Organising a large buffet
You’re looking for a rusk base for a large number of guests. The pack size and the number of rusks you want to put out will determine how many packs you need.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Responsible for buffet information
You’re putting out rusks and toppings, and want to be able to check the ingredients and allergens listed on the current packaging for each variety you offer.
Organising a buffet with more choice
You’re considering offering wholemeal rusks alongside plain ones. In that case, it’s not just the type of rusk that matters, but also whether you can keep the different packs and toppings separate on the buffet.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, work out how much you’ll need for the number of guests. Then decide which varieties will have their own place on the buffet, and keep the information about each type of rusk and topping together.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and pack size | Check how many rusks are in each pack and decide how many you want to put out per guest. | For a buffet with lots of guests, I want to put out enough rusks without opening more packs than necessary. This is the main consideration for around 50% of consumers. |
| Allergen information | Check the current labels on both the rusks and the toppings, and keep the information for each variety to hand. | If I’m offering rusks with different toppings, I want to be able to tell guests which allergens are in their chosen option. This is the main concern for around 30% of consumers. |
| Choosing between varieties | Decide whether you’d like to offer a wholemeal variety alongside plain rusks, and check the description on the packaging you choose. | Alongside plain rusks, I want to offer guests a clearly identifiable second type. Around 20% of consumers give variety the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Counting packs without checking how many rusks they contain
Not every pack contains the same number of rusks. So the number of packs alone doesn’t tell you how many guests you can cater for.
Decide in advance how many rusks you want to offer and check the quantity on every pack you choose.
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Forgetting the toppings when checking allergens
The information on a pack of rusks won’t tell you which allergens are in the toppings. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, anyone serving unpackaged food to consumers must provide information about the allergens it contains where the food is offered.
Check the rusks and toppings separately. If you’re serving the buffet as a caterer or other food provider, keep the allergen information available at the display.
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Assuming every rusk contains iodine from baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. So you can’t assume that every type of rusk is made with this salt.
Don’t assume which salt has been used based on the product category; check the ingredients list for the rusk you’ve chosen.
Brands to consider
The brands mentioned offer different types of rusks. The right pack for your buffet depends on the quantity you need, the variety you’d like to offer and the current product information.
Albert Heijn
The AH own brand offers plain and wholemeal rusks for anyone looking to compare the two types.
- A pack of plain rusks can be a good starting point if you’re offering a range of toppings.
- Albert Heijn says that ingredient and allergen information can change, so check the packaging you’ll actually be using.
PLUS
PLUS offers plain rusks and a deluxe plain variety with seeds.
- The two varieties let you choose between a simple option and rusks with seeds.
- Check which variety is available at your chosen shop and read the current label for the seeded variety.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers a range of branded varieties, including Echte Beschuit and Bakkers-beschuit.
- Bolletje describes its Bakkers-beschuit as extra large. Check whether that size suits the way you want to present your buffet.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and pack size for each variety you choose rather than assuming they’re the same across all Bolletje rusks.
Goud Gebakken
Goud Gebakken is an ALDI own brand offering plain and wholemeal rusks.
- ALDI lists 13 rusks per pack for its wholemeal variety, which can help you plan how many you’ll need.
- Check the current packaging and ingredients separately for the plain or wholemeal variety you choose.
Rusks at Joybuy
These Joybuy products are Bolletje varieties in packs of 10 or 13. Choose the type you’d like to offer, work out how many packs you’ll need, and check the current ingredients and allergen information before putting them out.
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Bolletje Multi-Seed rusks, 10 pieces
A seeded variety to offer alongside plain rusks. The pack contains 10 pieces; check the current label for ingredients and allergens.
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Bolletje Dark Whole Wheat rusks, 10 pieces
A wholemeal variety to put out alongside plain rusks. The pack contains 10 pieces; check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens before serving.
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Bolletje Wholegrain rusks, 13 pieces
A wholemeal option if you’d also like to plan the quantity per pack for a second variety. This pack contains 13 pieces; check the current ingredient and allergen information.
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Bolletje Real Rusk, 13 pieces
A classic type of rusk for serving with toppings. The pack contains 13 pieces; check the current label for this variety too, and check the toppings separately.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to provide allergen information at a wedding buffet?
Yes, if you’re a caterer or other food provider serving unpackaged food to consumers. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, information about the allergens present must be available where the food is offered. Check both the rusks and each type of topping.
Are ordinary rusks suitable for guests who avoid gluten?
Don’t assume they are. Check the ingredient and allergen information on the current packaging for the rusks you’ve chosen, as well as for the toppings. A plain variety doesn’t, in itself, tell you whether it contains gluten-containing cereals.
Does every type of rusk contain iodine from baker’s salt?
You can’t assume that all rusks do. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that baker’s salt contains iodine, but bakers aren’t required to use it. So check the ingredients list for the variety you’ve chosen.
Is one type of rusk enough for the buffet?
A plain variety may be enough if you don’t want to offer a second type. If you’d also like to serve guests wholemeal rusks, keep them clearly separate and have the ingredient and allergen information for both varieties to hand.