If fibre and wholegrains matter to you
Compare the fibre per 100 g shown on the label and the ingredients in wholemeal rusks. Check the allergens too: a seeded variety, for example, may contain sesame.
Which rusks are best for you?
Packaging, nutritional information and space for toppings become more important depending on how you want to enjoy your rusks while you’re out and about.
If you want to take rusks with you intact
A sturdy, well-sealed container helps protect an opened pack while you’re on the go. If you’d rather not open the whole pack each time, an individually wrapped variety is worth considering.
If you like plenty of toppings
A larger rusk or a variety with seeds and kernels could be just right for a more substantial snack. Check the ingredients, allergens and salt content of your chosen variety.
What should you look for?
First, decide what matters most to you in rusks for when you’re out and about. Then use the packaging and nutritional information to compare varieties against that priority.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Taking them along whole and crisp | Check whether the rusks are individually wrapped, or take a sturdy, well-sealed storage container with you. Keep an opened pack dry and sealed. | If you want to grab a rusk at several stops, you won’t want to carry an open pack around each time. For around 40% of consumers, convenience and keeping rusks intact are the top priorities. |
| Fibre and wholegrains | Compare the fibre per 100 g and check which grains are listed in the ingredients. Check the allergens too. | If you’re mainly looking for a wholemeal option, the ingredients and nutritional information are more useful than a dark colour. Around 40% of consumers prioritise this choice. |
| Flavour and toppings | Check the size and ingredients, as well as the salt content and allergens of seeded varieties. | For a more substantial snack, you’ll want plenty of room for toppings and a flavour to match. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming wholemeal or seeded means allergen-free
The PLUS seeded rusks described contain, among other ingredients, wheat, barley, oats, egg and sesame. Bolletje’s dark wholemeal rusks described here also contain several gluten-containing grains and sesame.
Read the allergen information on the current packaging; the variety’s name doesn’t tell you which allergens it contains.
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Taking an opened pack along without protection
Rusks can break or lose their crispness while you’re out and about. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing rusks in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container.
Put the pack in a sturdy, well-sealed container and reseal it after use.
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Choosing based only on a prominent product name
A seeded variety differs in more than just flavour or size. PLUS also lists sesame as an ingredient in its wholemeal seeded rusks, which contain 0.8 g of salt per 100 g.
Compare the ingredients and nutritional values per 100 g for the things that matter to your choice.
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Assuming they’re made with iodised baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. So the word ‘rusks’ alone doesn’t tell you what type of salt has been used.
Check the ingredients on the packaging or ask the manufacturer if this is relevant to your choice.
Brands compared
These brands offer standard, wholemeal and seeded rusks, with differences in ingredients and packaging. So compare the specific variety, not just the brand name.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers standard rusks, baker’s rusks, and wholemeal and seeded varieties.
- Bolletje states that Bakkers Beschuit Origineel contains 2.6% free-range eggs. According to Bolletje, Echte Beschuit Mono is individually wrapped.
- Bolletje says the Mono variety isn’t available in supermarkets. Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety.
Albert Heijn
Its own-brand range includes plain and wholemeal rusks, so you can compare them in the same shop.
- Albert Heijn lists 4.2 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Beschuit Naturel and 9 g per 100 g for AH Beschuit Volkoren.
- The varieties described contain wheat and egg. Albert Heijn recommends checking the current packaging, as product information may change.
Jumbo
Its own-brand range includes plain and wholemeal rusks.
- Jumbo lists 3.1 g of fibre per 100 g for its plain variety and 7.7 g per 100 g for its wholemeal variety.
- Check which variety is available when you shop, and read the packaging if ingredients or allergens will affect your choice.
PLUS
As well as wholemeal rusks, PLUS offers a larger wholemeal variety with seeds and kernels.
- PLUS states that its Beschuit Volkoren met Zaden contains over 25% seeds and kernels, and 10.6 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This variety contains, among other ingredients, wheat, barley, oats, egg and sesame. The stated salt content is 0.8 g per 100 g.
ALDI
ALDI offers Goud Gebakken plain and wholemeal rusks in packs of 13.
- You can choose between a plain and a wholemeal variety.
- Check the packaging in store if fibre, salt or allergens are deciding factors for you.
Lidl
Lidl lists a 125 g pack of plain rusks as an in-store product.
- The stated pack size gives you a clear idea of how much you’ll be taking with you.
- Check the ingredients, nutritional information and allergens on the packaging before comparing this variety with other rusks.
Rusks for a wholemeal or seeded choice
These Joybuy products are suited to choosing wholemeal rusks or rusks with seeds. If you’re taking them out and about, compare the variety and packaging in particular.
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Bolletje dark wholemeal rusks – 10 pieces
A good option if you’re looking for dark wholemeal rusks with oats and seeds to take with you.
Bolletje’s product information lists 8.8% oat flakes and 5.8% seeds. Check for wheat, oats, barley and sesame, and read the current label. If the pack is opened, take a sturdy, well-sealed container with you.
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Bolletje multiseed rusks – 10 pieces
A good option if you’re looking for a seeded variety to top with your favourite ingredients.
The pack contains 10 pieces. Check the label for wheat, gluten and sesame. If you open the pack while you’re out and about, keep the rusks dry and well sealed.
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Bolletje wholemeal rusks – 13 pieces
A good option if you’re looking for a wholemeal rusk to use as a base for toppings.
The pack contains 13 pieces. If fibre content is your main criterion, compare the amount per 100 g on the current label. Also check the information about wheat, egg and possible traces of sesame.
Frequently asked questions
How can I keep rusks in good condition on a road trip?
Take the pack in a sturdy, well-sealed container and reseal it once opened. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping rusks in a cool, dry, dark place; before eating them, check that they haven’t gone soft or developed a musty smell.
Should I check for allergens in wholemeal or seeded rusks?
Yes, check the allergens for the specific variety. The products described here include wheat and egg, while some seeded varieties contain sesame. Read the current packaging, even if you’ve bought the product before.
Do all rusks contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t tell from the product name. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, using baker’s salt isn’t compulsory. Check the ingredients on the packaging or ask the manufacturer if this is relevant to your choice.