Anyone planning a festive Christmas breakfast
If the toppings are the star of the show, look for rusks that can provide a base for a variety of toppings. Albert Heijn’s Allerhande uses wholemeal rusks for a decorated Christmas breakfast.
Who should choose rusks?
Anyone comparing fibre content
If fibre is a priority, the nutritional information per 100 g is more useful than the variety name alone. Albert Heijn lists AH Wholemeal Rusks as containing 9 g of fibre per 100 g. Also check the ingredients and allergen information for the product you choose.
Anyone buying rusks for a gluten-free guest
In this case, an explicit gluten-free label matters more than choosing between plain, wholemeal or multiseed rusks. Albert Heijn describes Schär Zwieback as gluten- and wheat-free; before buying, check the current packaging for other relevant allergens too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether you need a gluten-free option. Then compare the type of rusk and the number in the pack with your plans for the toppings and your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Festive toppings | Choose the type of rusk you want to use as a base and decide how many you’ll be topping. | If the toppings are the main attraction, I want a base I can add them to just before serving. Festive toppings are the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Fibre and seeds | Compare fibre per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergen information for the wholemeal or multiseed variety. | For Christmas breakfast, I mainly want to know how much fibre the rusks I choose contain, even if that means choosing a different variety. Fibre is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Gluten and allergens | Look for an explicit gluten-free label and check the current packaging for other allergens and precautionary allergen information. | If a guest needs to avoid gluten, I can’t assume that ordinary wholemeal or multiseed rusks are suitable. For around 20% of consumers, choosing a suitable gluten-free option is the first priority. |
| Number of rusks | Check how many rusks are in the pack and match this to your serving plan. | When I’m hosting several guests, I want to work out in advance how many rusks I’ll need without choosing a more elaborate variety. A simple base and the right quantity come first for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Looking for ‘medium sliced’ rusks
Slice thickness isn’t a standard way to choose between types of rusk. Jumbo describes rusks as rusk rolls that are baked, cut in half and then baked again.
Instead, look for plain, wholemeal, multiseed or gluten-free rusks, then compare the features that matter to your guests.
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Assuming wholemeal or multiseed means gluten-free
According to the product information, AH Wholemeal Rusks contain wheat and gluten. Bolletje High-Fibre Multiseed Rusks also contain cereals containing gluten, as well as sesame.
If you need a gluten-free option, choose only a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the current packaging.
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Assuming every rusk contains iodine
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So the product category alone won’t tell you which salt was used for a particular rusk.
If the ingredients matter to your choice, check the label or ask the manufacturer which salt was used.
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Adding moist toppings too far in advance
Rusks are chosen for their crisp texture, which moist toppings can soften while they’re waiting to be served.
Get the toppings ready and add them to the rusks shortly before serving. Store any remaining rusks in a dry, sealed container.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Bolletje offers products including Echte Beschuit and High-Fibre Multiseed Rusks: two different types to compare for Christmas breakfast.
- Bolletje says its multiseed variety contains sesame, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and linseed, among other ingredients.
- The regular varieties listed contain cereals containing gluten. Check each pack for other allergens too.
Albert Heijn
AH Plain and AH Wholemeal offer two types of rusk to compare for ingredients and nutritional value.
- Albert Heijn lists AH Wholemeal Rusks as containing 9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The product information for these regular varieties lists wheat and egg, among other ingredients. Check the current label when you buy.
Jumbo
Jumbo’s range includes plain, wholemeal and multigrain rusks.
- According to the product information, Jumbo Plain Rusks come in packs of 13, which can help you plan how many you need.
- Jumbo lists wheat, gluten and egg for this plain variety. Check the packaging if allergens are relevant.
Schär
Schär Zwieback is a separate option if you need rusks explicitly labelled gluten-free.
- Albert Heijn describes Schär Zwieback as gluten- and wheat-free.
- Check the ingredients and packaging separately from those of ordinary rusks, and look for any other relevant allergens.
Rusks on Joybuy
These two Bolletje varieties are wholemeal rusks for anyone looking for a wholemeal base for Christmas breakfast. To compare fibre and allergens, check the current nutritional information and ingredients on the pack you choose.
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Bolletje Dark Whole Wheat Rusk, 10 pieces
A wholemeal option if you’re looking for rusks for Christmas breakfast. The pack contains 10 pieces; check the current ingredients and allergen information if you’re buying for a guest with dietary restrictions.
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Bolletje Wholegrain Rusk, 13 pieces
A wholemeal option if you want to serve rusks with toppings. The pack contains 13 pieces; if fibre is a deciding factor, compare the nutritional information on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Is ‘medium sliced’ a useful requirement for rusks?
No, it isn’t a standard product choice in the way it is for sliced bread. Jumbo explains that a rusk roll is cut in half and the halves are baked again. For Christmas breakfast, it’s better to compare the type of rusk, allergens and number in the pack.
Can I serve ordinary rusks to someone who eats gluten-free?
Don’t assume they’re suitable: according to Albert Heijn, AH Plain Rusks contain wheat and rye, among other ingredients. Choose rusks explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the current packaging to make sure they also meet your guest’s other dietary requirements.
Do Dutch rusks always contain iodine-rich baker’s salt?
You can’t tell from the word ‘rusk’ alone. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. For a specific product, check the label or ask the manufacturer which salt was used.
When should I add toppings to rusks for Christmas breakfast?
If you want to keep them crisp, add the toppings shortly before serving, especially moist ones such as hummus, soft cheese or fruit. Store any unused rusks in a dry, sealed container.