People who regularly buy wholemeal crispbread
You want a crunchy base for your toppings, so you compare the grains, fibre and salt content per 100 g. The label on the variety you choose tells you what you’re actually taking home.
Who is this choice relevant to?
People hosting a coffee morning
You want to work out how many topped pieces you’ll need. Pack weight, number of pieces and portion size can all help. It’s also worth considering how you’ll store an opened pack if there are any leftovers.
People checking labels for their guests
You need information about cereals containing gluten, sesame and any ‘may contain’ statements. If the type of salt used matters, you’ll need to check this for each product too.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many pieces you want to top and which ingredients your guests need to avoid. Then compare the nutritional information on the same basis and check that the shape of the crispbread works with your toppings.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check which grains are used and compare fibre per 100 g, not just per piece. | If I eat crispbread on other days too, I want to compare the wholemeal claim and fibre content. This is the top priority for around 26% of consumers. |
| Toppings and portions | Check the shape, pack contents and any stated number of pieces; ‘medium sliced’ is no substitute for this information. | When I’m hosting several guests, I want to know how many pieces I can top and whether the shape works with my toppings. Around 21% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients and both ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ statements on the current pack. | If guests need to avoid certain grains or sesame, I don’t want to base their choice on the word ‘wholemeal’. Checking the label is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Pack size and storage | Compare the pack weight with how much you expect to use, and check how to store any leftovers after opening. | I want to buy enough without leaving a large opened pack for too long. Getting the quantity right matters most to around 16% of consumers. |
| Salt and type of salt | Compare salt per 100 g and, if the type of salt matters to you, check what the ingredients list says. | If I serve crispbread alongside or instead of ordinary bread, I don’t want to assume the same type of salt has been used. Around 16% of consumers put this check first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming wholemeal means gluten-free
The Wasa, Albert Heijn and Bolletje varieties described contain rye, wheat or barley, among other ingredients. Some varieties also list sesame. A short ingredients list doesn’t rule out a ‘may contain’ statement.
If a guest needs to avoid gluten or another allergen, check the full information on the specific pack. Don’t rely on the front of the packaging alone.
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Assuming it contains iodised salt because it’s called bread
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt in bread isn’t compulsory. So the name crispbread or the description wholemeal won’t tell you which type of salt has been used in a particular product.
If the type of salt is a specific dietary concern, check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer instead of assuming it contains iodine.
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Opening a large pack without storing the leftovers properly
Moisture can make opened crispbread lose its crunch. A larger pack is most practical if you’ll use the pieces after your coffee morning too.
Choose an amount that suits your expected use, and store the rest in a well-sealed, dry place according to the instructions on the packaging.
Brands to consider
These examples show which product features you can compare. Always check the ingredients and nutritional information for each individual variety.
Wasa / Wasabröd
Rye-based crispbread. Albert Heijn lists wholemeal rye flour, yeast and salt as ingredients in Wasa Wholemeal.
- The ingredients list for this Wholemeal variety is short.
- Rye contains gluten; also check the pack for any ‘may contain’ statements.
Albert Heijn
According to Albert Heijn, AH Wholemeal Crispbread, 375 g, contains 25 portions of 15 g.
- The stated portion size can help you plan how many topped pieces to serve across several occasions.
- This variety contains wheat, rye and sesame; check the current label when you buy it.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers a wholemeal crispbread variety labelled High Fibre. Compare its nutritional information per 100 g with that of other varieties.
- The wholemeal and fibre information gives you specific points to compare on the label.
- The High Fibre variety described lists wheat, rye, barley and sesame.
Goud Gebakken bij ALDI
ALDI Netherlands lists a 375 g Wholemeal Crispbread pack containing 25 pieces, as well as a separate robust variety with seeds.
- The 375 g variety states the number of pieces, which can help you plan for guests.
- Check the pack of the variety you choose for its ingredients, allergens and nutritional value.
Ryvita
On its international brand pages, Ryvita lists Original Crispbread and Multigrain Crispbread as separate varieties, among others.
- The different varieties have distinct ingredients lists to compare with the toppings you plan to serve.
- If buying in the Netherlands, use the label on the pack actually being sold.
Crispbread and crackers on Joybuy
This selection includes rye crispbread, wholemeal crispbread and crackers for anyone looking to serve something crunchy with their toppings. Don’t choose on pack weight alone: for your coffee morning, also check the number of pieces, the shape and the label for the variety you choose.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers – 235 g
A rye variety to consider if you want to serve crackers with toppings. Check the pack to see how many pieces you can use for your guests.
- Pack weight: 235 g.
- If you have questions about allergies, check the current ingredients and allergen information.
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g'woon wholemeal crispbread – 375 g
The larger pack may be a good fit if you’re buying for several occasions. Check the packaging to find out how many pieces you can serve.
- Pack weight: 375 g.
- Before choosing this for guests with dietary requirements, read the ingredients and allergen information on the current pack.
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Bolletje wholemeal crispbread – 265 g
A wholemeal variety to compare with other types of crispbread when you’re looking for a base for toppings. Check that the pieces suit your serving plan.
- Pack weight: 265 g.
- Check the allergen information on the pack you choose.
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Wasa High-Fiber Crackers – 300 g
Compare these crackers with crispbread if fibre information matters to you. Check separately whether their shape works with the toppings you plan to serve.
- Pack weight: 300 g.
- Use the label for this variety to assess its nutritional value and allergens.
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Wasa Rustic Crispbread – 215 g
A rye variety to consider if you want to top crispbread. Check how many pieces are in the pack before deciding how much you’ll need for your guests.
- Pack weight: 215 g.
- Read the current label if cereals containing gluten or possible allergens affect your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘medium sliced’ mean a set thickness for crispbread?
Don’t use ‘medium sliced’ as a measurement for a particular type of crispbread. Check the shape and any dimensions on the packaging, and see how many pieces will work with the toppings you want to serve.
Is wholemeal crispbread gluten-free?
Not necessarily: the Wasa Wholemeal, AH Wholemeal and Bolletje varieties described contain cereals with gluten, such as rye, wheat or barley. If you need a gluten-free option, check that the specific product is labelled gluten-free and read the allergen information too.
Does crispbread automatically contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t tell from the name crispbread. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt isn’t even compulsory in bread. So if you need to know which type of salt has been used, check the specific product’s label or ask the manufacturer.
How should I store leftover crispbread after a coffee morning?
Seal the pack well after opening and store the crispbread in a dry place, following the instructions on the pack. This helps limit exposure to moisture, which can make it lose its crunch.