Living a gluten-free life no longer has to mean missing out on the simple joy of biting into a sweet, crumbly biscuit. In recent years, UK supermarkets and specialty producers have significantly expanded their free-from ranges to offer gluten-free biscuits that rival, or even surpass, traditional wheat-based varieties. Whether you’re coeliac, gluten-intolerant, or opting for gluten-free alternatives for general health reasons, the biscuit aisle now has more deliciously sweet and crunchy treats than ever before.
In this blog post, we take a deep dive into six notable gluten-free biscuit brands. We’ll discuss each brand’s standout product, the taste and texture of those biscuits, and share some personal insight to help guide your next treat purchase. And with the growing popularity of gluten-free diets across the UK, these brands prove you don’t have to sacrifice flavour or texture to meet your dietary requirements. Ready to indulge?
1. Sainsbury’s Deliciously Free From Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sainsbury’s has embraced the free-from sector wholeheartedly, launching its “Deliciously Free From” range that includes bread, pasta, cereals, and, importantly, biscuits. Among their offerings, the Chocolate Chip Cookies stand out for their consistent popularity and positive customer feedback.
Taste and Texture
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Taste: Rich chocolate chips dot each cookie, ensuring every bite boasts a hint of sweetness. The chocolate flavour is notable without being overpowering, pleasing both kids and adults seeking a balanced treat.
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Texture: Slightly soft, almost melt-in-the-mouth, yet maintains enough structure so they don’t crumble into dust at first touch. The presence of gluten-free oat flour adds to the cookie’s mild chewiness.
Note: Oat Sensitivities
Although labelled gluten-free, these cookies include oat flour, which is safe for most people following a GF diet if processed to be free from wheat contamination. However, coeliacs sensitive to oats or individuals with avenin intolerance should exercise caution.
Personal Insight
Many biscuit enthusiasts remark that these cookies surpass some “normal” biscuits in taste, demonstrating how far gluten-free baking has come. The mini size and sweet taste make them perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a mid-afternoon coffee break.
2. Nairn’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Biscuit Breaks
Nairn’s is synonymous with oat-based products, particularly their wholesome range of oatcakes. But they haven’t neglected the sweet side of snacking: their Gluten-Free Chocolate Biscuit Breaks target those craving a crunchy, chocolate-infused treat with an emphasis on “better for you” ingredients.
Taste and Texture
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Taste: Expect a robust chocolate flavour that’s neither too bitter nor overly sweet. A hint of wholegrain goodness lingers in the background, thanks to Nairn’s signature oats (certified gluten-free).
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Texture: Crisp with a subtle snap, making them an ideal companion to tea or coffee. The chocolate topping or pieces provide a satisfying cocoa punch.
Oat Awareness
Like Sainsbury’s product, this biscuit utilises gluten-free oats. While safe for most coeliacs, it’s always worth checking your personal tolerance or the brand’s manufacturing processes.
Personal Insight
Fans praise the moderate sweetness, describing the biscuit as less sugary and more “natural-tasting.” This quality appeals to individuals looking for a guilt-free treat that aligns with a health-conscious lifestyle.
3. Schär Gluten-Free Spekulatius Spiced Biscuits
Schär reigns as a major name in European gluten-free baking. From bread loaves to pastries, they’ve perfected formulas for taste and consistency. Their Spekulatius Spiced Biscuits bring a festive flair reminiscent of Biscoff or gingerbread-laced treats, ideal for those who enjoy aromatic spices.
Taste and Texture
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Flavour Profile: Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of mild sweetness, conjuring holiday vibes or the taste of a spiced latte.
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Texture: A firm, crunchy bite—typical of continental spiced biscuits. Each mouthful has a gentle snap.
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Fun Factor: Some are shaped like animals or novelty shapes, adding a playful twist.
Personal Insight
For many, these biscuits evoke nostalgic wintertime traditions, making them a perfect companion for a cosy afternoon. Even outside the holiday season, the spiced notes pair beautifully with a cup of tea or hot chocolate.
