Who is this choice relevant to?

Snackers who need to eat strictly gluten-free

If you have coeliac disease, checking the gluten-free label on the packaging is essential. It’s also important to check the allergen information and avoid contact with crumbs from ordinary bread.

Snackers who want something soft to eat straight away

If you don’t want to use the oven late at night, look for sliced gluten-free white bread or soft rolls that can be eaten without baking.

Snackers who prefer warm or sweet bread

Bake-at-home rolls need cooking, while sweet rolls are different from plain white bread. Compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the specific pack.

What should you look for when choosing?

When choosing a snack for someone with coeliac disease, start with the label. The preparation method and flavour will then help you decide which type of bread suits a late-night snack.

What to consider What to check when buying Who is this most important for?
Gluten-free status and allergens Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging, and read the ingredients and allergen list. When choosing bread for someone with coeliac disease, I want to check the gluten-free label and any other allergens. An estimated 42% of consumers put this check first.
Ready to eat or bake at home Check whether the bread can be eaten straight away or needs to be cooked in the oven. If baking it, also take care to avoid contact with ordinary bread. Late at night, I want to know whether I can eat a slice straight away or need time and an oven. For an estimated 33% of consumers, the preparation method is the first consideration.
Type of bread and flavour Choose between plain white bread, a bake-at-home roll and a sweet roll. If needed, compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per serving. If I’m specifically craving a sweet roll or plain bread, that choice matters more than how it’s prepared. This is the main consideration for an estimated 25% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing ‘wheat-free’ with ‘gluten-free’

    A label stating that bread is wheat-free is no substitute for checking that it is gluten-free, as required when you have coeliac disease.

    Check the current packaging for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol.

  • Choosing based on the type of bread alone

    Gluten-free bread products can vary in their ingredients and allergens. This is particularly important if you need to avoid another allergen as well as gluten.

    Read the ingredients and allergen information for the variant you choose, even if you’ve bought it before.

  • Overlooking crumbs from ordinary bread

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, even a small amount of gluten, for example from bread crumbs, can cause symptoms in people with coeliac disease.

    Use clean utensils for spreading and a clean work surface if you also have ordinary bread at home.

Brands and shops to explore

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s online range includes its own gluten-free white bread and Schär Meesterbakker Classic.

  • You can compare different bread products side by side.
  • Check the current product packaging before choosing, as online information and the range may change.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists the 300 g Schär Meesterbakker Classic as gluten-free white bread and has an online category for other types of gluten-free bread.

  • The bread category makes it easier to compare options with sliced white bread.
  • Check the allergens on the packaging you choose; the Classic variant reviewed lists soya.

PLUS

PLUS’s online range includes Schär Meesterbakker Classic, Bon Matin and Mini Baguette.

  • The range shown includes bread that’s ready to eat as well as rolls to bake at home.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions on the current packaging for each product.

Dirk

Dirk has online product pages for Schär Meisterbackers Classic and Schär Mini Baguette.

  • These two types of bread give you a useful starting point for comparing ready-to-eat bread with bake-at-home options.
  • Check the current packaging and whether the product you want is available at your local shop.

Lidl

Alongside its standard range, Lidl also lists temporary gluten-free products.

  • The current range may give you another place to look for gluten-free bread.
  • Don’t assume temporary offers will always be available; check the product and packaging in store.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in gluten-free bread for someone with coeliac disease?

Check the current packaging for a ‘gluten-free’ label or the Crossed Grain symbol. ‘Wheat-free’ alone isn’t the same thing; also read the ingredients and allergen information.

Should I watch out for crumbs when preparing a late-night snack?

Yes. If you have coeliac disease, contact with crumbs from ordinary bread is something to watch out for. Use clean utensils for spreading and a clean plate, and check a shared toaster or oven before preparing gluten-free bread.

How should I store an opened pack of gluten-free bread?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging for the specific variant. Check how long the bread can be kept after opening and whether it can be frozen according to those instructions.

Does gluten-free bread automatically contain iodised salt?

Don’t assume this based on the type of bread. Check the ingredients list on the packaging if the presence of iodised salt matters to your choice.