Which option is right for you?

If you’re serving simple toppings

For a rusk with a sweet or savoury topping, the number of pieces per pack and the ingredients are useful points of comparison. Albert Heijn and Jumbo both list a 125 g plain variety with 13 portions or pieces.

If you’re making more elaborate snacks

Compare the size and ingredients if you’d like more room for toppings. Albert Heijn lists a 23 g portion for AH Spelt Rusks; also check the product you choose for seeds and allergens.

If you choose based on the label

If you prefer foods with fibre or vegan options, or need to take allergens into account, the information for the exact variety matters. Check the current ingredients and allergen information before choosing rusks for your guests.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide what toppings you want to serve, then compare the size, ingredients and allergens of the rusks that suit them.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
A simple base Compare plain varieties by number of pieces, pack size and ingredients. If the toppings are the main event, I want a simple rusk base for my guests. Around 45% of consumers prioritise this.
More elaborate toppings Check the portion size and whether the product contains grains or seeds. For a more elaborate snack, I’m looking for a size that suits my presentation. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this.
Labels and preferences Check the nutritional information, ingredients and allergen information for each variety. If I need to allow for a vegan preference or relevant allergens, I need to know what the rusks I choose contain. This is the top priority for around 22% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Using ‘medium sliced’ to describe rusk size

    The rusk products mentioned are distinguished by type, including plain, wholemeal, spelt and multigrain. The term ‘medium sliced’ doesn’t tell you the size or ingredients of a rusk.

    Compare the product type, portion size and ingredients. If by ‘medium sliced’ you mean the thickness of sliced bread, first clarify which product you’re looking for.

  • Assuming plain rusks are vegan

    Albert Heijn and Jumbo list egg and wheat or gluten-containing cereals in their plain products. So the word ‘plain’ doesn’t tell you enough about whether a product suits a particular diet.

    Read the current ingredients and allergen information for the variety you choose. Bolletje itself says its High-Fibre Multiseed Rusks and Dark Wholemeal Rusks are vegan; check the label on those products too.

  • Not sealing an opened pack properly

    If you open your rusks before St Nicholas’ Eve, storage matters if you want to keep them crisp.

    Store rusks in a cool, dark, dry place and seal the pack well after opening, as Albert Heijn and Jumbo advise for their products.

Brands to consider

Bolletje

Bolletje offers Echte Beschuit and varieties made with wholemeal grains or seeds.

  • Bolletje itself says its High-Fibre Multiseed Rusks and Dark Wholemeal Rusks are vegan.
  • Echte Beschuit lists ingredients including wheat, rye and egg; check the ingredients for the specific variety.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn lists plain, wholemeal and spelt rusks, among other varieties.

  • According to Albert Heijn, AH Plain Rusks contain 125 g across 13 portions; AH Spelt Rusks come in 10 portions of 23 g.
  • The plain variety lists egg and gluten-containing cereals. The spelt variety lists ingredients including egg, sesame, barley, spelt and wheat.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists plain and wholemeal rusks, as well as other varieties containing grains or seeds.

  • According to Jumbo, Jumbo Plain Rusks come in a 125 g pack containing 13 pieces.
  • The plain variety lists wheat and egg, and may contain traces of ingredients including barley, milk, oats, rye and sesame.

Lidl

Lidl lists plain, wholemeal and multigrain rusks as separate products.

  • Pack sizes vary by variety: 125 g for plain, 140 g for wholemeal and 230 g for multigrain.
  • If you have specific ingredient or allergen requirements, choose based on the information on the exact pack.

Rusks at Joybuy

These two Bolletje varieties are options for serving with toppings on St Nicholas’ Eve. Compare the number of pieces and check the current packaging if you have specific dietary or allergen requirements.

Bolletje wholemeal rusks, 13 pieces

Bolletje Wholemeal Rusks – 13 pieces

An option if you’re looking for wholemeal rusks to serve with toppings; this pack contains 13 pieces. Check the current ingredients and allergen information if these are important to your choice.

View at Joybuy
Bolletje dark wholemeal wheat rusks, 10 pieces

Bolletje Dark Wholemeal Wheat Rusks – 10 pieces

An option if you’re looking for dark wholemeal wheat rusks for a topped snack; this pack contains 10 pieces. Read the current ingredients and allergen information before choosing them for your guests.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Are plain rusks suitable for someone who needs to avoid egg or gluten?

Don’t assume they are: Albert Heijn and Jumbo list egg and gluten-containing cereals or wheat in their plain varieties. Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack you choose.

How should I store rusks until St Nicholas’ Eve?

Store rusks in a cool, dark, dry place and seal the pack well after opening. This follows the storage advice Albert Heijn and Jumbo give for their rusks.