Parents choosing bread for a child with coeliac disease
For them, the gluten-free labelling on the current packaging, the allergen information and avoiding contact with ordinary bread while preparing the snack all matter.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Families who keep bread in stock
For an after-school snack, it makes a difference whether the bread is ready to eat straight away or needs defrosting first. Portion size and storage instructions matter too.
Families comparing nutritional information
If you serve gluten-free white bread regularly, you can compare fibre and salt per 100 g and check the ingredients list to see whether iodised salt has been used.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking the gluten-free labelling and allergen information on the current packaging. Then compare the nutritional information and storage instructions for an after-school snack.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free suitability | Check the gluten-free labelling on the current packaging and avoid contact with crumbs from ordinary bread when preparing the snack. | If I’m preparing bread for a child with coeliac disease, I also need to watch out for what could get onto it from a knife or chopping board. Around 33% of consumers give this suitability the highest priority. |
| Other allergens | Check both which allergens the bread contains and which it may contain. If you’re taking it to school, bear any arrangements in place in mind. | If another allergy is also a concern, the bread needs to be suitable for that situation; gluten-free labelling alone isn’t enough. Around 27% of consumers prioritise other allergens. |
| Nutritional information | Compare fibre and salt per 100 g and check the ingredients list for iodised salt. | If I serve this bread regularly, I want to be able to compare what it contains per 100 g. Around 20% of consumers prioritise comparing this information on the label. |
| Storage and portions | Check the pack weight, storage instructions and any defrosting time. | If the snack needs to be ready straight after school, I don’t want to have to defrost rolls first; for individual portions, I can plan ahead. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming gluten-free means free from other allergens
According to Jumbo, its Jumbo Lekker Vrij white bread contains soya and may contain egg, milk and nuts. Albert Heijn also lists the possible presence of other allergens for its gluten-free white half loaf.
For the specific bread, check both the allergens listed as present and any warnings about possible traces, and take the individual care plan into account.
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Relying only on an online product description
Ingredients and allergen information can change. For a snack for someone with coeliac disease, it’s therefore important to check the information on the packaging of the product you’re actually using.
Read the label when you buy it and again before preparing the bread. Don’t choose a pack if the gluten-free labelling or relevant allergen information is unclear.
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Assuming frozen rolls are ready to eat straight away
According to Jumbo’s product information, Odenwald Bakery’s gluten-free white rolls need around three hours to defrost. Once defrosted, they must not be refrozen and will keep for up to two days.
Plan ahead to allow time for defrosting, or choose bread that’s ready to use without any preparation.
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Assuming all gluten-free bread contains iodised salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bread made with iodised baker’s salt is an important source of iodine in the Netherlands, but using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory.
Check the ingredients list to see whether your chosen bread contains iodised salt or baker’s salt, rather than assuming this based on the type of bread.
Brands to consider
AH Glutenvrij
Albert Heijn describes a 480 g gluten-free white half loaf that’s ready to eat or can be frozen at home.
- The product information lists 10 g of fibre per 100 g and iodised salt.
- The information mentions the possible presence of egg, milk, soya, oats, lactose, almonds and hazelnuts. Check the current packaging if any of these allergens are relevant.
Jumbo Lekker Vrij
The range includes a 500 g gluten-free white bread option; Jumbo also lists other types of bread in the range.
- For the white option, Jumbo lists around 12 portions and iodised salt.
- This option contains soya and may contain egg, milk and nuts. The characteristics of this bread don’t necessarily apply to the rest of the range.
Schär
The Schär range shown by Jumbo includes several types of gluten-free bread, including Meesterbakker Classic and ciabatta.
- Other types of bread give you something to compare if a standard white loaf isn’t the snack you’re looking for.
- Check the nutritional information, allergens and packaging for each individual option; these details aren’t the same across the range.
Odenwald Bakery
Jumbo describes Odenwald Bakery’s oval gluten-free white frozen rolls, packed as 2 × 90 g.
- A pack of two individual rolls can be handy if you’re planning portions in advance.
- According to the product information, the rolls contain soya, need around three hours to defrost and must not be refrozen once defrosted.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is ordinary white bread suitable for someone with coeliac disease?
No, ordinary white wheat bread isn’t a suitable alternative. Choose bread whose current packaging clearly states that it is gluten-free, and check the allergen information before preparing it.
Does gluten-free also mean free from other allergens?
No. Jumbo lists soya as an allergen in its white Lekker Vrij bread and warns that it may also contain egg, milk and nuts. For each option, check the allergen information on the packaging of the specific product.
When does iodised salt matter in gluten-free bread?
It’s worth checking the label if bread is eaten regularly. According to the Voedingscentrum, bread made with iodised baker’s salt is an important source of iodine in the Netherlands, but not all bread is made with this salt. So check the ingredients in the bread you choose.