The sourdough fan
You’re looking for a distinct rye and sourdough flavour, and don’t mind choosing crispbread rather than round rusks to get it. Wasa and Albert Heijn describe these sourdough products as crispbread.
Who are these breakfast options for?
The rusk lover
You want a light, round and crisp breakfast option, perhaps to top with fruit or a soft spread. The rusk varieties shown by Albert Heijn and Bolletje fit the bill.
The label reader
You compare the grains used, fibre per 100 g, allergens and salt information before deciding. These details matter especially when you’re choosing between different types of rusks and crispbread.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’d prefer round rusks, firm crispbread or fresh bread. Then check the ingredients and nutritional information for the specific product.
Sourdough crispbread
Choose this if: you’re looking for sourdough flavour and a firm, crunchy product.
Keep in mind: it’s not a light, round rusk; also check which grains your chosen variety contains.
Classic rusks
Choose this if: a round, airy rusk with a soft topping is what matters most to you.
Keep in mind: the name ‘rusk’ alone doesn’t tell you whether sourdough has been used.
Fresh sourdough bread
Choose this if: you’d rather eat fresh sourdough bread than a crunchy breakfast product.
Keep in mind: bread has a different shape and texture from both rusks and crispbread.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour and product type | Check whether the product is rusks, crispbread or bread, and whether sourdough is listed in the ingredients. | If I want to taste sourdough but expect a round rusk, I need to decide which matters more. Around 44% of consumers prioritise flavour or product type. |
| Grains, fibre and toppings | Compare the grains used and the fibre per 100 g; choose a product type that suits your toppings. | If I want generous toppings, I need a firm base, while for a lighter breakfast I’d rather have rusks. For around 33% of consumers, this combination of ingredients and firmness matters most. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information, and check the salt details if iodine is relevant to you. | If I need to avoid certain grains or other ingredients, I don’t want to rely on the name ‘sourdough’. Checking the ingredients is the main concern for around 23% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough is a type of rusk
Sourdough crispbread is firmer than the round, airy rusks you might have in mind for a soft topping. Fresh sourdough bread is yet another type of product.
First decide what texture you want on the table, then check whether sourdough is listed in the ingredients.
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Assuming sourdough tells you which salt has been used
The term ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you whether a product contains iodised baker’s salt. The Dutch baking industry says its use is encouraged through an agreement, but the ingredients of the individual product are what matter.
If it matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt.
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Checking fibre but overlooking allergens
The Wasa and Leksands sourdough crispbreads mentioned here contain gluten-containing grains. Some varieties may also carry a warning about traces of sesame or milk.
As well as the nutritional information, always check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the variety you’re buying.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
A brand to look at if you’re after round rusks for weekend breakfast.
- Albert Heijn shows several Bolletje rusk varieties, including classic, wholemeal and high-fibre options.
- Check the ingredients if you’re specifically looking for sourdough; a standard rusk name doesn’t confirm that it contains any.
Wasa
A brand with sourdough crispbread in rye and multigrain varieties.
- According to Wasa, Sourdough Rye contains 19 g of fibre per 100 g, while Sourdough Multigrain contains 18 g per 100 g.
- Both varieties are crispbread rather than round rusks; check the grains and allergens for each variety.
Leksands
A brand to look at if you’re after triangular sourdough crispbread.
- Albert Heijn’s product information states that the sourdough variety contains 85% wholemeal rye flour and 3.8% sourdough.
- The product contains gluten-containing grains and isn’t the same shape or texture as classic rusks.
Sourdough crispbread at Joybuy
This product is a good fit if you prefer rye sourdough crispbread to round rusks for weekend breakfast.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers 235 g
For anyone looking for crunchy sourdough rye crispbread instead of light, round rusks.
According to the product information, this variety contains wholemeal rye sourdough and 19 g of fibre per 100 g. The product contains rye and barley; also check the packaging for the stated possibility of traces of sesame and milk.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough crispbread the same as rusks?
No. Sourdough crispbread and round rusks are different types of product. Choose based on the texture you want with your toppings, and check separately whether sourdough is listed in the ingredients.
Can you buy sourdough rusks?
This can vary between shops and bakeries. The rusk category shown by Albert Heijn includes classic and wholemeal varieties, among others. If a product is sold as sourdough rusks, check the ingredients and product type.
Does sourdough crispbread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. The term ‘sourdough’ doesn’t tell you which salt has been used. If it matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt.
Are the sourdough crispbreads mentioned here gluten-free?
No. The Wasa and Leksands varieties mentioned here contain gluten-containing grains. If you’re choosing a gluten-free product, rely only on the information for the specific pack.
How should I store sourdough crispbread after opening?
Keep it dry and seal the pack well, following the instructions on the packaging. Leksands’ product information says to store it in a dry place; the Joybuy product information for the Wasa variety mentioned here recommends keeping the pack tightly closed after opening.