Who is this offering for?

Stallholder with a seed-focused offering

You’re considering a separate crunchy product with visible seeds or wholemeal rusks. The ingredients and allergens in the specific rusk variant you choose matter, not just the ‘multiseed’ label.

Stallholder looking to put together portions

You want to be able to serve rusks and chocolate sprinkles together with each order. To do that, compare the packaging and portion information for the exact variants, and keep the allergen information to hand.

New stallholder responsible for food sales

You want to sell food from an oliebollen stall. As well as choosing your products, you’ll need to consider registration with the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, food safety, allergen information and the rules for your pitch.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether rusks with chocolate sprinkles will be a separate stall offering. Then choose the exact rusk and chocolate sprinkle variants. If you plan to include the combination in oliebollen, you’ll need a separate recipe and preparation plan.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Allergens and information for customers Read the ingredients and allergen information for both exact variants. Decide how customers will receive this information before buying. If I’m selling rusks and chocolate sprinkles from the same stall, I want to be able to tell customers accurately which allergens are present. For around 40% of consumers, this information comes first when making their choice.
Seeds and crunchiness Check which seeds the rusks contain, whether they’re labelled wholemeal and how to store them according to the label. For a separate rusk product, I want the chosen variant to actually contain seeds and stay crunchy. This is the top product priority for around 40% of consumers.
Portions and chocolate sprinkle variant Compare pack sizes, any portion information and the stated cocoa percentage for each variant. I want to be able to portion out the chocolate sprinkles with each order and know in advance which variant I’m using. Convenient portioning is the most important selection criterion for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming multiseed means low in allergens

    The multiseed rusks reviewed contain sesame and gluten-containing cereals; the Albert Heijn variant reviewed also contains egg. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says customers must be informed about allergens present.

    Record the allergens for each exact product using the current label, and update the information if you change the recipe or supplier.

  • Assuming ‘salt’ means iodine has been added

    The Netherlands Nutrition Centre states that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So an ingredients list that only says salt doesn’t confirm that iodine has been added to a particular rusk.

    Check the label or ask the manufacturer to confirm before making any claims about baker’s salt or iodine.

  • Presenting a rusk product as an oliebol variation

    Offering rusks with chocolate sprinkles as a separate product is different from adding rusks or chocolate sprinkles to oliebollen. The product information doesn’t provide a recipe, preparation instructions or shelf life for that kind of oliebol variation.

    First, decide whether you mean a separate product, a topping or an ingredient in a recipe. If you’re developing an oliebol recipe, work it out separately before selling it.

  • Checking your pitch only after choosing your products

    The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that food businesses must register. The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce also highlights food safety rules and permits, which depend on how and where you sell.

    Before booking a pitch, check with the local council which rules apply there, and arrange the relevant registration and food safety procedures.

    Also factor in the practicalities of storing and transporting your stock.

Brands to consider

These brand names can help you compare specific rusk and chocolate sprinkle variants; the features listed don’t necessarily apply to the entire range.

De Ruijter

A chocolate sprinkle brand with the Hagelfeest and Specials Intens Puur variants among those reviewed.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids, while the chocolate sprinkles in Hagelfeest contain at least 32%.
  • Check the allergens for each variant: milk and soya are among those relevant to the products reviewed; Hagelfeest also lists wheat and gluten.

Venz

A chocolate sprinkle brand with an XXL puur variant reviewed in a 380 g pack.

  • The variant reviewed gives a portion size of 20 g, which can help when planning portions.
  • The product information lists milk and soya, and also notes that milk protein and lactose may be present. Check the current label of the variant you buy.

Albert Heijn

The own-brand variant reviewed is organic wholemeal multiseed rusks.

  • According to Albert Heijn’s product information, this variant contains linseed, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
  • The rusks reviewed also contain egg, sesame and gluten-containing cereals. The mention of seeds doesn’t mean they’re low in allergens.

Bolletje

The variant reviewed is Vezelrijk boeren beschuit volkoren, topped with oat flakes and seeds.

  • According to the product information from Albert Heijn, this variant contains 8,8% oat flakes and 5,8% seeds.
  • The variant lists gluten-containing cereals and sesame as allergens. Also follow the storage instructions on the pack, including keeping it sealed after opening.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to provide allergen information for rusks with chocolate sprinkles?

Yes. If you sell the product to consumers, they must be able to get information about any allergens present. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says this information must be available before purchase for non-prepacked products. Check both ingredients lists and make sure the information matches what you actually serve.

Do I need to register my oliebollen stall with the NVWA?

Yes. If you sell food directly to consumers from your stall, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority requires food businesses to register. Arrange your registration and also check which food safety rules apply to the way you operate.

Does salt in rusks mean they contain iodine?

No. The word ‘salt’ on the label doesn’t prove that a particular rusk contains baker’s salt or added iodine. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, so check the label or ask the manufacturer about the exact variant.

Which permit should I check for an oliebollen stall?

Check with your local council to find out what permission you need for your pitch and type of sale. The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce mentions a market trader’s permit for selling from a stall at a market; the specific requirements depend on the location.

How should I store rusks while selling from a stall?

Follow the storage instructions and use-by date on the packaging for the exact rusk variant. The Bolletje variant reviewed says to store in a cool, dry place and keep sealed after opening; protect opened rusks from moisture.