Traditional rusk fan
You’re looking for light, crisp rusks to enjoy with toppings at breakfast. A harder crispbread isn’t necessarily a like-for-like substitute, even if it’s made with sourdough.
Which option is right for you?
Shopper comparing wholegrains and fibre
You’re happy to consider crispbread as an alternative and want to see which grains it contains and how much fibre it provides per 100 g.
Shopper who checks ingredients carefully
You check the grains, egg and allergen information before adding a pack to your weekly shop. The word ‘sourdough’ alone doesn’t mean a product is gluten-free.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether crispbread can take the place of rusks. Then compare the nutritional information for products that suit the occasion.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Product type and occasion | Check whether the packaging says rusks or crispbread, and whether the product suits how you plan to use it. | If I want light rusks with toppings for breakfast, I wouldn’t automatically choose a hard cracker as a substitute. Product type comes first for around 40% of consumers. |
| Wholegrains and fibre | Read the ingredients and compare fibre per 100 g, not per piece. | If you’re looking for a wholegrain rye cracker for the week, you’ll want to make your choice based on the label. Wholegrains and fibre matter most to around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the current ingredients list and any statements about the possible presence of allergens. | If I need to avoid certain grains or egg, I want to know what’s in the pack. For around 30% of consumers, this check is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming sourdough means it’s a type of rusk
The Wasa and Leksands products listed by PLUS are sourdough crispbreads, while Albert Heijn lists Bolletje Bakkers Original Rusks as rusks. These products are therefore different types of product.
Read the product description before choosing a pack for different occasions: do you want rusks, or would crispbread work too?
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Comparing fibre per piece
A rusk and a piece of crispbread don’t necessarily weigh the same. So comparing them piece by piece won’t tell you much about the difference in nutritional value.
Compare the values per 100 g, and also check the wholegrain claims and ingredients for the specific product.
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Assuming sourdough means a product is gluten-free
The Wasa and Leksands sourdough crispbreads listed by PLUS contain gluten-containing grains. ‘Sourdough’ isn’t an allergen statement.
Whenever you buy a product, check the current ingredients list and any statements about the possible presence of allergens on the packaging.
Brands to consider
These brands illustrate different types of product. The ingredients and nutritional values mentioned apply to the specific products listed, not to each brand’s full range.
Bolletje
For traditional rusks, Bolletje Bakkers Original Rusks are a useful point of comparison. Albert Heijn lists this product as a pack of 10.
- The product is listed as rusks, not sourdough crispbread.
- This product contains wheat flour and egg. Check the packaging if these ingredients are important to your choice.
Wasa
Wasa Sourdough Rye is a crispbread for anyone looking for rye sourdough who’s happy to choose a cracker instead of rusks.
- PLUS lists this product as 100% wholegrain rye, with 19 g of fibre per 100 g.
- It isn’t a traditional rusk. If you have an allergy, check the current information about the possible presence of allergens too.
Leksands
Leksands Sourdough Crispbread is also a rye product, but it’s crispbread rather than rusks.
- For this product, PLUS lists 85% wholegrain rye flour, 3.8% rye sourdough and 21 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The product contains gluten-containing grains, including wheat, rye and barley. Check the current packaging.
Rusks at Joybuy
These Bolletje options are a good fit if you’re looking for wholegrain rusks for your weekly shop. If you’re specifically after sourdough crispbread, consider that as a separate type of product.
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Bolletje Dark Wholegrain Rusks – 10 pieces
A good choice if you’re looking for dark wholegrain rusks for your weekly shop rather than sourdough crispbread. Check that the product type and ingredients suit how you plan to use them.
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Bolletje Wholegrain Rusks – 13 pieces
For anyone looking to add wholegrain rusks to their weekly shop, rather than specifically seeking a sourdough cracker. Before buying, check the product type and the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Are sourdough rusks the same as sourdough crispbread?
No, rusks and crispbread are different types of product. The Wasa and Leksands sourdough products listed by PLUS are crispbreads. Choose them only if a cracker suits your mealtime.
Does sourdough mean crispbread is gluten-free?
No. The Wasa and Leksands sourdough crispbreads discussed here contain gluten-containing grains. Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging for the specific product.
How should you store rusks or crispbread for the rest of the week?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. The Leksands crispbread discussed here should be stored in a cool, dry place; according to the product information, once opened, Bolletje Bakkers Original Rusks should be stored in a cool, dry place in a sealed container.
Can you assume rusks are made with iodised baker’s salt?
No, the product name ‘rusks’ doesn’t tell you which type of salt has been used. Check the ingredients list on the packaging if the type of salt matters to your choice.