If you want to top up quickly
If you’re nearly out of either rusks or chocolate sprinkles, you can buy them separately. That way, you’re not tied to the topping in a ready-made option.
Who is this choice relevant to?
If you’re looking for seeded rusks in particular
The seed mix, ingredients and nutritional information of the rusks are what matter. Seeds are a feature of the base, not the chocolate sprinkles.
If you’re buying for several people
If people have different preferences or allergies, it’s important to read both the rusk and chocolate sprinkle packaging and be able to choose the amount of topping yourself.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to buy the rusk base and chocolate sprinkles separately. Then compare the seeds, nutritional information and ingredients of both products. If you’re considering a ready-made option, check that it’s currently available too.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Seeded base | Check which seeds are in the rusks and compare fibre and protein using the same unit, for example per 100 g. | I’m looking for rusks with a particular seed mix and want to compare the nutritional information for the base. This is the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Quick top-up | Check what you already have at home. If you’re buying ready-made rusks with chocolate sprinkles, make sure the variety you want is available. | If I only need one part, I don’t want to depend on buying a complete combination. Around 40% of consumers give this convenience top priority. |
| Amount of topping | Compare the nutritional information for the chocolate sprinkles per serving and decide how much you want to use on each rusk. | I want to choose how much chocolate sprinkle topping I use and keep an eye on sugars and saturated fat. This matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming seeded rusks don’t contain any relevant allergens
The seeded rusks described by Albert Heijn contain sesame, egg and cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients. Chocolate sprinkles can contain allergens too: the varieties described by De Ruijter and Venz list milk ingredients and soya, among others.
Before buying, check the current ingredients and allergen information on both packs, even if you’ve bought either product before.
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Thinking the seeded base means you can use unlimited chocolate sprinkles
The ingredients in the rusks don’t change the nutritional value of the topping. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre does not include chocolate sprinkles in its Wheel of Five.
Check the nutritional information for your chosen chocolate sprinkles and decide how much to use on each rusk.
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Counting on one particular ready-made option
Jumbo says that its rusks with milk chocolate sprinkles are no longer part of its online range. This doesn’t tell you whether other ready-made options are available.
Check the current product page before ordering. With separate seeded rusks and chocolate sprinkles, you can choose each item individually.
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Assuming all rusks contain iodised baker’s salt
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority sets out rules for adding iodine to bakery products via baker’s salt. This doesn’t mean that a specific rusk product contains iodine.
If this is a requirement for you, check the packaging or ask the manufacturer.
Brands to consider
TastyBasics
Albert Heijn describes TastyBasics rusks with sunflower and pumpkin seeds as a separate base to top as you like; the pack described contains eight rusks.
- The product description lists grains, seeds and kernels as ingredients in this variety of rusks.
- The variety described contains wheat, egg, sesame, spelt and barley, among other ingredients. Check the current allergen information.
Albert Heijn
AH Multi-Seed Rusks are an own-brand option if you want to choose your rusk base separately from your chocolate sprinkles.
- Albert Heijn says this variety contains over 16% seeds and kernels, including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame and linseed.
- The variety described contains egg, sesame, barley and wheat, among other ingredients. Check the pack for the current ingredients.
De Ruijter
The dark chocolate sprinkles described are a separate topping for anyone looking for this flavour with their rusks.
- The ingredients list on Albert Heijn’s website includes cocoa ingredients in this variety.
- The same ingredients list includes sugar, soya lecithin and milk fat. Consider the topping separately from the rusks.
Venz
Venz XXL Milk Chocolate Sprinkles are a separate milk chocolate topping for anyone looking for larger sprinkles.
- The product description for the XXL variety mentions extra-large sprinkles.
- Jumbo lists milk, soya and lactose as allergens in this variety.
Seeded rusks to pair your way
These rusks are separate bases for anyone who wants to choose their own chocolate sprinkles. Choose based on the seeds listed, pack size and current ingredients information; you can pick your topping separately.
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TastyBasics rusks with sunflower seeds, 8 pieces
A separate rusk base if you want to choose your own chocolate sprinkles.
The product name lists sunflower seeds and a pack of 8. Check the current ingredients and allergen information when buying.
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TastyBasics multi-seed rusks, 184 g
A separate multi-seed base if you want to buy rusks and chocolate sprinkles individually.
The product name lists a pack weight of 184 g. Check the current pack for the seeds and allergens in this variety.
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Bolletje multi-seed rusks, 10 pieces
A separate multi-seed base so you can choose which chocolate sprinkles to add.
The product name lists 10 pieces per pack. Check the current ingredients list if the exact seed mix or allergens matter to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do seeded rusks automatically make a combination with chocolate sprinkles more nutritious than regular rusks with chocolate sprinkles?
You can’t tell from the word ‘seeds’ alone. Compare the nutritional information for your chosen types of rusks using the same unit, and assess the chocolate sprinkles separately. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre does not include chocolate sprinkles in its Wheel of Five.
Which allergens should I check in seeded rusks with chocolate sprinkles?
Check the current labels on both products. The seeded rusks described by Albert Heijn list cereals containing gluten, egg and sesame, among other ingredients. The chocolate sprinkle varieties described by De Ruijter and Venz contain milk ingredients and soya. Ingredients vary depending on the variety you choose.
Do all rusks in the Netherlands contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No, you can’t tell from the product category alone. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that iodine compounds may only be present in bread, bread substitutes and other bakery products through the addition of baker’s salt, up to a maximum of 65 mg of iodine per kg of salt. This rule doesn’t confirm the ingredients of any individual rusk product; check the pack or ask the manufacturer.
How should I store rusks and chocolate sprinkles after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on both packs and seal them tightly after use. Albert Heijn recommends storing its multi-seed rusks as described in a cool, dark and dry place; the De Ruijter and Venz chocolate sprinkle products described should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Can I rely on ready-made rusks with chocolate sprinkles for a quick top-up shop?
First check whether the variety you want is available. Jumbo says that its rusks with milk chocolate sprinkles are no longer part of its online range. Buying rusks and chocolate sprinkles separately also lets you top up only what you need.