Who is this for?

Picnickers who care about seeds and fibre

You’re looking for rusks with a clearly listed mix of kernels and seeds. The ingredients list and stated fibre per 100 g make it easier to compare different options.

Picnickers looking for wholegrain or organic options

You want a clear wholegrain or organic label, without assuming that it tells you whether the product contains gluten, sesame or egg.

Picnickers bringing toppings

You might be bringing cheese or egg mayonnaise and want to keep the rusks dry. Toppings that need to be chilled will also need a cool bag.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide which feature matters most for your picnic. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional values on the same basis, and check how to transport your chosen toppings.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters most to
Seeds and fibre Compare the seed mix in the ingredients list and the stated fibre per 100 g. I want to see the kernels and seeds in the ingredients and compare rusks with the same fibre content. This combination is a top priority for around 40% of consumers.
Transport and toppings Take the rusks with you dry and in a well-sealed pack; use a cool bag for toppings that need to be chilled. If I’m taking moist toppings or ones that need to be chilled, I want to add them in the park without the rusks going soft or the toppings warming up. This is the main priority for around 20% of consumers.
Allergens Read the current allergen information, especially for sesame, wheat or other cereals containing gluten, and egg. I’m also buying for someone who needs to avoid certain ingredients, so I don’t want to rely on the product name. Checking allergens is the top priority for an estimated 20% of consumers.
Wholegrain, organic and nutritional values Look for a clear wholegrain or organic label and compare the nutritional values per 100 g. When choosing, I want to know whether the product is explicitly labelled wholegrain or organic, or how its nutritional profile compares with another rusk. Around 20% of consumers give this the highest priority.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming all seeded rusks contain the same allergens

    Ingredients vary from one product to another. The options described here include sesame, wheat or other cereals containing gluten, and egg.

    Read the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging, especially if you’re buying for several people.

  • Topping the rusks at home

    Moist toppings can make rusks less crisp. Toppings that need to be chilled must also stay cool during transport; the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using a cool bag.

    Pack the rusks dry, take the toppings separately and add them just before eating.

  • Assuming ‘multiseed’ means ‘wholegrain’ or ‘organic’

    A seed mix on its own doesn’t tell you what flour has been used or whether a product is organic. Nutritional values also vary between the rusks described here.

    Check the product description and ingredients list, and compare the nutritional values per 100 g.

  • Assuming every rusk contains iodised baker’s salt

    The baker’s salt use agreement, published in the Government Gazette in 2008, is about encouraging its use. It doesn’t confirm which type of salt is used in any individual rusk.

    Check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer for product-specific information if the type of salt is relevant to your choice.

Brands compared

These examples relate to the specific rusk varieties mentioned, not the full range from each brand. Always check the current packaging before buying.

Bolletje

According to the product information, Bolletje High-Fibre Multiseed contains sunflower seeds, linseed, sesame and pumpkin seeds.

  • The variety states that it contains 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The allergen information lists wheat, cereals containing gluten and sesame.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s product information describes both AH Multiseed Rusks and AH Organic Wholegrain Multiseed Rusks.

  • The first variety states that it contains over 16% seeds and kernels; the organic wholegrain variety states that it contains 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The varieties described contain egg, wheat or cereals containing gluten, and sesame.

TastyBasics

TastyBasics Multiseed Rusks are an option to compare based on the stated protein and fibre per 100 g.

  • The product information states that it contains 20 g of protein and 11 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The variety described contains, among other things, cereals containing gluten, egg and sesame.

Jumbo

Jumbo Robust Spelt Rusks are made with spelt and contain sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame and linseed, among other ingredients.

  • The product information states that they contain 5.8 g of fibre and 17.1 g of protein per 100 g.
  • The variety described contains spelt or wheat, egg, sesame and other cereals containing gluten.

PLUS

PLUS Wholegrain Rusks with Seeds are made with 49% wholemeal wheat flour and over 25% seeds and kernels.

  • The product information states that they contain 10.6 g of fibre and 18.1 g of protein per 100 g.
  • The variety described contains wheat, barley, oats, egg and sesame.

Seeded rusks at Joybuy

These two multiseed rusks are a good match if you want to compare the seed mix and stated nutritional values for a picnic in the park. Take them with you dry, and check the packaging if allergens are important to your choice.

TastyBasics multiseed rusks, 184 g pack

TastyBasics multiseed rusks, 184 g

An option if you’re looking for seeded rusks for your picnic and want to compare the protein and fibre per 100 g.

  • The product information states that they contain 11 g of fibre and 20 g of protein per 100 g.
  • If you have allergies, check the current packaging for cereals containing gluten, egg and sesame.
View at Joybuy
Bolletje multiseed rusks, pack of 10

Bolletje multiseed rusks, 10 pieces

An option if you’re looking for rusks with several types of seeds for your picnic and want to include the fibre content in your comparison.

  • The product information states that they contain 10 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • If you have allergies, check the current packaging for wheat, other cereals containing gluten and sesame.
View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can I top seeded rusks at home before a picnic?

If you’re having them with moist toppings, it’s best to take the rusks separately and add the toppings just before eating, so they stay crisp. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using a cool bag for food that needs to be kept chilled.

Are multiseed rusks suitable for someone with a sesame or gluten allergy?

It depends on the specific product: several varieties discussed here contain sesame and wheat or other cereals containing gluten. Always read the current allergen information on the packaging.

Does ‘multiseed’ mean the rusks are also wholegrain or organic?

No, the name doesn’t automatically tell you what type of flour has been used or how the product was made. AH Organic Wholegrain Multiseed Rusks explicitly states both attributes; for other products, check their own labelling and ingredients list.

How can I tell whether rusks contain iodised baker’s salt?

Check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer about the specific rusks. The baker’s salt use agreement in the 2008 Government Gazette describes efforts to encourage its use, but doesn’t tell you which type of salt is in each individual product.