If you have coeliac disease, look for bread labelled ‘gluten-free’ first, rather than simply choosing brown or multi-seed bread. Then check whether it is genuinely wholemeal, how much fibre it contains per 100 g, whether the label lists iodised baker’s salt, and whether the pack size suits the number of meals you want to make.
You’re looking for bread for a simple meal and need to avoid gluten. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, even a bread crumb can cause symptoms if you have coeliac disease. That’s why a gluten-free label and avoiding contact with ordinary bread matter more than the product’s colour or name.
You want to use bread for several meals without leaving an opened pack sitting around. Check how much bread is in the pack and decide in advance which portions you’ll use.
You shouldn’t assume gluten-free bread has the same fibre content or contains iodised baker’s salt. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, so check the nutrition information and ingredients for the bread you choose.
When choosing bread for a meal if you have coeliac disease, look for a gluten-free label first. Then compare the wholemeal claims, nutrition information and pack sizes of the products you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten and crumbs | Look for the words ‘gluten-free’ on the pack and use clean kitchen utensils at home if ordinary bread is being prepared too. | If I have coeliac disease, I want to be able to prepare a bread-based meal without crumbs from ordinary bread. For around 42% of consumers, avoiding gluten is the top priority. |
| Portions and waste | Check the pack weight and work out how many portions you can use or store. | On a tight weekly budget, I don’t want to open more bread than I’ll use for my meals. Around 33% of consumers prioritise planning portions. |
| Fibre and iodine | Check the wholemeal claim, fibre per 100 g and the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt. | When I replace ordinary wholemeal bread, I want to know how much fibre the new bread contains and what kind of salt has been used. For around 25% of consumers, this nutrition information matters most. |
The word ‘wholemeal’ doesn’t mean that bread is gluten-free. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a gluten-free diet is essential if you have coeliac disease.
Choose bread labelled ‘gluten-free’ first, and avoid contact with crumbs from ordinary bread when preparing it.
A dark colour or the name ‘multi-seed’ doesn’t tell you whether gluten-free bread is wholemeal or how much fibre it contains.
Check the product description, ingredients and fibre per 100 g on the pack.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it.
Check the ingredients for baker’s salt or iodised salt. If the bread isn’t packaged, ask what kind of salt has been used.
If you only use some of the bread for one meal, you’ll have some left in the opened pack.
Choose a pack size that suits your needs, or freeze portions if you won’t use them in time.
Albert Heijn’s AH Glutenvrij range includes dark and light multi-seed bread, as well as rolls.
Jumbo’s gluten-free bread category includes products such as Céréal Gluten Free Lactose Free Volkorenbrood, Schär multigrain bread and own-brand bread.
PLUS’s range includes gluten-free brown bread, multi-seed bread and rolls.
ALDI Netherlands lists both wholemeal rolls and gluten-free options in its bakery range.
Dirk stocks ordinary wholemeal bread and also has a search section for gluten-free products.
Not just because of its name or colour. Choose bread labelled ‘gluten-free’. ‘Brown’ and ‘multi-seed’ also don’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal.
Yes. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, even a stray bread crumb can cause symptoms if you have coeliac disease. Avoid contact with ordinary bread when slicing, toasting, topping and storing it.
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but using it isn’t compulsory. Check the label or ask the baker what kind of salt was used in the bread.
Plan how many portions you want to use from the pack. Choose a pack size that suits your needs, or freeze the remaining portions if you won’t eat them in time.
