Hotel buyers working to a tight breakfast budget
Want to budget for rusks and chocolate sprinkles separately and work out the quantity needed for each expected buffet portion.
Who is this decision relevant to?
Buffet managers overseeing service
Choose between bulk packs and individual portions based on how busy the buffet is, how often it needs replenishing, clean service and leftovers.
Hotels catering for a range of dietary and allergen needs
Need up-to-date product information for every option served, so guests can get the right allergen information at the buffet.
What should you look for when buying?
Start by estimating how much of each product you’ll use: rusks and chocolate sprinkles. Then decide which serving format to use and how many varieties the buffet team can manage.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity of each product | Note the pack weight and expected quantity per guest separately for rusks and chocolate sprinkles. | When I’m budgeting for breakfast, I want to know how much of each product will be used for a typical number of guests. For roughly 33% of consumers planning the buffet, working out quantities would be their first concern. |
| Serving and leftovers | Compare an opened bulk pack with individual portions in terms of portion size, replenishing and leftover product. | For a buffet with fluctuating demand, I want to be able to replenish it without having too many opened packs left over. For around 27% of these consumers, managing service would be the top priority. |
| Choice for guests | Decide which varieties of chocolate sprinkles to offer, and make sure flakes are clearly presented as a separate type of topping. | If guests expect a choice of flavours, I want to know whether an extra option will actually be used. Around 20% of consumers would consider the choice of toppings their main concern. |
| Allergen information | Check the latest information for the exact rusk and topping varieties, and how guests can access it if products are served unwrapped. | At a buffet serving unwrapped products, I need to be able to answer questions about allergens in each variety. For around 20% of consumers, this would be their main concern. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Looking only at the number of packs
Rusks and chocolate sprinkles are sold in different weights and portion formats. The same number of packs therefore won’t necessarily provide the same number of buffet portions.
Note the weight of each product and its expected use per guest before working out how much stock you need.
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Assuming portion packs are automatically right for your buffet
A fixed portion makes serving straightforward, but the packaging and portion size also need to suit your buffet set-up and usage.
Compare individual portions with bulk packs in terms of replenishing, leftovers and packaging waste.
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Using allergen information from one variety for all the others
Ingredients and allergens can vary between rusks, chocolate sprinkles and flakes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says guests must be able to get information about allergens present in non-prepacked foods.
Use the latest information for every product you offer, and make it available at the serving point or through staff.
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Assuming all rusks contain iodised baker’s salt
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. A general assumption is therefore not a reliable basis for providing information about a specific rusk.
Check the label or ask your supplier about the exact variety if you want to provide information about baker’s salt containing iodine.
Brands and shops to consider
These brands and shops can help you compare pack formats and toppings. Always check the exact variety you intend to buy.
De Ruijter
A chocolate sprinkles brand for hotels looking to offer a familiar variety or individual portions.
- Albert Heijn listed De Ruijter dark chocolate sprinkles in a box of 120 portions of 20 g.
- A portion box and a standard pack call for different approaches to serving and stock management.
Venz
A range of different chocolate sprinkles and flakes for a buffet offering more than one topping.
- Jumbo listed several Venz varieties in different flavours and pack sizes.
- Chocolate sprinkles and flakes are different types of topping; check the product information for each variety you choose.
Albert Heijn
A shop where you can compare AH plain rusks with branded toppings.
- Albert Heijn listed AH plain rusks in a 125 g pack.
- Choose your rusks and toppings separately to match expected buffet use.
Jumbo
A shop for Jumbo Plain Rusks and a range of Venz products.
- Jumbo listed Plain Rusks in a 125 g pack and several Venz varieties.
- Different pack sizes or types of topping mean you’ll need to calculate the number of portions separately.
Lidl
A shop to consider if you want to buy a specific De Ruijter variety locally.
- Lidl listed De Ruijter milk chocolate sprinkles in a 390 g pack.
- The listed product is available in store; check availability with your local branch.
ALDI / Kiekeboe
A shop for Kiekeboe chocolate sprinkles in larger packs.
- ALDI listed Kiekeboe milk and dark chocolate sprinkles, each in a 600 g pack.
- Check whether the quantity suits your rate of use and your procedures for opened packs.
Chocolate sprinkles and flakes for breakfast
These products are toppings for a hotel breakfast: one variety of flakes and two varieties of dark chocolate sprinkles. You’ll also need rusks to serve chocolate sprinkles on. When choosing, compare pack size, serving format and the latest product information too.
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De Ruijter Flake Feast 200 g
An option if you want to offer flakes as well as chocolate sprinkles. The pack contains 200 g; assess separately whether the portion size suits your buffet.
Before serving unwrapped, check the latest allergen information for this variety and for the rusks you’re serving with it.
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De Ruijter Hail Chocolate Pure 390 g
Dark chocolate sprinkles for a buffet looking to offer this type of topping. The pack contains 390 g; base the number of opened packs on expected usage.
Check the latest allergen information for the exact variety before serving it unwrapped.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure Chocolate Sprinkles 200 g
A variety of dark chocolate sprinkles to add to your breakfast spread. The pack contains 200 g; work out how many packs you need based on expected usage.
Use the latest allergen information for this exact variety when giving information to guests.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how much I need if I don’t know the number of breakfast guests?
Calculate quantities for the expected number of guests, then adjust them once you have a clearer idea of occupancy. For chocolate sprinkles, multiply the number of guests by the expected number of portions and the quantity per portion in grams. Work out the number of rusks separately, based on the expected number per guest.
Does a hotel have to provide allergen information for rusks with chocolate sprinkles on the buffet?
Yes. If products are served unwrapped, guests must be able to get information about allergens present. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says businesses must provide information about the 14 allergens. Keep details for the exact rusk and topping varieties available where they’re served or through staff, in line with the requirements for providing information verbally.
Does a hotel breakfast have to follow HACCP procedures?
Yes. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says businesses serving food or drink to customers must follow a food safety plan or hygiene code based on HACCP. Make sure your procedures for storing, opening and serving buffet products comply.
Do rusks always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume this is true of every rusk. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the label or ask your supplier about the exact product if you want to give guests information about it.