If you have coeliac disease, an ordinary sprits biscuit isn’t an obvious choice: Verkade lists wheat flour in NoboSprits Melk. For a biscuit to enjoy with your coffee, start with one explicitly labelled gluten-free, and check the packaging for ingredients, other allergens and warnings about gluten-containing cereals. Only then compare whether a biscuit-style, oat or chocolate biscuit is the closest match to what you enjoy about sprits.
You’re looking for a pre-packed biscuit that’s explicitly labelled gluten-free. Check warnings about gluten-containing cereals too: the Dutch Coeliac Society highlights the risk of cross-contamination. Verkade NoboSprits Melk contains wheat flour, so it isn’t suitable.
You want something crisp or biscuit-like to enjoy with your coffee, without assuming that another type of biscuit will taste just like sprits. Schär Butterkeks petit beurre and Verkade Glutenvrije Oaties are examples of different gluten-free biscuit types in Albert Heijn’s range.
You want to pick up a suitable biscuit with your usual groceries. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS list gluten-free biscuits in their ranges; check current availability and packaging at each shop and for each product.
Start with a gluten-free label and the full ingredients list. Then choose a type of biscuit that suits your coffee break, and finally check whether the pack size you want is available.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Look for an explicit gluten-free label and read any warnings about gluten-containing cereals on the exact product packaging. | If I have coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on a biscuit’s name or shape when choosing something to have with my coffee. Around 50% of consumers prioritise checking for gluten. |
| Flavour and texture | Compare a biscuit-style option with oat or chocolate biscuits; also check for any other allergens that are relevant to you. | I mainly miss the crisp bite of sprits and want to know which other type of biscuit comes closest, even if the flavour is different. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this comparison. |
| Availability and pack size | Check the current range and choose a pack size that suits how you’ll use it. | For a coffee break, I want to be able to pick up the biscuit with my groceries, rather than rely on one range that may change. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration. |
A brand name or familiar biscuit shape says nothing about whether that exact variety is suitable for a gluten-free diet. Verkade lists wheat flour in NoboSprits Melk.
Check the product name and ingredients on the packaging of the biscuit you’re actually buying.
An ingredients list that doesn’t include wheat as an intentional ingredient doesn’t rule out cross-contamination. The Dutch Coeliac Society says a warning may indicate a relevant risk of gluten exposure.
If you have coeliac disease, factor in the warnings on the exact packaging when making your choice; don’t rely on the ingredients list alone.
A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you whether the same biscuit contains, for example, milk, egg or nuts.
Check the ingredients and allergen information again if you need to avoid anything other than gluten.
Ingredients, allergen information and product ranges can change. PLUS also notes that its product information may be updated.
Check the packaging in your hands before eating, even if you’ve bought the biscuit before.
A useful reference for both ordinary sprits biscuits and a different, gluten-free biscuit type.
A brand to explore if you’re looking for a gluten-free biscuit-style option to enjoy with your coffee.
A shop where you can compare different types of gluten-free biscuits.
A shop with a dedicated category for gluten-free biscuits and snacks.
A shop where you can explore options including gluten-free chocolate biscuits.
A shop to explore if coconut biscuits would suit your coffee break too.
A shop whose gluten-free biscuit range you can check in advance.
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, a product can be labelled ‘gluten-free’ if it contains less than 20 mg of gluten per kg. This label is covered by European rules on information about gluten in food; you should still read the full label for the variety you choose.
If you have coeliac disease, don’t assume a product is confirmed gluten-free when that warning appears on the packaging. The Dutch Coeliac Society explains that such a warning may indicate a relevant risk of gluten cross-contamination.
Keep the gluten-free biscuits separate and use clean serving utensils so crumbs from ordinary biscuits don’t get mixed in. The Dutch Coeliac Society advises storing gluten-free products separately and in well-sealed packaging.
Before eating the product, check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and gluten-free labelling. PLUS notes that online product information, including details about ingredients and allergens, may change.
