If you’re serving a guest with coeliac disease, choose bread or rolls that are explicitly labelled ‘gluten-free’ – not ordinary tiger bread or a product that merely appears to be wheat-free. White bread, multiseed bread and individual rolls can all work well for a coffee spread. Choose the format to suit your portions, and keep gluten-free bread separate from ordinary bread. Before serving, check the label for ingredients, other allergens and warnings about possible cross-contamination.
For you, a clear gluten-free label matters more than a crust that looks like tiger bread. You’ll also want to know how the bread will be served, as the Dutch Coeliac Society says that cross-contamination with gluten can cause symptoms.
You’re serving ordinary tiger bread alongside a gluten-free alternative and want to be able to show the packaging. Separate portions and clean, separate serving utensils help limit contact with crumbs.
You’re mainly looking for a suitable type of bread to enjoy with your coffee, and are happy to accept that gluten-free white bread, multiseed bread or a roll won’t have the same crust as tiger bread.
If someone with coeliac disease will be eating, start by checking for a gluten-free label and reading the packaging. Then choose a type of bread you can serve separately, without sharing utensils.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling and cross-contamination | Look for the ‘gluten-free’ label and read the ingredients, allergens and warnings on the packaging. | If I’m serving bread to someone with coeliac disease, I want to be able to check the label and avoid contact with crumbs; around 36% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Separate portions | Consider whether rolls, buns or sliced bread would suit the occasion, and have separate serving utensils ready. | When ordinary tiger bread is also on the table, I want to be able to serve portions without mixing up the bread or utensils; around 29% of consumers prioritise serving them separately. |
| Type of bread | Choose between white bread, multiseed bread and rolls; check the other ingredients in each option. | With my coffee, I want a type of bread that goes well with the toppings, without expecting it to have the same crust as tiger bread; this choice is the deciding factor for around 21% of consumers. |
| Availability | Check the current range at your chosen shop and read the label on the product you buy. | If I’m planning a coffee spread in advance, I want to know whether the bread I’ve chosen is available at my shop; around 14% of consumers prioritise this. |
Seeing no wheat listed as an ingredient doesn’t tell you everything about other gluten-containing grains or possible cross-contamination.
For a guest with coeliac disease, first look for an explicit gluten-free label, then read the full packaging, including any warnings.
The Dutch Coeliac Society says that crumbs from ordinary bread can contaminate a gluten-free product.
Put the gluten-free bread on a separate plate and use clean, separate serving and spreading utensils for it.
Ingredients and allergens can vary between gluten-free breads. So the label ‘gluten-free’ won’t answer every question about dietary requirements.
Ask which other allergens your guest needs to avoid, then check the packaging for the option you’ve chosen.
A type of bread shown online may not be available at every shop or at all times.
Check the range at your chosen shop in good time, and read the label on the actual pack you buy.
Albert Heijn’s online range includes gluten-free white bread, multiseed bread, white rolls and multiseed rolls.
Jumbo lists both tiger bread and a gluten-free bread category.
PLUS lists gluten-free white, brown and multiseed bread online, alongside breads from other brands.
Dirk’s online search results include gluten-free bread options from Schär, such as Classic, Vital and Mini Baguette.
ALDI mentions gluten-free bread in its online information about bread and bake-at-home products.
Lidl has online information about its gluten-free range and notes that its bread selection can vary by store.
Don’t assume it is: Jumbo lists wheat and gluten in Boeren Witbrood Tijger Heel. For a guest with coeliac disease, choose a separate product explicitly labelled ‘gluten-free’ and check the packaging.
Not on the basis of ‘wheat-free’ alone. Check that the bread is explicitly labelled gluten-free and read any warnings about possible cross-contamination. The Dutch Coeliac Society says cross-contamination can cause symptoms.
Gluten-free rolls or small bread rolls are easy to lay out as individual portions. Keep them separate from ordinary tiger bread and use clean, separate utensils.
Yes, if your guest needs to avoid allergens other than gluten as well. Ingredients and warnings vary between types of bread, so read the label on the exact option you’re serving.
Check the ingredients list for the specific bread for iodised salt or iodised baker’s salt. Brood.net outlines agreements on using iodine-containing baker’s salt, but the type of salt can vary by product.
