Fans of round rusks
You want a light, crisp base for King's Day toppings and aren't looking for crispbread as a substitute.
Which option is right for you?
Those looking for rye sourdough
You want crispbread made with rye sourdough and are comparing ingredients and nutritional values, even if that means choosing a different product shape.
Label-conscious shoppers
You check the grains, allergens or use of baker's salt before choosing a product. The word sourdough doesn't tell you this.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide which type of product you want to serve. Then compare the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens of the products that fit the bill.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Shape and toppings | Check whether the packaging says rusks or crispbread. Think about which shape you want to use for your toppings. | If you want a light, round base for festive toppings, a flat cracker won't suit your serving plans. For around 33% of consumers, presentation comes first. |
| Sourdough, rye and fibre | Read the ingredients and compare fibre per 100 g. Jumbo lists 19 g of fibre per 100 g for Wasa Sourdough Rye and 21 g per 100 g for Leksands Sourdough Crispbread. | If you mainly want rye sourdough, you may be happy to choose sturdy crispbread instead of round rusks. For around 45% of consumers, this composition is the top priority. |
| Allergens and baker's salt | Read the current allergen information. Check the label or ask the baker about baker's salt if iodine is relevant to your dietary choices; according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker's salt isn't compulsory. | If you need to avoid certain ingredients or want to know which salt was used, you can't tell from the product shape. For around 22% of consumers, checking the label takes priority. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking sourdough crispbread for round rusks
The Wasa and Leksands sourdough products reviewed are crispbreads. If you're expecting light, round rusks, you'll end up with a different base for your toppings.
Check the product category and shape before choosing based on the word sourdough.
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Assuming the product contains added iodine
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren't required to use baker's salt. So, a Dutch baked product or the word sourdough won't tell you which salt was used.
If this matters to your dietary choices, read the label or ask the baker.
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Assuming sourdough means gluten-free
Wasa Sourdough Rye and Leksands Sourdough Crispbread contain gluten-containing cereals. Bolletje Original Rusks also contains these cereals.
If you have an allergy or follow a gluten-free diet, check the current packaging rather than relying on the word sourdough.
Brands worth comparing
Bolletje
Bolletje Original Rusks are an example of traditional rusks for toppings. This product from the brand isn't the same as the wholemeal rusks in the product selection below.
- Bolletje describes its Original Rusks as light and crisp, and states that they contain free-range eggs.
- The ingredients for Bolletje Original Rusks include yeast, egg and gluten-containing cereals, but no sourdough. If you have allergies, check the current packaging.
Wasa
Wasa Sourdough Rye is crispbread made with wholegrain rye and rye sourdough, not round rusks.
- Jumbo lists 19 g of fibre per 100 g for this product and includes rye sourdough in the ingredients.
- The product contains gluten-containing cereals. Also check the packaging for warnings about possible other allergens.
Leksands
Leksands Sourdough Crispbread is a brittle rye crispbread for anyone who prefers this type of product to round rusks.
- Jumbo lists 85% wholegrain rye flour, 3,8% rye sourdough and 21 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This crispbread contains rye, wheat and barley, so it isn't a gluten-free option.
Rusks and sourdough crispbread at Joybuy
These products represent two different options for King's Day toppings: rye sourdough crispbread and wholemeal rusks. If you choose the wholemeal rusks, check their shape if serving them round is important to you.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye crispbread, 235 g
An option if you want rye sourdough crispbread as a base for toppings instead of round rusks.
235 g pack. Jumbo lists 19 g of fibre per 100 g for Wasa Sourdough Rye.
If you have allergies, check the current packaging for gluten-containing cereals and other allergens.
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Bolletje wholemeal rusks, 13 pieces
An option for anyone looking for rusks as a base for King's Day toppings.
Pack of 13. Check the shape if you're specifically looking for round rusks, and read the current ingredients if sourdough or certain allergens are important to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough crispbread the same as rusks?
No. Wasa Sourdough Rye and Leksands Sourdough Crispbread are crispbreads, while rusks are a different type of product. For your King's Day toppings, choose based on the shape you want to serve, not just the word sourdough.
Do you need sourdough for rusks with King's Day toppings?
No. If you want a light, round base, you can choose traditional rusks; if you specifically want rye sourdough crispbread, bear in mind its different shape and texture. Neither product category is generally better than the other.
Do Dutch rusks always contain iodised baker's salt?
No, you can't assume that. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren't required to use baker's salt. If the type of salt used matters to your dietary choices, check the label or ask the baker.
What should I look for if I have a gluten or egg allergy?
Read the allergen information on the current packaging of the product you want to buy. According to Bolletje, Bolletje Original Rusks contain egg and gluten-containing cereals; the Wasa and Leksands sourdough crispbreads described here also contain gluten-containing cereals. Don't assume this product-specific information applies to another variant without checking its label.
How can I keep crispbread crunchy until serving?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal it well after opening. Add toppings just before serving if you want to keep the crisp texture.