Sourdough fans who don’t need round rusk
You want to see sourdough listed as an ingredient and are happy with crispbread or crackers for breakfast.
Which option is right for you?
Holiday breakfast fans who like classic rusk toppings
You’re looking for a light, round and crisp base for fruit or other light toppings, for example. Plain rusk is a different choice from sturdy rye crispbread.
Shoppers who check ingredients and allergens
Before buying, you check which grains, egg and possible traces of allergens are listed on the packaging. Choosing sourdough doesn’t remove the need to check.
What should you look for when choosing?
If you’re considering rusk or sourdough crispbread for your summer holiday, the product type is a good place to start. Then check the ingredients and nutritional information that matter to you.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough and product type | Read the product name and check whether sourdough is specifically listed in the ingredients. | If sourdough is my priority, I want to know whether I’m buying crispbread or round rusk. For around 42% of consumers, this combination of ingredient and product type is the top priority. |
| Wholegrain cereals and fibre | Check which cereals are listed as wholegrain and compare the fibre per 100 g. | If you’re looking for a wholegrain rye or multigrain product, you’ll want to compare the types of grain and nutritional values. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Rusk for toppings | Check that it’s round rusk and that the variety goes with the toppings you have in mind. | If I’m having fruit or other light toppings, I mainly want the familiar, crisp rusk shape. This matters most to around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough in the name means it’s round rusk
Wasa Zuurdesem Rogge and Meergranen are crispbreads; their shape and texture differ from round rusk. This matters if you’re looking for a particular base for your toppings.
Before buying, check both the product name and the ingredients list.
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Assuming sourdough means an allergen-free option
The sourdough crispbreads described contain gluten-containing cereals. Bolletje Echte Beschuit lists wheat, rye and egg, among other ingredients.
Check the allergen information on the current packaging, even if you’ve bought the product before.
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Assuming every bakery product contains iodised baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So the type of product alone won’t tell you which salt has been used.
If this matters to you, check the label or ask the baker.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Bolletje makes round rusk, including Echte Beschuit and a wholegrain variety. It’s a brand to consider if you’re looking for the classic rusk shape.
- Bolletje describes Echte Beschuit as light and crisp.
- Echte Beschuit lists wheat, rye and egg; check the current packaging for allergen information. If you’re looking for sourdough, don’t rely on the rusk shape alone.
Wasa
Wasa makes sourdough crispbread with rye, as well as a multigrain variety. Both are different from round rusk.
- Product information from Albert Heijn lists 19 g of fibre per 100 g for Zuurdesem Rogge and 18 g per 100 g for Zuurdesem Meergranen.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety, as the grains listed differ.
Leksands
The Leksands sourdough crispbread described comes in triangular pieces, not the round shape of rusk.
- Product information from Albert Heijn lists 3,8% rye sourdough and 21 g of fibre per 100 g for the variety described.
- Check whether the shape works with your toppings and read the packaging for gluten-containing cereals.
Products for both options
These products illustrate the two options: Wasa sourdough crispbread if you want that product type, and Bolletje wholegrain rusk if you’re looking for round rusk. Check the packaging for the latest ingredients and allergen information before buying.
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Wasa sourdough rye crispbread, 235 g
An option if you’d prefer sourdough crispbread to round rusk.
Check the current packaging for the cereals, allergens and storage instructions.
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Bolletje wholegrain rusk, 13 pieces
An option if you’re looking for wholegrain rusk rather than crispbread for breakfast on holiday.
The pack contains 13 pieces. Check the ingredients if you specifically want sourdough, and read the current allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough crispbread the same as sourdough rusk?
No. Crispbread and round rusk are different types of product. Wasa Zuurdesem Rogge and Meergranen are sold as crispbread, so choose them only if that shape works for your breakfast and toppings.
How should I store sourdough crispbread on holiday?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging. The sourdough crispbreads described should be stored in a cool, dry place. Keep the pack closed after opening and protect the contents from moisture.
Should I check for allergens in rusk and crispbread?
Yes. Check the current allergen information for both types of product. The sourdough crispbreads described contain gluten-containing cereals; Bolletje Echte Beschuit lists wheat, rye and egg, among other ingredients. This information doesn’t automatically apply to every variety from the same brand.
Does rusk always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the label or ask the baker if the type of salt used matters to your choice.