For a film night with someone who has coeliac disease, choose a biscuit explicitly labelled ‘gluten-free’ and check the current packaging rather than relying on a spritz biscuit’s shape. A packaged biscuit alternative takes less preparation than baking from scratch. If you do bake, you’ll also need to check every ingredient and avoid contact with crumbs containing gluten. Oat biscuits, almond biscuits and other gluten-free alternatives don’t have to taste like classic spritz biscuits.
You want to offer a guest a biscuit without having to rely on its name or appearance. The gluten-free label, the current packaging and serving it without contact with crumbs containing gluten are all essential. The Voedingscentrum warns that even a breadcrumb can cause symptoms in someone with coeliac disease.
You’re looking for something to enjoy during the film that’s a little like a spritz biscuit. A gluten-free oat or almond biscuit could be an alternative, as long as you’re happy with a different type of biscuit.
You’re catering for several guests and may need to consider allergens besides gluten, such as milk, soya, egg or almonds. Keep the packaging handy when serving, so everyone can check the information for the biscuits you’ve chosen.
When: You want to serve biscuits for film night without baking them yourself.
Trade-off: You can check the label and allergens on the packet, but an oat, almond or chocolate biscuit isn’t a classic spritz biscuit.
When: You want to choose the shape and flavour yourself and have time to bake.
Trade-off: Check every ingredient and avoid contact with crumbs containing gluten and kitchen utensils. PLUS’s gluten-free biscuit recipe specifically uses gluten-free oats and gluten-free flour.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free and served without cross-contact | Look for the ‘gluten-free’ label, read the current packaging and keep the biscuits away from crumbs containing gluten. Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, ‘gluten-free’ may be used for food sold to the final consumer if it contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. | When I’m hosting someone with coeliac disease, I want to check the biscuits and how they’ll be served before offering them. For around 45% of consumers, this peace of mind comes first. |
| An alternative to spritz biscuits | Compare the type of biscuit and the texture you’re after: oat biscuits, almond biscuits and coconut macaroons are different alternatives, not spritz biscuits. | Once I’ve checked that the biscuits are gluten-free, I mainly want something I’ll enjoy during a film, even if it tastes different from a spritz biscuit. For around 27% of consumers, this preference is the deciding factor. |
| Sharing and other allergens | Check the other allergens listed on the packet too, discuss the choice with your guests and make sure the pack size you want is available. | When I’m putting out food for a group, I want to consider my guests’ different allergies and buy enough suitable biscuits. That’s the first thing around 28% of consumers consider. |
A biscuit’s name or appearance doesn’t confirm that it’s suitable for someone with coeliac disease. The EU sets a limit of no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten for the ‘gluten-free’ label.
Choose a biscuit labelled ‘gluten-free’ or explicitly confirmed as such by the manufacturer, and check the current packaging before serving.
Oats in a product presented as gluten-free must be produced, prepared or processed in a way that avoids contamination with wheat, rye and barley.
Choose an oat biscuit explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the other ingredients and allergens too.
Verkade says that Oaties Melkchocolade contains milk and soya. For AH Glutenvrij Koekjes amandel, Albert Heijn lists egg, soya and almonds, among other ingredients.
Ask guests about any other relevant allergies and keep the packaging available when you serve the biscuits.
A changing range or a promotional product isn’t a sure bet when you’re shopping at the last minute.
Before you set off, check that the gluten-free biscuits you want are available and decide what other suitable type of biscuit you’d choose.
For anyone considering a packaged oat biscuit as an alternative to a spritz biscuit.
For small, packaged biscuit alternatives such as AH Glutenvrij Koekjes amandel.
For anyone looking to browse a range of gluten-free biscuits and snacks.
For a packaged biscuit-style alternative or ingredients for baking your own.
For anyone looking to share a different type of gluten-free biscuit during a film.
A shop to browse for the current gluten-free range, rather than a recommendation for a specific spritz biscuit.
This packaged oat biscuit with milk chocolate is a gluten-free alternative for a film night, not a classic spritz biscuit. Before serving, check that oats and the other allergens are suitable for your guests.
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A packaged gluten-free oat biscuit for anyone looking for a spritz alternative to enjoy during a film.
Verkade describes this milk chocolate version as crisp. The pack contains 150 g; it isn’t a spritz biscuit.
Contains milk, oats and soya. Check the current packet for the gluten-free label, all allergens and information about possible traces of nuts.
Under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this label may be used when food sold to the final consumer contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. Check the other information on the current packet too.
No, you can’t rely on that: not seeing any wheat doesn’t confirm that the spritz biscuit is gluten-free. Look for an explicit gluten-free label or clear confirmation from the manufacturer, and check the packaging. The Voedingscentrum lists biscuits as a product category that often contains gluten.
Yes, if the biscuit is explicitly labelled gluten-free and the oats and other ingredients are suitable for your guest. Check the current packet: milk, soya or other allergens may also affect your choice.
Use ingredients explicitly labelled gluten-free and avoid contact with crumbs containing gluten, baking trays and kitchen utensils. The Voedingscentrum says that even a stray breadcrumb can cause symptoms in someone with coeliac disease.
The packet is the final check for the biscuits you’re actually going to serve. Albert Heijn says that ingredients and allergen information can change when products are updated, so read the packaging of the product you’ve bought.
