For a small BBQ, compare both the number of rusks and the pack weight, rather than relying on a description such as ‘half loaf’. Albert Heijn and ALDI Netherlands sell packs of 10 and 13 rusks respectively, but a lower number doesn’t necessarily mean there’s less rusk in the pack. Choose a variety to suit your toppings, and check the pack for allergens if you’re serving guests.
You’re buying rusks for a small BBQ or drinks party and want to match the number of pieces to what you plan to serve. Albert Heijn and ALDI Netherlands list packs of 10 and 13 rusks, among others; it’s also worth comparing the pack weight.
You want to serve rusks with toppings such as spreads, cheese or vegetables. Keep the rusks dry until you’re ready to add the toppings, and store anything that needs chilling according to its storage instructions.
You’re comparing plain, wholemeal, spelt and seeded rusks, but you’ll also need to check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you choose. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies spelt as a gluten-containing grain.
Decide how many topped rusks you want to serve, then compare the pack weights. Next, choose a variety that suits your toppings and guests. The number of rusks alone doesn’t tell you how large they are.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Getting the quantity right | Compare the number of rusks and the pack weight. A pack of 10 isn’t automatically lighter than one of 13. | If I’m only serving a few bites, I don’t want lots left over. Getting the quantity right is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Topping and serving | Check the storage instructions and plan when to add moist toppings to the rusks. | I want to be able to get the bites ready without topping the rusks too far in advance. For around 25% of consumers, ease of serving matters most. |
| Type and taste | Check the ingredients and, if fibre is important to you, the nutritional information per 100 g for the exact variety. | I’m looking for a particular flavour or texture for my guests, such as wholemeal rusks or a seeded variety. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen information on the current pack. Don’t rely on the variety name when it comes to spelt or seeds. | If I’m buying for guests with a food allergy, I need to know whether the rusks I’ve chosen are suitable. For around 17% of consumers, this check matters most. |
A lower number of rusks doesn’t tell you everything about the total amount. Bolletje’s multi-seed rusks, listed by PLUS, come in a roll of 155 g containing 10 extra-large rusks.
Compare the number of rusks with the pack weight, and think about how many you’ll actually want to top.
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies spelt as a gluten-containing grain. Seeded rusks may also contain allergens such as sesame; ingredients vary from product to product.
If you’re serving guests, check the allergen information on the pack you’re buying, even if you’ve used the same variety before.
Moist toppings can make rusks less crisp. If a topping needs to be kept chilled, you’ll also need to consider how long it’s been out of the fridge.
Keep the rusks dry and top them just before serving. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises throwing away perishable food if it has been out of the fridge for more than two hours.
A product being listed in a range doesn’t mean it’s available in every shop. Bolletje says its individually wrapped Echte Beschuit Mono isn’t available in supermarkets.
Check availability before including a particular pack in your BBQ plans.
Bolletje’s range includes Echte Beschuit, Bakkers Beschuit, a multi-seed variety and individually wrapped Echte Beschuit Mono rusks.
Albert Heijn lists own-brand rusks in varieties including plain, wholemeal, spelt and multi-seed.
PLUS lists plain rusks in a 125 g roll, and seeded and spelt varieties in 230 g packs.
ALDI Netherlands lists Goud Gebakken wholemeal rusks in a pack of 13.
Lidl lists 125 g plain rusks as a store product.
These packs of 10 or 13 rusks offer a choice of varieties for a small gathering. As well as the number of rusks, compare the pack weight, and if you’re serving guests, check the label before choosing.
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A good option if you’re looking for wholemeal rusks for a small BBQ and can use 13 pieces. Compare the pack weight with other packs, and check the allergen information on the label if you’re serving guests.
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A pack of 13 to suit the number of topped bites you want to serve. Also check the pack weight and the allergens in this variety.
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A good option if you’d rather buy 10 than 13 rusks for a small gathering. Check the pack weight to compare the total amount, and read the current label if you have allergies.
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A seeded variety to consider if you’d like to serve that type of rusk with your toppings. The pack contains 10 pieces; also compare the weight and check the allergens on the label.
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A pack of 10 to consider if you’re looking for wholemeal rusks for your BBQ table. Check the pack weight to compare the total amount, and check the allergens on the current pack.
No. For rusks for a small BBQ, it’s better to compare the number of pieces and the pack weight. Albert Heijn and ALDI Netherlands list packs of 10 and 13, among others; ‘half loaf’ doesn’t tell you how much rusk you’re buying.
Choose the number that suits the bites you plan to serve, but check the weight too. A pack of 10 larger rusks doesn’t necessarily contain less product than a roll of 13 smaller ones.
For the crispiest results, top rusks just before serving. Keep any toppings that need chilling in the fridge. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says perishable food should be thrown away if it has been out of the fridge for more than two hours.
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre classifies spelt as a gluten-containing grain. If you have a food allergy or coeliac disease, always check the full allergen information for the rusks you’re planning to buy.
Don’t assume this is the case for a particular pack. Check the ingredients or ask the manufacturer which type of salt is used in the rusks you’ve chosen.
