Small household planning a modest Christmas board
You want crispbread as a base for toppings, but don’t want lots left over. So, look at the net weight, number of pieces and best-before date rather than the term ‘half loaf’.
Who is this choice for?
Host who wants to choose the toppings
For a board with a selection of toppings, look for plain crispbread rather than a filled sandwich. A rye variety could work as a base, provided its ingredients suit your guests.
Shopper with questions about ingredients
If allergens or the role of bread in your iodine intake are important to you, the exact packaging matters more than the product category. Check the ingredients, allergen information and other nutritional details for each variety.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you need crunchy crispbread for toppings or soft fresh bread. For crispbread, compare the amount in each pack and the information on the label.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount per pack | Compare the net weight, the number of pieces if stated, and the best-before date. | I’m putting together a small board and don’t want lots of unused crispbread left over. For around 42% of consumers, choosing the right amount is the top priority. |
| Room for your own toppings | Choose between plain crispbread and a filled sandwich, and check the size of the pieces too. | My guests will choose their own toppings, so filled bars aren’t right for my board. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this freedom to choose their toppings. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Read the ingredients and allergen information, including any ‘may contain’ statements, for the variety you choose. | I want to know which grains and allergens will be on the table before I buy, or how this product compares with the bread I usually eat. For around 25% of consumers, checking the label comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘half loaf’ is a size of crispbread
At Bakkerij Breet, a half loaf refers to fresh bread. Albert Heijn lists crispbread as a packaged product with a net weight. The two aren’t like-for-like options for a Christmas board.
Decide whether you want crunchy crispbread or soft bread. For crispbread, check the pack weight, number of pieces and best-before date.
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Assuming ‘wholegrain’ means a variety suits everyone
A wholegrain rye product still contains rye. Other varieties may contain ingredients such as wheat, sesame or milk, while filled sandwiches have their own ingredients too.
Before buying for guests, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety, including any ‘may contain’ statements.
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Assuming crispbread contains baker’s salt, just like bread
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell whether it’s present from the word ‘bread’ or ‘crispbread’ alone.
Check the packaging if the use of baker’s salt is relevant to your choice. Don’t assume that all products in this category contain a set amount of iodine.
Brands to consider
Wasa
Wasa offers both plain crispbread and filled sandwiches. Joybuy lists, among other products, a 235 g sourdough rye variety; Albert Heijn also stocks filled Wasa bars.
- The listing for Wasa’s sourdough variety states that it contains 100% wholegrain rye and 19% fibre. These details apply to that variety.
- The same variety lists rye and barley, and may contain sesame and milk. A filled Wasa sandwich has a different ingredients list.
Leksands
Albert Heijn lists several Leksands varieties, including Original, oat, seeded and sourdough options.
- You can compare each variety to find a flavour and texture that works with your planned toppings.
- Check the weight, ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack you choose; these vary between varieties.
Bolletje
Albert Heijn’s crispbread category includes Bolletje wholegrain, light and Oerknäck varieties.
- The different product styles give you a starting point for choosing a plain base for your toppings.
- Compare the exact packs for ingredients, allergens, weight and nutritional information rather than assuming that details about one variety apply to another.
Ryvita
Ryvita is a familiar name in rye crispbread. The UK product page for Original Crispbread lists wholemeal rye flour, rye flour and salt as ingredients.
- The ingredients listed for that specific Original Crispbread variety give you a useful point of comparison.
- Don’t use the UK product information as a label for another variety; check the packaging of the product you’re actually buying.
Crispbread for an open Christmas board
These Joybuy products are packaged crispbread varieties to compare if you want to choose your own toppings for a small Christmas board. The pack weight can help you decide, but it won’t tell you how many pieces you’ll use; check the packaging for that too.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers, 235 g
A plain rye base if you want to choose and combine the toppings for your Christmas board yourself.
The product listing states that it contains 100% wholegrain rye and 19% fibre. According to the product information, this variety contains rye and barley and may contain sesame and milk. Check the current label if you’re catering for guests with allergies.
For a small board, also check the number of pieces and the best-before date on the packaging.
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Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread, 265 g
A crispbread option to consider if you want to offer a selection of toppings.
The pack weighs 265 g. Before deciding whether this amount is right for your board, check the number of pieces, best-before date and allergens on the pack too.
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Wasa Rustic Crispbread, 215 g
The 215 g pack is worth comparing with the amount of toppings you’re planning and the number of guests.
Check the pack for the number of pieces, best-before date and allergens for this variety.
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Wasa Lightweight Crackers, 300 g
Consider this pack if 300 g suits the number of occasions when you plan to serve crispbread with your own toppings.
Compare the number of pieces and best-before date on the packaging with your festive plans. Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variety too.
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Wasa High-Fiber Crackers, 300 g
Compare this 300 g pack with how much you expect to use if you’re looking for a plain base for your toppings.
The product information lists ingredients including rye, wheat, oats and sesame. Check the current label for full allergen information, the number of pieces and the best-before date.
Frequently asked questions
Is crispbread sold as a ‘half loaf’?
‘Half loaf’ isn’t a standard size for choosing crispbread. Albert Heijn lists crispbread by pack weight, while Bakkerij Breet uses ‘half loaves’ for fresh bread. So, look at the weight and number of pieces to find crispbread that suits your Christmas board.
Can crispbread replace bread made with baker’s salt as a source of iodine?
Don’t assume that crispbread plays the same role as bread made with iodised baker’s salt. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the information for the specific product rather than relying on its name.
How can I check for allergens when serving guests?
Read the ingredients and allergen information for every variety you plan to serve. The products mentioned contain rye, wheat, barley, milk and sesame in different combinations. Check for any ‘may contain’ statements too. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains how allergens are listed on food labels.
What should I check if I’m buying a pack for several days over Christmas?
Check the best-before date and storage instructions on the pack before buying. Once opened, keep the packaging tightly closed in line with the product guidance, and choose an amount that suits the occasions when you plan to serve crispbread.