If you want to serve a wholegrain option
You want to offer a wholegrain base as well as toppings. Check the label on the pack and compare fibre per 100 g, rather than relying on the colour.
Who is this choice relevant to?
If you’re catering for different tastes
You expect that not everyone will want a hearty rye option. Serving a light crispbread separately gives guests another texture to choose from.
If you need to inform guests about allergens
You want to be able to check which options contain ingredients such as rye, wheat or sesame before serving. Keep the packs by the platter so guests can read the current information.
What should you look for?
First decide which two textures you want to offer. Then check the grain base, nutritional information, allergens and quantity on each pack to make sure you have enough for your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain and fibre | Check for a wholegrain label, the grain ingredients and fibre per 100 g. According to Albert Heijn, AH Wholegrain Crispbread contains 12 g of fibre per 100 g. | If I want to serve a wholegrain base too, I want to be able to identify it without relying on a brown colour. Around 50% of consumers prioritise a wholegrain and fibre option. |
| Light texture | Read the texture description and ingredients list. Albert Heijn describes AH Golden Crispbread as light and crisp; its base is made with wheat flour. | For guests who aren’t keen on a hearty rye bite, I look for a crisp alternative that lets the topping take centre stage. This light texture is a priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Serving and information | Compare the quantity in each pack and the allergen information. Keep the two types separate and have the labels to hand. | When I put several types on the table, I want guests to be able to tell them apart and check the label for themselves. Practical information for guests and variety are the top priorities for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming golden crispbread is wholegrain
A brown colour doesn’t tell you which type of flour has been used. According to Albert Heijn, AH Golden Crispbread contains wheat flour and 3.8 g of fibre per 100 g, compared with 12 g per 100 g for AH Wholegrain Crispbread.
Look for a wholegrain label on the pack and compare the ingredients and fibre on the same basis: per 100 g.
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Putting all the types out together without their labels
The wholegrain and golden varieties described contain gluten-containing cereals; some varieties also list sesame or a warning about the possible presence of other allergens.
Serve the types separately and keep the packs available so guests can check the allergens for the product they choose.
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Only checking the salt in the crispbread
Toppings also contribute to the salt in a finished snack. So comparing two types of crispbread won’t tell you everything about what you’ll ultimately be serving.
If it matters to your choice, check the salt per 100 g on the packs of both the crispbread and the toppings.
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Adding toppings well in advance
Moist toppings can change the crisp texture while the snacks are waiting to be served.
Keep opened crispbread in a dry, airtight container. It’s better to top smaller quantities shortly before serving.
Brands to compare
Wasa
Wasa offers wholegrain and golden varieties, among others. If you’re looking for a distinctly rye-based option, Wasa Wholegrain is a useful point of comparison.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Wasa Wholegrain contains 100% wholegrain rye flour and 20 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This variety contains rye and gluten. Check the pack you choose for other allergens and possible traces.
Albert Heijn
AH Wholegrain Crispbread and AH Golden Crispbread offer two different grain bases within the same own-brand range.
- According to Albert Heijn, the wholegrain variety contains 12 g of fibre per 100 g, while the golden variety contains 3.8 g per 100 g.
- The golden variety is made with wheat flour and isn’t wholegrain. Check the allergens on both products too.
Jumbo
Jumbo Wholegrain Crispbread is a wheat and rye variety to consider if you’re looking for a wholegrain base for your platter.
- Jumbo’s product information lists a 375 g pack containing 25 pieces, with 10.9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The product contains gluten-containing cereals. Check the pack if any guests need to avoid allergens.
Goud Gebakken (ALDI)
Under this own brand, ALDI describes a wholegrain crispbread and a robust variety with seeds.
- According to ALDI, the 375 g wholegrain pack contains 25 pieces, which can help you plan your platter.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack for the variety you choose, especially if you’re serving guests with allergies.
Ryvita
On its international brand page, Ryvita distinguishes between crispbread, thins and crackerbread. These product ranges aren’t all the same type of crispbread.
- The separate product ranges give you a starting point for comparing texture and grain base on each pack.
- Before adding a specific product to your platter, check the Dutch packaging for ingredients, nutritional information and allergens.
Products for a sharing platter
These products include wholegrain crispbread, a separate fibre-focused cracker and a light golden variety. For a platter with two textures, you can serve a wholegrain option alongside the golden one. Check the ingredients and allergens on each product’s packaging.
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Wasa Wholegrain Crispbread, 260 g
A rye-based wholegrain option for the heartier side of the platter. The pack contains 260 g; check the label for allergens and how many pieces you’d like to serve.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers, 235 g
A rye and sourdough option if you want to offer a different grain base alongside a lighter choice. The pack contains 235 g; check the label for allergens and how much you’ll need for your platter.
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Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread, 265 g
A wholegrain option for guests who prefer this type of grain base. The pack contains 265 g; check the ingredients, allergens and number of pieces on the label before serving.
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Wasa High-Fiber Crackers, 300 g
A cracker to compare separately with the crispbread options if fibre is your main consideration. The pack contains 300 g; use the nutritional information and ingredients list to assess the grain base.
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Bolletje Light Crispbread Golden Crisp, 240 g
A light, golden alternative for guests who’d prefer a different texture from hearty wholegrain crispbread. The pack contains 240 g; check the ingredients and allergens rather than assuming the colour means it’s wholegrain.
Frequently asked questions
Is golden crispbread wholegrain too?
Not necessarily. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the term ‘wholegrain’ refers to the flour used, not the colour. Albert Heijn lists wheat flour for AH Golden Crispbread and wholegrain wheat and rye flour for AH Wholegrain Crispbread, so compare the specific packs.
Can I serve these wholegrain and golden varieties to guests who avoid gluten?
Don’t assume they’re suitable: Wasa Wholegrain and the wholegrain and golden varieties from Albert Heijn mentioned here contain gluten-containing cereals. Check the current allergen information on each pack you choose and keep it by the platter.
Does crispbread in the Netherlands always contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No. The rules on baker’s salt don’t mean that all crispbread contains iodine. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the conditions under which iodine compounds may be present in bread, bread substitutes and other bakery products. Check the ingredients for the specific product if this matters to your choice.
How can I keep crispbread crisp until my guests arrive?
Store it in a dry place and seal an opened pack well. Albert Heijn recommends keeping the varieties mentioned in a closed tin once opened. It’s best to add moist toppings shortly before serving.