If you want a sourdough base
For savoury toppings at Christmas dinner, you’ll want a crunchy base that clearly lists sourdough as an ingredient. Bear in mind that the options described here are crispbreads, not round rusks.
Which option is right for you?
If you want to serve round rusks
You prefer a light, crisp, round base for serving at the table, even if that means sourdough isn’t part of your choice.
If you check labels carefully
You take guests’ dietary needs into account when choosing, particularly where ingredients or allergens are concerned. If iodised salt is also a factor, check the information on the current packaging.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want the round shape of rusks or the sturdier shape of crispbread. Then compare the ingredients with what you need for your toppings and guests.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Sourdough and texture | Look for sourdough in the ingredients list and check whether the product is crispbread, a cracker or a rusk. | I want sourdough and a sturdy, crunchy base for savoury toppings. Around 40% of consumers might make this combination their main priority. |
| Round rusks | Check that the packaging says rusks and that the ingredients are suitable for your guests. | If I want to serve round rusks, a light, crisp bite matters more than sourdough. Around 30% of consumers might prioritise this presentation. |
| Checking the label | Check the grains and allergens; if you need to know about iodine, look at the salt information too. | When ingredients are a deciding factor for my guests, I don’t want to rely on the front of the pack. Around 30% of consumers might make checking the label their main priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough means round rusks
The sourdough products described here are crispbreads or crackers. Their shape and texture differ from light, round rusks.
Read the product description before choosing a base for your toppings.
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Assuming sourdough or wholegrain means gluten-free
The sourdough crispbreads described here contain gluten-containing grains, including rye. Having sourdough or wholegrain on the packaging doesn’t change that.
If you need a gluten-free option, check the current allergen information and look for an explicit gluten-free claim.
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Taking iodised baker’s salt for granted
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers are not required to use baker’s salt. So the type of product doesn’t tell you whether iodised salt has been used.
Check the ingredients list if iodised salt is important to your choice. If a product doesn’t have an ingredients label, ask the seller which salt was used.
Brands worth comparing
Wasa
Wasa Sourdough Rye is a crispbread made with wholegrain rye and rye sourdough. The brand also offers a multigrain sourdough version.
- The sourdough version is a crunchy option if you’re not looking for round rusks.
- Check the packaging for gluten-containing grains and other allergens for each variety.
Leksands
The sourdough crispbread described here is triangular, making it a good fit for serving with savoury toppings.
- Rye sourdough is listed in the ingredients information for the variety described here.
- The variety described here contains gluten-containing grains; check the label if this matters to your guests.
Bolletje
Bolletje Bakkers Beschuit Origineel is worth comparing if you specifically want to serve classic round rusks.
- Bolletje describes these rusks as crisp and light.
- The rusks described here contain wheat and egg; don’t choose them assuming they contain sourdough.
Sourdough product on Joybuy
This rye cracker is a good fit if sourdough matters more to you than the round shape of rusks at Christmas dinner. Before serving, check that the current ingredients are suitable for your guests.
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Wasa sourdough rye crackers, 235 g
A good choice if you’re looking for a sourdough cracker for toppings rather than light, round rusks.
Sourdough rye crackers; 235 g pack. If your guests have specific dietary requirements, check the current allergen and salt information.
Frequently asked questions
Are sourdough crispbreads the same as rusks?
No. The sourdough products described here are sold as crispbreads or crackers, while the Bolletje variety described here is a round rusk. Choose the shape that suits your presentation and check the ingredients list separately for sourdough.
Can I serve sourdough crispbread with savoury Christmas toppings?
Yes, if you want a sturdy, crunchy base instead of light rusks. Bear the difference in shape and texture in mind when choosing your toppings.
Is sourdough crispbread gluten-free?
Not necessarily: the Wasa and Leksands sourdough products described here contain gluten-containing grains. If you need a gluten-free option, check the current packaging for an explicit gluten-free claim.
Do rusks always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t tell from the type of product. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers are not required to use baker’s salt; check the ingredients list or ask the seller which salt was used.