If you’re choosing for someone with coeliac disease, pick toast, crackers or crispbread whose current packaging says ‘gluten-free’ or carries the Crossed Grain symbol; the words ‘toast’ or ‘Melba’ alone don’t tell you anything about whether it’s gluten-free. Small pieces of toast work well for topped nibbles, while crackers or crispbread in a larger pack may be more practical for breakfast or lunch. Also check for other allergens, and make sure the product doesn’t come into contact with ordinary bread crumbs in a shared kitchen.
They’re looking for a product clearly labelled as gluten-free and need to avoid crumbs from ordinary bread when storing and topping it. The Voedingscentrum points to the gluten-free label and the Crossed Grain symbol as things to look for on the packaging.
They want to know whether small pieces of toast or a pack of crackers with several portions will suit their planned meals and available storage space.
If they eat it regularly, they’ll also want to check the ingredients, other allergens and nutritional information. If you’re replacing bread with other products, the Voedingscentrum recommends checking the label to see whether baker’s salt has been used.
Start by checking for a gluten-free label and thinking about how you’ll use it in a shared kitchen. Then compare the pack size and ingredients with when you plan to eat the toast, crackers or crispbread.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling and crumbs | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging. In a shared kitchen, use clean utensils and store the product separately from ordinary bread. | In a shared kitchen, I don’t want bread crumbs ending up on my gluten-free toast. For around 42% of consumers, a clearly identifiable gluten-free option and avoiding cross-contamination are the top priorities. |
| Pack size and storage | Compare the pack weight and number of portions, and read the storage instructions. | When setting up my room, I want a pack that suits how often I eat toast or crackers. Pack size and storage are the main considerations for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information per 100 g. If you’re using it as a bread substitute, check the label for baker’s salt. | If I often have crackers for lunch or need to avoid other allergens, I want to be able to compare the ingredients. For around 25% of consumers, finding a product that suits their needs matters most. |
Those words don’t confirm that a product is gluten-free. For example, Bolletje lists wheat flour in its Sesame Crispbread.
If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, always check the current packaging for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol, and read the ingredients too.
The Gluten Free Bakery Holland toast pieces described by Jumbo contain egg and oats, and may also contain nuts and sesame, among other things. Laurieri Scrocchi, as described by Albert Heijn, contains soya.
Read the full allergen information on the specific pack, even if the product is labelled gluten-free.
The Voedingscentrum says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. A gluten-free label doesn’t tell you whether it has been added.
If you regularly have toast or crackers instead of bread, check the ingredients for baker’s salt and consider your choice as part of your overall diet.
Jumbo describes the 100 g Italian-seasoned variety as gluten-free toast pieces for small topped nibbles.
Albert Heijn describes Scrocchi Sea Salt as 100 g of gluten-free crackers, rather than small aperitif toasts.
Jumbo lists gluten-free Schär Crackers in six 35 g portions.
Albert Heijn describes Wasa Gluten Free and Lactose Free Classic as crispbread for occasions such as breakfast or lunch.
Albert Heijn’s AH Gluten-Free range includes crackers and crispbread for different occasions.
If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, don’t go by the product name. Check the current packaging for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol and read the ingredients; for example, Bolletje lists wheat flour in its Sesame Crispbread.
Store the toast separately and use clean utensils when preparing and topping it. Pay particular attention to shared spreads, chopping boards and toasters, where crumbs from ordinary bread may be left behind.
No, that doesn’t follow from the gluten-free label. The Gluten Free Bakery Holland toast pieces described by Jumbo contain egg and oats, and may also contain nuts and sesame, among other things. So check the allergen information on the pack you’re buying.
Compare the ingredients and nutritional information of the crackers you actually plan to eat. Also check whether baker’s salt is listed on the label: according to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use it, so don’t assume every bread substitute contains it.
