Holidaymakers packing gluten-free biscuits
Look for an explicit gluten-free claim when stocking a self-catering kitchen or packing snacks for a journey. Check the physical pack’s ingredients and allergen information before serving.
Who these biscuits may suit
Travellers with more than one dietary requirement
Tesco Groceries describes its Free From Custard Creams as gluten free, milk free and suitable for vegans. Sainsbury’s describes its Free From version as milk and gluten free, while Asda Groceries describes Schär’s as lactose free and suitable for vegans. Check the wording that applies to your requirements rather than treating these claims as interchangeable.
Day-trippers packing separate snacks
Schär’s 125g Custard Creams come in five portion packs, according to Asda Groceries and Schär UK. That format lets you put portions into different day bags without opening one shared packet first.
What to check before choosing
Start with the dietary claims needed by the people eating the biscuits, then decide whether separate portions matter for the trip.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free claim | Look for an explicit gluten-free claim on the chosen pack. Read its current ingredients and allergen information rather than relying on the biscuit’s appearance. | I need custard creams that are specifically labelled gluten free for a journey or shared holiday cupboard. |
| Other dietary requirements | Check separate milk, lactose and vegan claims against each person’s requirements. Tesco Groceries lists its Free From product as milk free and vegan; Asda Groceries lists Schär’s as lactose free and vegan. | If milk avoidance matters, I need a pack that explicitly addresses milk, not just gluten. A lactose-free claim uses different wording from a milk-free claim. |
| Portion format | Check whether the pack contains separately sealed portions. Asda Groceries lists five 25g portion packs in Schär’s 125g product. | For several day bags, I would rather pack separate portions. For biscuits kept at holiday accommodation, a shared pack may be practical. |
| Product identity | Check the exact product name and ingredient list: Marks & Spencer lists wheat flour in Extra Cream Custard Creams, and Joybuy lists wheat flour in McVitie’s Tasties Custard Creams. | I do not want to mistake an ordinary custard cream for a gluten-free version because the names and biscuit styles look familiar. |
Packing and label pitfalls
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Assuming every custard cream is gluten free
Marks & Spencer lists wheat flour in Extra Cream Custard Creams, while Joybuy’s McVitie’s Tasties Custard Creams listing also names wheat flour. Neither checked product is a substitute for one explicitly labelled gluten free.
Choose the exact gluten-free product you intend to pack, then read the current pack’s ingredients and allergen information.
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Using “gluten free” as a check for every dietary need
Gluten, milk and other dietary requirements need separate checks. The listed Tesco and Sainsbury’s Free From products use milk-free wording; Schär’s listed product uses lactose-free wording.
If another ingredient or a vegan claim matters, check that requirement explicitly on the chosen pack.
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Choosing a shared pack when separate portions are needed
Schär’s five portion packs can be divided between bags. An opened shared packet needs a different packing arrangement for separate outings.
Decide how the biscuits will be carried before choosing between portion packs and a shared 125g pack.
Relevant brand references
Schär
Schär’s gluten-free Custard Creams are a portion-packed option for day trips.
- Asda Groceries lists five 25g portions in the 125g pack and describes the biscuits as wheat free, lactose free and suitable for vegans.
- Lactose-free wording should not be substituted for a milk-free claim when checking a milk-related requirement.
Tesco Free From
Tesco’s 125g Free From Custard Creams offer a shared-pack option.
- Tesco Groceries labels this product gluten free, milk free and suitable for vegans.
- Read the current pack when checking ingredients and allergens, particularly if buying it for someone else.
Sainsbury’s Free From
Sainsbury’s 125g Free From Custard Creams are another shared-pack choice for a holiday cupboard.
- Sainsbury’s describes the product as milk and gluten free.
- For separate day bags, check the pack format rather than assuming the biscuits are individually wrapped.
M&S
M&S Extra Cream Custard Creams provide a useful contrast with products explicitly labelled gluten free.
- Marks & Spencer lists wheat flour and dried whey (milk) among the ingredients of this specific product. It is not a gluten-free substitute.
Joybuy option for portioned snacks
This Schär option is for shoppers who want gluten-free custard creams in separate portions for day trips or holiday bags.
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Schär Gluten Free Custard Creams 125g
For snacks carried in separate bags, the 125g pack contains five 25g portion packs, as listed by Asda Groceries. The product is described as gluten free, wheat free, lactose free and suitable for vegans; check the current pack for your specific dietary requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check on a gluten-free custard cream pack?
Look for an explicit gluten-free claim on the exact product, then read its current ingredients and allergen information for any other requirements. A familiar custard-cream name or appearance is not enough to establish that it is gluten free.
Does gluten free also mean milk free or vegan?
No. Tesco Groceries lists its Free From Custard Creams as gluten free, milk free and suitable for vegans, while Asda Groceries describes Schär’s Custard Creams as lactose free and suitable for vegans. Check each claim separately on the product you choose.
Which listed custard creams come in separate portions?
Schär Gluten Free Custard Creams come in five 25g portion packs within a 125g pack, according to Asda Groceries. That format lets you pack snacks into different bags without opening one shared packet.
Is a supermarket listing enough when buying for someone with an allergy?
Use the listing to identify a possible product, but read the current physical pack before serving it. The pack lets you check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact biscuits being eaten.
Can ordinary M&S or McVitie’s custard creams replace a gluten-free pack?
Not the specific products checked here. Marks & Spencer lists wheat flour in Extra Cream Custard Creams, and Joybuy’s McVitie’s Tasties Custard Creams listing names wheat flour. Choose a product explicitly labelled gluten free instead.