A buffet guest with coeliac disease
You want to check that your chosen bread is gluten-free and served without coming into contact with ordinary bread crumbs. The Dutch Coeliac Society warns that even a crumb can be harmful.
Who is this choice important for?
Organising a buffet with different types of bread
You’re also serving ordinary tiger bread, so you’ll need a separate space, clean utensils and separate spreads for the gluten-free bread. This helps limit the transfer of crumbs, which the Dutch Coeliac Society warns against.
Comparing bread options in advance
You’re looking for a bread format that suits your buffet, such as a whole loaf or individual rolls. Albert Heijn, Jumbo, PLUS and Dirk list various gluten-free bread products online; check the specific product and packaging when you buy.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking the gluten-free label on the product. Then decide how you’ll serve the bread separately and which format best suits your buffet.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging of the finished product. Read the allergen information and warnings too. | When I’m buying bread for a guest with coeliac disease, I first want to see that this particular product is gluten-free. Product suitability comes first for around 50% of consumers. |
| Serving it separately | Choose a product you can keep sealed until serving, and set aside a separate plate, clean knife and separate spread. | When I’m serving ordinary tiger bread at a buffet, I want to put out gluten-free bread without it coming into contact with crumbs. This safe serving setup is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Bread format and preparation | Decide whether you want a whole loaf, individual rolls or a product that needs to be prepared. Check the quantity and preparation instructions for the product you choose. | If I want individual portions or warm bread, I’ll choose a format that suits my buffet preparations. Around 20% of consumers prioritise the bread format and preparation. |
Common mistakes
-
Judging tiger bread by its appearance
The crust or product name doesn’t tell you whether the finished product is gluten-free. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the ‘gluten-free’ label and the Crossed Grain symbol are indicators to look for on the packaging.
Check the labelling on the bread you’re actually buying, even if an online image shows a similar product.
-
Putting gluten-free bread next to ordinary bread crumbs
A shared board, knife or spread can transfer gluten. The Dutch Coeliac Society therefore stresses the importance of preventing cross-contamination.
Keep the bread sealed for as long as possible, and use a clean, separate serving area with its own utensils and spreads.
-
Relying only on online product information
Ingredients and allergen information can change; PLUS also points this out in its product information.
Check the current packaging when you buy, and make sure the product you want is available before planning your buffet.
-
Taking the rules on bakers’ salt as a gluten-free label
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes a rule about iodine compounds being added to bakery products through bakers’ salt. This rule doesn’t tell you whether a particular bread is gluten-free.
Check whether the finished product is suitable for a gluten-free diet by looking at its labelling and other information, not whether it mentions bakers’ salt.
Brands and shops to explore
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has a gluten-free diet category online, as well as a category for gluten-free bakery products.
- These categories make it easier to browse bread alternatives in advance.
- Check the labelling and allergen information on the packaging of the bread you choose.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists products such as gluten-free multiseed bread, sourdough bread and ciabattas online.
- The different bread formats give you options to consider for a buffet.
- Bread from the ordinary tiger bread category isn’t automatically gluten-free; check the specific product.
PLUS
PLUS lists products such as gluten-free white, brown and multiseed bread, as well as gluten-free rolls, online.
- You can compare whole loaves and individual rolls as buffet options.
- PLUS says that ingredients and allergen information can change, so check the current packaging.
Dirk
Dirk’s online search results include products such as gluten-free bread and mini baguettes from Schär.
- The results give you specific bread formats to explore further.
- Check the packaging of each product and confirm availability at your local shop.
ALDI
ALDI mentions gluten-free bread on its page about bread and bakery products.
- That gives you another shop to look at while planning.
- Check which specific gluten-free products are available locally and read their packaging.
Lidl
Lidl has a page about gluten-free products and distinguishes between additional products and its standard range.
- The range page gives you a starting point for planning your shopping.
- Before you buy, check which bread products are currently available at your local shop.
Products for your buffet
These Joybuy products suit two ways of providing bread for your buffet: a product with mini baguettes in its name, and a gluten-free bread mix for baking your own loaf. Check the packaging of both; for the mini baguettes, also find out how the product needs to be prepared.
Image unavailable
Gv Mini Baguettes, 7 pieces
The name suggests mini baguettes for individual buffet portions, but check before buying whether you’ll receive ready-to-eat rolls or a product that needs to be prepared.
Also check the packaging for the quantity, preparation instructions, gluten-free labelling and current allergen information.
Image unavailable
Schär Bread Mix-Mix B gluten-free bread mix, 1 kg
This bread mix is a good option if you want to bake your own bread before the buffet; it isn’t a ready-made loaf.
The product name states 1 kg. Allow time for preparation, and check the instructions, gluten-free labelling and current allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can I serve ordinary tiger bread to a guest with coeliac disease?
Don’t assume it’s suitable unless the specific product is labelled gluten-free. Choose bread labelled ‘gluten-free’ or bearing the Crossed Grain symbol; under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, the term ‘gluten-free’ may only be used for products with a gluten content of no more than 20 mg/kg.
How do I keep gluten-free bread separate at a buffet with different types of bread?
Keep it wrapped until just before serving, then put it in a separate, clean area with its own knife, plate and spreads. Also make sure guests don’t dip ordinary bread into the gluten-free spreads; the Dutch Coeliac Society warns that crumbs can transfer gluten.
Is online allergen information enough to choose bread?
Use this information to compare products, but read the packaging of the product you choose before buying. PLUS says that ingredients and allergen information can change.
Does iodised bakers’ salt tell me anything about the gluten in bread?
No, a mention of iodised bakers’ salt isn’t a gluten-free label. The rule described by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority about iodine compounds being added through bakers’ salt is separate from checking whether the finished product is labelled gluten-free.
Can I buy gluten-free bread before Boxing Day?
That depends on the storage and use instructions for the product you choose. Check the packaging before buying and plan when to open or prepare it accordingly; for example, PLUS’s product information for Schär Mehrkorn says to store it in a cool, dry place and, once opened, consume it within a few days or freeze it straight away.