Who should consider these factors?

People with coeliac disease

If you need to eat gluten-free, the ‘gluten-free’ label, allergen information and warnings on the packaging are the first things to check.

People considering pack size

For lunch or a get-together, you can think about how many pieces of toast you’re likely to use, once you’ve confirmed that the product is suitable for you.

People with other ingredient requirements

If you also need to avoid soya, egg, nuts or sesame, you’ll need more information than just the gluten-free label. Check the ingredients of the exact variant you choose.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by checking that it’s suitable for someone with coeliac disease. Then review the other ingredients and choose a type and pack size that suit how you plan to use it.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Gluten-free label Check the current packaging for a ‘gluten-free’ label and for warnings about cereals containing gluten or unsuitability for people with coeliac disease. If you’re buying toast for someone with coeliac disease, don’t rely on the product name. This is the first thing around 40% of consumers check.
Pack size Check how much is in the pack and consider how much you’ll need for the occasion. You don’t want to open a large pack for a small get-together if lots will be left over. For around 30% of consumers, choosing the right quantity is the first consideration.
Other ingredients Read the ingredients and allergen information for the flavour you’ve chosen, including any ‘may contain’ statements. If I need to avoid soya or egg as well as gluten, that determines which variant is suitable. For around 20% of consumers, these additional ingredients matter most.
Bread in your diet If you regularly eat very little bread, consider your overall diet; don’t assume toast contains iodine unless this is stated on the label. If you often replace bread with toast or crackers, you may also want to consider iodine from other foods. For around 10% of consumers, this broader consideration is the main concern.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ordinary toast is gluten-free

    The word ‘toast’ says nothing about whether a product is suitable for someone with coeliac disease. Even an ingredients list with no immediately recognisable mention of wheat is no substitute for an explicit gluten-free label.

    Choose a product labelled ‘gluten-free’ and read the allergens and warnings on the packaging.

  • Assuming gluten-free means free from other allergens

    The products mentioned have different ingredients: Schär Crackers Gluten-Free contain soya, the toast pieces from Gluten Free Bakery Holland contain egg and gluten-free oats, and Laurieri Scrocchi contain soya.

    Check the ingredients and information about the possible presence of allergens for each variant you choose.

  • Assuming bread alternatives contain iodine

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. So toast or crackers don’t automatically provide iodine from baker’s salt.

    Check whether baker’s salt is listed on the label if this is relevant to you, and consider iodine as part of your overall diet.

  • Relying on a temporary range

    An extended gluten-free range may not always be available. On the range page we consulted, Lidl reported that its additional gluten-free products were unavailable at the time.

    Check the current range, and read the packaging again if you choose an alternative brand or flavour.

    If you’re relying on one particular product, finding a suitable alternative may take extra time.

Brands to consider

Schär

Schär offers a range of gluten-free crackers and bread products. The Crackers Gluten-Free mentioned here are one cracker option; assess each variant individually.

  • The crackers mentioned are labelled gluten-free.
  • These crackers contain soya. The brand name alone tells you nothing about the allergens in other Schär products.

Gluten Free Bakery Holland

This brand offers, among other things, 100 g Italian-seasoned gluten-free toast pieces.

  • The variant mentioned is a seasoned toast piece, ideal if that’s the type of product you’re looking for.
  • The toast pieces contain egg and gluten-free oats. The product information also mentions the possible presence of nuts and sesame.

Laurieri

Laurieri Scrocchi Sea Salt is a gluten-free savoury cracker that can be used as an alternative to toast pieces.

  • The sea salt variant mentioned is listed as being free from milk and egg.
  • This variant contains soya; check the ingredients again if you choose a different flavour.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is ordinary toast or Melba toast suitable for someone with coeliac disease?

Not on the basis of the product name alone. Choose a variant with an explicit gluten-free label and check the allergens and warnings on the current packaging.

What should I do if there’s a warning about cereals containing gluten?

Take that warning into account when choosing a product for someone with coeliac disease; the Dutch Coeliac Society highlights the risk of cross-contamination with gluten. If it says ‘not suitable for people with coeliac disease’, choose another product.

Does gluten-free toast automatically contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but its use isn’t compulsory. Check the label if baker’s salt matters to your choice, and consider your overall diet if you eat less bread.

How can I keep gluten-free toast separate from ordinary bread at home?

Make sure crumbs from ordinary bread don’t get onto the gluten-free toast. Store the products separately and use clean hands, a clean knife and a clean surface. Take care with shared toaster accessories too.