If you have coeliac disease, choose white bread labelled gluten-free on the packaging or bearing the Crossed Grain symbol; ordinary white bread is not a suitable substitute. For a week’s supply, compare the ingredients and any other allergens, the nutritional information and the storage instructions. If you regularly replace ordinary bread, also check whether the ingredients include iodised salt.
If you’re buying bread for the whole week, start by checking that the packaging says gluten-free. At home, it’s important to keep the bread separate from bread containing gluten and any crumbs. The Voedingscentrum points out that even a small amount of gluten can matter if you have coeliac disease.
If you plan several bread-based meals in advance, it helps to choose a pack size that suits how much you eat, with clear storage instructions. Albert Heijn states that its gluten-free white bread can be frozen.
If you regularly eat gluten-free white bread instead of ordinary bread, you can compare the fibre and salt per 100 g on the packaging and check the ingredients for iodised salt. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread does not have to be made with bakers’ salt.
Start by checking for a gluten-free label and any other allergens. Then look at the nutritional information and storage options that matter for your week’s supply.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free status and cross-contamination | Check the current packaging for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain symbol. If you have a separate allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information too. | If I have coeliac disease, I want to be able to choose and store bread without crumbs from ordinary bread getting mixed in. For around 50% of consumers, this assurance that the bread is gluten-free comes first. |
| Nutritional information | Compare the fibre and salt per 100 g, and check whether the ingredients include iodised salt. The Voedingscentrum says that bread does not have to be made with bakers’ salt. | If I regularly replace ordinary bread, I want to know what the bread I choose adds to my meals. For around 30% of consumers, nutritional information is the most important consideration. |
| Weekly supplies and storage | Compare the pack weight with how much you eat, and follow the storage instructions, including any advice on freezing. | I want to have enough bread at home for breakfast and lunch without leaving an opened pack unused. For around 20% of consumers, ease of storage matters most. |
The colour of the bread or where it sits on the shelf tells you nothing about whether it’s suitable for a gluten-free diet. The Voedingscentrum points out that even a stray bread crumb can matter if you have coeliac disease.
Choose based on the current information on the packaging, and keep gluten-free bread at home separate from bread containing gluten, as well as from used chopping boards and toasters.
Gluten-free bread may still contain soya or carry warnings about other allergens. This information is particularly important if you have an allergy as well as coeliac disease.
Check that the product is labelled gluten-free, then read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack you’re buying.
According to the Voedingscentrum, bread does not have to be made with bakers’ salt. So you need to check the ingredients of each gluten-free bread product.
If you regularly replace ordinary bread, check the ingredients for iodised salt or bakers’ salt.
If a pack will last longer than the recommended storage period once opened, some of it may go to waste.
Read the storage instructions before buying several packs. Albert Heijn says its gluten-free white bread can be frozen on the day of purchase.
Albert Heijn describes AH Glutenvrij Wit brood half as a 480 g loaf that can be eaten straight away or frozen.
Jumbo describes Lekker Vrij van Gluten Wit as a 500 g loaf of sliced white bread.
PLUS lists products including PLUS Wit glutenvrij and Schär Meisterbäcker Classic in its gluten-free bread range.
Dirk lists Schär Meisterbäcker Classic and Vital among its search results for gluten-free bread.
Lidl directs shoppers to its standard range for gluten-free products.
ALDI lists gluten-free rolls as part of its bread range.
No. Ordinary white bread is not a suitable substitute for bread labelled gluten-free on the packaging or bearing the Crossed Grain symbol. Keep your chosen gluten-free bread separate from bread containing gluten and any crumbs at home too; the Voedingscentrum highlights how important this is if you have coeliac disease.
Yes, if you have another allergy as well as coeliac disease. Gluten-free white bread may contain soya, for example, or carry warnings about eggs, milk or nuts. So read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging of the product you choose.
No, don’t assume it does. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread does not have to be made with bakers’ salt. Check the ingredients of your chosen bread to see whether it contains iodised salt or bakers’ salt.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and check whether freezing is recommended for that bread. Albert Heijn says that AH Glutenvrij Wit brood half can be frozen on the day of purchase; open only as much as you’ll use.
