If you have coeliac disease, bread clearly labelled gluten-free is a suitable alternative to regular tiger bread. Don’t rely on the name or the crust. Choose packaged bread for travelling, or gluten-free bake-at-home rolls if there’s an oven and a clean preparation area at your destination. Also check for other allergens, storage instructions and, if this matters to you, iodised salt and fibre per 100 g.
Whether you’re packing bread for a journey, staying in holiday accommodation or heading out for a picnic, clear gluten-free labelling and avoiding contact with regular bread crumbs are essential. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains how to recognise gluten-free products, while the Dutch Coeliac Society highlights the risk of cross-contamination.
For breakfast, lunch or a barbecue, the bread needs to suit the oven you have available and the way it will be stored and served. Also check the allergen information if anyone has another food allergy.
If you’re replacing regular bread, check the ingredients on each pack for iodised salt and compare the fibre content per 100 g. Don’t rely on words such as white or seeded.
If you have coeliac disease, start by checking for clear gluten-free labelling and making sure the bread can be served without coming into contact with regular bread. Then decide between bread that’s ready to eat and bake-at-home rolls, which require an oven at your holiday destination.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling and serving separately | Look for the words gluten-free or the crossed grain symbol on the packaging. Make sure you also have clean utensils and a clean area for serving. | If I have coeliac disease, I want to be able to eat the bread at a shared picnic table without it coming into contact with regular bread crumbs. An estimated 42% of consumers prioritise this gluten-free safety. |
| Taking it with you and preparing it | Check the storage instructions and use-by date. If you’re buying bake-at-home rolls, check whether an oven will be available. | When I’m travelling, I want to take bread that fits my plans; at my destination, I need to know whether I can bake it. Around 33% of consumers prioritise practicality on holiday. |
| Ingredients and nutritional value | Read the allergen information, check whether iodised salt is listed and compare fibre per 100 g. | When I’m replacing regular bread, I want to compare iodine and fibre without overlooking another allergy. An estimated 25% of consumers give these label checks top priority. |
PLUS product information lists wheat and gluten-containing cereals in Korenlanders Boeren tijger wit. So a tiger-style crust doesn’t mean a product is suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
For every product, check that the packaging clearly says gluten-free or displays the crossed grain symbol.
Gluten-free bread can still contain other allergens. Jumbo lists soya in Lekker Vrij van Gluten Wit and says it may contain egg, milk and nuts.
If you have another allergy, read the full allergen information on the pack you’re buying.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes bread as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands, but ingredients vary between gluten-free breads.
If you’re replacing regular bread, check whether iodised salt is listed on the label.
The Dutch Coeliac Society advises people with coeliac disease to avoid cross-contamination too. On holiday, shared knives, chopping boards and bread baskets can all be a concern.
Keep gluten-free bread separate from regular bread, and use clean utensils and a clean area for serving.
Albert Heijn’s online gluten-free range includes various breads and rolls, including products from AH Glutenvrij and Schär.
Jumbo sells bread from its Lekker Vrij van Gluten range alongside regular tiger bread.
PLUS lists gluten-free white, brown and seeded breads alongside regular tiger breads.
ALDI mentions gluten-free options in its online information about bread and bake-at-home rolls.
Dirk lists packaged gluten-free Schär products, including Meisterbackers Classic and Mini Baguette.
Lidl provides information about its gluten-free range and oven-fresh bread.
Don’t assume it is: PLUS lists wheat and gluten-containing cereals in Korenlanders Boeren tijger wit. If you have coeliac disease, choose a product clearly labelled gluten-free or displaying the crossed grain symbol on the packaging.
Don’t count on finding a specific gluten-free tiger bread without checking the label. Albert Heijn, Jumbo, PLUS, ALDI and Dirk offer other gluten-free bread options. If you’re looking for a tiger bread variety, check both the current range and the product packaging.
Keep gluten-free bread separate from regular bread and use clean hands, knives, chopping boards and serving areas. The Dutch Coeliac Society stresses that bread crumbs can also pose a risk for people with coeliac disease.
Check whether iodised salt is listed in the ingredients, especially if you’re replacing most of the regular bread you eat. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread is an important source of iodine in the Netherlands, but ingredients vary from product to product.
Yes, as long as you prevent contact with crumbs from regular bread. Use a clean baking tray, a clean oven rack and a clean work surface, and keep the rolls separate while they’re baking.
