Who is this choice relevant to?

A guest who eats strictly gluten-free

For a guest with coeliac disease, both a clearly gluten-free base and avoiding crumbs while preparing the topping are important. According to the Voedingscentrum, even a stray bread crumb can cause symptoms.

Anyone who wants to keep the rusk tradition

If the treat needs to look like the familiar Dutch rusk with aniseed sprinkles, gluten-free rusks are a more natural choice than a Kaiser roll. Albert Heijn lists Schär Zwieback as gluten-free rusks.

Anyone who would rather serve Kaiser rolls

With rolls, you’ll need to choose between a long-life and a frozen option. Compare the preparation, storage and other allergen information for the specific product; these differ between the Schär Kaiserbrötchen and Kaisersemmel listed by Jumbo.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether the rusk shape or a Kaiser roll matters more to you. Then check every part of the treat and how you’ll serve it.

What to consider What to check before buying Especially relevant for
Serving gluten-free Check the gluten-free claim, the ingredients and allergen information for the aniseed sprinkles, and whether you can prepare them without contact with ordinary bread crumbs. If I’m serving someone with coeliac disease, I want the whole treat to suit their gluten-free diet and to be prepared separately; around 46% of consumers prioritise this.
Traditional rusk shape Check that the product is specifically gluten-free rusks and that the aniseed sprinkles you choose are suitable. Anyone who wants to keep the familiar rusk-and-aniseed-sprinkles presentation may prefer a rusk to a roll; around 36% of consumers favour this shape.
Roll shape and preparation Compare long-life and frozen options, and read the preparation, storage and allergen information for the product you choose. I’d rather serve a Kaiser roll and want to know how much preparation it involves; around 18% of consumers prioritise this type of roll and ease of use.

Common mistakes

  • Checking the rusks but not the aniseed sprinkles

    A gluten-free base doesn’t automatically mean the topping is suitable. Holland Snack Express lists wheat starch in De Ruijter Blue & White Muisjes and names wheat and cereals containing gluten as allergens; this doesn’t tell you about every other variety.

    Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of both the aniseed sprinkles and the bread alternative.

  • Underestimating crumbs from ordinary rusks

    If ordinary rusks or bread are also on the table, crumbs can get onto the gluten-free food while you’re preparing it. The Voedingscentrum warns that even a stray bread crumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease.

    Use a clean knife, a clean work surface and a separate serving plate. Also make sure shared butter or margarine hasn’t picked up any bread crumbs.

  • Assuming every roll contains iodised baker’s salt

    According to the Voedingscentrum, bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt. Jumbo lists iodised salt in Schär Kaiserbrötchen; you shouldn’t assume this applies to another variety.

    Check the ingredients list for iodised salt or baker’s salt in the rolls you choose. If you’re buying unpackaged rolls, ask which ingredients have been used.

  • Treating a frozen roll like a long-life product

    The Schär Kaisersemmel listed by Jumbo needs different planning from the long-life Kaiserbrötchen: once thawed, the frozen version must not be refrozen and should be eaten within one day.

    Read the storage and preparation instructions before buying, and choose a product that suits when you plan to serve it.

Brands and retailers to consider

Schär

The product listings reviewed include Schär Zwieback rusks and two different gluten-free Kaiser rolls.

  • You can compare a rusk option with both a long-life and a frozen roll option.
  • The roll options differ in storage requirements and allergen information. Always check the packaging of the product you choose.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists Schär Zwieback as gluten-free rusks for anyone looking for the traditional rusk shape.

  • The product listing describes the rusks as free from gluten and wheat.
  • Ingredients and allergen information can change, so read the packaging of the product you actually use.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists both long-life Schär Kaiserbrötchen and frozen Schär Kaisersemmel.

  • The two product listings make it easy to compare preparation and storage instructions for each option.
  • The options don’t have the same storage requirements or allergen information, so don’t choose based on shape alone.

PLUS

PLUS lists the long-life Schär Kaiserbrötchen as gluten-free rolls.

  • The product information mentions soya, possible traces of mustard and iodised salt, so you can check these details for this particular option.
  • When serving, refer to the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging you receive.

Related Joybuy products

Matching products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use ordinary aniseed sprinkles on gluten-free rusks?

First check the packaging of the aniseed sprinkles you’ve chosen. Holland Snack Express lists wheat starch in De Ruijter Blue & White Muisjes and names wheat and cereals containing gluten as allergens; don’t assume the same applies to other varieties.

What does the ‘gluten-free’ label on packaging mean?

According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, a product carrying this label may contain less than 20 mg of gluten per kg of product. Check the label on the specific product and assess the topping separately.

How should I serve gluten-free rusks alongside ordinary rusks?

Add the topping to the gluten-free rusks using clean utensils and keep them separate from ordinary bread crumbs. According to the Voedingscentrum, even a stray crumb can cause symptoms for someone with coeliac disease, so take care with shared butter or margarine too.

Do all gluten-free Kaiser rolls contain iodised salt?

Don’t assume they do. Jumbo lists iodised salt in the long-life Schär Kaiserbrötchen, while the frozen Kaisersemmel reviewed lists salt. The Voedingscentrum says bread doesn’t have to be baked with baker’s salt, so check the ingredients list for the product you choose.

How should I store gluten-free Kaiser rolls?

Follow the instructions for the product you choose. According to Jumbo, long-life Schär Kaiserbrötchen should be stored in a cool, dry place and eaten within a few days of opening, or frozen straight away. Frozen Kaisersemmel must not be refrozen once thawed and should then be eaten within one day.