If you’re preparing a meal for a fussy eater, start with toast or crackers explicitly labelled gluten-free, then check the current label for other allergens. A mild-tasting option may go well with familiar toppings, while seasoned or salty varieties call for a more considered choice. And don’t assume from the product name that iodised baker’s salt has been used.
You’re looking for a crunchy option explicitly labelled gluten-free. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority notes that this claim is subject to EU requirements; also check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack you choose.
You want familiar toppings to be the main source of flavour. Toast with Italian herbs or a distinctively salty taste may be less suitable, even if the product is gluten-free.
As well as gluten, you may need to consider ingredients such as egg, oats or soya. The toast-style products described by Jumbo and Albert Heijn differ in this respect, so check the label for the specific variety.
First check that the product is labelled gluten-free. Then choose a flavour and pack size that suit the eater and how you plan to use it.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Look for an explicit gluten-free claim on the pack and read the current ingredients list. | If eating gluten-free is essential, you shouldn’t rely on the word ‘toast’ alone. For around 36% of consumers, confidence in the gluten-free claim comes first. |
| Flavour and texture | Compare a mild-tasting option with salted or seasoned varieties, and consider whether it will go well with familiar toppings. | For a fussy eater, you want the crunchy base to taste familiar and not overpower the toppings. A mild flavour and predictable texture are the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Other allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for the variety you choose, including any relevant statements about possible traces. | If another allergen is a concern as well as gluten, you need to know whether this particular variety is suitable. Around 21% of consumers put this additional check first. |
| Pack size and availability | Check the pack size and whether the variety you want is available when you do your shopping. | If you’re planning a meal soon, you need a suitable product that you can actually get hold of. For around 14% of consumers, practicality is the top priority. |
A product type name doesn’t confirm that a specific variety is gluten-free. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that the gluten-free claim is subject to the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 828/2014.
If eating gluten-free is essential, choose a product with an explicit gluten-free claim and check the label on the pack you buy.
Gluten-free doesn’t tell you about all other allergens. For Gluten Free Bakery Holland Toastjes Italiaans Gekruid, Jumbo lists egg and gluten-free oat flour, among other ingredients; for Laurieri Scrocchi zeezout, Albert Heijn lists soya.
Check the ingredients, allergens and any statements about possible traces that are relevant to you for each variety.
Italian herbs taste different from a plain base served with familiar toppings. That difference may determine whether it suits someone who prefers less variety in their food.
Choose a seasoned variety if the flavour suits the eater; otherwise, try a milder-tasting product first.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt in bread is not compulsory. So the name of a gluten-free toast product doesn’t tell you what type of salt it contains.
If it matters to your choice, check the ingredients list to see whether baker’s salt is listed.
An option to consider if Italian herbs suit the eater’s taste preferences.
Scrocchi zeezout is a toast-style cracker for anyone who isn’t looking for a blend of herbs.
A range from Albert Heijn that includes various gluten-free bakery products.
Jumbo includes Schär Crackers Glutenvrij in its range of toast-style products.
This rice toast is an option if you’re looking for a crunchy base labelled gluten-free. Consider its flavour and any additional allergens separately.
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For a fussy eater, this rice toast could provide a crunchy base for familiar toppings, as long as the flavour is a good fit.
The product description identifies the toast as gluten-free. However, the ingredients information and allergen section conflict about soya and sesame. If you have these allergies, check the current packaging before use.
No, the product name alone doesn’t confirm this. Look for a gluten-free claim on the specific pack. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this claim may only be used in accordance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 828/2014.
Yes, check the allergen information for the variety you choose separately. Jumbo lists egg and gluten-free oat flour for Gluten Free Bakery Holland Toastjes Italiaans Gekruid; Albert Heijn lists soya for Laurieri Scrocchi zeezout.
No, you can’t tell from the name or the gluten-free claim. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says using baker’s salt in bread isn’t compulsory. If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific product.
Follow the storage instructions on the pack for your chosen variety. The product information from Jumbo and Albert Heijn for the toast-style products discussed here says to store them in a dry place; reseal an opened pack as directed on the label.
