Who is this choice relevant to?

If you’re buying speculaas for someone with coeliac disease

You’ll want to check the gluten-free label on the pack and read the allergen information too, especially if the person eating it has additional allergies.

If you’re serving biscuits with coffee or to guests

You’re looking for a shape that suits the occasion: individual speculaas biscuits, speculaas chunks or a filled variety. Whichever you choose, you still need to check that it’s labelled gluten-free.

If you’re planning food shopping for a celebration

You have a particular type of speculaas in mind and check shortly before buying to see if it’s still available. It’s useful to have an alternative, especially for seasonal products.

What should you look for when choosing?

When shopping for someone with coeliac disease, a clear gluten-free label is essential, even if the serving style or availability influences your choice.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Labelling and allergens Look for a ‘gluten-free’ label or the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the latest allergen information on the pack. If I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I want to be sure I’ve picked the right biscuits and check whether any other allergens are a concern. For around 42% of consumers, this reassurance from the label is the top priority.
Serving style Choose between individual biscuits, speculaas chunks and a filled variety; check the label on the specific pack. When serving coffee to guests, I want to choose something that suits the occasion without compromising on the gluten-free requirement. For around 33% of consumers, serving style comes first.
Availability Check shortly before ordering that your preferred variety is available, and have a clearly labelled gluten-free alternative in mind. When planning food shopping for a celebration, I don’t want to rely on a seasonal product that may no longer be available. Availability is the main concern for around 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking regular speculaas for gluten-free speculaas

    A familiar brand, the name ‘speculaas’ or a festive-looking pack says nothing about whether a product is gluten-free. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises checking the label when buying gluten-free products.

    If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, check that the current pack is explicitly labelled gluten-free or carries the Crossed Grain symbol.

  • Assuming gluten-free means free from other allergens

    Albert Heijn and Jumbo both list egg in their gluten-free speculaas, and their product information also mentions the possible presence of other allergens. Gluten-free doesn’t answer every allergy-related question.

    Check the allergen information on each pack for anything that may affect the person eating it.

  • Counting on a seasonal variety without checking availability

    Jumbo’s product page for gluten-free filled speculaas says that this variety is no longer available online. The biscuits you had in mind may therefore be unavailable when you place your food order.

    Check availability shortly before buying and, if necessary, choose another product with a clear gluten-free label.

Brands to consider

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn lists Speculaas in a 125 g pack as part of this range.

  • According to Albert Heijn, these biscuits are gluten-free and made in a completely gluten-free environment.
  • The product contains egg and may contain sesame and nuts. Albert Heijn warns that ingredient and allergen information may change.

Jumbo Lekker Vrij van Gluten

Jumbo lists Speculaas in a 125 g pack as part of this range.

  • The product page labels it ‘gluten-free’ and displays the Crossed Grain symbol.
  • The biscuits contain egg and may contain almonds, hazelnuts, lupin, milk, gluten-free oats, sesame and walnuts, among other allergens.

Consenza

Consenza makes gluten-free speculaas biscuits; Jumbo’s product page describes a 100 g pack.

  • Jumbo labels the speculaas biscuits described as gluten-free.
  • The ingredients include butter, egg and lupin flour. Jumbo also lists this pack as no longer available online.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are regular Lotus Biscoff or other speculaas suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

Don’t assume they are based on the brand or the name of the biscuits. Check the specific pack to see if it is explicitly labelled gluten-free or carries the Crossed Grain symbol.

Do I need to read the pack if the product page says ‘gluten-free’?

Yes. When buying, read the latest ingredient and allergen information on the pack. Albert Heijn says this information may change; if there are additional allergies, you’ll also need to check the relevant allergens.

Is gluten-free speculaas also free from egg, milk or nuts?

Not necessarily. The gluten-free speculaas described by Albert Heijn and Jumbo contains egg, and their product information mentions the possible presence of other allergens. So be sure to check the allergen information for the product you buy.

Can I buy gluten-free speculaas well in advance for a celebration?

Yes, provided your preferred variety is available and its best-before date suits your plans. For seasonal products in particular, check availability before counting on them, and follow the storage instructions on the pack.