If you’re catering for a guest with coeliac disease, the first thing to check is that the packaging currently states ‘gluten-free’; the name or crust of tiger bread doesn’t tell you anything about this. Then choose between bread that’s ready to serve and a gluten-free bake-at-home roll if a warm, crunchy crust is more important and using the oven is practical.
If someone has coeliac disease, start by checking for the ‘gluten-free’ label and the latest ingredients and allergen information. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the requirements for using this label on food.
If you’d rather not use the oven for afternoon coffee, look for gluten-free bread that’s ready to top and serve. Albert Heijn, for example, offers light and dark multiseed bread in its gluten-free range.
If you’d prefer to serve a warm roll and have access to an oven, consider a gluten-free bake-at-home option. PLUS says its Schär Mini Baguette can be baked in the oven for a crunchy crust.
If you’re catering for someone with coeliac disease, check the label on the specific product first. Then decide whether it’s more important for your coffee break to have bread that’s ready to serve or a crunchy crust.
| What to look for | What to check before buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free label | Check that the current packaging says ‘gluten-free’, and read the ingredients and allergen information. Under Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, products using this label must contain no more than 20 mg of gluten per kg of finished product. | If I’m buying for someone with coeliac disease, I don’t want to rely on the name or appearance of the bread. Around 50% of consumers put checking the label first when making this choice. |
| Ready to serve | Check whether the bread can be served without baking, and follow the storage advice once it’s opened. | For a coffee break without any oven work, I want bread that I can top straight away. Around 30% of consumers put ease of serving first. |
| Crust and preparation | Check whether the bread needs baking and whether using the oven is safe and practical. PLUS recommends baking the Schär Mini Baguette for 5–7 minutes at 200 °C. | If a warm, crunchy roll is what makes my coffee break, I’m happy to spend time preparing it. For around 20% of consumers, the crust and texture are the top priority. |
A tiger-style crust or a place in the bake-at-home section doesn’t confirm that a product is suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
Look for ‘gluten-free’ on the current packaging, and check the ingredients and allergen information too.
A roll that still needs to go in the oven is less suitable for a coffee break if no one is available to prepare it.
Check the preparation instructions before you buy. Otherwise, choose bread that’s ready to serve.
You can’t tell from the name or appearance whether a particular gluten-free bread contains iodised salt.
If the type of salt used matters to you, check the ingredients list for that product.
Jumbo stocks gluten-free bread from Schär, and PLUS also lists the gluten-free Schär Mini Baguette.
Albert Heijn’s own brand includes light and dark gluten-free multiseed bread.
Albert Heijn lists products including Consenza chia seed bread as gluten-free.
PLUS’s gluten-free bread range includes white, brown and multiseed bread under its own brand.
Don’t assume it is unless the current packaging says ‘gluten-free’. Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 sets a maximum of 20 mg of gluten per kg of finished product for this label. Check the ingredients and allergen information for the specific bread too.
Yes, a product labelled ‘gluten-free’ can contain oats. Always check the latest ingredients and allergen information as well as the label, especially if other ingredients are relevant to your guest.
Choose a gluten-free roll with suitable baking instructions and follow the guidance on the packaging. PLUS recommends baking the Schär Mini Baguette in an oven at 200 °C for 5–7 minutes. Take care when handling a hot oven, too.
No, you can’t tell what type of salt has been used from the ‘gluten-free’ label or the shape of the bread. If salt containing iodine matters to you, check the ingredients list for the specific product.
