the pack size, storage options and whether you’ll be able to find it again next time.
If you’re looking for a darker-style bread
A dark or seeded loaf may have the style you’re looking for, but its colour doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for someone with coeliac disease. Check the gluten-free label and ingredients for these varieties too.
What should you look for when choosing?
If you’re buying for a family member with coeliac disease, first check that the bread is gluten-free. Then compare the type of bread, pack size and availability for your family shop.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Most relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free option | Look for the ‘gluten-free’ label and read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging. | If one person in my family has coeliac disease, the first thing I want to know is whether the bread is explicitly labelled gluten-free. This is the top priority for around 39% of consumers. |
| Stocking up for the family | Compare the net weight and check how you can store the bread. | If we’re having bread for several meals each week, I want to have enough in the house without buying more than we can store properly. This is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Type of bread | Consider whether you’re looking for sliced bread, a dark loaf or small rolls. Check the gluten-free label again for each type. | If I want to replace rye bread at the table, I look for a type of bread that suits our meals without relying on a dark colour. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this when choosing bread. |
| Availability for repeat purchases | Check the current range at your local store or in your delivery area, and keep a previously checked alternative in mind. | If I order from the same shop every week, I want to be able to find my chosen bread again. Around 15% of consumers say availability for repeat purchases is their main concern. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming dark bread is gluten-free
The colour or name of a bread doesn’t make it gluten-free. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, rye contains gluten, so ordinary rye bread isn’t suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
Choose an alternative that is explicitly labelled gluten-free, and read the ingredients on the packaging.
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Looking only at the number of packs
When you’re shopping for the family, the number of packs doesn’t tell you much if the type of bread and net weight differ. For example, Albert Heijn lists a 480 g gluten-free dark seeded loaf, while Jumbo also offers smaller types of bread.
Compare the pack sizes of similar types of bread, and buy an amount you can store or freeze properly.
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Assuming a product range page guarantees availability
A bread listed online may not be available at your local store or in your delivery area. For example, Lidl Netherlands says that its extra gluten-free products are only available for a limited time.
Check what’s available shortly before you order, and keep a second gluten-free option that you’ve already checked in mind.
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Assuming every loaf contains iodised baker’s salt
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the use of iodine compounds in bread in connection with the addition of baker’s salt. This doesn’t tell you what was used in a specific loaf.
If iodine is relevant to your household, check the ingredients or ask the manufacturer.
Brands with relevant bread alternatives
These brands offer options to consider when looking for a gluten-free bread alternative. Check the label, ingredients and pack size of each individual variety.
AH Glutenvrij
Albert Heijn lists products under this own brand, including a gluten-free dark seeded loaf.
- The listed dark seeded loaf comes in a 480 g pack, which you can compare with your family’s needs.
- When buying, check the current ingredients, dietary information and availability of your chosen variety.
Schär
Jumbo lists Schär bread varieties, including Meesterbaker Mehrkorn Glutenvrij, 300 g.
- The listed multigrain variety offers a different type of bread to consider instead of ordinary rye bread.
- Check each pack to see whether its size and type of bread suit your family’s meals.
Consenza
Jumbo lists products under this brand, including brown frozen bread.
- The listed 750 g frozen bread is worth considering if you want to keep bread for several meals.
- Check the gluten-free label, ingredients and storage instructions for each variety.
A gluten-free bread option at Joybuy
This option is made up of small gluten-free bread portions for family meals, rather than a dark alternative in the style of rye bread. If you have coeliac disease, always check the current packaging.
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Gv Baguette Mini, 7 pieces
For families looking for small bread portions: the product description says this variety is gluten-free, but its white-bread style isn’t a replacement for the darker style of rye bread.
The product name lists 7 pieces. Check the current packaging to see whether these are part-baked rolls or a baking mix, what the net weight is and which ingredients have been used.
Frequently asked questions
Can ordinary rye bread be gluten-free?
No. According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, rye contains gluten. If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, look for a bread alternative explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the ingredients.
Is dark bread suitable for someone with coeliac disease?
Not based on colour alone. Check whether the specific pack is labelled ‘gluten-free’ and read the ingredients and allergen information, including for dark or seeded bread.
How can I plan gluten-free bread for several family meals?
Compare the net weight with how much you use, and follow the storage instructions for your chosen bread. Before placing your next order, check the label and availability at your local store or in your delivery area again. It can be useful to have a previously checked alternative in mind in case your usual choice isn’t available.
Does all Dutch bread contain iodised baker’s salt?
Don’t assume this is the case for a specific loaf. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes iodine compounds in bread in connection with added baker’s salt. If iodine is relevant to your household, check the ingredients or ask the manufacturer.