A small Christmas table with minimal leftovers
If you’re serving crispbread to a small group, compare the net weight and any individual portions. This helps you choose an amount that suits what you want to serve at dinner and use afterwards.
Who is this choice relevant to?
If you’re serving crispbread with toppings
For a sharing platter, it makes a difference whether you want plain crispbread to top yourself or a ready-made sandwich variety. Open only what you need and store the rest in an airtight container; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping opened crispbread in a dry, dark place.
If you need to consider allergens or dietary requirements
Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack of the exact variety you’re serving. Products from the same brand can differ considerably: Jumbo, for example, lists wheat and gluten in Wasa Protein Wheat, while Albert Heijn also offers a separate Wasa variety labelled gluten-free and lactose-free.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide how much crispbread you want to put on the table. Then check whether the shape works with your toppings, and read the label if any guests need to avoid specific ingredients.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Compare the net weight and, where stated, the number of pieces or individual servings. | For a small table, I don’t want to open a lot of crispbread if I won’t need much after dinner. Minimising leftovers is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Toppings and storage | Choose between plain crispbread and a filled sandwich variety; also check how you can seal the pack afterwards. | If I’m putting out toppings, I want a shape that works well with them and stays crisp while being served. Around 29% of consumers give this combination top priority. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any cross-contamination warning. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to be able to check the exact variety before serving it. This is the top consideration for around 21% of consumers. |
| Nutrition information | Check the nutrition information and, if you’re interested in iodine, see whether the label mentions baker’s salt or added iodine. | When comparing products by their nutrition information, I don’t want to assume what’s in them based on the word ‘crispbread’. For around 14% of consumers, label information is the first thing they consider. |
Common mistakes
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Searching only for ‘half loaf’
That term isn’t much help when comparing crispbread packs in the Dutch supermarket ranges at Albert Heijn and Jumbo. A name that suggests a light variety won’t tell you how much is in the pack, either.
Compare the net weight and, if you’re planning servings, check whether the pack states the number of pieces.
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Assuming the brand guarantees it suits a particular diet
Products from the same brand can contain different ingredients and allergens. According to Jumbo’s product information, Wasa Protein Wheat contains wheat and gluten and may contain soya, mustard and lupin.
Check the current label of the variety you’ve chosen for every guest with relevant dietary needs, even if you’ve bought another product from that brand before.
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Assuming it contains iodine from baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. You can’t assume it’s present based on the product category.
Check the ingredients of the specific variety if information about baker’s salt is relevant to your choice.
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Opening the whole pack well before serving
An opened pack needs looking after if you want to use the crispbread later. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing crispbread in a dry, dark place and keeping it well sealed.
Put only the amount you need on the table and seal the rest straight away. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack.
Brands to consider
Wasa
Jumbo and Albert Heijn stock both plain crispbread varieties and sandwich varieties from the brand.
- A sandwich variety can be useful if you’re looking for individual, ready-filled portions.
- Not every variety suits the same dietary requirements: check the ingredients and allergens on each pack.
Albert Heijn
The own-label online range includes wholegrain, sesame and pumpkin seed varieties, among others.
- Different varieties give you a choice of flavours and pack sizes.
- Check the weight of the specific variety if you want to buy a limited amount for one small dinner.
Leksands
Albert Heijn lists Leksands varieties with ingredients including sourdough, seeds and sea salt.
- An option if you want to match the flavour of the crispbread to your toppings.
- Check that the variety’s shape, ingredients and pack weight suit your table.
Bolletje
The Albert Heijn range includes several types of crispbread, including wholegrain and light varieties.
- You can choose a type that works well with the toppings you plan to serve.
- Compare pack weights if you want to have as little as possible left over after a small dinner.
TastyBasics
Albert Heijn lists TastyBasics crispbread in compact packs, including a 150 g variety.
- The pack weight may suit a smaller amount on the table.
- A product description such as ‘low-carb’ doesn’t tell you whether it contains allergens or is suitable for a particular guest; check the label for that information.
Products for a small Christmas table
These options range from plain crispbread for your own toppings to small crackers for dips and individually wrapped filled sandwiches. Before choosing, decide what role the product will play on your table: a filled sandwich won’t replace a neutral base for toppings.
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g'woon Wholegrain Crispbreads, 125 g
The 125 g pack is an option if you’re looking for a smaller amount of plain crispbread for a small group. Check the number of pieces and the ingredients on the pack if you’re planning portions or need to consider allergens.
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Wasa Thin Crisp Rosemary & Salt, 190 g
This 190 g pack is an option if you want to serve crispbread with a rosemary and salt flavour alongside your toppings. Consider whether the flavour will work with your toppings, and check the label for ingredients and allergens.
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Wasa Thin Crisp Sesame, 190 g
This 190 g sesame variety is a good fit for a table where you want the crispbread itself to add flavour. Check whether sesame works with the toppings you’ve planned, and read the label if allergens are a consideration.
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Wasa Delicate Crackers Sea Salt, 180 g
These 180 g crackers offer an alternative to traditional crispbread. Check whether their size works for the dips or toppings you want to serve, and look at the pack for serving and allergen information.
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Wasa Cheese Sandwich, 3 × 31 g
Three sandwiches weighing 31 g each make the portion size clear. With its cheese filling, this is a filled snack rather than crispbread to top with your own choice of ingredients; check the allergens on the label, too.
Frequently asked questions
Is ‘half loaf’ a common pack size for crispbread?
Don’t use that term to measure how much crispbread you’re buying: compare the net weight and, where stated, the number of pieces. Albert Heijn’s online range, for example, includes packs in various sizes, including 150 g and 375 g.
How should I store leftover crispbread after Christmas dinner?
Store opened crispbread in a dry, dark place and keep it well sealed. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing opened crispbread in a kitchen cupboard for up to one month; also follow the instructions on the pack and don’t use the product if it has gone mouldy.
Does crispbread always contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No, you can’t tell from the word ‘crispbread’. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, so check the ingredients of the variety you’ve chosen if this is relevant to your product choice.
What should I check on the pack if a guest has a food allergy?
Check the current ingredients, allergen information and any cross-contamination warnings on the exact pack you plan to serve. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods; the brand name alone isn’t a reliable check.