Hosts serving a variety of toppings
You’re looking for a neutral, crunchy base for sweet and savoury toppings, and want to know in advance how many rusks come in a pack.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Shoppers keeping an eye on fibre
You’re comparing plain and wholemeal rusks and checking the nutritional information for your chosen variety, including fibre per 100 g.
Hosts checking for allergens
You’re buying for guests for whom ingredients such as wheat, egg or sesame may be relevant. In that case, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact pack you’re serving.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide which feature matters most for your Easter lunch: a neutral base, fibre, a checked allergen list or enough rusks for everyone. Then compare the packaging of the variety you want to buy.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Base for toppings | Check whether you want plain rusks and compare the listed size and number of pieces. | If I’m serving both sweet and savoury toppings, I want a neutral rusk that works with both. Versatility is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre per 100 g in the nutritional information for your chosen variety. | If fibre is your main consideration, you’ll want to compare plain and wholemeal varieties using the same nutritional information. This fibre-focused choice comes first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including for plain and wholemeal varieties. | If I’m serving guests with relevant allergies, I want to know what’s in this exact rusk. Checking allergens is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Pack size and availability | Work out how many pieces you need for your guests and check whether your chosen variety is available when you do your shopping. | If I’m catering for several people, I want to be able to buy enough rusks without relying on just one variety. Around 15% of consumers prioritise this kind of planning. |
Common mistakes
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Searching for ‘medium sliced’ rusks
That term doesn’t help you distinguish between the rusks covered here. Product information is more likely to specify the type of rusk, its size and the number of pieces.
Search specifically for plain, wholemeal or large rusks, and check the details on the packaging.
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Assuming plain or wholemeal means allergen-free
Ingredients vary between varieties. PLUS lists wheat and egg, among other ingredients, in its plain rusks; sesame is also relevant for the seeded variety reviewed.
Read the current allergen information on the pack you’re actually buying.
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Assuming all rusks contain iodine
The fact that some bakery products are made with iodised baker’s salt doesn’t mean that every rusk is. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre points out that using baker’s salt in bread isn’t compulsory.
Only draw conclusions about the salt used in a particular rusk if the label or manufacturer makes this clear.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Bolletje offers plain and wholemeal rusks, among other varieties. They differ in size, pack contents and ingredients.
- The product listings reviewed offer both plain and wholemeal options.
- Check the current allergen information and number of pieces for each variety.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers plain and wholemeal rusks under its own brand.
- You can compare the two varieties using the information on their packaging.
- Albert Heijn says that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information may change, so check the current packaging.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers own-brand plain and wholemeal rusks, as well as varieties with grains and seeds.
- The range lets you choose between a plain and a wholemeal base.
- Choose based on the listed variety and pack size, not the search term ‘medium sliced’.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain and wholemeal rusks, as well as larger seeded varieties.
- The larger seeded variety is an option if that’s the size and texture you’re looking for.
- Check the allergens for your chosen variety and whether it’s available at your shop.
Goud Gebakken
This ALDI own-brand range includes plain and wholemeal rusks in packs of 13.
- The listed pack size helps you plan how many rusks you’ll need for lunch.
- Check which variety is available when you do your shopping.
Wholemeal rusks for Easter lunch
These two Bolletje varieties are suitable if you’re looking for wholemeal rusks. When planning lunch, bear in mind the difference in pack size and check the packaging if allergens are a concern.
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Bolletje dark wholemeal rusks, 10 pieces
A wholemeal variety to compare if fibre is an important factor in your choice.
The pack contains 10 pieces. If you have relevant allergies, check the current ingredients and allergen information.
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Bolletje wholemeal rusks, 13 pieces
A wholemeal variety for anyone who wants to factor pack size into their Easter lunch planning.
The pack contains 13 pieces. If you have relevant allergies, check the current ingredients and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Is ‘medium sliced’ a useful description for rusks?
Not as a way to choose between the rusks discussed here. Jumbo describes how a rusk roll is sliced and baked again; when shopping, it’s better to compare the type of rusk, its size and the number of pieces in the product listing.
Are wholemeal rusks suitable for every guest?
No. The word ‘wholemeal’ alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is suitable for someone with an allergy. Compare the nutritional information for fibre, and check the ingredients of your chosen variety for allergens.
Can you assume rusks contain iodine?
No, you can’t assume that every rusk contains iodine. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that using baker’s salt in bread isn’t compulsory; for a particular rusk, check what the label or manufacturer says about the salt used.
How should you store rusks until Easter lunch?
Follow the storage instructions on your chosen pack and keep the rusks away from moisture. PLUS says to store its plain rusks below 25 °C, away from moisture and heat; seal an opened pack securely.