For guests with coeliac disease, choose crackers whose current packaging clearly states ‘gluten-free’ or carries the Crossed Grain symbol. Also arrange for them to be served separately: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, even a stray breadcrumb can matter, and a product label does not prevent contact with gluten at a shared buffet. Small packs can make portioning easier, but check each variety for other allergens too.
You need to assess both the gluten-free claim on the packaging and how the crackers will be served. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that even a stray breadcrumb can matter; the Dutch Coeliac Society emphasises the importance of preventing cross-contamination when serving gluten-free meals.
You want allergen information to be available before guests make their choices, and you need to prevent crackers from coming into contact with regular bread products or shared serving equipment when they are opened or served.
You also need to check each specific cracker for other relevant allergens. The product information reviewed from Jumbo and Albert Heijn lists, among other things, soya and possible traces of milk, sesame or mustard in various gluten-free options.
Start by checking the current gluten-free claim and how the crackers will be served. Then compare the other allergens and the packaging with your conference schedule.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Serving gluten-free crackers | Check for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain symbol on the current packaging. If the crackers will not be handed out in sealed packs, plan to open and serve them separately. | At a buffet for guests with coeliac disease, I want to prevent crumbs from getting onto their crackers via shared equipment. For around 36% of consumers, safe serving is the top priority. |
| Other allergens | Check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety, and make sure guests can consult it before the crackers are served. | If guests have also mentioned other allergies, I don’t want to assume that ‘gluten-free’ also means free from soya or sesame. Around 29% of consumers give complete allergen information the highest priority. |
| Portions and packaging | Check the number of portions and individual packs. Work out how many packs need to be opened for each break. | When serving several tables, I want to be able to distribute small quantities without opening everything at once. Portioning comes first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Fibre and toppings | Compare the stated fibre per 100 g and the portion size. Consider whether the cracker you choose will work with the planned toppings, while still checking for allergens. | When crackers are part of lunch, I also want to consider the nutritional information and how they pair with the toppings. For around 14% of consumers, this is the first thing they consider. |
The main ingredient alone does not tell you whether a specific cracker is sold as gluten-free. For guests with coeliac disease, the claim on the current packaging is the starting point when choosing a product.
When the delivery arrives, check for the gluten-free claim or Crossed Grain symbol, and keep the allergen information for that variety with your catering plan.
A gluten-free cracker can come into contact with gluten-containing crumbs when it is opened, topped or served. The Dutch Coeliac Society recommends procedures for gluten-free meals that prevent cross-contamination.
Where possible, keep packs sealed until serving and use a separate work surface, plate, pair of tongs and topping station. Brief staff on the procedure in advance.
According to Jumbo’s product information, Schär Crackers contain soya. Albert Heijn states that Wasa Gluten- en lactosevrij classic may contain milk, soya, sesame and mustard.
Check the full allergen information for each variety and make it clear to guests which information applies to which cracker.
A brand name does not tell you enough about the ingredients. Joybuy’s product information lists wheat flour for Wasa Delicate Crackers Zeezout; this is not the same variety as Wasa Gluten- en lactosevrij classic.
If you substitute a product, check the full product name, ingredients, allergens and gluten-free claim on the packaging that will actually be delivered.
These examples show which product features can make a difference when choosing catering supplies. Check the exact variety and current packaging for every order.
The 130 g Luchtige Crackers are an option when you need a simple gluten-free cracker for several portions.
According to Jumbo, the gluten-free crackers reviewed are sold as six 35 g packs, making it possible to serve them by table or coffee break.
Wasa Gluten- en lactosevrij classic is a crispbread option for anyone who also wants to compare portion sizes and the stated fibre content.
The Mini crackers 4-pack is an example of a gluten-free multipack that can be served in smaller units.
Yes. In the Netherlands, guests must be able to get information about allergens present in food served unwrapped before making their choice. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that, where cereals containing gluten are concerned, it must also be clear which cereals are involved.
No. The gluten-free claim on the packaging does not prevent contact with gluten during serving. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre highlights how even a stray breadcrumb can matter for someone with coeliac disease. So plan to open, top and serve the crackers separately, following procedures that prevent cross-contamination.
Not necessarily. Jumbo lists soya for Schär Crackers; according to Albert Heijn, Wasa Gluten- en lactosevrij classic may contain milk, soya, sesame and mustard. Check the allergen information for the exact variety against your guests’ dietary requirements.
Check the current packaging, allergen information, number of portions and availability of the variety you have chosen. Then plan to serve the crackers sealed or separately, as appropriate, based on confirmed dietary requirements and the conference schedule.
