If you’d like something to put your own toppings on with your coffee, look for wholegrain crispbread and compare the fibre content per 100 g and per serving. For a small, thin snack, crackerbread may suit you better. In either case, check the current ingredients and allergen information. The word ‘digestive’ on its own tells you nothing about whether a product is suitable for you.
If you’re bringing your own toppings, a sturdy wholegrain slice can be a practical choice. Compare the fibre content per 100 g with the nutritional information and weight per serving: a large slice and a small one aren’t the same.
Check the packaging before choosing a variety. Standard crispbread may contain gluten-containing cereals and sesame. Even if a product is specifically labelled gluten-free or lactose-free, you should still check the other ingredients and warnings.
A thin crackerbread may suit you if you want a small portion that you can eat without toppings or cutlery. Check the nutritional information per piece if you want to compare it with a larger slice of crispbread.
Start with any allergens you need to avoid. Then decide whether the crispbread will mainly be a base for toppings or a small snack with your coffee, and only then compare the nutritional information per serving.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrains and fibre | Check the types of grain and compare the fibre content per 100 g and per serving. | If I want to use crispbread for a light breakfast or as a base for my own toppings, the type of grain and serving size both matter. For around 40% of consumers, choosing wholegrain or fibre-rich options comes first. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the current packaging. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I first want to know whether this particular variety meets my requirements. This is the main priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Small portions and convenience | Compare the weight and nutritional information per piece, and check the storage instructions. | With a cup of coffee, sometimes I just want something small that I can eat without any preparation. Around 30% of consumers say a simple, small portion is their top priority. |
The fibre content doesn’t tell you whether a product is free from allergens. The high-fibre varieties of Wasa and Bolletje described here contain gluten-containing cereals and sesame.
Consider fibre and allergens separately, and check the packaging for any ‘may contain’ warnings too.
A thin crackerbread and a larger slice of crispbread may have different serving weights. Comparing them per piece therefore answers a different question from comparing them per 100 g.
Check both figures and decide how many pieces you’d like with your coffee.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the rules on adding iodine through bakers’ salt. This doesn’t mean that every individual crispbread product contains iodine.
For information about a specific product, check the packaging or the manufacturer’s information rather than making a general assumption about bakers’ salt.
The information given for Ryvita Wholegrain Crackerbread comes from a British brand page. Packaging for the Dutch market may show different information.
When buying, check the information on the packaging of the variety you’re actually choosing.
Wasa offers a range of crispbread, including wholegrain and high-fibre varieties. Jumbo also lists specific gluten-free and lactose-free varieties.
Bolletje offers a wholegrain crispbread variety with a stated fibre content.
Albert Heijn’s own-brand range includes several types of crispbread, including wholegrain and seeded varieties.
Ryvita makes both crackerbread and crispbread. The product details given here come from British brand pages.
These crisp crackers and crispbreads are options to consider as a snack with coffee or as a base for toppings you’ve brought with you. When choosing, check the specific variety, allergens and how much you plan to eat.
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An option if you’re looking for a cracker to enjoy with coffee that can also serve as a base for your own toppings.
300 g pack. The product information lists gluten-containing cereals and sesame. Check the current allergen information before choosing this product.
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A wholegrain crispbread to enjoy with coffee or pair with toppings you’ve brought with you.
265 g pack. The product information lists gluten-containing cereals and sesame. Also check for any warnings about other allergens.
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A thin cracker for anyone who’d prefer a small portion with their coffee rather than a large slice with toppings.
300 g pack. The product information lists rye and milk and states that sesame may be present. Check the label if this is relevant to your choice.
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A crispbread option for anyone who wants something crunchy with their coffee without having to prepare toppings first.
240 g pack. The product information lists wheat and sesame. If a small portion matters to you, compare the weight and nutritional information per piece.
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A crispbread to enjoy with coffee or use as a base for toppings you’ve brought with you.
215 g pack. The product information lists rye. Check the allergen information and compare the nutritional details per slice if serving size matters to you.
No. The label doesn’t tell you whether the crispbread suits your preferences. Compare the ingredients, fibre, salt and serving size of the specific product, and don’t assume the name means it has any effect on digestion.
Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warnings. Crispbread may contain gluten-containing cereals and sesame, among other ingredients. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the 14 allergens specified by law must be clearly listed.
No, you shouldn’t assume this applies to every product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the rules on adding iodine through bakers’ salt, but these don’t confirm the iodine content of any individual crispbread product.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal the opened pack properly. Jumbo’s product information for the Wasa and Bolletje varieties described here recommends storing them in a cool, dry place away from light.
Yes, especially if you’re having several slices or adding toppings. Compare the stated amount of salt per 100 g and, where available, per serving with the number of slices you plan to eat.
