Hosts catering for fussy eaters
Would you like your guests to choose between mild rusks and a wholemeal option? Serving two bowls means no one has to choose the more pronounced texture of seeded rusks.
Who is this choice important for?
Wholemeal and seed fans
If you’re looking for wholemeal rusks or an option with seeds and kernels to serve with savoury toppings, compare the ingredients of the specific products. Not all seeded rusks are wholemeal.
Shoppers who need to check the label
If you have an allergy or specific dietary requirements, the information on the packet you choose matters. Look out for wheat and egg, and sesame in seeded varieties.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to serve both a mild and a wholemeal rusk. Then consider whether a seeded option will suit your guests’ preferences.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Choosing between mild and wholemeal | Compare plain rusks with a wholemeal option, and check the type of flour used on both labels. | If my guests have different preferences, I don’t want everyone to have to choose the same strongly flavoured rusk. This freedom of choice is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal and seeds | Check whether the rusks are actually wholemeal and whether they contain seeds or kernels. | I want to be able to choose wholemeal rusks or a seeded variety to serve with savoury toppings. Around 30% of consumers give this preference top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current allergen information for the specific packet, including any warnings about traces. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know what’s in each bowl. For around 30% of consumers, checking the label is the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming wholemeal means allergen-free
Wholemeal rusks may contain wheat and egg. Allergens such as sesame may also be present in seeded varieties.
Don’t rely on the product name to check for allergens. Read the label on the specific packet and take your guests’ needs into account.
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Serving only strongly flavoured seeded rusks
Seeded rusks don’t offer a mild option for guests who prefer a neutral base.
If needed, serve plain rusks alongside the wholemeal or seeded variety, and make it clear which rusks are in each bowl.
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Topping the rusks too far in advance
Moist toppings can make rusks less crisp before they’re eaten.
Store the rusks in a dry, sealed container. Serve moist toppings separately or add them just before eating.
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Assuming they contain iodised salt
The Dutch agreement on bakers’ salt doesn’t specify which type of salt is used in every individual rusk product.
If the presence of iodised salt matters to you, check the ingredients list and contact the manufacturer for confirmation if necessary.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Bolletje offers, among other products, regular Echte Beschuit and wholemeal varieties. Compare the products individually if you want to serve a mild option alongside a wholemeal one.
- According to Bolletje’s product information, wheat flour is the first ingredient in Echte Beschuit.
- This ingredients list doesn’t necessarily apply to the wholemeal varieties, so check their labels too.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers regular wholemeal rusks and an organic wholemeal variety with several types of seed.
- Albert Heijn states that AH Beschuit volkoren contains 9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- According to the product information, AH Beschuit volkoren contains wheat and egg. Check separately whether sesame is a concern in the multiseed variety.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers rusks in a range of styles, including plain, wholemeal and varieties with grains or seeds.
- The range gives you options to compare a mild choice with a wholemeal one.
- Check the current availability and ingredients of each product you’re considering.
PLUS
PLUS offers both regular wholemeal rusks and a wholemeal variety with seeds and kernels.
- PLUS states that its wholemeal rusks with seeds contain over 25% seeds and kernels.
- The seeded variety lists sesame and egg among its ingredients. If you have allergies, always check the label on the packet you choose.
Goud Gebakken
ALDI describes Goud Gebakken wholemeal rusks as a packet containing 13 pieces.
- A wholemeal option to consider if you want to serve two types of rusk.
- Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packet before choosing these rusks for guests with dietary requirements.
Rusk options on Joybuy
These three Bolletje varieties offer wholemeal or seeded options for your rusk board. If you’d also like to serve mild, plain rusks, choose those separately.
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Bolletje wholemeal rusks, 13 pieces
A wholemeal option to serve alongside mild, plain rusks. If you have allergies, check the latest allergen information on the packet.
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Bolletje dark wholemeal rusks, 10 pieces
A dark wholemeal variety for guests who aren’t necessarily looking for mild rusks. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packet before serving.
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Bolletje rusks with mixed seeds, 10 pieces
A seeded option for guests who prefer it to plain rusks. Don’t assume from the name that it’s made with wholemeal flour; check the label for this and for allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Are wholemeal rusks suitable for someone with a wheat or egg allergy?
Don’t assume they are: according to Albert Heijn, AH Beschuit volkoren lists wheat and egg. If you have an allergy, check the latest allergen information for the specific packet, even if you choose another brand.
How can I keep rusks crisp until my guests are ready to eat?
Store the rusks in a dry, sealed container and add toppings just before serving. Put moist toppings on the side so guests can top their own rusks.
Are seeded rusks always wholemeal too?
No. Seeds in or on a rusk don’t tell you which type of flour it’s made with. If you specifically want to serve wholemeal rusks, check the product description and ingredients list for the variety you choose.
Do Dutch rusks always contain iodised bakers’ salt?
No, don’t assume this applies to every rusk. The Dutch agreement, published in the Government Gazette, encourages participating bakeries to use iodised salt, but it doesn’t tell you what’s in an individual product. Check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer.