Buffet hosts serving a range of toppings
A small, plain rusk leaves room for both sweet and savoury toppings. Albert Heijn lists its plain rusks in a pack of 13, with a serving size of 9.6 g.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Buffet hosts looking for a multiseed option too
A larger seeded rusk can offer an alternative to classic rusks. Albert Heijn lists Bolletje Vezelrijk boeren beschuit meerzaden at around 16 g per rusk, with 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
Buffet hosts mindful of allergens and crispness
The classic varieties reviewed list ingredients including wheat and egg; sesame is also relevant for the multiseed variety reviewed. Check the current packaging for every guest, and keep the rusks dry and sealed until serving.
What should you look for when choosing?
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral flavour and small portions | Compare the number of rusks and the weight of each one. Choose a flavour that works with the toppings you plan to serve. | If I’m putting out lots of toppings, I want small rusks where the toppings provide the flavour. Around 44% of consumers say this is their priority. |
| Allergens and crispness | Read the current allergen information and keep the rusks dry and sealed until serving. | If guests can’t all eat the same ingredients, I want to be able to check what they can have and serve the rusks crisp. Around 33% of consumers put this first. |
| Fibre and size | Compare fibre per 100 g, weight per rusk, ingredients and allergens. | I want to serve a larger seeded rusk alongside plain rusks, so I look at the fibre content. This is the top priority for around 23% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Searching for rusks as if they were sliced bread
A description of bread’s slice thickness won’t help you compare the number or size of rusks.
Search for plain rusks or multiseed rusks, then check the number of pieces and the weight per piece.
-
Assuming all rusks contain the same allergens
The classic varieties reviewed list wheat and egg, while sesame is also relevant for the multiseed variety reviewed.
Read the allergen information on the packaging you buy, and keep any alternative separate from the other toppings.
-
Comparing fibre content alone
The multiseed rusks reviewed contain 10 g of fibre per 100 g, but also differ from the classic varieties examined in their ingredients, serving size and allergens.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g as well as the ingredients before choosing a variety for your buffet.
-
Adding toppings to the rusks well in advance
Moist toppings can make the rusks less crisp before your guests sit down.
Keep the rusks sealed and top a small batch at a time, just before serving.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
The range reviewed includes classic Echte Beschuit and a larger multiseed rusk.
- Jumbo lists 4.0 g of fibre per 100 g for Echte Beschuit; Albert Heijn lists 10 g of fibre per 100 g for Bolletje Vezelrijk boeren beschuit meerzaden.
- Check the allergens for each variety: the classic rusks reviewed list egg and cereals containing gluten, while the multiseed variety lists sesame and wheat, among other ingredients.
Albert Heijn
The AH Beschuit naturel reviewed is an own-brand option for small buffet portions.
- Albert Heijn lists 13 portions in a 125 g pack, with 4.2 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The variety reviewed lists wheat, rye and egg, among other ingredients. Check the current packaging when serving guests with food allergies.
Jumbo
The Jumbo Beschuit Naturel reviewed is an own-brand variety sold in a pack of 13.
- Jumbo lists 3.1 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
- The ingredients for this variety include wheat and egg; check the packaging for the current composition.
Lidl
Lidl lists Beschuit volkoren as an option for anyone comparing wholemeal rusks.
- The product description makes clear that these are wholemeal rusks.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging before comparing them with other varieties.
Rusk options at Joybuy
These buffet options include classic rusks, wholemeal rusks and multiseed rusks. Compare the number of pieces, and check the current packaging if ingredients or allergens will affect your choice.
No image available
Bolletje Real Rusk, 13 pieces
A classic rusk option when you want to put out portions to go with a range of toppings.
The pack contains 13 pieces. Check the packaging for allergens and the weight per piece if you want to plan portions precisely.
No image available
Bolletje Wholegrain Rusk, 13 pieces
A wholemeal option if you want to offer something different from classic rusks on your buffet.
The pack contains 13 pieces. Compare the nutritional information and allergens on the current packaging; don’t assume each rusk weighs the same as those in other packs.
No image available
Bolletje Multi-Seed Rusk, 10 pieces
A multiseed option if you’re looking for a different blend and texture from classic rusks.
The pack contains 10 pieces. Pay particular attention to the ingredients and allergens, including sesame, and check the weight per piece when planning portions.
Frequently asked questions
Is ‘medium sliced’ a useful size description for rusks?
Don’t choose rusks based on a bread slice thickness. For a buffet, it’s better to compare the number of rusks, the weight per piece and the ingredients in the variety you want to buy.
Can I add toppings to the rusks before the buffet?
It’s best to add toppings just before serving if you want the rusks to stay crisp. You can prepare the toppings separately and keep the rusks dry and sealed until you need them.
Which allergens should I check in rusks?
Always check the exact packaging: the classic varieties reviewed list wheat and egg, while sesame is also relevant for the multiseed variety reviewed. If you’re choosing for a guest with a food allergy, don’t rely on the product type alone.
Which of the rusks reviewed contains the most fibre per 100 g?
Albert Heijn lists 10 g of fibre per 100 g for Bolletje Vezelrijk boeren beschuit meerzaden. The classic varieties reviewed from Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Bolletje list 4.2 g, 3.1 g and 4.0 g per 100 g respectively. Also compare the weight per rusk, as portion sizes vary.
Does ‘salt’ in the ingredients mean the rusks contain baker’s salt?
No, you can’t tell from the word ‘salt’ alone. Voedingscentrum says bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer which salt was used in the rusks in question.