Households affected by coeliac disease
You need the specific loaf to be clearly labelled gluten-free. You’ll also want to prevent it coming into contact with gluten-containing bread during storage and toasting.
Who is this distinction important for?
People who often make toast and sandwiches
You’re looking for a sliced gluten-free sourdough loaf with slices and a texture that work well for breakfast toast or filled sandwiches.
Those interested in heartier organic breads
Ingredients such as chia, quinoa or amaranth, along with organic credentials, matter to you. You might also consider a loaf that doesn’t have the texture of soft toast bread.
What should you look for when buying?
First, check that the specific pack is labelled gluten-free. Then decide whether slice size, ingredients or a heartier bread style matters most for how you plan to use it.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free labelling | Does the specific pack say ‘gluten-free’? Sourdough, long fermentation or artisan production are no substitute for this label. | If you’re buying bread because of coeliac disease, you’ll want to know before opening the pack whether it’s suitable. Around 36% of consumers put clear gluten-free labelling and protection against mix-ups first. |
| Shape for toast and sandwiches | Is the bread sliced, and will the slices fit in the toaster you plan to use? | If you make toast in the morning or prepare sandwiches, you’ll want slices that work for these everyday uses. Around 22% of consumers prioritise this practicality. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current ingredients list and highlighted allergens on the pack if you need to avoid other ingredients. | If anyone in your household needs to avoid ingredients other than gluten, the specific recipe must be suitable. Ingredients and allergen information are the top buying criteria for around 21% of consumers. |
| Bread style and organic credentials | Choose between soft sliced bread and sourdough with seeds or pseudocereals; compare nutrition information if needed. | Some people specifically want a heartier loaf rather than a toast-style slice. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this style of bread or its organic credentials. |
Which mistakes can you avoid?
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Assuming sourdough means gluten-free
Sourdough bread can contain wheat or rye. Fermentation alone doesn’t make this type of bread suitable for people with coeliac disease.
Check that the specific product is labelled gluten-free, rather than relying on terms such as ‘sourdough’ or ‘artisan-made’.
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Overlooking crumbs in a shared toaster
Gluten-free bread can come into contact with crumbs from gluten-containing bread when you toast it.
The German Coeliac Society recommends using a separate toaster. If that isn’t possible, suitable toast bags can help. Keep work surfaces and utensils clean, too.
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Assuming every bread from a brand is the same
A brand’s gluten-free range doesn’t mean that every sourdough or toast variety has the same recipe or will suit your needs.
Each time you buy, check the labelling, ingredients list and allergen information on the current pack.
Brands to consider
Schär
Schär offers gluten-free breads and rolls. Meisterbäckers Classic is one example of a soft, sliced sourdough loaf in its range.
- Schär describes Meisterbäckers Classic as a light, soft and moist gluten-free sourdough loaf. This is the manufacturer’s product description, not an independent test of how well it toasts.
- Check the specific pack to make sure the ingredients and allergens are suitable.
Schnitzer
Schnitzer offers organic gluten-free sourdough breads, including varieties with chia and quinoa, as well as amaranth.
- These ingredients may appeal to consumers looking for a different style of bread from a light sliced loaf.
- The term ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you whether the slice size and texture will work for the toast you want to make.
Suitable products at Joybuy
Suitable products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough bread automatically gluten-free if you have coeliac disease?
No. Sourdough describes how bread is made, not how much gluten the finished loaf contains. Even with artisan sourdough, check that the specific product is labelled gluten-free.
Can I toast gluten-free sourdough in a shared toaster?
Only if the bread won’t come into contact with crumbs from gluten-containing bread. The German Coeliac Society recommends using a separate toaster; suitable toast bags can be an alternative.
What should I look for if my gluten-free bread contains oats?
Oats alone aren’t enough to establish that a loaf is gluten-free. Check that the finished product is labelled gluten-free and read the ingredients on the specific pack.