Pupils looking for a base they can add toppings to
With plain crispbread, they can choose their own toppings. That’s a different purchase from taking a chocolate biscuit along as a sweet snack.
Who is this distinction important for?
Pupils who want to take something sweet
For them, it’s particularly important to check whether the packaging describes a biscuit or actual crispbread, and to check the ingredients and allergens.
Families with allergy-related requirements
They should check the ingredients, allergens and any ‘may contain’ information for the chosen product against their personal requirements and the school’s rules.
What should you look for when choosing?
For a school lunch, first decide whether you want a base you can add toppings to or a sweet snack. Then check the packaging for ingredients, allergens and practical storage instructions.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch base or biscuit | Read the product description: does it say crispbread or biscuit? Think about whether you want to take toppings separately. | If I want to choose my own toppings, I’m looking for a crunchy lunch base rather than a biscuit; around 44% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Chocolate as a snack | Check the ingredients and the portion you want to pack; wholemeal biscuits aren’t automatically crispbread. | If I want something sweet in my school bag, I want to know that I’m buying a biscuit, not a cracker I can add toppings to; around 33% of consumers prioritise this kind of snack. |
| Allergens and school rules | Check the latest allergen and ‘may contain’ information for the exact product, and ask about the school’s rules if needed. | If there are allergy-related requirements, I want to know what the packaging says and what the school has agreed before packing lunch; around 23% of consumers consider this check the most important. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a chocolate biscuit is crispbread
The Wasa chocolate products described here are called wholemeal biscuits, while Wasa Wholemeal and AH Wholemeal Crispbread are sold as crispbread. The product description therefore matters when deciding what to put in a lunchbox.
First decide whether you’re looking for a base you can add toppings to or a sweet snack, then check the description on the packaging you’ve chosen.
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Assuming ‘wholemeal’ means a product is suitable for allergy-related requirements
The plain crispbread products mentioned contain gluten-containing cereals. Depending on the variety, the chocolate biscuits described here may also involve other allergens or possible traces.
Read the latest packaging for the exact product and take personal requirements and the school’s rules into account.
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Assuming crispbread contains iodised baker’s salt
The Voedingscentrum discusses iodised baker’s salt in relation to bread and explains that its use is not compulsory. The name ‘crispbread’ doesn’t tell you what salt was used in a particular product.
Don’t assume a product contains iodine based on its category; check the information for the product you’ve chosen.
Brands to consider
Compare the product range and the exact variety, not just the brand name: plain crispbread and chocolate biscuits serve different purposes here.
Wasa
Albert Heijn describes Wasa Wholemeal as crispbread made from 100% wholemeal rye. The Wasa products with chocolate described here, on the other hand, are labelled as wholemeal biscuits.
- Albert Heijn lists 20 g of fibre per 100 g for Wasa Wholemeal.
- Wasa Wholemeal contains gluten; check the allergens for each individual variety of chocolate biscuit.
Albert Heijn
AH Wholemeal Crispbread is an own-brand option if you’re looking for a base you can add toppings to for lunch.
- The ingredients list includes wholemeal wheat and rye flour.
- The product also contains wheat gluten and sesame; check the packaging if you have allergy-related requirements.
Bolletje
Albert Heijn’s crispbread range includes Bolletje Wholemeal and Oerknäck varieties.
- These varieties give you options to compare when looking for regular crispbread.
- Check the product type, cereals and allergens on each pack; the brand name doesn’t tell you this for every variety.
Crispbread options for lunch on Joybuy
These four products suit anyone looking for a crunchy lunch base without chocolate, which you can top yourself. They aren’t chocolate biscuits; always check the packaging for the variety you’ve chosen before packing it.
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Wasa High-Fiber crackers 300 g
A good choice if you want to take a crunchy base and add your own toppings.
This isn’t a chocolate variety. The product information lists gluten-containing cereals and sesame; also check the latest information about possible traces of milk.
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g'woon wholemeal crispbread 375 g
For a school lunch where you pack the crispbread separately from the toppings.
This isn’t a chocolate variety. The product information lists gluten-containing cereals and several allergens; read the latest packaging before choosing it if you have allergy-related requirements.
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Bolletje wholemeal crispbread 265 g
A wholemeal option you can top yourself if you want to put together your own lunch.
This isn’t a chocolate variety. The product information lists wheat, rye, barley and sesame; check the latest allergen information, including possible traces.
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Wasa Lightweight crackers 300 g
For anyone who wants to take a thin, crunchy base with toppings packed separately.
This isn’t a chocolate variety. The product information lists rye, which contains gluten, and milk; also check the latest packaging for information about possible traces of sesame.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wasa Pure Chocolate chocolate-coated crispbread?
The Wasa Pure Chocolate variety described here is a wholemeal biscuit, not a product confirmed as chocolate-coated crispbread. The product description lists ingredients including wholemeal flour, oats and dark chocolate; check the packaging if you’re specifically looking for a base you can add toppings to for lunch.
Is plain wholemeal crispbread suitable for someone with coeliac disease?
Not if the variety you choose contains gluten-containing cereals such as wheat or rye. For someone with coeliac disease, it’s important to choose a specific product that is explicitly labelled gluten-free; you should also follow any personal requirements relating to cross-contamination.
Does crispbread automatically provide iodine from baker’s salt?
No, you can’t tell that from the name ‘crispbread’. The Voedingscentrum says that using iodised baker’s salt in bread isn’t compulsory; check the product-specific information for the crispbread you’ve chosen.
How can you pack crispbread so it stays crunchy?
Pack moist toppings separately and add them just before eating. Store the crispbread according to the instructions on the packaging; for AH Wholemeal Crispbread, Albert Heijn recommends keeping it in a sealed tin once opened.