Rye bread containing rye is not gluten-free: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, rye contains gluten. If you’re catering for someone with coeliac disease, choose a product labelled ‘gluten-free’, check the allergen information and avoid cross-contamination with gluten during preparation and serving. Bread or a bread mix works well for a Christmas brunch, while crackers and crispbread are ideal for small topped bites.
You’re looking for a product labelled ‘gluten-free’ and want to prevent it coming into contact with gluten during preparation or at the table. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists rye as a gluten-containing grain, while the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the importance of allergen information.
You’d like to serve topped slices or rolls rather than small crackers. Jumbo and PLUS list a range of gluten-free bread options, including loaves and bread rolls; check the packaging to see exactly what you’re buying.
You’re looking for a crisp base for topped bites and comparing fibre per 100 g and allergen information. Product details from Jumbo and PLUS show that crackers and crispbread can vary in these respects.
First, check that the product is labelled gluten-free. Then choose a style that suits the meal and compare the nutritional information and allergens in the options you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Read the ‘gluten-free’ label and allergen information on the packaging; don’t judge by the dark colour or the name of a bread. | If I’m serving someone with coeliac disease, I want to be able to check what’s in the product and avoid contact with gluten; this reassurance is the priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Style to suit the meal | Compare bread or rolls for brunch with crackers or crispbread for small topped bites; if you’re buying a baking mix, read the preparation instructions. | For brunch, I want bread I can add toppings to, while for drinks I’d rather make small bites; the style of food served is the deciding factor for around 30% of consumers. |
| Nutritional information and allergens | Compare fibre per 100 g and read the listed allergens and ‘may contain’ information, especially if guests have more than one dietary restriction. | When I’m shopping for several guests, I want to know which ingredients besides gluten matter and how the fibre content varies; this is the most important factor for around 30% of consumers. |
Rye contains gluten, according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. So a dark loaf, or a product that looks like rye bread, isn’t automatically a gluten-free alternative.
Choose a product labelled ‘gluten-free’ and read the ingredients and allergen information before serving it to a guest with coeliac disease.
A range page doesn’t tell you which pack you’ll end up with or what’s available in your local shop. Ingredient information and details about contact with gluten are important for unwrapped rolls, too.
Check the product again when you buy it. For unwrapped products, ask for the allergen information and find out how they’re prepared and served.
Jumbo lists 2.3 g of fibre per 100 g for its gluten-free light crackers. PLUS also lists other relevant allergens for Wasa sesame crispbread: the sesame variety may contain milk, mustard and soya.
Compare fibre using the same units and check the current allergen information for each variety you choose.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread is an important source of iodine in the Netherlands because bakers use baker’s salt, but they don’t always use it.
If bread makes up a large part of your diet over a long period, check the ingredients of the products you buy regularly. Don’t draw conclusions about your overall nutrient intake from a single Christmas meal.
Jumbo lists a range of gluten-free bread products from Schär, including mini baguettes, ciabatta and other types of bread.
PLUS lists gluten-free Wasa crispbread in a classic variety and a sesame variety.
Jumbo lists gluten-free light crackers in this own-brand range.
This bread mix is an option if you’d like to bake gluten-free bread for Christmas brunch rather than serve ready-made bread or crackers. Allow time for preparation and check the packaging before you start.
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For a brunch where you’d like to bake your own bread. This is a 1 kg gluten-free bread mix, not a loaf that’s ready to serve.
Before baking, read the instructions and allergen information on the current packaging; pay particular attention to soya. Take care to avoid possible contact with gluten during preparation and serving.
Not if it contains rye: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, rye is a gluten-containing grain. Choose an alternative labelled ‘gluten-free’ for your guest, and also check the ingredients and how it will be served.
Look for the ‘gluten-free’ label on the packaging; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre also lists the Crossed Grain trademark as a way to identify gluten-free products. Check the current ingredients and allergen information as well, especially if other allergies are involved.
You’ll need to make extra checks: before buying, ask for the allergen information and how the rolls are prepared and served. With a pre-packed product, you can check the gluten-free label and ingredients on the packaging yourself; in either case, avoid contact with gluten when serving.
An online range doesn’t guarantee that an individual shop has the product in stock. Check what’s available locally shortly before you buy, then read the packaging of the product you actually choose.
No, don’t assume it does. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes bread as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands because of baker’s salt, but not every baker uses it in every loaf. If you replace bread over a long period, check the ingredients of the products you use regularly.
