Families who serve rusks regularly
If rusks are often on the table, you’ll want to know how many each pack contains and which variety you’re buying.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Parents comparing plain and wholegrain rusks
You’re considering wholegrain rusks for the same teatime and want to compare their fibre content and ingredients with those of plain rusks.
Parents packing rusks for school or childcare
You need to consider the allergens listed on the current label as well as the school or childcare setting’s policy.
What should you look for in rusks for children?
If the rusks are for school or childcare, check the allergens and local policies first. Then compare the varieties on the features that matter for your teatime.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity per pack | Check the number of rusks and the net weight: they don’t describe the same thing. | For regular teatimes, I want to know how many rusks are in a pack. For around 50% of consumers, the quantity for regular use is the top priority. |
| Wholegrain and fibre | Compare the ingredients and the number of grams of fibre per 100 g. | I want to consider a wholegrain variety for the same occasion, so I check the nutritional information. This is the most important factor for around 30% of consumers. |
| Allergens and packing | Read the current label and pack the rusks in line with the school or childcare setting’s policy. | If I’m packing rusks for a child with a relevant dietary restriction, I need to know which ingredients are allowed. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming standard rusks can always be taken to school
The standard varieties reviewed list cereals containing gluten, and some also list egg or sesame. This may affect the choice for a child with a relevant dietary restriction.
Read the label on the pack you’re actually sending in and follow the policy of the school or childcare setting.
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Treating wholegrain and seeded rusks as the same variety
Wholegrain rusks and seeded rusks can differ in their ingredients, fibre content and allergens; sesame may be relevant in some seeded varieties.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and check the allergens for the specific variety.
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Assuming a product contains iodine because it mentions bakers’ salt
Information about bakers’ salt alone doesn’t tell you how much iodine is in the pack of rusks you’re buying.
For a question about a specific product, check the label or ask the manufacturer for information about that variety.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers AH plain rusks and AH wholegrain rusks.
- According to Albert Heijn’s product information, the wholegrain variety contains 9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The varieties reviewed list cereals containing gluten and egg; check the pack before packing them.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers plain and wholegrain rusks for anyone looking to compare the varieties.
- The product information for the plain variety reviewed states the number of rusks in the pack.
- Check the current allergen information for both varieties; the products reviewed list gluten and egg.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain rusks and a separate wholegrain variety with seeds.
- The varieties give you a choice between plain rusks and seeded rusks.
- The seeded variety reviewed contains sesame, among other ingredients; check the ingredients on each pack.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers Echte beschuit (traditional rusks), as well as wholegrain varieties.
- If you’re looking for a specific variety, compare the number of rusks and the nutritional information on the pack.
- The Echte beschuit reviewed contains wheat, rye and egg, and may contain sesame.
ALDI / Goud Gebakken
ALDI lists Goud Gebakken plain and wholegrain rusks in its range.
- The wholegrain variety shown comes in a pack of 13 rusks.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose if the rusks are going to school.
Lidl
Lidl lists plain, wholegrain and multigrain rusks.
- The artisan multigrain variety shown has a pack weight of 230 g.
- Multigrain and wholegrain are different product descriptions; read the ingredients for the variety you choose.
Bolletje rusks for teatime
These Bolletje varieties give you a choice of wholegrain rusks, seeded rusks and a standard variety. When choosing, compare the number of rusks and always check the current label if they’re going to school or childcare.
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Bolletje wholegrain rusks, 13 pieces
For anyone looking to compare a wholegrain variety for teatime. The pack contains 13 rusks; check the allergens on the current label before packing them.
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Bolletje dark wholegrain wheat rusks, 10 pieces
A dark wholegrain variety for anyone comparing the ingredients in different rusks. The pack contains 10 rusks; make sure packing them complies with the label and the school or childcare setting’s policy.
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Bolletje multiseed rusks, 10 pieces
For anyone looking for seeded rusks to enjoy at teatime. The pack contains 10 rusks; if you have a relevant dietary restriction, read the allergen information for this variety.
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Bolletje Real Rusk, 13 pieces
A standard rusk variety for a simple teatime. The pack contains 13 rusks; check the ingredients and the school or childcare setting’s policy before packing them.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare when choosing plain or wholegrain rusks?
Compare the ingredients, fibre per 100 g and the number of rusks per pack. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, AH wholegrain rusks contain 9 g of fibre per 100 g; also check the allergens on the specific pack.
Can a child who needs to eat gluten-free take standard rusks to school?
The standard rusks reviewed aren’t suitable: they list cereals containing gluten. Only choose a suitable product after checking the current label, and take the school or childcare setting’s policy into account.
How should I store an opened pack of rusks?
Seal the pack well after opening and store the rusks somewhere dry. This helps prevent moisture from making them less crisp.
Does every pack of rusks contain iodine?
You can’t assume that from the product name or a general reference to bakers’ salt. Check the label for the variety in question or ask the manufacturer for product-specific information.