Families who prioritise sourdough
If an explicit sourdough claim matters more to you than the classic shape of a Dutch rusk, you could consider Wasa or Leksands sourdough crispbread. It’s still crispbread, not a round rusk.
Which option is right for you?
Families who want to serve traditional Dutch rusks
For a light, round base topped with, for example, strawberries or cheese, traditional Dutch rusks offer the presentation you’re looking for. Bolletje describes its Bakkers Beschuit Origineel as crisp and light; don’t assume this product contains sourdough.
Households that read labels carefully
If cereals containing gluten, egg or possible traces of allergens are a concern, check the packaging of the exact variety you’ve chosen. The sourdough crispbreads discussed here contain cereals containing gluten; Bolletje Bakkers Beschuit contains wheat and egg.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether sourdough or the familiar shape of a Dutch rusk matters more to you. Then compare the nutritional information and ingredients of the varieties that suit your choice.
Sourdough crispbread
A good fit if: you want sourdough and a firm, crunchy base for toppings.
Bear in mind: it has a different shape and bite from light, round Dutch rusks.
Traditional Dutch rusks
A good fit if: the round shape and light texture are central to the rusk platter.
Bear in mind: a traditional product name doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether the recipe contains sourdough.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough | Look for an explicit sourdough claim and check which grain is used. | If sourdough is my reason for choosing something other than Dutch rusks, I want to be able to find that information on the product. Around 25% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Serving | Compare the shape and texture with your planned toppings; also check the number of pieces in the pack. | When serving several people, I want to choose a shape that suits the toppings and the presentation I have in mind. This is the most important factor for around 33% of consumers. |
| Wholegrain and fibre | Check whether wholegrains are listed and compare the amount of fibre per 100 g. | When nutritional value guides my choice, I want to compare the figures for individual products side by side. This is the first consideration for around 25% of consumers. |
| Ingredients | Read the current allergen and ‘may contain’ information; check for baker’s salt if it matters to your household. | If someone at the table needs to avoid certain ingredients, I start by checking the label of the exact variety. Around 17% of consumers give this check priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough crispbread is the same as Dutch rusks
Wasa and Leksands sourdough varieties are crispbreads. They give your meal a different shape and bite from light, round Dutch rusks.
Before buying, decide which presentation you want: traditional Dutch rusks or a sturdier alternative for toppings.
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Assuming ‘traditional’ means a product contains sourdough
Bolletje describes Bakkers Beschuit Origineel as traditionally baked, but that description doesn’t confirm it contains sourdough.
If sourdough is a must, look for an explicit mention in the product description or ingredients list.
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Checking only the product name for allergen information
The crispbreads discussed here contain cereals containing gluten. Bolletje Bakkers Beschuit contains wheat and egg; possible traces may vary between varieties.
Before serving, check the current allergen information on the packaging of the product you’ve chosen.
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Assuming the word sourdough tells you whether the product contains iodine
The name sourdough doesn’t tell you whether baker’s salt was used in baking.
If this information matters to your household, read the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer or baker.
Brands to consider
Wasa
Wasa makes sourdough crispbread in rye and multigrain varieties, as listed in Albert Heijn’s product information.
- For Zuurdesem Rogge, Albert Heijn lists natural sourdough and 19 g of fibre per 100 g.
- These are crispbreads, not traditional Dutch rusks. Check for cereals containing gluten and possible traces for each variety.
Leksands
The Zuurdesem Punt variety is a triangular crispbread made with wholegrains.
- For this variety, Albert Heijn lists 100% wholegrain and 21 g of fibre per 100 g.
- It isn’t round like a Dutch rusk, and the variety contains cereals containing gluten.
Bolletje
Bakkers Beschuit Origineel is an option if you’re looking for the traditional round shape of a Dutch rusk.
- Bolletje says that using egg makes its rusks extra crisp and light.
- This product contains wheat and egg. If you want sourdough, don’t rely on the word ‘traditional’.
Sourdough crispbread for toppings
This product is a good fit if you’re considering sourdough crispbread as a sturdy base for toppings at a family dinner, instead of traditional round Dutch rusks.
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Wasa Zuurdesem Rogge sourdough rye crispbread 235 g
For anyone who wants sourdough and a crunchy base for toppings, but isn’t expecting the light shape of a Dutch rusk.
Albert Heijn’s product information lists natural sourdough and 19 g of fibre per 100 g for Wasa Zuurdesem Rogge. Check the current packaging for ingredients, allergens and possible traces.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough crispbread the same as a Dutch rusk?
No, sourdough crispbread is a different type of product. The Wasa and Leksands varieties discussed here can be used as a crunchy base for toppings, but they don’t replace the round shape and light bite of traditional Dutch rusks.
Does sourdough tell you anything about the fibre content?
The term sourdough doesn’t, by itself, tell you the fibre content. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the varieties you’re considering and check separately whether wholegrains are listed.
Can I tell from the word sourdough whether baker’s salt has been used?
No, the word sourdough doesn’t tell you which salt was used in a particular product. Check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer or baker if baker’s salt matters to your choice.
What should I check if someone at the table needs to avoid gluten or wheat?
Check the current packaging of the exact variety you want to serve. Voedingscentrum lists wheat, rye and barley as cereals containing gluten; the Wasa and Leksands sourdough varieties discussed here contain cereals containing gluten, while Bolletje Bakkers Beschuit contains wheat and egg.