Stocking up and comparing sugars
You buy several packs at a time and want to compare the amount of sugars per 100 g, rather than relying on the front of the pack.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Regular crispbread eater planning ahead
You often eat crispbread for breakfast or lunch. Once you’ve found a sugar level that suits you, you’ll also want to check how much is in each pack and how to store it after opening.
Looking at fibre and ingredients too
As well as sugars, you want to check the nutritional information and ingredients for the variant you’ve chosen. Rye, other gluten-containing cereals, sesame and milk are all worth looking out for.
What should you check when stocking up?
Start with the nutritional information per 100 g. Then work out how many packs you can store and use before opened packs are left sitting around for too long.
| What to check | Check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and claims | Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. For ‘light’ or ‘reduced’ claims, check which characteristic is being compared and with what product. | If I’m stocking up on several packs, I want to know how much sugar the crispbread contains, whatever the wording on the front. For around 36% of consumers, the sugar level is the most important factor. |
| Storage after opening | Check the best-before date on each pack and follow the storage and resealing instructions on the packaging. | I don’t want an opened pack in the cupboard to lose its crispness while the rest of my supplies are still sealed. Around 29% of consumers prioritise keeping the product in good condition. |
| Pack size | Compare the weight of each pack with how quickly you usually finish an opened one. | If you eat crispbread often, you’ll want to have enough in the cupboard without opening more packs than necessary. Pack size is the main priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Fibre, salt and ingredients | Read the nutritional information per 100 g and check the ingredients and allergens for the exact variant. | If I need to watch out for particular ingredients, a suitable sugar level alone isn’t enough to decide which packs to buy. These product features are the deciding factor for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘light’ means the lowest sugar level
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, ‘light’ means a product contains at least 30% less of a stated characteristic, such as sugars, fat or energy, than a comparable product. It doesn’t tell you the product’s absolute sugar content.
So check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre defines ‘low sugar’ for solid foods as no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g.
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Opening several packs at once
Once a pack is open, you need to store it carefully: moisture can make the crispbread less crunchy. The product information for Wasa Wholegrain and AH Wholegrain Crispbread says to store in a dry place and reseal well after opening.
Check the instructions on your own pack and, ideally, wait until you’ve finished one pack before opening the next.
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Treating every variant the same
Crispbread varieties differ in their cereals and allergens. For example, Albert Heijn lists rye for Wasa Wholegrain, while the Bolletje variant reviewed also contains wheat, barley and sesame.
Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging for every variant. Don’t assume that all crispbread contains iodised baker’s salt either.
Brands compared
Wasa (Wasabröd)
Wasa offers several rye and wholegrain varieties. Compare the exact product packaging, as nutritional information differs between variants.
- Albert Heijn lists 1.5 g of sugars and 20 g of fibre per 100 g for Wasa Wholegrain.
- The same product listing gives 1.2 g of salt per 100 g and lists rye as an ingredient. According to the product information reviewed, Wasa Lightweight has a different sugar level and also contains milk.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes AH Wholegrain Crispbread in a 375 g pack.
- Albert Heijn’s product information lists 3.4 g of sugars and 12 g of fibre per 100 g for this variant.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before buying. An own-brand name doesn’t tell you what other variants contain.
Bolletje
Bolletje has a wholegrain crispbread variant whose product description highlights its fibre content.
- Albert Heijn lists 1.5 g of sugars and 14 g of fibre per 100 g for Bolletje Wholegrain High-Fibre Crispbread.
- The variant reviewed contains wheat, rye, barley and sesame. Check the allergen information on the pack.
Ryvita
The Original variant is a rye crispbread that can be used for comparison. The nutritional information shown here comes from Ryvita International and relates to the UK variant.
- Ryvita International lists 2.4 g of sugars and 13.4 g of fibre per 100 g for Original.
- The ingredients include rye, so the product contains gluten. When buying, check the packaging for the variant you’re actually choosing.
Crispbread and sandwiches on Joybuy
This selection includes packs of crispbread and smaller crispbread sandwiches. If you’re mainly looking to stock up for home, compare the pack size and information for the exact variant before adding the sandwiches to your shortlist.
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Wasa Wholegrain Crispbread 260 g
A pack of crispbread for comparing the sugar level of a wholegrain variety. Albert Heijn lists 1.5 g of sugars per 100 g for Wasa Wholegrain. Before stocking up, check the best-before date and ingredients on the pack.
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Wasa High-Fiber Crackers 300 g
For comparing fibre as well as sugars. Check the nutritional information per 100 g and the ingredients for this High-Fiber variant. The pack contains 300 g.
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Bolletje Wholegrain Crispbread 265 g
A 265 g pack for anyone considering wholegrain crispbread for their cupboard. Compare the nutritional information and allergens for this variant before choosing several packs.
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Wasa Cheese Sandwich 3 x 31 g
This cheese-filled crispbread sandwich is a portion-sized option, not a large pack of plain crispbread. The packaging lists three 31 g portions. Check the ingredients for the finished product.
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Wasa Sandwich Sour Cream & Onion 99 g
A 99 g crispbread sandwich pack if you’re looking for a smaller option. Compare the nutritional information and ingredients for this flavoured variety separately from those for plain crispbread.
Frequently asked questions
What does ‘low sugar’ mean for crispbread?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre defines ‘low sugar’ for solid foods as no more than 5 g of sugars per 100 g. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g on the packaging, even if the term doesn’t appear on the front.
Does ‘reduced sugar’ mean the same as ‘low sugar’?
No. ‘Reduced’ describes a difference compared with a similar product, while ‘low sugar’ refers to the absolute amount of sugars. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a comparative claim means at least 30% less of the stated characteristic. So remember to check the figure per 100 g too.
How should I store several packs of crispbread?
Follow the storage instructions and check the best-before date on every pack. The product information reviewed for Wasa and Albert Heijn says to store in a dry place and reseal well after opening. Check which instructions apply to your variant.
Does Dutch crispbread always contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that all crispbread does. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority outlines conditions for using baker’s salt as a source of iodine in bakery products, but this doesn’t confirm the ingredients of any individual pack. Check the ingredients or ask the manufacturer about the variant you’ve chosen.
Is rye or wholegrain crispbread automatically gluten-free?
No. The Wasa and Ryvita rye variants reviewed contain gluten, and the Bolletje variant reviewed also contains wheat and barley. If you need to avoid gluten, read the allergen information for the exact product.