Anyone who packs lunch every day
You want to know how many pieces to take and whether the shape and texture suit the toppings you use. So compare the portion information on the pack, not just the pack weight.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Anyone comparing nutritional values
You might look at protein, carbohydrates and fibre per 100 g, then check the amount per piece. A product name doesn’t tell you how its overall nutritional values compare with another variety.
Anyone who needs to read the label carefully
If you have questions about allergens or baker’s salt, the ingredients and information on the pack you choose are what matter. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority points out that when ingredients containing gluten are used, the type of grain must also be clearly stated.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with your toppings and the portion you want to take with you. The term ‘medium sliced’ doesn’t give you a useful measurement, so compare the dimensions and weight per piece on the pack.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Especially relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Portion and toppings | Check the size, number of pieces and weight per piece. Take moist toppings separately if keeping the crispbread crunchy is important. | If I prepare my lunch in advance, I want to take a suitable portion without my toppings making the crispbread soggy. For around 45% of consumers, this practicality would be the top priority. |
| Nutritional value | Compare protein, carbohydrates, fibre, fat and salt per 100 g, then check the portion size. | Anyone focusing mainly on protein or carbohydrates will want to compare nutritional values on the same basis before choosing a portion. For around 33% of consumers, this would be the main priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information. If you have a question about iodine, look specifically for baker’s salt. | If I need to check for allergens or baker’s salt, I want to know what’s in this particular pack. For around 22% of consumers, checking the label would come first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all crispbread contains baker’s salt
Baker’s salt has iodine added, but according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, its use isn’t compulsory. So the product category won’t tell you whether a particular pack contains baker’s salt.
Check the label or ask the manufacturer about the product you’ve chosen.
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Going by ‘protein’ or ‘low carb’ alone
A claim on the front of the pack won’t show you all the differences in carbohydrates, protein, fibre, fat, salt and ingredients.
Compare varieties per 100 g, then check the weight of each piece and its ingredients.
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Judging allergens by the main grain
A variety may contain other allergens as well as rye or wheat, or state that they may be present. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be declared on labels.
Check the current pack every time you buy, even if you’ve bought the same product before.
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Adding moist toppings hours in advance
Moisture from toppings can affect the crisp texture, even if the portion fits neatly in your lunchbox.
Take moist toppings separately and add them to the crispbread shortly before eating.
Brands compared
Wasa
The Wasa varieties reviewed differ in their grain base and nutritional information, so choose by product rather than by brand name.
- Albert Heijn describes Wasa Lichtgewicht as thin crispbread made from wholegrain rye. For Wasa Protein+ wheat crispbread, Albert Heijn lists 20 g of protein per 100 g.
- The ingredients and allergens vary between these varieties. Check the label on the pack you choose.
Leksands
Leksands Knäcke original is a rye variety worth considering if you’re looking for a short ingredients list.
- Albert Heijn lists 97% wholegrain rye flour for this variety, alongside water, yeast and salt.
- The triangular shape alone won’t tell you how the crispbread will hold up with your toppings; the product contains rye.
TastyBasics
The Low carb varieties reviewed are worth considering if you mainly want to compare carbohydrates and other nutritional values.
- Albert Heijn lists 23 g of protein and 13 g of fibre per 100 g for the poppy seed and sesame variety.
- Check the fat, ingredients and allergens too; the varieties reviewed don’t have the same composition.
Ryvita
Ryvita Original Crispbread is a useful reference if you want to compare the ingredients of a rye variety.
- Ryvita lists wholemeal rye flour, rye flour and salt for Original Crispbread.
- This information comes from a UK product page. Check the pack of any product on offer before using these details to choose what to take for lunch.
Crispbread for a packed lunch
These Joybuy products are crispbread varieties to consider as a base for your lunch. If you have favourite toppings, compare the size and portion in particular; the product name alone doesn’t tell you how thick the crispbread is.
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Wasa Lightweight crispbread 300 g
Consider this variety for a lunch with lighter toppings, and take moist toppings separately. Check the size and number of pieces if you want to plan your portion in advance.
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Wasa Wholegrain crispbread 260 g
Consider this wholegrain variety if you’re looking for a base for your lunch toppings. If you want to take a set portion, compare the nutritional information and weight per piece on the pack.
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Bolletje Whole Grain crispbread 265 g
Compare this wholegrain variety for a lunch with toppings. Check the dimensions and weight per piece if the crispbread needs to fit in a lunchbox.
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Wasa High-Fiber crispbread 300 g
If fibre is one of the things you’re comparing for lunch, check the nutritional information per 100 g and the portion you’ll actually take with you. Also check the size of the crackers to make sure they suit your toppings.
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g'woon Wholemeal crispbread 375 g
Consider this wholemeal variety as a base for toppings in your packed lunch. Check the current pack for the grains used and allergen information, and compare the weight per piece to plan your portion.
Frequently asked questions
Is crispbread in the Netherlands always made with baker’s salt?
No, baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt has iodine added. Check the pack you’ve chosen to see whether this salt has actually been used.
What should I check if I have a gluten or other food allergy?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the specific, current pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that when ingredients containing gluten are used, the type of grain must be stated. Don’t rely solely on the product name or main grain.
How can I keep crispbread crunchy until lunchtime?
Store it according to the instructions on the pack and take moist toppings separately. Add them to the crispbread shortly before eating to help prevent moisture affecting its texture.