Choose the rusks and sprinkles separately: first check whether the rusk will fit in the calendar compartment, then choose how much sprinkles you want to use. A name such as ‘robust’ doesn’t prove that a rusk is thicker or less likely to break. Small portions of sprinkles can, however, make it easier to share them across several compartments.
You want to put rusks and sprinkles in an advent calendar and are looking for a manageable base. Check the dimensions and, if necessary, try one pack first: a product name won’t tell you how thick or fragile the rusks are.
You’re dividing treats between individual compartments or want to alternate different types of sprinkles. Individual portions can save you measuring them out, but the packaging for each portion must also fit in the compartment.
You want to take the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for both the rusks and the sprinkles into account. Compare the specific varieties you’ve chosen using their own labels, rather than relying on general figures for the product category.
If you’re putting rusks and sprinkles in an advent calendar, first work out how much room there is in each compartment. Then choose a suitable way to portion them and check the labels on both products.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and ease of handling | Compare the rusk dimensions with the compartment. If you’re unsure, ask for the product measurements or try one pack first. | If the rusk needs to fit whole in a small compartment, you’ll want to know whether it fits and will remain usable while you fill the calendar. This is the main concern for around 45% of consumers. |
| Portions and variety | Check the number and size of the sprinkle portions, as well as how much room the individual packs take up. | If you’re preparing treats for several days, you’ll want to divide up the sprinkles without having to measure them out each time. Around 33% of consumers say portion planning is their top priority. |
| Ingredients and nutritional information | Check the allergens for each variety and compare fibre, sugars and salt on the same basis, for example per 100 g and per planned portion. | If the recipient needs to avoid certain ingredients, you’ll want to assess the rusks and sprinkles separately. This is the most important consideration for around 22% of consumers. |
A product name or description of its texture won’t necessarily tell you whether a rusk is thicker, fits in the compartment or is less likely to break.
Check the manufacturer’s measurements or try one pack before putting together treats for several days.
The ingredients can vary by variety. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, De Ruijter Kleintjes contains milk and soya, among other ingredients, while the fruit sprinkles contain wheat starch.
Check the ingredients for each variety if you’re using a mixed pack for someone else.
Voedingscentrum gives 9.4 g of sugars for a 15 g portion of sprinkles. This isn’t the nutritional value for every individual type of sprinkles.
Use the nutritional information on the pack you actually choose for your treats.
These brands offer different rusk bases or types of sprinkles. Always compare the specific variety you’re considering: the brand name alone won’t tell you the rusk dimensions or the ingredients in the topping.
A rusk brand with products including Bakkers Beschuit Origineel and wholemeal varieties, for anyone who wants to choose the rusk base separately from the sprinkles.
A supermarket own-brand range that includes Robuust Beschuit Meergranen, an option to consider if you’re looking for multigrain rusks with seeds.
A supermarket own-brand range that includes AH Beschuit volkoren, worth comparing if you’re looking for a wholemeal rusk base.
A sprinkles brand with products including Kleintjes, for anyone who wants to share individual portions between calendar compartments.
A sprinkles brand. Albert Heijn lists Venz Hagelslag puur in a 2-pack, among other products; it’s an option to consider as a separate topping for a rusk base.
This option is a rusk base to pair with sprinkles of your choice. Before filling an advent calendar, check that the rusks will fit in the compartments.
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A rusk base for anyone who wants to choose their sprinkles separately.
Pack of 10. Check the dimensions if each rusk needs to fit in a calendar compartment.
No, the name doesn’t confirm a particular thickness. Jumbo describes Robuust Beschuit Meergranen as a rusk with seeds. If the fit in your advent calendar matters, ask for the dimensions or try a pack first.
Store the rusks according to the instructions on the pack you choose. For AH Beschuit volkoren, Albert Heijn recommends keeping it in a sealed tin after opening; for Robuust Beschuit, Jumbo recommends a cool, dry and dark place. Add the sprinkles just before serving if you want to keep them separate from the rusks until then.
Check the labels of both products you choose, as ingredients vary by variety. The rusks discussed contain wheat or other cereals containing gluten and egg, among other ingredients; the types of sprinkles discussed include milk, soya and wheat starch.
No, don’t rely on the product category alone. Check the ingredients list for the rusk you choose, or ask the manufacturer which salt is used if this is important to your choice.
