Hosts preparing lots of bites
You want to make several identical bites. The pack size and number of rusks will help you work out how many packs you need.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Hosts serving rusks as part of the presentation
The rusk is more than just a base for the topping; it will also be visible on the serving platter. So consider whether plain, wholemeal, multigrain or seeded rusks will suit your presentation.
Hosts checking for allergens
You want to make sure the ingredients are suitable for your guests. Allergens vary by product; the varieties described here include wheat, egg and sesame, among others.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many bites you want to make and what role the rusks will play. Then check that the ingredients are suitable for the guests you’re serving.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Check the number of rusks and the pack weight, then work out how many packs you’ll need for your planned bites. | If I want to fill several platters, I need to know in advance how many rusks I can top. This is the top priority for around 50% of consumers. |
| Variety and presentation | Consider whether plain, wholemeal, multigrain or seeded rusks will suit the toppings and the way you’re serving the bites. | When the rusk is visible, I want the variety I choose to complement the rest of the bite. This is the top consideration for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging before choosing a product for your guests. | I want to check in advance whether I can serve the bites to all my guests. This is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the size of the pack
The pack weight doesn’t always tell you how many individual bites you can make.
Where possible, check the number of rusks too and work out how many you’ll need for your platters.
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Assuming wholemeal or seeded rusks will suit every guest
Different grains or seeds can also mean different allergens. PLUS lists wheat, barley, oats, egg and sesame, among other ingredients, in its wholemeal seeded rusks.
Check the ingredients with any guests for whom allergens are a concern, and read the current packaging.
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Assuming every rusk contains added iodine
According to the Voedingscentrum, baker’s salt can contain added iodine. That doesn’t mean every rusk is made with the same salt.
Check the ingredients of the rusks you plan to serve rather than relying on a general assumption.
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Treating online product information as definitive
Ingredients, allergen information and product ranges can change. Albert Heijn and PLUS point out that product information may be updated.
Check the packaging you’ve actually bought shortly before serving, especially if you’re catering for guests with allergies.
Brands to compare
These brands offer different types of rusk. Compare the individual products and their packaging; a brand name alone won’t tell you which variety is right for your bites.
Albert Heijn
The own-label range in the Netherlands includes plain, wholemeal and multiseed rusks.
- The different varieties let you choose between a simple base and rusks made with other grains or seeds.
- Albert Heijn recommends checking the ingredients, nutritional values and allergens on the current packaging.
Jumbo
The own-label range includes plain and multigrain rusks, among other varieties.
- Jumbo Plain Rusks are sold in a pack of 13.
- If you choose Jumbo Robust Multigrain Rusks, check the ingredients as well as the grain variety you’re looking for.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers classic rusks as well as varieties made with other grains or seeds.
- Bolletje lists free-range eggs as an ingredient in its Echte Beschuit.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety; the manufacturer’s description is no substitute for checking the packaging.
Goud Gebakken
This ALDI own-label brand offers plain and wholemeal rusks.
- ALDI lists both varieties in packs of 13.
- Check the packaging of the variety you choose to make sure the ingredients are suitable for your guests.
PLUS
The own-label range includes plain rusks and wholemeal seeded rusks, among other varieties.
- PLUS product information distinguishes between a 125 g pack of plain rusks and a 230 g pack of wholemeal seeded rusks.
- PLUS says product information may change, so check the packaging for the latest ingredients and allergen information.
Lidl
The in-store range includes plain rusks, among other products.
- Lidl lists its plain rusks in a 125 g pack.
- This variety is listed as available in store only, so check the range at the shop where you do your food shopping.
Rusks for different bites
Here, a plain variety is shown alongside rusks made with wholemeal grains or seeds. Use the pack size to plan your bites, and choose the variety that suits your toppings and guests.
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Bolletje Echte Beschuit, 13 pieces
A classic rusk variety for when you want the toppings to take centre stage. The pack contains 13 rusks; check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging before serving them to guests.
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Bolletje multiseed rusks, 10 pieces
A seeded variety for when the rusk is a visible part of the bite. The pack contains 10 rusks; check the ingredients and allergens against your guests’ needs.
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Bolletje dark wholemeal rusks, 10 pieces
A dark wholemeal variety if it works better with the way you’re presenting your bites. The pack contains 10 rusks; check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Bolletje wholemeal rusks, 13 pieces
A wholemeal variety for bites where you want the rusk itself to play a part. The pack contains 13 rusks; if you’re serving guests with allergies, check the current packaging.
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g'woon plain rusks, 125 g
A plain base for when the toppings determine the flavour and presentation. The pack weighs 125 g; if you’re planning a set number of bites, check how many rusks it contains, and read the allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how many rusks I need for a dinner party?
First, count how many bites you want to make and compare that with the number of rusks in each pack. If a product lists only the pack weight, check the packaging for the number of rusks before planning your platters.
Should I check rusks for allergens?
Yes. If you’re buying for guests, read the allergen information on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority describes the mandatory labelling of 14 allergens; which ones are relevant varies by rusk variety.
Do all Dutch rusks contain added iodine?
You can’t tell from the product category alone. According to the Voedingscentrum, baker’s salt can contain added iodine; check the ingredient information for the rusks you choose.
How can I keep rusks crisp until serving?
Store rusks somewhere cool and dry, and add the toppings shortly before serving to help prevent them from going soft. PLUS recommends storing its plain and wholemeal varieties in a cool, dry place; follow the instructions on the packaging for your product.