If you have coeliac disease, don’t choose a biscuit based on the name or shape ‘sprits’. First check whether the current packaging labels it as gluten-free or carries the Crossed Grain symbol. According to their product information, AH Spritsen and Verkade NoboSprits Original contain wheat flour, so they aren’t gluten-free options. If you’re mainly looking for a crisp biscuit to enjoy with coffee or tea, you could try gluten-free alternatives such as Verkade Oaties or biscuits from Consenza. Just don’t assume they have the same recipe or shape as sprits biscuits.
When buying packaged biscuits, you’ll want to check the gluten-free label, ingredients and risk of cross-contamination first. The Dutch Coeliac Society highlights the importance of checking labels and preventing cross-contamination.
You’re after a crisp biscuit to enjoy with coffee or tea, and are happy to try a different shape or recipe, as long as the chosen product is clearly labelled gluten-free on the packaging.
You want to search for gluten-free biscuits, without assuming that regular sprits biscuits from the same shop are gluten-free too.
First check the gluten-free label on the packaging. Only then compare which type of biscuit best matches your preference for sprits and where you can find it.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free label | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging, and read the ingredients and allergen information. | If I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I want to avoid mistaking a familiar-looking wheat-based sprits biscuit for a gluten-free one. This check comes first for around 50% of consumers. |
| Type of biscuit | Compare the recipe and product description; an oat biscuit, spiced biscuit or wafer isn’t the same as a sprits biscuit. | With coffee or tea, I’m mainly looking for a crisp biscuit, even if its shape and flavour differ from sprits. Around 30% of consumers give this tea-time treat the highest priority. |
| Ease of finding | Start with a gluten-free biscuit category, then check the packaging of the individual product. | I want to compare biscuits without a long search, but I won’t assume that a whole shop category replaces checking the packaging. This is the main buying concern for around 20% of consumers. |
The shape and crisp texture tell you nothing about the ingredients. AH Spritsen and Verkade NoboSprits Original list wheat flour.
Use ‘sprits’ to search for the type of biscuit you want, but if you have coeliac disease, base your choice on the gluten-free label on the packaging.
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, oats can come into contact with gluten during production.
For an oat biscuit, check whether the current packaging labels the product as gluten-free or carries the Crossed Grain symbol.
The Dutch Coeliac Society warns that cross-contamination is also a risk for people with coeliac disease.
Store gluten-free biscuits separately in a sealed container, and use clean cutlery when serving them.
The packaging on a repeat purchase may differ from the pack you checked previously.
Check the gluten-free label and ingredients on the packaging you’re actually buying every time.
Verkade sells both regular sprits biscuits and another type of biscuit that the brand describes as gluten-free.
Consenza focuses on gluten-free biscuits for shoppers who are open to considering types other than sprits.
Albert Heijn has a dedicated online selection of gluten-free products.
Jumbo’s gluten-free range includes a category for biscuits and snacks.
Don’t assume they are: according to their product information, AH Spritsen and Verkade NoboSprits Original contain wheat flour. For any other product, check the current packaging for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol.
According to the Dutch Coeliac Society, a product can be labelled ‘gluten-free’ if it contains less than 20 mg of gluten per kg of product. When choosing biscuits for someone with coeliac disease, look for that label or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging.
No. The Dutch Coeliac Society points out that oats can come into contact with gluten during production. So the word ‘oats’ in the ingredients list doesn’t replace a gluten-free label on the product.
Yes, check the packaging again with every purchase. This lets you check the gluten-free label and ingredients on the product you’re buying now, rather than relying on packaging you saw before.
Store gluten-free biscuits separately in a sealed container, and serve them with clean cutlery. The Dutch Coeliac Society warns that cross-contamination can still be a concern for people with coeliac disease after a product has been bought.