4. McVitie’s Gluten-Free Hobnobs
When it comes to biscuits that scream “British classic,” McVitie’s sits high on the list. Their legendary Hobnobs—a crunchy, oaty treat—now has a gluten-free sibling. It’s a relief for coeliacs who once had to forgo this timeless nibble.
Taste and Texture
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Familiar Oaty Flavour: The brand ensures that the hallmark taste remains, using GF oats to recreate that beloved nutty note.
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Crunchy & Crisp: The biscuit structure stands up well, not too brittle but with the robust feel Hobnobs fans remember.
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Variations: Plain and milk chocolate-dipped versions. The chocolate-topped edition appeals to sweet lovers who missed the original’s luscious coating.
Personal Insight
For many coeliacs or GF dieters who grew up on Hobnobs, this version offers a nostalgic, comforting snack. It underscores how the big players in the biscuit world have adapted their icons to meet free-from demands without losing authenticity.
5. Gullón Gluten-Free ChocoBom Cacao Chips
Spanish biscuit brand Gullón turned heads with its cost-friendly, widely available GF lines, often hitting shelves in major supermarkets. The ChocoBom range, specifically the Cacao Chips variant, is a shining example of how they blend taste with accessibility.
Taste and Texture
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Chocolate Overload: Deep chocolate flavour from both the biscuit base and embedded chips. A sugary dimension that satisfies sweet cravings.
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Crisp Yet Not Dry: The biscuit is firm, but the mouthfeel remains pleasantly light, avoiding a chalky or grainy aftertaste.
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Allergy-Friendly: Typically free from nuts and eggs, offering a safe alternative for multiple dietary restrictions.
Personal Insight
The individual packaging of the ChocoBom biscuits is a hit with on-the-go snackers or those wanting portion control. If you like munching on chocolate-laden cookies with your coffee, this budget-friendly option holds strong appeal.
6. Tesco Free From Cookies & Cream Biscuits
Overview
Similar to an Oreo-style sandwich cookie, Tesco’s Free From range offers a Cookies & Cream alternative for those seeking that classic black-and-white pairing. The brand invests in replicating familiar flavours for free-from shoppers who miss mainstream favourites.
Taste and Texture
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Flavour: The cocoa-rich biscuit pairs with a creamy filling that aims to capture the essence of the classic “cookies & cream” bite.
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Texture: Crunchy outer layers with a slightly sweet filling. Some find the biscuit a tad more crumbly than the wheat-based original, but the difference is minimal for many.
Personal Insight
For coeliacs pining for an Oreo substitute, this product satisfies the longing. The ratio of cream to biscuit may vary from the standard version, but many appreciate the unique spin. Plus, Tesco’s consistent presence across the UK ensures easy availability.
Conclusion: Diverse Gluten-Free Biscuits for Every Palate
Craving a chocolate-laced cookie for tea time, a hearty oat-based treat for nostalgic munching, or a spiced biscuit reminiscent of festive holidays? The UK’s 2023 gluten-free biscuit market has you covered—and then some. The items on this list demonstrate how the free-from sector is no longer about compromise but about expanding the variety, taste, and enjoyment for a broad audience.
Sainsbury’s nails the chocolate chip cookie experience, McVitie’s preserves the soul of the beloved Hobnobs, while brands like Schär and Gullón raise the bar for festive spiced or chocolate-packed biscuits. Meanwhile, Nairn’s and Tesco satisfy cravings for oat-based crunch or classic sandwich cookies, and each brand invests in ensuring the texture is not overshadowed by dryness or grittiness.
The best approach? Sample a few varieties and find which aligns most with your personal preference or dietary need. Some people prefer the richness of a spiced biscuit while others want the comfort of a tried-and-true classic. Either way, it’s an exciting time for gluten-free eaters: never before have so many quality biscuits lined the supermarket shelves, proving that coeliac or gluten-sensitive individuals need not skip out on biscuits with their tea or midnight munchies.
If you have recommendations or want to share your favourite GF biscuit brand, drop a comment. The hunt for the perfect gluten-free biscuit is an ongoing, delicious adventure—and thanks to these top contenders, you’re bound to find something that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising dietary restrictions.
