Student with limited storage space
If you’ve only just moved into your own place, you might want to start by buying a small amount. The pack weight and number of crackers can help you work out whether a pack suits your usage and cupboard space.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Student looking for wholegrain and fibre
If you eat crispbread regularly for breakfast or lunch, you can compare the wholegrain information and fibre content per 100 g. However, a wholegrain product isn’t automatically gluten-free.
Student who needs to check ingredients
If you avoid certain ingredients or allergens, the ingredients list and allergen information on the pack matter more than the name or shape of the cracker.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much crispbread you’re likely to use. Then compare the nutritional information and ingredients on packs that are the right size for you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who does this matter to? |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Compare the weight, number of crackers and storage instructions on the pack. | If I’m not sure how often I eat crispbread, I don’t want to buy a bigger pack than I expect to use. Around 36% of consumers prioritise keeping their stock manageable. |
| Wholegrain and fibre | Check the wholegrain information, ingredients and fibre content per 100 g. | If I eat it regularly for breakfast or lunch, I want to see which grains it contains and how much fibre is listed. This is the first consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ statements. | If I need to avoid an ingredient, I don’t want to rely on the product name. Around 21% of consumers prioritise checking ingredients and allergens. |
| Everyday use | Check whether the shape and number of crackers suit the occasions you want to eat them. | I want a practical cracker to eat with toppings or as a snack. Around 14% of consumers give this convenience the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘half loaf’ is a standard pack size
The term doesn’t tell you how much crispbread you’ll take home. The Dutch Albert Heijn product examples list pack weights and, in some cases, the number of crackers.
Use this information to choose an initial supply, and check the pack if you want to break the crackers into smaller pieces.
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Assuming all crispbread suits the same dietary needs
The Wasa and Leksands varieties reviewed contain gluten-containing grains; Wasa Lichtgewicht also lists milk ingredients. Ingredients vary between varieties.
Check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ statements on the pack you buy.
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Assuming crispbread automatically replaces the iodine in bread
According to the Voedingscentrum, bread made with iodised baker’s salt is an important source of iodine in the Netherlands, although using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. So the name ‘crispbread’ tells you nothing about the salt used.
If you’re going to eat less bread, consider your overall diet rather than assuming crispbread will provide iodine.
Brands compared
Wasa
Wasa Volkoren and Wasa Lichtgewicht show why you should compare different varieties from the same brand separately.
- At Albert Heijn, Wasa Volkoren is listed as a 260 g pack with around 20 crackers and 20 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Wasa Lichtgewicht is a different variety: according to Albert Heijn, the 300 g pack contains around 33 crackers and lists milk ingredients. The varieties reviewed contain rye and gluten.
Leksands
Leksands Punt sourdough is triangular crispbread in a 200 g pack, as listed by Albert Heijn.
- The ingredients list states that it contains 85% wholegrain rye flour; the product information lists 21 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This variety lists rye, wheat, barley and gluten. Check the current label if you avoid any of these ingredients.
Ryvita
Ryvita Original Crispbread gives you another product to compare ingredients and nutritional information with.
- Ryvita’s UK product information lists wholegrain rye flour, rye flour and salt as ingredients.
- This information applies to the UK Original Crispbread variety. When buying, check the packaging and label of the product on offer.
Crispbread on Joybuy
These crispbread products come in different pack sizes and varieties. Choose an amount that suits how much you expect to use, and check the ingredients on the pack.
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Wasa Thin Crisp Rosemary & Salt, 190 g
The 190 g pack could be a good fit if you want to start with a small amount. Check the allergen information on the label if you need to avoid any ingredients.
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Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread, 265 g
For anyone looking for wholegrain crispbread who expects to use a 265 g pack. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and read the allergen information before buying.
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Wasa Lightweight Crackers, 300 g
An option if you want light crackers for breakfast or lunch and a 300 g pack suits how much you use. Check the label if you avoid milk or gluten.
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Bolletje Light Crispbread Golden Crisp, 240 g
The 240 g pack is one option if you’re looking for a smaller supply for breakfast or lunch. Check the pack to see how many crackers it contains if you want to plan by the piece.
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Wasa Rustic Crispbread, 215 g
A 215 g pack for anyone looking to start with a small supply and eat crispbread with toppings. Check the number of crackers and allergen information on the pack if these affect your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is ‘half loaf’ a standard size for crispbread?
No. Don’t use the term to work out how much is in a pack. Compare the pack weight and number of crackers, and check the cracker itself if you want to break it into smaller pieces.
How should I store crispbread once opened?
Follow the instructions on the pack and seal it properly after use. The Albert Heijn product information reviewed says to store Wasa Volkoren and Leksands in a cool, dry place away from light, and Wasa Lichtgewicht in a cool, dry place.
Does crispbread provide the same iodine as bread?
You can’t assume that it does. The Voedingscentrum describes bread made with iodised baker’s salt as an important source of iodine in the Netherlands and notes that using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. If you eat less bread, consider your overall diet rather than relying on the product name.
What should I look out for if I avoid gluten or milk?
Read the ingredients and allergen information on the pack for the specific variety. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the Wasa Volkoren and Leksands varieties reviewed contain rye and gluten; Wasa Lichtgewicht also lists milk ingredients. Don’t assume this applies to other varieties.