Parents looking for a base with seeds or fibre
You want to choose rusks for a child’s teatime and understand from the label what ‘multiseed’ means: which seeds they contain and how much fibre the rusks provide per 100 g.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents who need to take school or after-school club rules into account
You’re packing a snack for a group and want to check in advance which allergens are in the rusks and chocolate sprinkles, as well as the rules on food brought in from home.
Parents saving chocolate sprinkles for a special occasion
You want to measure out the topping and decide for yourself how often rusks with chocolate sprinkles are served.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, choose a base with ingredients that suit the child and meet any school requirements. Then compare the seeds and fibre on the label, and decide separately which topping to use.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and school rules | Read the allergen information on the packaging for both the rusks and chocolate sprinkles, and ask about the school or after-school club’s rules. | If I’m packing something for a group, I want to know whether the ingredients and snack are allowed. This check is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal, fibre and seeds | Check the flour used, the seeds listed and the nutritional information for fibre per 100 g. | I’m mainly looking for a crunchy base made with wholemeal flour or a recognisable seed mix, without judging the topping on the same basis. Around 40% of consumers give this base top priority. |
| Chocolate sprinkles and portion size | Check how much chocolate sprinkles you use per portion and compare the sugar content on the same nutritional basis. | For a special teatime treat, I want to be able to measure out the chocolate sprinkles in advance. Portion size is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘multiseed’ means ‘free from allergens’
Multiseed rusks can contain wheat, gluten and sesame. The name doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone who needs to avoid any of these ingredients.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging you buy, as well as the requirements for the child and the group.
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Treating the base and chocolate sprinkles as a single food choice
Fibre or seeds in the rusks don’t change the nutritional composition of the chocolate sprinkles. The Voedingscentrum does not include chocolate sprinkles in the Wheel of Five.
Compare the rusks and the topping separately, and decide in advance how much chocolate sprinkles you want to use.
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Relying only on a brand or outdated product information
Ingredients, allergens and nutritional values can vary between products or change over time.
When packing a snack, read the label on the actual pack you have, especially if you’ve bought a different variety.
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Checking school rules only after buying
Rules on allergens, treats and food brought in from home can vary between schools and after-school clubs.
Ask in advance what the rules are for the child and the group. If you’re unsure, wait until you’ve clarified them before choosing a snack.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Worth considering when choosing between wholemeal and multiseed rusks as a crunchy base.
- The multiseed variety described by Jumbo lists sunflower seeds, linseeds, sesame and pumpkin seeds, as well as 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
- According to the product information, this variety also contains wheat, gluten and sesame. Don’t assume the same ingredients apply to every type of Bolletje rusk.
De Ruijter
A brand to look at if you want to use chocolate sprinkles as a measured topping.
- The Kleintjes pack reviewed contains eight individual portions; depending on the variety, each portion is 15 g or 20 g.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for your chosen variety. The varieties reviewed list ingredients including milk, lactose, soya or wheat starch.
Venz
Worth considering if you’re looking at chocolate sprinkles or vanilla-flavoured sprinkles as a topping.
- For a 400 g pack described by Joybuy, you can assess the nutritional information for the topping separately from that for the rusks.
- This variety lists 73 g of sugars per 100 g; check the allergens on the specific pack too.
Albert Heijn
A relevant own-brand option when comparing wholemeal and multiseed rusks.
- According to Albert Heijn, AH Organic Wholemeal Multiseed Rusks contain wholemeal wheat flour and seeds, and provide 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This variety lists ingredients including egg, sesame and cereals containing gluten. Check the current packaging before sending the rusks in with a child.
Rusks as a base at Joybuy
These rusks provide a wholemeal or multiseed base for a child’s teatime. Choose any chocolate sprinkles separately, and check the ingredients and school or after-school club rules for every combination.
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Bolletje Multiseed Rusks, 10 pieces
A crunchy base if you’re specifically looking for a mix of seeds. The variety described by Jumbo lists sunflower seeds, linseeds, sesame and pumpkin seeds, with 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
These rusks contain wheat, gluten and sesame. Check the current label and choose the topping separately.
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Bolletje Dark Wholemeal Rusks, 10 pieces
A wholemeal base for anyone who wants to choose the rusks and sweet topping separately. The pack contains 10 pieces.
For this variety, look out for wheat, gluten, oats, barley and sesame. Check the current packaging and any school rules.
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Bolletje Wholemeal Rusks, 13 pieces
Wholemeal rusks for when you’re not looking for a multiseed variety. The pack contains 13 pieces; assess any topping separately.
This variety contains wheat, gluten and egg; it may also contain sesame. Read the current label before packing the rusks.
Frequently asked questions
Can children take rusks with chocolate sprinkles to school or an after-school club?
That depends on the school or after-school club’s rules and the children in the group. Before packing a snack, ask about the policy on food brought in from home and allergens. For treats, the Voedingscentrum advises checking whether any children have an allergy.
Are multiseed rusks gluten-free or suitable for someone with a sesame allergy?
No. The term ‘multiseed’ doesn’t tell you that. The Bolletje multiseed rusks described here contain wheat, gluten and sesame. Always check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’ve chosen for the child in question.
Where can I find the allergens in rusks and chocolate sprinkles?
Check the packaging of both products, not just the front or the brand name. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be listed on labels. For cereals containing gluten, it’s also important to check which cereal is named.
How do I compare chocolate sprinkles for a child’s teatime?
Compare the amount you’ll actually use and read the nutritional information for equal portions. According to the Voedingscentrum, a 15 g portion of dark chocolate sprinkles contains 9.1 g of sugars. Choose the rusks as a base separately from the topping.