Is the Netherlands Good for Gluten-Free? A Complete Guide for Celiac Travelers

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

An estimated 170,000 Dutch people have celiac disease, yet only a fraction are diagnosed, which drives growing awareness for gluten-free options. This evolving landscape means that for visitors asking, "Is the Netherlands good for gluten-free?" the answer is a reassuring yes, provided you know where to look and what to ask for.

Quick Summary

The Netherlands is a manageable destination for gluten-free diners, with many supermarkets stocking dedicated products and major cities offering excellent restaurant choices. Awareness continues to improve, and local resources from the Dutch Celiac Association make finding safe food easier than ever. Preparation is key to a smooth and delicious trip.

Key Points

Positive Trend: The Netherlands is increasingly accommodating for gluten-free diets, with awareness growing significantly in recent years.
Accredited Dining: The Dutch Coeliac Association (NCV) certifies restaurants with a "Lekker Glutenvrij" label, ensuring safe, audited gluten-free meals.
Excellent Grocery Access: Major supermarket chains like Albert Heijn and Jumbo offer extensive gluten-free product ranges in dedicated sections nationwide.
Key Phrase Communication: Learning Dutch phrases like glutenvrij (gluten-free) and coeliakie (celiac) is essential for clear communication, even with English-speaking staff.
Mindful of Wheat Starch: Be aware of glutenvrij tarwezetmeel (gluten-free wheat starch), as some highly sensitive individuals may still react.
Seek Specialty Shops: For the widest range and guaranteed safety, visit dedicated gluten-free bakeries and markets like De Glutenvrije Winkel in Amsterdam.
Caution with Fried Foods: Traditional Dutch fried snacks often pose a cross-contamination risk due to shared fryers, so always ask about dedicated equipment.

Eating Gluten-Free in Dutch Restaurants

Dining out safely with a gluten-free diet in the Netherlands is highly achievable, particularly in larger cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. The Netherlands Coeliac Association (NCV) plays a crucial role in ensuring safe options are available through its "Lekker Glutenvrij" (Delicious Gluten-Free) programme. Accredited restaurants proudly display this logo, signaling they meet strict safety standards, including precautions against cross-contamination, and are audited annually.

Accredited and Celiac-Friendly Restaurants

To find reliable, accredited eateries, the NCV's website and the dedicated Glutenvrije Horeca app are invaluable resources. These platforms list restaurants verified for their safe practices. Additionally, major restaurant chains are often reliable, though menu options can vary by location.

Van der Valk: A popular chain found across the country, generally known for accommodating gluten-free requests.
McDonald's: Some locations offer gluten-free burgers, but checking ahead is essential.
Pizza Restaurants: Chains like New York Pizza and Domino's often provide gluten-free bases. Dedicated spots like Pizza Amsterdam also offer full gluten-free menus and separate preparation.

Navigating Cross-Contamination

While many Dutch restaurants are helpful, awareness of cross-contamination can differ. It is always best to explicitly state your medical need for a gluten-free meal (coeliakie) and inquire about their kitchen procedures. Be cautious with popular Dutch fried snacks (bitterballen, frikadellen, friet), as they are often cooked in a shared deep-fryer with gluten-containing items. A dedicated fryer for fries is sometimes available, but you must ask.

Shopping for Gluten-Free Groceries

The availability of gluten-free products in Dutch supermarkets is excellent and has significantly improved over the last decade. Most major grocery chains now have a dedicated dietary section (glutenvrij).

Major Supermarket Options

Albert Heijn (AH): A leader with a large selection of their own branded gluten-free products, marked with a clear symbol.
Jumbo: Also carries a wide range of gluten-free items, including its own brand.
Lidl & Aldi: These discount supermarkets often have basic gluten-free essentials in stock.
Plus & Dirk: Other common chains with varying but usually sufficient gluten-free selections.

