Hosts catering for fussy eaters
You want to offer both plain and wholegrain rusks for New Year’s Eve, rather than choosing the same base for everyone.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Eaters who prioritise wholegrain
You start by choosing a rusk base labelled ‘wholegrain’ and may compare the fibre content per 100 g. Then you decide which chocolate sprinkles to serve with it.
Eaters who check flavour and allergens
You compare milk and dark chocolate sprinkles and check the label of your chosen variety for ingredients including milk, lactose and soya.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to serve one or two types of rusk. Then compare the chocolate sprinkles for the people who’ll be eating them.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of two bases | Choose plain and wholegrain rusks separately if you want to offer both; remember that you’ll have two packs open. | If not everyone at the table wants the same type of rusk, I’d rather let them choose for themselves. Around 42% of consumers put having that choice first. |
| Wholegrain and fibre | Check that the pack says wholegrain and compare the fibre per 100 g of the exact varieties. Albert Heijn lists 9 g for AH Beschuit volkoren and 4.2 g for AH Beschuit naturel. | If I want a wholegrain rusk base, I don’t want to judge by colour alone; around 33% of consumers prioritise this choice of base. |
| Chocolate sprinkles and allergens | Compare the chocolate flavours you prefer and read the allergen information on each pack, including for dark chocolate sprinkles. | I want the topping to suit everyone’s taste preferences and be suitable for everyone to eat. For around 25% of consumers, this check comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming dark rusks are wholegrain
The colour doesn’t tell you whether the rusk is the wholegrain variety you want to serve.
Check that the pack says ‘wholegrain’, then compare the nutritional information for the exact products.
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Assuming ‘dark’ means allergen-free
The De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur described by Albert Heijn lists milk and soya, and may contain lactose.
Check the latest allergen information for every type of chocolate sprinkles you choose, whatever chocolate flavour appears in the name.
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Assuming rusks always contain iodine
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell whether a product contains iodine just from its category.
Check the ingredients or ask the manufacturer about baker’s salt if this matters to your choice.
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Opening the rusks well before serving
Once the pack is open, it’s harder to keep the rusks dry until it’s time to eat.
Keep the pack closed until you’re ready to serve, then seal any leftover rusks carefully.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
A rusk brand with original and wholegrain varieties, among others, for anyone who wants to choose their base carefully.
- The Vezelrijk boeren beschuit volkoren described by Albert Heijn contains ingredients including oat flakes and seeds.
- That composition doesn’t automatically apply to other Bolletje rusks; check the ingredients of the variety you choose.
De Ruijter
A chocolate sprinkles brand for anyone looking for a particular chocolate flavour to use as a topping.
- Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids.
- This variety lists milk and soya and may contain lactose. The word ‘dark’ in the name is no substitute for checking allergens.
Venz
A chocolate sprinkles brand with a range of chocolate flavours to suit different preferences around the table.
- Albert Heijn states that Venz Hagelslag melk contains at least 20% cocoa solids.
- This milk chocolate variety contains milk, lactose and soya; check the label of the flavour you actually choose.
Albert Heijn
A supermarket own-brand range with plain and wholegrain rusks, making it easy to compare the two bases side by side.
- Albert Heijn lists 4.2 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Beschuit naturel and 9 g for AH Beschuit volkoren.
- Check the current packaging for ingredients, nutritional values and allergens in the variety you choose.
Jumbo
A supermarket range where you can compare different types of rusks and chocolate sprinkles.
- Jumbo’s category listings include plain and wholegrain rusks, as well as rusks with grains or seeds.
- Check the individual product packaging before attributing any particular qualities to a specific variety.
Rusks and chocolate sprinkles at Joybuy
These products are separate components for a table with plain or wholegrain rusks and different types of chocolate sprinkles. To serve rusks with chocolate sprinkles, choose a base and a topping separately.
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Bolletje wholegrain rusks, 13 pieces
A wholegrain rusk base for anyone at the table who prefers this variety. The pack contains 13 pieces; choose the chocolate sprinkles separately and check the allergens on the packaging.
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De Ruijter Intense Pure chocolate sprinkles, 200 g
Dark chocolate sprinkles for anyone who wants to serve this chocolate flavour on rusks. This 200 g pack can be paired with your choice of rusk; check the allergens in the chocolate sprinkles.
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Venz milk chocolate sprinkles, 380 g
Milk chocolate sprinkles for anyone at the table who prefers this flavour. The pack contains 380 g; choose your rusk base separately.
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g’woon dark chocolate sprinkles, 400 g
Another dark chocolate sprinkles option for anyone who wants to choose their topping separately. The pack contains 400 g; check the allergens on the label before serving.
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g’woon plain rusks, 125 g
A plain rusk base to serve alongside wholegrain rusks. The pack contains 125 g; choose the chocolate sprinkles separately and check the allergens in these rusks.
Frequently asked questions
Are dark rusks always wholegrain?
No, don’t judge by colour alone. If you want to choose a wholegrain rusk base, check that the packaging says ‘wholegrain’.
Can I choose dark chocolate sprinkles for someone with a milk allergy?
Not based on the word ‘dark’ alone. The De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur described by Albert Heijn lists milk and soya and may contain lactose; check the allergen information on the exact pack.
Do Dutch rusks always contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that all rusks do. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt; check the ingredients or ask the manufacturer if this matters to your choice.
How should I store rusks until brunch?
Keep the rusks dry and leave the pack closed until you’re ready to serve. Seal the pack carefully again once it’s been opened.