Students keeping an eye on how much they use
You’re looking for a crunchy base for a simple meal and want to choose a pack you’ll finish, without ruling out wholemeal from the start.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Students comparing nutritional information
You want to choose wholemeal more often and check the fibre per 100 g. Seeds, a larger size or a different texture only matter to you if you’re happy to eat them too.
Fussy eaters getting used to wholemeal
A darker colour or a texture packed with seeds may not appeal straight away. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre suggests getting used to the different taste of wholemeal gradually.
What should you look for in crispbread?
For a simple student meal, first consider how much crispbread you’ll use and which flavours the people eating it will enjoy. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information of the varieties you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| A suitable pack size | Check the weight and number of crispbreads. Think about how much you’ll use after opening the pack. | If I only eat crispbread now and then, I want a pack that suits how much I use; around 42% of consumers put this first. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the word wholemeal and compare the fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information. | I want to make a conscious choice of wholemeal for my meal and compare its nutritional value. This is the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Taste and texture | Check whether the ingredients include seeds, kernels or oats. A darker colour alone doesn’t prove that crispbread is wholemeal. | If I don’t like dark or seed-rich crispbread, I’d rather start with a more familiar texture; around 25% of consumers prioritise a taste they enjoy. |
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends replacing white grain products with wholemeal varieties as much as possible, while noting that wholemeal can taste different. Having a familiar product alongside wholemeal crispbread for a while can make the switch easier, but it doesn’t mean the two products have the same ingredients or nutritional profile.
Common mistakes
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Assuming a bigger pack is automatically the right choice
Crispbread packs vary in weight and the number of pieces they contain. A larger pack isn’t necessarily practical if you only eat crispbread now and then.
Compare the quantity with how much you expect to use after opening, and follow the storage instructions on the pack.
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Confusing dark or multigrain crispbread with wholemeal
Colour and appearance alone don’t tell you whether crispbread is made entirely with wholemeal flour. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that the term wholemeal refers to the use of wholemeal flour.
Check the product description and ingredients list. If you’re comparing fibre values, use the nutritional information per 100 g.
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Choosing seed crispbread without reading the label
The seed-rich and dark wholemeal varieties described by PLUS and Jumbo include ingredients such as sesame, oats or barley. The allergens to look out for vary from product to product.
Read the allergen information on the specific pack, especially if you’re serving the crispbread to a housemate or guest.
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Assuming your chosen pack will be available
Availability of a shop product can change. That’s inconvenient if you’re relying on one particular variety for a meal.
Check the shop’s current availability and have another pack with suitable ingredients as a back-up.
Brands to consider
These examples show the types of crispbread you could compare. The features of one pack don’t automatically apply to every product from the same brand.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn has its own-brand wholemeal crispbread in a 140 g pack.
- A plain wholemeal option if you’re not looking for a seed-rich texture.
- The product information lists wheat, gluten and egg; check the current label if you have allergies.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers its own-brand wholemeal crispbread alongside branded varieties and options with grains or seeds.
- These different types give you a starting point for comparing ingredients and texture.
- Check that your chosen pack is available before relying on it for a meal.
PLUS
PLUS offers a plain own-brand wholemeal pack weighing 125 g and a 230 g wholemeal variety with seeds.
- The difference in pack weight and ingredients makes it worth comparing the two packs side by side.
- Check the ingredients of the seeded variety separately; the plain wholemeal pack has a different composition.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers plain wholemeal, dark wholemeal and multiseed crispbread, among other varieties.
- The varieties offer different ingredients and textures to choose from. According to the product description at PLUS, Bolletje Wholemeal Crispbread is made with 100% wholemeal grains.
- The dark wholemeal variety described by Jumbo contains oats, barley and sesame, among other ingredients; check the allergens on each pack.
Lidl
Lidl lists a shop product called Wholemeal Crispbread in a 140 g pack.
- The stated pack weight helps you choose a quantity that suits your needs.
- Check the pack you choose for its ingredients, allergens and nutritional value.
Crispbread options at Joybuy
These two Bolletje packs are suitable if you’re looking for wholemeal crispbread: one plain wholemeal variety and one dark variety. Use the product information to decide which pack size and texture will suit everyone eating it.
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Bolletje wholemeal crispbread, 13 pieces
An option if you’re looking for plain wholemeal crispbread for a simple meal. The product name states that the pack contains 13 pieces; check the information per 100 g on the pack to compare nutritional values.
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Bolletje dark wholemeal crispbread, 10 pieces
An option if you specifically want to try a dark wholemeal variety. The product name states that the pack contains 10 pieces; before buying, read the ingredients and allergen information if the taste or composition matters to you.
Frequently asked questions
How can I recognise wholemeal crispbread?
Look for the word wholemeal and check the ingredients list. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a dark colour alone doesn’t tell you enough about the type of grain used.
Is seed crispbread a good choice for every student?
No. Choose seed crispbread if you like the ingredients and firmer texture. If you’re buying for fussy eaters, it’s worth checking first whether they enjoy seeds and kernels in their crispbread. Also compare the pack weight with how much you use.
Which allergens should I check in crispbread?
Always read the label on the specific pack. The varieties described include ingredients such as wheat and egg; some dark wholemeal or seeded varieties also list oats, barley or sesame. Ingredients can vary between products.
How do I keep crispbread crunchy after opening?
Seal the pack well after use and store the crispbread in a dry place. Follow the storage instructions on the pack; an airtight tin can help if the original packaging no longer seals properly.