If you’re buying bread for someone with coeliac disease, first check that the packaging explicitly says ‘gluten-free’ or displays the Crossed Grain trademark. Then look for the organic label: organic bread isn’t automatically gluten-free, and gluten-free bread isn’t automatically organic. If you eat the bread regularly, compare the nutrition information, ingredients and storage instructions too.
They want to check that the packaging confirms the bread is gluten-free, rather than relying on words such as organic, spelt or multigrain. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre identifies the gluten-free label and the Crossed Grain trademark as useful indicators.
They want to find both labels on the same loaf, rather than assuming that a shop’s organic range says anything about whether an individual product is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
As well as checking the gluten-free label, they want to assess the ingredients, fibre, storage instructions and the role bread plays in their daily diet. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that cutting out ordinary bread can affect iodine intake.
Start by checking whether the specific loaf is suitable for a gluten-free diet. Then check the organic label and, if you eat the bread often, compare the nutrition information and storage instructions.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free suitability | Look for ‘gluten-free’ or the Crossed Grain trademark on the current packaging. Check the ingredients and allergen information too. | When I buy bread for someone with coeliac disease, I want to confirm it’s gluten-free without relying on a general bread name. This check comes first for around 50% of consumers. |
| Organic label | Check for both the gluten-free label and the European organic logo on the pre-packed bread you choose. | I want to shop organically, but only buy bread that is also clearly labelled as gluten-free. This combination is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Everyday use | Compare fibre and salt per 100 g, and check the ingredients, including whether iodised salt is used, as well as the storage instructions. | When gluten-free bread often replaces my usual bread, I want to know what I’m eating regularly and how to store it. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this everyday practicality. |
These words don’t confirm that bread is suitable for someone with coeliac disease. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre lists wheat, spelt, rye and barley as grains containing gluten.
First check the bread for a gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain trademark. Assess any organic label separately.
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten. So the presence of oats doesn’t automatically make a loaf suitable for someone with coeliac disease.
For bread containing oats, check the product for a gluten-free label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends the official Crossed Grain trademark for oat products.
The label doesn’t tell you how much fibre or salt the bread contains, or whether it’s made with iodised salt. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, iodine intake can fall when you cut out ordinary bread.
Compare the nutrition information and ingredients of the loaves you’re considering. If you have questions about replacing ordinary bread long term, speak to a specialist dietitian.
A gluten-free bread or organic bread category doesn’t prove that a particular loaf has both qualities. A product shown previously may also have been discontinued.
Check the individual product and current availability before making a special trip to buy a particular loaf.
Albert Heijn has a gluten-free bread category. The product page for Consenza Vezelrijk zadenbrood chia describes it as both organic and gluten-free.
Jumbo features products such as Jumbo Lekker Vrij and Yam in its gluten-free bread category.
PLUS has a gluten-free bread category featuring products from PLUS and Yam, among others.
Dirk shows gluten-free bread in its search results and also has a separate organic products category.
Alongside its regular range, Lidl lists additional gluten-free products that may vary depending on what’s available at the time.
ALDI lists gluten-free rolls in its bakery range and also has a separate organic range.
No. The organic and gluten-free labels mean different things. If you’re buying bread for someone with coeliac disease, check for the gluten-free label or the Crossed Grain trademark. If organic is a condition of your purchase, also look for the European organic logo on the pre-packed bread you choose.
Not all bread containing oats is suitable. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, oats can be contaminated with gluten, so check the bread’s gluten-free credentials. For oat products, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends the official Crossed Grain trademark.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that iodine intake can fall if you cut out ordinary bread. Check whether iodised salt or baker’s salt is listed in the ingredients of gluten-free bread, but don’t assume that every gluten-free loaf contains it. If you have questions about replacing ordinary bread long term, a specialist dietitian can help assess your overall diet.
Follow the storage instructions for the bread you’ve bought, as they vary by product. For Consenza Vezelrijk zadenbrood chia, Albert Heijn advises storing it in a cool, dry, dark place and using it within two days of opening.
The organic label alone doesn’t confirm that bread is suitable for a gluten-free diet. If you’re buying for someone with coeliac disease, choose a product clearly identified as gluten-free and check the current product information. Don’t assume it’s suitable based on the shop section where the bread is sold.
