Coffee guests with coeliac disease
They need an alternative labelled gluten-free, prepared and served separately from ordinary bread crumbs. The Voedingscentrum warns that even a stray bread crumb can cause symptoms in someone with coeliac disease.
Who are these alternatives for?
Hosts who want to serve something quickly
They’re looking for bread or mini rolls for topped snacks without having to bake a whole loaf themselves. Albert Heijn, Jumbo and PLUS offer a range of packaged gluten-free bread options; check the packaging of the product you choose.
Home bakers who want to serve fresh bread
They want to choose the shape of their own loaf using a gluten-free bread mix and have time to bake. The worktop and utensils must be kept free from ordinary flour and bread crumbs.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking that the product is labelled gluten-free and can be prepared without bread crumbs. Then choose a type of bread to suit your snacks and the time you have before serving.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free options and crumbs | Read the current gluten-free labelling and allergen information. Keep clean, separate utensils ready for serving. | If I’m hosting someone with coeliac disease, I want to make sure the bread doesn’t come into contact with ordinary crumbs. Around 50% of consumers prioritise a gluten-free option and how it is served. |
| Portions and preparation | Choose between sliced bread and smaller bread shapes; check whether the rolls need to be baked off. | For a small coffee spread, I want to serve individual snacks, while for a selection of topped pieces I’d rather slice a loaf. Around 30% of consumers prioritise convenient serving options. |
| Nutrition information and baking from scratch | If you use it regularly, compare the fibre per 100 g. If you’re baking from scratch, check the ingredients required by the recipe, including baker’s salt if needed. | If I regularly serve gluten-free bread or bake it myself, I want to be able to compare the nutrition information and the recipe. This is the main consideration for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking a tiger crust for gluten-free labelling
The name and appearance of tiger bread don’t tell you whether it’s suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
Choose a product that is clearly labelled gluten-free on the current packaging.
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Preparing gluten-free bread next to ordinary bread
The Voedingscentrum says that even a stray bread crumb can cause symptoms in someone with coeliac disease.
Use a clean surface and separate or thoroughly washed utensils. Take care to avoid contact with ordinary bread crumbs when toasting, too.
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Relying on an old online product description
Ingredients and allergen information can change, and the range may vary between shops and over time.
Check availability before buying, and read the packaging of the product you’ve bought before serving it.
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Looking only for the gluten-free label
The label alone tells you nothing about the fibre content or whether iodised salt has been used.
If you use it regularly, compare the nutrition information. For homemade gluten-free bread, the Voedingscentrum recommends considering baker’s salt.
Brands and shops to explore
Albert Heijn
Offers packaged gluten-free loaves and smaller bread shapes, including Italian rolls.
- The range of bread shapes lets you choose between slicing a loaf and serving individual rolls.
- Check the current packaging and in-store availability for each product.
Jumbo
Offers gluten-free white and brown bread, as well as products from other brands.
- Sliced bread is a good option for serving a selection of topped pieces.
- Ordinary Jumbo tiger bread is not the same as a product labelled gluten-free.
PLUS
Offers gluten-free options in white, brown and multiseed varieties.
- The different loaf options suit anyone who prefers to slice a whole loaf.
- PLUS notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change; check the packaging.
Dirk
Offers packaged gluten-free bread products from Schär, including Meisterbäckers Classic and Mini Baguette.
- The smaller bread shapes can be ideal for individual snacks.
- Check local availability and the labelling on the product you choose.
ALDI
Lists gluten-free options in its bake-at-home rolls and snacks category.
- Bake-at-home rolls are a good option if you have time to use the oven.
- Check the packaging to see which rolls are actually labelled gluten-free.
Lidl
Publishes ingredient and allergen information for oven-fresh bread.
- This product information can help you check the details of an individual roll.
- Don’t assume an ordinary oven-fresh tiger roll is gluten-free; check that the product is explicitly labelled.
Products for baking off and baking from scratch
These products suit two ways of preparing bread for your coffee spread: baking off mini baguettes or making your own bread with a bread mix. Both need to be prepared before serving.
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Gv Baguette Mini 7 Pieces
These mini baguettes are ideal for individual snacks with coffee, but they need to be baked off first.
The product description labels them gluten-free. Check the labelling and contents on the packaging, and prepare and serve them separately from ordinary bread.
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Schär Mix B gluten-free bread mix, 1 kg
This mix is for anyone who wants to bake their own bread and has time to prepare it; it isn’t ready to serve straight away.
Check the current packaging and follow your chosen recipe. Keep the mix away from ordinary flour and bread crumbs while preparing it.
Frequently asked questions
Is ordinary tiger bread suitable for someone with coeliac disease?
Not based on its name or crust. Choose bread that is clearly labelled gluten-free on the current packaging. The Voedingscentrum stresses that people with coeliac disease need to avoid gluten.
How should I serve gluten-free bread if there’s ordinary bread on the table too?
Keep the gluten-free bread and its utensils separate from ordinary bread crumbs. Use a clean plate and surface, and avoid contact with crumbs when toasting, too. The Voedingscentrum says that even a stray crumb can cause symptoms in someone with coeliac disease.
When should I choose a bread mix instead of bake-at-home rolls?
Choose a bread mix if you want to shape your own loaf and have time to prepare and bake it. Bake-at-home rolls also need time in the oven, but you don’t have to mix and shape a loaf. For both options, check the gluten-free labelling and avoid contact with ordinary flour.
Why should I consider baker’s salt when baking gluten-free bread?
For homemade gluten-free bread, the Voedingscentrum recommends baker’s salt as a way to use iodised salt. Check what the recipe and ingredient packaging say; the gluten-free label alone tells you nothing about the salt used.