Which option is right for you?

Stocking up with a preference for sourdough

You want sourdough listed as an ingredient and are happy to choose crispbread as an alternative to round rusks. Compare the product description and ingredients list first.

Rusk lover who opens one pack at a time

You want to stock up on traditional rusks, but you’ll also need a dry place to store them and a tightly sealed pack once opened. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing opened rusks in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed container.

Shopper checking grains and allergens

Check the label of every variety. Jumbo and PLUS product information lists cereals containing gluten for the sourdough crispbreads reviewed, so sourdough does not mean gluten-free.

What should you look for when ordering in bulk?

First decide whether the shape of rusks or sourdough as an ingredient matters more to you. Then choose a quantity that you can store properly and use after opening.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Sourdough and product type Look for sourdough in the ingredients and check whether the product is rusks, crackers or crispbread. I want to be able to identify sourdough as an ingredient, and I’m happy to use crispbread even though it isn’t round rusks. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers.
Storage after opening Check the best-before date on unopened packs and make sure you can keep opened packs dry and tightly sealed. When I stock up, I want to avoid having several open packs lose their crunch. This is the main concern for around 31% of consumers.
Pack size Compare the net weight and choose a number of packs that suits how quickly you’ll use them. I’d rather buy an amount I can finish without opening too many packs at once. This is the main priority for around 23% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the allergen information for each variety, including any ‘may contain’ statements. Before I stock up, I need to know which grains and allergens are listed in the product I’ve chosen. Around 15% of consumers put this check first.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking sourdough crackers for rusks

    According to product information from Jumbo and PLUS, the products reviewed that explicitly list rye sourdough are crispbreads. They don’t have the round, airy shape of traditional rusks.

    Decide first which type of product you want to use. If sourdough is essential, check the ingredients and make sure crispbread suits the way you plan to use it.

  • Opening several packs at once

    A large stock-up is less practical if opened rusks can’t be kept dry and sealed. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises that opened rusks can be kept in a kitchen cupboard for around a month, provided they’re stored in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container.

    It’s best to open one pack at a time and store the contents in an airtight container or tin.

  • Assuming sourdough is gluten-free

    According to Jumbo and PLUS, the sourdough crispbreads reviewed contain cereals containing gluten.

    Check the allergen information on the current packaging of the exact variety you want to buy.

Brands to consider

Wasa

Worth considering if you’re looking for rye sourdough and are happy to choose crispbread instead of rusks.

  • Jumbo describes Wasa Sourdough Rye as crispbread made with wholegrain rye and rye sourdough.
  • It isn’t traditional rusks. Check the allergen information on the pack you choose, too.

Leksands

Another sourdough crispbread option if you don’t need the shape of rusks.

  • PLUS lists Leksands Sourdough Crispbread as crispbread made with sourdough.
  • The variety reviewed contains wheat, rye, barley and cereals containing gluten.

Bolletje

A relevant option if you specifically want to store and enjoy traditional rusks.

  • Bolletje Echte Beschuit is a rusk variety in the traditional style.
  • If sourdough is a must, check the ingredients of the variety you choose. Don’t assume it contains sourdough based on the product category.

Albert Heijn

A useful range to compare if you’re looking at different types of traditional rusks.

  • The range includes, among other options, plain and wholemeal rusks.
  • Check the ingredients and product type of each individual product; a range name doesn’t confirm that it contains sourdough.

ALDI

A range to consider for traditional rusks and crispbread.

  • The range information lists wholemeal rusks and crispbread as separate products.
  • For either product type, don’t assume it contains sourdough without checking the ingredients of the variety you choose.

Sourdough crispbread at Joybuy

This product suits you if you’re choosing sourdough crispbread as an alternative to round rusks for your stock-up. Before placing a larger order, check that the best-before date and packaging suit how quickly you’ll use it.

Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers, 235 g pack

Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers 235 g

For anyone looking for sourdough and wanting to use rye crackers instead of round rusks. The pack contains 235 g. Store in a cool, dry place and keep the pack tightly sealed after opening; check the current packaging for allergen information.

Shop at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is sourdough crispbread gluten-free?

Not necessarily: according to Jumbo and PLUS, the Wasa and Leksands varieties reviewed contain cereals containing gluten. Check the allergen information on the current packaging of the variety you’re buying.

How should I store opened rusks?

Store opened rusks in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly sealed container. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping opened rusks in a kitchen cupboard for around a month; also follow the instructions on the packaging.

Is freezing a good idea if I’m stocking up on rusks?

The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises that rusks are less suitable for freezing. Choose an amount you can use after opening and store them somewhere dry in a tightly sealed container.

Do all rusks contain iodine-enriched baker’s salt?

You can’t assume this is the case for every rusk product. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority discusses iodine from baker’s salt in bakery products, but you’ll need to check the label or contact the manufacturer to confirm the ingredients of a particular variety.

What does the best-before date mean for my stock of rusks?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, the best-before date applies to an unopened pack. Check the date and make sure the packaging is intact when you stock up; once opened, follow the separate storage advice for rusks.