Specialty Stores and Bakeries

For a broader range of products or for those with more specific needs, specialty stores are the answer. Health food chains like Ekoplaza and Holland & Barrett offer organic and alternative options. For dedicated bakeries, Amsterdam is home to the renowned De Glutenvrije Winkel, a 100% gluten-free market and bakery. Online shopping is also a viable option, with several webshops delivering gluten-free goods nationwide.

Gluten-Free vs. Wheat-Free in the Netherlands

An important distinction in the Netherlands is the use of "gluten-free wheat starch" (glutenvrij tarwezetmeel). In Europe, products containing this can be labeled gluten-free if the final product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, as it is processed to remove the gluten. However, some individuals with a high sensitivity to wheat may still react. If you must avoid all wheat, look for tarwevrij (wheat-free) and communicate this clearly.

Key Dutch Phrases for Gluten-Free Travelers

Communicating your dietary needs is vital for a safe experience. While English is widely spoken, having some Dutch phrases on hand is helpful.

I have celiac disease: Ik heb coeliakie.
Gluten-free: Glutenvrij
Does this contain gluten?: Bevat dit gluten?
Is this prepared separately?: Wordt dit apart bereid?
Wheat-free: Tarwevrij

Comparison of Supermarket Types


Feature	Major Chains (Albert Heijn, Jumbo)	Health Stores (Ekoplaza, Holland & Barrett)	Dedicated Stores (De Glutenvrije Winkel)
Product Range	Good range of essentials (bread, pasta, cookies), own brands available.	Broader organic, specialty, and niche free-from products.	100% gluten-free, including fresh bakery items, treats, and frozen goods.
Pricing	Often more affordable, especially store brands.	Can be more expensive than major chains.	Prices may be higher due to specialized production costs.
Availability	Excellent nationwide coverage, found in every town.	More concentrated in larger cities; limited availability in smaller towns.	Typically only in major cities or online only.
Risk of Cross-Contamination	Low risk for packaged goods; potential for baked goods prepared in-store.	Very low risk for packaged goods; check with in-store bakeries.	Virtually zero risk due to dedicated premises.

Conclusion: Making the Netherlands Good for Gluten-Free

Overall, the Netherlands is a very accommodating destination for gluten-free travelers, with a strong support network and increasing awareness. Success hinges on preparation and proper communication, especially for those with celiac disease or high sensitivity. By utilizing the NCV's resources, being mindful of potential cross-contamination in restaurants, and taking advantage of the excellent supermarket and specialty store offerings, a gluten-free trip to the Netherlands can be both safe and enjoyable. For further information and support, visiting the official website of the Nederlandse Coeliakie Vereniging is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, yes. Like most major European cities, Amsterdam has a higher concentration of dedicated gluten-free restaurants, specialty shops, and greater overall awareness among food establishments. Options in smaller towns may be more limited and require greater diligence.

The NCV is the Dutch Coeliac Association. It is a patient association that is a key resource for celiacs, offering an accredited restaurant program (Lekker Glutenvrij), supporting research, and providing information and community support.

When booking or ordering, state that you have coeliakie (celiac disease) and ask if they can prepare your meal glutenvrij (gluten-free) while avoiding kruisbesmetting (cross-contamination).

The potatoes themselves are gluten-free, but they are often fried in a communal fryer where gluten-containing items (like bitterballen) are also cooked, posing a high risk of cross-contamination. You must ask if a dedicated fryer is used for fries.

Albert Heijn and Jumbo are generally considered the best, offering their own brands and a wide selection. Lidl and Aldi also carry basic gluten-free items, and health stores like Ekoplaza specialize in these products.

European labeling allows for "gluten-free" beers to be gluten-reduced rather than naturally gluten-free. If you have celiac disease, check the brewery's process and ingredients to ensure it is naturally gluten-free and suitable for your needs.

While many traditional Dutch baked goods are not gluten-free, you can find naturally gluten-free treats like giant meringues in some places, and dedicated stores or bakeries often offer safe versions of local specialties.