If a fussy eater struggles with unfamiliar flavours or visible seeds, plain rusks are a sensible place to start. Consider wholemeal or seeded rusks if they’re happy with that texture. Always check the latest packaging if allergies are a concern. If by ‘medium sliced’ you mean a particular thickness or medium-thick sliced bread, first work out which type of product you’re looking for.
If visible seeds, unfamiliar flavours or a coarser bite are a barrier, a familiar type of rusk can be an easier place to start. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises offering small portions to fussy eaters and not forcing them to eat.
Wholemeal or seeded rusks are worth comparing if the eater is happy with that flavour and texture. Check the packaging for fibre per 100 g and the ingredients in the specific variety.
Rusk varieties can contain different grains, egg or sesame. So, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for the variety you choose.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it’s mainly for |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and texture | Compare plain rusks with varieties containing visible seeds. | If unfamiliar textures are rejected, I want to start with a familiar flavour and bite. This is the main consideration for around 44% of consumers looking at rusks for fussy eaters. |
| Fibre and ingredients | Compare fibre per 100 g and check which grains and seeds are used. | If wholemeal rusks are already accepted, I want to see how the fibre content differs between varieties; this nutritional profile matters most to around 33% of these consumers. |
| Allergens and eating skills | Read the current allergen information. For young children, also consider whether the texture is suitable for their chewing and swallowing skills. | If there’s a relevant allergy or difficulty with coarser pieces, I first need to know whether these rusks are suitable. Around 23% of these consumers say this check is their top priority. |
Visible seeds can be a barrier for an eater who needs a predictable texture. A higher fibre content doesn’t tell you whether they’ll accept the rusks.
If needed, start with a familiar variety, then compare the fibre and ingredients in the alternatives.
Ingredients vary between rusk varieties. The products reviewed include wheat, egg and sesame; product information can also change.
Before eating, read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging.
For a young child who can’t yet chew or swallow well, the texture of rusks can be an important limitation. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends offering larger pieces only when a child can sit upright and chew and swallow well.
Choose a texture that suits the child and stay with them while they eat. If they regularly choke or cough while eating, speak to a healthcare professional.
The product type alone doesn’t tell you which salt has been used in the variety you choose.
Check the ingredients on the packaging if iodised baker’s salt is important to your choice.
Bolletje Echte Beschuit is one brand to compare with supermarket own-label rusks and seeded varieties.
AH sells plain, wholemeal and multiseed rusks, so you can compare different varieties within one range.
Jumbo sells both plain rusks and a Robuust multigrain variety.
PLUS sells plain rusks and seeded varieties, including wholemeal rusks with seeds.
ALDI describes Goud Gebakken plain rusks as a simple option.
These wholemeal rusks are an option if the eater is happy with a wholemeal variety. If you’re looking for the most neutral-tasting option, first consider whether this type suits the flavour and texture you want.
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For anyone considering a wholemeal variety, if the eater is happy with its flavour and texture.
Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens. Also make sure the product format matches what you mean by ‘medium sliced’.
Before choosing, check which product type you mean: medium-thick sliced bread and rusks are different products. If you’re looking for rusks, compare the specific product format and variety rather than relying on the term ‘medium sliced’ alone.
Plain rusks are a sensible place to start if unfamiliar flavours or visible seeds are the main barriers, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be accepted. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises offering small portions to fussy eaters and not forcing them to eat.
Read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for the specific rusks. The varieties reviewed differ and include ingredients such as wheat, egg and sesame; don’t rely on the product name alone.
Choose a texture that matches what the child can chew and swallow; the product name alone won’t tell you if it’s suitable. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises offering larger pieces only once a child can sit upright and chew and swallow well.
Don’t assume they do. Check the ingredients of the rusks you choose if the use of iodised baker’s salt is important to your decision.
