Don’t use ‘medium sliced’ as the deciding factor when choosing rusks. For a picnic, it’s better to compare the packaging, ingredients, allergens and nutritional information. Plain rusks make a simple base for toppings; choose a wholegrain or seeded variety if you’re looking for those specific ingredients. If you’re carrying loose rusks in a bag, think about how to keep them dry and in a well-sealed container.
If you’re taking rusks in a bag, the main thing is how you carry any opened rusks so they stay dry and in a well-sealed container. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing rusks in a dry, well-sealed container; Bolletje also offers an individually wrapped variety.
If you want to take a wholegrain variety, check the ingredients and compare the fibre content per 100 g on the label of the exact product.
If anyone in your group needs to avoid certain ingredients, check the label in advance. For the rusk varieties described here, allergens to look out for include gluten-containing cereals and egg, and sesame in some seeded varieties.
First decide how you’ll carry the rusks and who you’re buying for. Then compare the type of rusk and the number of pieces.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping them crisp | Check the packaging and think about how you’ll carry any opened rusks so they stay dry and in a well-sealed container. | If I’m taking rusks in my picnic bag, I want to stop opened rusks from getting damp. For around 40% of consumers, keeping them crisp on the go is the top priority. |
| Fibre and wholegrain | Read the ingredients and compare the fibre content per 100 g for the varieties you’re considering. | I want to choose wholegrain rusks and know how much fibre they contain per 100 g. Around 30% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Allergens | Check the current label on the exact pack, including any warnings about possible traces. | If I’m buying for someone who needs to avoid certain ingredients, I need to know what’s in the rusks before sharing them. For around 20% of consumers, checking allergens comes before other considerations. |
| Number of pieces | Compare the pack size and number of pieces with the number of people you’re taking rusks for. | When buying for a group, I want to take enough pieces without guessing how many are in a pack. For around 10% of consumers, the number of pieces is the top consideration. |
This label doesn’t tell you what packaging, ingredients or nutritional values to expect.
Look for the specific type, such as plain or wholegrain, and check the details of the pack you want to buy. If thickness matters, check the specific product itself.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says rusks keep best when stored in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container. Moisture can make them less crisp.
Take an unopened pack, or put opened rusks in a dry, airtight container.
The rusk varieties described here may contain gluten-containing cereals and egg; sesame may also be a consideration in seeded varieties.
Before your picnic, check the current label for the variety you’ve chosen and make sure it’s suitable for any ingredients members of your group need to avoid.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says using baker’s salt in baking is not compulsory. So you can’t assume a product contains iodine simply because it’s a rusk.
If you want to know what type of salt was used in your chosen rusks, check the ingredients on the packaging.
Bolletje offers Echte Beschuit, seeded rusks and Echte Beschuit Mono, which are individually wrapped.
According to the product information, Albert Heijn’s AH plain rusks come in a 125 g pack containing 13 portions.
Jumbo states that its plain rusks contain 13 pieces per pack.
As well as plain rusks, PLUS offers wholegrain rusks with seeds. According to PLUS, the latter contain more than 25% seeds and kernels.
ALDI lists plain rusks from Goud Gebakken in packs of 13.
These rusks offer a choice of wholegrain, seeded and classic varieties for toppings. For your picnic, compare the number of pieces and the ingredients; it’s up to you to make sure opened rusks stay dry while you carry them.
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A wholegrain variety for anyone who wants to take this type of rusk along. The product name states that the pack contains 13 pieces; check the nutritional information and allergens on the exact pack.
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A seeded variety if you’re looking for rusks with seeds for your picnic. The product name states that the pack contains 10 pieces; if you’re buying for a group, check the allergens on the label too.
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A dark wholegrain variety for anyone who wants to compare this type with other rusks. The product name states that the pack contains 10 pieces; check the ingredients if seeds or allergens are important to your choice.
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A classic base for toppings at your picnic. The product name states that the pack contains 13 pieces; check the ingredients and make sure any opened rusks stay dry and in a well-sealed container.
Don’t use that term as a substitute for specific product information. Compare the type of rusk, packaging, ingredients and nutritional information; check the exact product if thickness matters for your picnic.
Carry opened rusks in a dry, well-sealed container, such as an airtight tin. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing rusks in a cool, dry, dark place in a well-sealed container.
You can’t tell from the words ‘wholegrain’ or ‘seeded’ alone. The varieties described may contain gluten-containing cereals, egg or sesame; check the current allergen information on the exact pack before buying for your group.
Don’t assume they do. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says using baker’s salt in baking is not compulsory; if the type of salt used matters to your purchase, check the ingredients on the rusks you choose.
