The host comparing sugar content
You’re looking for a crunchy base for Christmas appetisers and want to check both the sugar content per 100 g and the ingredients in your chosen variety before deciding on the toppings.
Who is this for?
Anyone keeping an eye on carbs or protein, too
You’re comparing more than just sugar. A variety with a different carbohydrate or protein content may suit your preferences, but you’ll still need to check its total sugars and allergens separately.
The planner catering for guests with allergies
You’re serving appetisers to guests who need to avoid certain ingredients. Check the allergen information for the exact crispbread variety and its toppings: ‘wholegrain’ won’t tell you what you need to know.
What should you look for when buying?
Start with the nutritional information per 100 g to compare similar products. Then read the ingredients and allergen information, and only after that decide how much topping to use on each appetiser. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using values per 100 g when comparing products.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars and ingredients | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and check whether sugar is listed in the ingredients. | For Christmas appetisers, I want to know how much sugar the base contains before adding toppings; around 36% of consumers prioritise this comparison. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen information for the exact variety, and check the toppings and serving utensils, too. | If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check and serve their appetisers separately; around 29% of consumers prioritise checking allergens. |
| Nutritional profile | Depending on your preferences, check fibre, protein and carbohydrates per 100 g as well as sugars. | I’m looking for a base whose fibre, protein or carbohydrate content suits my preferences; around 21% of consumers focus on this nutritional profile. |
| Shape and portion | Check the weight per piece and the product description; consider the topping for each appetiser you serve. | At Christmas, I want to know how large the pieces are and how I can top them; ease of serving is the main consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘low carb’ means ‘lowest in sugar’
Lower carbohydrates and lower total sugars are two different things. Among the varieties listed by Albert Heijn, TastyBasics Low carb poppy seed and sesame contains 3,3 g sugars per 100 g, compared with 1,5 g per 100 g for Wasa Wholegrain.
Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, then read the ingredients list if added sugar is a consideration for you.
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Looking at the crispbread on its own
The nutritional information for plain crispbread doesn’t describe an appetiser with toppings. Chutney, fruit compote or another sweet topping will change what you’re ultimately serving.
Compare the crispbread varieties first, then check the ingredients and portion size of the topping for each appetiser.
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Relying on a wholegrain label to check for allergens
The varieties discussed have different ingredients; the product information includes rye, wheat and sesame, among others. A label on the front of the pack is no substitute for checking the allergen information.
Read the packaging for the variety you’ve chosen, and use separate toppings and serving utensils when guests need to avoid certain ingredients.
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Relying on old product information
When buying for guests, the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you actually serve are what matter.
Check the packaging again shortly before Christmas dinner, especially if an allergen or sugar content is influencing your choice.
Brands to consider
The differences below apply to the varieties named, not every product from the same brand. Always check the label on the pack you’re buying.
Wasa
Wholegrain crispbread, plus varieties with different protein or fibre content.
- Albert Heijn lists Wasa Wholegrain as containing 1,5 g sugars and 20 g fibre per 100 g.
- Don’t assume these values apply to Wasa Protein+ or other varieties; check the grain type and allergens on each pack, too.
TastyBasics
Crispbread for anyone who wants to compare carbohydrate content as well as sugars.
- According to its product listing, the poppy seed and sesame variety sold by Albert Heijn carries the claim ‘50% fewer carbohydrates’ compared with regular crispbread.
- The same variety lists 3,3 g sugars per 100 g. Check the ingredients and allergens for this seeded variety, too.
Albert Heijn
Sesame crispbread that can be used as a base for topped appetisers.
- The product information for AH Sesame Crispbread lists 2,9 g sugars per 100 g.
- Of this, 1,6 g per 100 g is listed as added sugars; check the packaging for wheat and sesame, too.
Bolletje
Light, airy sesame crispbread for anyone who wants to consider the shape and weight of each appetiser.
- Albert Heijn lists Bolletje Luchtig sesame crispbread as containing 1,5 g sugars and 7,8 g fibre per 100 g.
- This sesame variety contains wheat and sesame. These values don’t automatically apply to other Bolletje crispbreads.
Lidl
Wholegrain crispbread as a possible base for Christmas appetisers.
- Lidl Netherlands lists a 250 g pack of wholegrain crispbread, available in store.
- If you’re choosing based on sugar content, check the nutritional information and ingredients on the packaging for this specific product.
Products for your Christmas table
These Joybuy products are crispbreads or crackers to consider as a base for Christmas appetisers. The pack names indicate different grains or product styles; compare the nutritional information and allergens for each variety separately.
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Wasa Wholegrain Crispbread, 260 g
Wholegrain crispbread to consider if you’re looking for a base for topped Christmas appetisers.
260 g pack. Check the latest allergen information for your guests, and compare sugars and salt on the packaging.
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Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread, 265 g
Wholegrain crispbread to compare if you’re making topped Christmas appetisers.
265 g pack. Use the label for this variety to check its nutritional values, not the label for Bolletje Luchtig sesame.
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Wasa Rustic Crispbread, 215 g
A rustic-style crispbread to consider as a base for topped appetisers.
215 g pack. If fibre content is important to you, compare the fibre value on this pack with those of the other varieties.
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Wasa High-Fiber Crackers, 300 g
A cracker to compare with crispbread if you also want to consider fibre content for your Christmas appetisers.
300 g pack. The name alone doesn’t tell you how much sugar it contains, so compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
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g'woon Wholemeal Crispbread, 375 g
Wholegrain crispbread to consider when you’re making several topped appetisers for the Christmas table.
375 g pack. Check the sugars per 100 g and the allergens for this variety before choosing your toppings.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘low carb’ mean crispbread contains less sugar?
No. A lower carbohydrate content doesn’t, by itself, tell you which variety contains the least total sugar. Albert Heijn lists TastyBasics Low carb poppy seed and sesame as containing 3,3 g sugars per 100 g, and Wasa Wholegrain as containing 1,5 g per 100 g. So always compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure for the products you’re considering.
Should I compare crispbread per portion or per 100 g?
Use the values per 100 g to compare similar crispbread varieties, as recommended by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Then check the weight per piece to work out how many appetisers you can make and how much topping to use.
How can I keep sugar in the toppings in mind, too?
Check the crispbread and toppings separately: the nutritional information on the crispbread pack doesn’t apply to the finished Christmas appetiser. If you’re using chutney or fruit compote, for example, read the ingredients and decide how much to serve on each piece.
How should I store crispbread until Christmas dinner?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack for your chosen variety and seal opened packaging securely. The product information for Wasa Wholegrain says to store it in a cool, dark place; for Bolletje Luchtig crispbread, it also recommends resealing the pack after opening.