Who is this guide for?

Hosts serving a range of toppings

If you want to offer savoury and sweet toppings side by side, compare plain rusks by their ingredients, pack size and allergens.

Shoppers keeping an eye on fibre

If you also eat rusks outside of social occasions, compare the fibre content per 100 g of wholemeal varieties and check the allergens in the product you choose.

Shoppers looking for larger rusks

A larger variety containing egg could suit your plans for the drinks spread. Before serving, check that its ingredients and allergens are suitable for everyone eating with you.

What should you look for?

First, decide what you want to put on your rusks and who you’re serving. Then compare the nutritional information, allergens and pack size.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Base for toppings Compare plain rusks with varieties containing egg or seeds, and read the ingredients on the pack you choose. If I want to combine savoury and sweet toppings, I’m looking for a base whose own flavour won’t overpower them. Versatility is the priority for around 45% of consumers.
Fibre and wholemeal Compare the fibre content per 100 g in the nutritional information for the exact variety. If I also keep rusks as a regular cupboard staple, I want to know how much fibre my usual variety contains. Fibre takes priority for around 33% of consumers.
Pack size and availability Check how many rusks are in the pack and whether the variety you want is available at your shop. For drinks with several guests, I want to make sure I can buy enough rusks. Around 22% of consumers prioritise pack size and availability.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing rusks as if they were sliced bread

    Descriptions of bread-slice thickness won’t help you compare rusks. The rusks reviewed are sold individually, in packs or in rolls.

    For your drinks spread, look at the type of rusk, its ingredients and the number in the pack. If you mean slices of bread, compare bread instead.

  • Judging a wholemeal pack by its front alone

    Fibre content can vary between products: Albert Heijn lists 9 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Volkoren Beschuit and 11 g per 100 g for Bolletje Volkoren Beschuit.

    Compare the nutritional information per 100 g for the varieties you’re considering.

  • Overlooking allergens in a simple base for toppings

    Ingredients vary between varieties. The products reviewed list ingredients including wheat and egg; a multiseed variety may also contain sesame.

    Check the current label on the exact pack if anyone you’re serving needs to avoid an allergen.

  • Assuming iodised baker’s salt is always included

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, baker’s salt isn’t compulsory in bread. So don’t assume the rusks you choose contain iodised baker’s salt without checking.

    Read the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer which salt is used in that variety.

Brands to compare

Bolletje

Bolletje offers plain, baker’s, wholemeal and multiseed rusks, among other varieties. Compare the exact variety that best suits your toppings.

  • Bolletje says its Bakkers Beschuit contains 2.6% free-range eggs.
  • Check each variety for wheat, egg and any other allergens, including sesame.

Albert Heijn

AH offers plain and wholemeal varieties; the nutritional information helps you compare the two.

  • Albert Heijn lists a 125 g pack of plain rusks and a 140 g pack of wholemeal rusks.
  • Check the pack when you buy it: Albert Heijn says ingredients and product information may change.

Jumbo

Jumbo Naturel Beschuit is a plain variety sold in a pack of 13.

  • Jumbo provides ingredients, allergen information and storage advice for this variety.
  • The variety reviewed contains wheat and egg; also check the listed warnings about possible traces of other allergens.

PLUS

PLUS offers plain rusks and a premium seeded variety, so you can compare the recipes.

  • Ingredients and allergens are listed for PLUS Naturel Beschuit 125 g.
  • Check whether the seeded variety is available at your PLUS shop, and read the label before buying.

Goud Gebakken

Goud Gebakken is ALDI’s own-label range, with plain and wholemeal rusks in packs of 13.

  • The two varieties let you choose between plain and wholemeal.
  • Check the ingredients and availability of your chosen variety at your shop.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is slice thickness useful when choosing rusks?

No. Don’t choose rusks based on descriptions of bread-slice thickness. For your drinks spread, compare plain, wholemeal or multiseed varieties instead, and check the ingredients and number in the pack.

Should I choose plain or wholemeal rusks for a drinks get-together?

Choose plain rusks if you’re looking for one base to go with a range of toppings; compare wholemeal varieties if fibre matters more to you. Albert Heijn lists 9 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Volkoren Beschuit and 11 g per 100 g for Bolletje Volkoren Beschuit, so check the nutritional information for the variety you buy.

Which allergens should I check in rusks?

Check the label on the exact variety, especially for wheat, egg and, in seeded varieties, sesame. Warnings about possible traces are also important if anyone at the table needs to avoid an allergen.

How should I store an opened pack of rusks?

Seal the pack or a storage tin tightly after opening, and keep the rusks somewhere dry. Albert Heijn recommends a closed tin; Jumbo and PLUS also advise storing their products in a dry place.

Do rusks always contain iodised baker’s salt?

Don’t assume the rusks you choose contain iodised baker’s salt. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says baker’s salt isn’t compulsory in bread; check the ingredients for a specific product or ask the manufacturer.