Who is this choice relevant to?

If you like generous toppings

You’re looking for a larger base for your toppings on St Nicholas’ Eve. Bolletje offers rusks described as extra large, while Jumbo has a variety called Robuust (Robust); neither description gives a measured thickness.

If you’re choosing grains and seeds

You want to consider the type of rusk as well as the toppings. For a multiseed variety, the ingredients, flavour and allergens may all influence your choice.

If you’re checking the label for guests

You want to know which ingredients and allergens are listed on the packaging before serving, especially if any of your guests need to avoid particular ingredients.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by thinking about what matters most for your toppings: space on the rusk, the ingredients or the label for your guests. A larger size or greater weight per piece doesn’t in itself prove that a rusk is thicker or less likely to break.

What to consider What to check Who it matters most to
Size for toppings Check the size description and, if listed, the number of pieces and weight per piece. Don’t take ‘extra large’ or ‘robust’ to mean thicker. If I want to add generous toppings, I’m looking for enough space without relying on an unsubstantiated claim about sturdiness. Around 40% of consumers put space for toppings first.
Grains and seeds Compare the ingredients and nutritional information of the varieties you’re considering. I also want to know which grains and seeds the rusks contain and whether their flavour will go with my toppings. This composition matters most to around 30% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the label on the pack you’re buying, even if you’ve served the same product before. If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be sure what’s in this particular pack. Around 30% of consumers put checking the label first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘extra large’ means ‘extra thick’

    Bolletje describes some rusks as ‘extra large’, but that doesn’t tell you how thick each piece is or how well it holds substantial or moist toppings.

    Compare the information on the packaging. If sturdiness is essential, try the rusks you’ve chosen with the toppings you plan to serve.

  • Choosing multigrain or multiseed rusks without checking the label

    A different variety may also contain different ingredients and allergens. A name such as ‘multiseed’ doesn’t tell you everything your guests might need to avoid.

    Check the ingredients and allergens on each pack before serving the rusks to a group.

  • Assuming every rusk contains iodised baker’s salt

    The Voedingscentrum (Netherlands Nutrition Centre) says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The product category alone therefore won’t tell you which salt is used in a particular rusk.

    If this matters to your choice, check the ingredients on the packaging or ask the manufacturer.

Brands and shops to consider

Bolletje

Bolletje offers classic rusks and a multiseed variety described as extra large, among other options.

  • The description ‘extra large’ is useful if you’re specifically looking for a larger size.
  • It doesn’t give a measured thickness or indicate how resistant the rusk is to breaking; check the label for each variety separately.

Albert Heijn

The rusk range includes Bolletje products and AH rusks, among other options.

  • You can compare different types of rusks side by side.
  • Check the label on the pack you actually buy for the ingredients and allergens.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists various types of rusks, including Jumbo Robuust Multigrain Rusks, 230 g.

  • The product name makes the multigrain variety easy to identify if you want to compare it.
  • ‘Robust’ and the pack weight don’t tell you how thick an individual rusk is or how resistant it is to breaking.

Lidl

Lidl lists a 140 g wholemeal rusk which, according to Lidl, is only available in store.

  • It’s a recognisable wholemeal option to look for in store.
  • Check the size and information on the packaging in store if these will affect your choice.

Rusks on Joybuy

This wholemeal rusk is an option if you’re choosing a type of rusk for St Nicholas’ Eve. Consider its size and suitability for your toppings separately.

Bolletje Dark Whole Wheat Rusk, pack of 10 pieces

Bolletje Dark Whole Wheat Rusk – 10 pieces

For anyone looking for wholemeal rusks to add toppings to on St Nicholas’ Eve.

Pack of 10 pieces. Check the packaging to make sure the size, ingredients and allergens are suitable for what you plan to serve.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘extra large’ mean a rusk is thicker or sturdier?

No. On its own, the description doesn’t prove that a rusk is thicker or less likely to break. Bolletje uses ‘extra large’ to describe its rusks. If sturdiness matters for your toppings, assess the individual product rather than relying on the size description alone.

Which allergens should I check when buying rusks for guests?

Check the allergens listed on the packaging for each variety you choose. Ingredients can vary between rusks, so if your guests need to avoid them, pay particular attention to wheat, egg and sesame.

Do Dutch rusks always contain iodised baker’s salt?

No, don’t assume they do. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients for a specific product or ask the manufacturer.

When should I add toppings to rusks for St Nicholas’ Eve?

Add the toppings shortly before serving if you want to keep the rusks crisp. Store an opened pack according to the instructions on the label.