Fans of classic rusks
Are you mainly looking for a light, crisp base for toppings, and are egg and gluten not a concern for you? Bolletje describes its Bakkers Beschuit Origineel as extra crisp and light, thanks in part to the addition of egg.
Which rusk is right for you?
Shoppers keeping an eye on fibre
When comparing wholemeal and seeded rusks, check the fibre content per 100 g. Albert Heijn lists 9 g per 100 g for AH Volkoren beschuit and 10 g per 100 g for the Bolletje seeded rusk reviewed here. Also check the ingredients of the variety you choose.
Shoppers checking allergens
If you need to avoid egg, wheat, cereals containing gluten or sesame, read the label on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergens must be clearly listed on prepacked foods.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide what matters most in your rusk base: classic texture, ingredients or allergen information. Then compare the varieties that fit your priorities.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Classic texture | Check which rusk variety you’re buying and whether egg and wheat in the ingredients suit your needs. | For toppings, I mainly want a light, crisp base, without basing my choice on nutrition claims. For around 40% of consumers, that classic texture matters most. |
| Wholemeal, fibre and seeds | Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion; check the ingredients of seeded varieties too. | If the ingredients matter most to me, I want to compare wholemeal and seeded rusks using their actual nutritional values. Around 30% of consumers give this question of ingredients top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the allergen information on the packaging. If iodine is a purchasing criterion for you, check which salt has been used. | I want to check whether the rusks contain any ingredients I need to avoid before choosing a variety for my toppings. For around 30% of consumers, checking the label comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all rusks contain the same allergens
The classic, wholemeal and seeded varieties reviewed here have different ingredients; egg, wheat and sesame are among those used. A category name or product photo doesn’t tell you enough about the exact pack.
Before eating, read the ingredients list and allergen information for the rusk you’ve chosen.
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Using one nutrition claim as the whole comparison
A claim about carbohydrates for a particular seeded rusk doesn’t, by itself, tell you anything about portion size, other nutritional values or allergens.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion, and check the ingredients before making your choice.
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Assuming baker’s salt containing iodine is always used
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So don’t assume that a particular rusk has been made with it.
If the type of salt used matters to you, look for baker’s salt or iodised salt on the label, or ask about it when buying unpackaged rusks.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Bolletje’s product ranges reviewed here include both classic rusks and a seeded variety.
- Bolletje says egg contributes to the extra-crisp, light texture of its Bakkers Beschuit Origineel. The seeded variety reviewed here contains sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds, among other ingredients.
- These features don’t apply to every Bolletje rusk. For the variety you choose, check the label for wheat, cereals containing gluten and sesame, among other ingredients.
AH
AH Volkoren beschuit is a supermarket own-brand option for anyone looking to compare wholemeal rusks specifically.
- Albert Heijn lists 9 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
- The variety reviewed here contains egg and wheat. Check the packaging if you need to avoid these ingredients.
TastyBasics
The TastyBasics variety reviewed here is made with sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
- Albert Heijn provides separate nutritional information for this particular variety, so you can compare it per 100 g.
- The product information reviewed here lists wheat, spelt, egg, sesame and barley, among other ingredients. Check the allergens on the packaging.
Wholemeal rusks on Joybuy
These two Bolletje varieties are for anyone considering wholemeal rusks as a base for toppings on a fakeaway night. When choosing, check the variety and pack size; refer to the packaging for ingredients and allergens.
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Bolletje Dark Whole Wheat Rusk, 10 pieces
An option if you’d like to use dark wholemeal rusks as a base for toppings.
Pack of 10. Check the ingredients and allergens on the packaging.
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Bolletje Wholegrain Rusk, 13 pieces
An option if you’re looking for wholemeal rusks to add toppings to on your fakeaway night.
Pack of 13. Check the packaging for ingredients and allergens.
Frequently asked questions
Can you choose rusks by looking for ‘medium sliced’?
Don’t use ‘medium sliced’ as a guide when choosing these rusks. Instead, compare the variety, pack size, ingredients and nutritional information. If you need a particular size, check the product details for the exact variety.
Do you still need to check the packaging for allergens when buying rusks online?
Yes, check the packaging for the exact product before eating it. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of prepacked foods. Ingredients can vary between rusk varieties.
Do Dutch rusks always contain baker’s salt with iodine?
No, don’t automatically assume that a particular rusk does. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the label to see which salt is listed, or ask when buying unpackaged rusks.
How should you store opened rusks?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging for your variety. Albert Heijn recommends storing AH Volkoren beschuit in a cool, dry place away from light and putting it in a sealed tin after opening.