Last Updated on July 14, 2021
Before we take a look at gluten-free croissants to buy online – and if they even exist, let’s first take a look at what they are, and what they’re usually made of.
A croissant is a flaky, buttery pastry. They’re usually associated with France. Croissant dough contains yeast, which is one of the only differences between croissant dough and puff pastry. Croissant dough also contains sugar and milk.
Europeans, like myself, are more than happy to enjoy this pastry plain over breakfast. Or perhaps sometimes with a touch of butter and jam. However, Americans quite often cut them in half and use them as a sandwich-type base. As a Brit, that thought just seems wild to me!
Like many tasty treats, croissants aren’t gluten-free. Frustratingly, their main ingredient is usually all-purpose wheat flour. Which, of course, is a no-go! However, there is certainly hope for any croissant lovers out there. There’s a wide range available online. Let’s take a look at some of the best gluten-free alternatives to this tasty French delicacy.
Where To Buy Gluten-Free Croissants?
As a Brit, it’s fortunately very easy for me to walk into my nearest grocery store and find a range of gluten-containing, and non-gluten-containing croissant options. I understand that not everyone has this luxury – so let’s take a look at the best brands out there and where you can buy them online. I’ve found a selection of options that are available in a range of countries so that no one has to miss out on the humble croissant.
Schar
The most popular and accessible option globally is Schar Gluten-Free Croissants. They come frozen, but once defrosted (or popped into the warm), they’re soft and fluffy. They also offer Gluten Free Croissants with Hazelnut Cream and Pain au Chocolat (which is really just a chocolate croissant, in my eyes!).
The problem with the aforementioned is that they are not wheat-free. This is what Schar had to say about these particular products:
“This contains gluten-free wheat starch. Wheat starch is the carbohydrate component that is left after processing wheat flour to remove the protein portion. Schar has determined this product is safe for individuals with celiac disease, but not for those with wheat allergies.” – Schar
So whilst these few products are suitable for celiacs if you have a separate wheat allergy – it’s probably best to move onto the next section. But don’t worry, we have plenty of alternatives to look at!
Also, if you’re not European, you may be looking at quite a hefty price tag for Schar’s Gluten-Free Croissants, as they’re imported from Europe. The cheapest I could find them in the US was $6.29 for 4, online at the Gluten-Free Mall. If you’re from the UK, most supermarkets will have these stocked in their Free From freezer section.
Mariposa Baking Co
These croissants are gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and unlike Schar, wheat-free – hurrah! Mariposa is an American-based company and again are very pricey at $25 for 4. However, they look incredible. Again, this company also has Pain au Chocolat available. And a whole host of other tasty gluten-free treats on their website, if you’d like to have a browse.
Nature & Cie’s
These croissants are made at the croissant capital, France. Nature & Cie’s Gluten-Free Croissants come highly recommended by its customers. The cheapest I could find them was £4.25 for 3 on the Naturitas website. These are made with rice flour, which I find is the flour that tastes most similar to wheat flour.
Something Sweet Without Wheat
A certified Gluten-Free American bakery available (which delivers in the colder months!), is Something Sweet Without Wheat. Their Chocolate Croissant is gluten-free and dairy-free, which widens the scope of who can enjoy them massively! They come in at $9 for two, but they’re decadent and a customer favorite. Certainly worth treating yourself to every so often. They can’t guarantee they’ll arrive in one piece – they are flaky, after all. But they can guarantee their absolute deliciousness!
Manna Dew
If you’re from the UK, this brand has one of the largest selections of gluten-free pastries I’ve ever come across. You can collect from their London store or get it delivered within one working day of shipment. This allergen-free bakery isn’t just gluten-free – it’s egg-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, peanut-free, and refined sugar-free. They also have a vegan range! How accommodating is that?!
As well as almond croissants, they have pistachio croissants, Nutella diamonds, chocolate twists, and cinnamon swirls. They even have a Make Your Own Danish Pastry Box where you can choose 5 pastries of your choice for £18. They all look mouthwateringly good.
Supermarket Own Brands
In the UK, almost all supermarkets have their own versions of gluten-free croissants. These will certainly be the cheapest place to find them. I’ve tried Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Marks and Spencer, and Morrisons – and they’re all virtually the same! The cheapest you can usually find them is £1.50-£2 on offer, which is a steal in comparison to some of the alternatives we’ve looked at.
Shop Local
As always, it’s worth checking your local bakeries because you never know what treasures you may find! And shopping local is more important than ever at the moment. I’ve found some great gluten-free croissants at local cafes near me that taste almost identical to the ones I ate pre-diagnosis. They really are that good!
Satisfy Your Croissant Craving
I hope this article has been enough to help fulfill your croissant craving. I, for one, am headed out now to grab myself one. They’re pure buttery goodness. Have you tried any bakeries online that bake gorgeous croissants? Or are there any shop-bought ones you enjoy? I would love to know where you get your croissant fix and any recommendations you might have. Being gluten-intolerant can be difficult at times, but we can all help each other out – so let’s get chatting!
Read more about: Are All Pretzels Gluten Free?
Hi, my name’s Zoë. I’m 28 years old and live in London, UK. I work full time as a freelance writer and critic for West End theatre. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I spend most of my free time at the theatre, or at conventions. I’m married to the love of my life, and live in a small apartment with my fur baby, Lillie. I run two of my own blogs: No Safer Place and Stage to Page: both of which have won awards. I also have a YouTube channel where I talk about all things stagey.
