Anyone serving in several rounds
If friends arrive at different times, you can open a small pack each time. For example, Jumbo lists crackers packed in threes; check whether that quantity suits the way you plan to serve them.
Who is packaging important for?
Anyone portioning for a small group
For a few guests, it’s not just the total number of crackers that matters, but also how many packs you need to open at once. So compare the number of inner packs and the contents of each one.
Anyone keeping allergens in mind
Convenient portion sizes don’t automatically make a cracker suitable for every guest. Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety before serving it.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll serve crackers in rounds or all at once. Then compare the inner packaging, the quantity per portion and the label on the variety you want to buy.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping portions sealed | Check how many crackers are in each inner pack and how many packs there are in total. | If I’m only putting out more crackers at the next coffee break, I want to keep the remaining portions sealed. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Quantity per serving round | Compare the total number of crackers with how they’re divided between the inner packs. | For a small group, I don’t want to open more packs than necessary. A suitable portion size matters most to around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the label for the exact variety, including any ‘may contain’ statements. | If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in the crackers before serving them. Around 20% of consumers give this check top priority. |
| Wholegrain and fibre | Compare the wholegrain claim and nutritional information, including fibre per 100 g. | If the ingredients also influence my choice, I want to be able to compare varieties using their labels. This is the first thing around 20% of consumers consider. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming ‘individually wrapped’ means one cracker per wrapper
Jumbo’s product examples include packs of three and packs of four crackers. If you want to serve one cracker per guest, you’ll still need to open a pack containing several crackers.
Check the packaging to see how many crackers are in each inner pack.
-
Assuming an older product example is still in stock
Jumbo describes Bayman Crackertjes as packed in fours, but also says that the product is no longer part of its online range.
Use that packaging as a point of comparison, and check separately whether the product you want to buy is available.
-
Skipping the allergen check
According to the product information on Jumbo, Bolletje Ontbijt Crackers Volkoren Meergranen contains wheat, barley, oats and sesame, among other ingredients. A wholegrain claim doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for a guest who needs to avoid certain ingredients.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’ve chosen, and keep it handy when serving.
-
Comparing only the total number of crackers
Twelve crackers divided between four packs of three call for a different way of serving them than crackers divided between two larger packs.
Compare both the number of crackers and how they’re divided within the pack with the number of guests eating at the same time.
Brands and supermarket ranges to explore
Bolletje
Jumbo lists Bolletje Ontbijt Crackers Volkoren Meergranen in a pack of four inner packs, each containing three crackers.
- The packs of three make it easy to open one pack for each small serving round.
- Three per pack isn’t the same as individually wrapped crackers. If you’re serving guests, check the label for this variety too, including the information about wheat, barley, oats and sesame.
Jumbo
The range includes products with different inner-pack formats, including Bolletje crackers packed in threes and LiGA Cracotte 5 Granen in two packs.
- The product pages help you compare how packs are divided before you buy.
- The Bayman Crackertjes page says that this product is no longer part of the online range; check availability separately for any item you’re considering.
Albert Heijn
The range includes mini crackers, seed crackers and various types of toast.
- The different formats give you options to consider for a sharing bowl that everyone can help themselves to at once.
- A product listing doesn’t confirm how many inner packs a particular variety contains.
ALDI
The ALDI Netherlands range includes 3-pack crackers, mini crackers and Melba toast.
- You can compare different cracker and toast formats side by side.
- A description such as ‘3-pack’ doesn’t in itself tell you whether each cracker is individually wrapped.
Lidl
Lidl lists 500 g packs of Mini crackers naturel as an in-store product.
- It’s an option to consider when everyone will be sharing a bowl at the same time.
- Don’t assume this variety comes in small inner packs; check the packaging in store.
Crackers on Joybuy
These crackers come in different pack sizes for the coffee table. The Pacific varieties are listed as containing four small packs; for every variety, check how many crackers you’ll actually need to open for one serving round.
No image available
LU Mini Cracker Olive & Oregano, 3 x 250 g
A mini cracker to consider if you’d like to serve a savoury variety with coffee.
The product name lists 3 x 250 g. Check how each pack is divided and read the allergen information before choosing it for a small serving round.
No image available
Pacific Soda Cracker Seaweed Flavour, 100 g (4 packs)
The four small packs may suit serving crackers in several rounds, provided one pack contains the right amount for your group.
The pack contains 100 g in total. Check how many crackers are in each small pack and read the label for this seaweed variety.
No image available
Pacific Soda Biscuits Spring Onion Flavour, 100 g (4 small packs)
This spring onion variety is an option if you’d like to serve a savoury flavour in separate rounds.
The product name lists 100 g and four small packs. Before buying, check the quantity in each small pack and the ingredients for the exact variety.
No image available
Tuc Original Crackers, 3 x 100 g
This size is worth considering if you want to spread crackers across several coffee breaks, rather than serving small portions to each guest.
The product name lists 3 x 100 g. Check how the crackers are divided between those packs and read the allergen information on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘individually wrapped’ mean each cracker has its own wrapper?
No, those words don’t confirm that. Jumbo describes Bayman Crackertjes as packed in fours and Bolletje Ontbijt Crackers Volkoren Meergranen as packed in threes, so always check how many crackers are in each inner pack.
How do I check for allergens when serving crackers to guests?
Read the allergen information on the exact pack before serving the crackers, and keep the packaging available. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for prepacked products must appear on the label.
Does ‘multigrain’ mean the same as wholegrain?
No. Don’t assume a cracker is wholegrain just because it says ‘multigrain’ or contains seeds, or because it’s a dark colour. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a cracker can only be called ‘wholegrain’ if it’s made entirely from wholegrain flour; check the wording on the pack you’ve chosen.
Can I still order Bayman Crackertjes online from Jumbo?
Jumbo says that Bayman Crackertjes is no longer part of its online range. This doesn’t tell you whether it’s available in a local shop; if you’re specifically looking for a pack of four, check availability there separately.