Hosts serving small portions
Would you like guests to take a sealed portion without opening a large pack? Bolletje describes its Ciabatta Snack Crackers as packed in pairs. That’s a portion of two crackers, not one.
Who benefits from smaller portions?
Anyone serving crackers throughout the evening
If you only want to open some of the pack at a time, how it’s divided up matters. Jumbo described Bayman Crackertjes in packs of four and LiGA Cracotte Naturel in two larger inner packs. These formats suit different occasions.
Anyone catering for dietary or allergy requirements
Ask which ingredients your guests need to avoid, and read the label on the pack you buy. Albert Heijn describes Wasa Glutenvrij en lactosevrij classic as a cracker in a portion pack, but also notes that it may contain other allergens.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many crackers you want to open at a time. Then choose a format that suits how you’ll serve them, and check any dietary or allergy requirements separately.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portion size and freshness | Count the crackers in each inner pack and check whether the remaining portions stay sealed. | I want to open a small portion for one guest without opening the whole pack; this is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| How you’ll serve them | Choose between small individual portions, packs for several topped crackers and larger inner packs. | I want enough crackers for the toppings on my sharing platter without having to open another small pack; this is the first consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Dietary requirements and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you buy, even if the variety has a dietary claim. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know which cracker is suitable before serving; around 25% of consumers give this check the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘individually wrapped’ means one cracker per wrapper
A small pack may contain two or four crackers. This matters if you want to give each guest exactly one cracker in its own wrapper.
Look on the pack for the number of crackers in each inner wrapper, rather than relying on wording such as ‘portion pack’.
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Assuming a product page means it’s currently available
On the pages for Bayman Crackertjes and Bolletje Tussendoor Crackers Tomaat & Oregano, Jumbo noted that these products were no longer part of its online range.
Before you shop, check that the variety you want is available at the store you plan to buy it from.
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Checking only for ‘gluten-free’ if you have an allergy
For Wasa Glutenvrij en lactosevrij classic, Albert Heijn notes that the product may contain sesame seeds, milk, soya and mustard. A dietary claim won’t answer every question about allergens.
Before serving, check the ingredients and the ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the pack of the variety you’ve chosen.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Bolletje describes its Ciabatta Snack Crackers as packed in pairs. Jumbo listed Tussendoor Crackers Tomaat & Oregano in a pack of 8 × 2 pieces.
- A sealed portion of two is ideal for a small snack.
- ‘Packed in pairs’ doesn’t mean one cracker per wrapper. Check the allergens and current availability of the variety you choose.
Wasa
Albert Heijn describes Wasa Glutenvrij en lactosevrij classic as a cracker in a portion pack, with around 18 crackers divided into 6 portions.
- The portions described make it possible to open only some of the pack at a time.
- Albert Heijn notes that this variety may contain sesame seeds, milk, soya and mustard; if you have an allergy, read the label on the pack you buy.
LiGA
Jumbo describes LiGA Cracotte Naturel as being packed in two inner packs.
- This format works well if you want to open the pack on two separate occasions.
- The inner packs aren’t small portions for individual guests. The Naturel variety described contains wheat, rye and milk.
Crackers at Joybuy
These crackers are worth considering if you’re looking for smaller pack sizes to suit the way you’ll serve them on St Nicholas’ Eve. Check how many crackers you’ll be opening at a time for each product, and whether you’ll have sealed portions for individual guests.
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Lu Mini Cracker Natural, 250 g
For a platter of crackers and toppings, the main thing to consider is how many you want to open at a time. If you want to save the rest for later, check whether the inner packs are individually sealed.
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Pacific Soda Cracker Seaweed Flavour, 100 g, 4 packs
The four packs may be useful if you want to serve the crackers on several occasions. Check how many crackers each pack contains before using them as portions for individual guests.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘portion-packed’ mean each cracker has its own wrapper?
No, a portion may contain several crackers. Bolletje describes one variety as packed in pairs, while Jumbo described Bayman Crackertjes in packs of four. If you need one cracker per wrapper, check that this is stated on the pack.
Should I choose a pack of two or four for St Nicholas’ Eve?
A pack of two suits a small snack portion for each guest, while four crackers per pack are better if you’re serving several topped crackers at once. Two larger inner packs, such as those Jumbo describes for LiGA Cracotte Naturel, aren’t individual portions for guests.
Should I check for other allergens in gluten-free crackers?
Yes. Albert Heijn notes that Wasa Glutenvrij en lactosevrij classic may contain sesame seeds, milk, soya and mustard. Read the allergen information on the pack you’re actually buying.
How can I keep unopened portions separate until serving?
Keep the inner packs sealed until you’re ready to serve the crackers, and follow the storage advice and best-before date on the outer pack. If the pack has several sections, check whether they’re individually sealed too.