Christmas hosts looking for sourdough
For anyone who wants a crunchy rye and sourdough base for savoury or festive toppings, and is happy to choose crispbread rather than traditional rusks.
Which option is right for you?
Fans of classic rusks
For anyone who wants to serve round, light rusks at Christmas breakfast or brunch, and doesn’t need them to be made with sourdough.
Shoppers comparing ingredients
For anyone who wants to check the ingredients, allergens, nutritional information or type of salt used on the exact pack before buying.
What should you look for when choosing?
If you’re choosing between rusks and sourdough crispbread for Christmas, start by deciding what kind of base you want for your toppings. Then check the packaging of the product you plan to serve.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Rye and sourdough | Check the product type and whether sourdough and the grain used are listed for the exact variety. | I’m looking for a crunchy base for drinks where the rye and sourdough flavours stand out. Around 42% of consumers give this taste and texture top priority. |
| Classic rusks | Check that the product is actually rusks, then look at the shape and ingredients on the packaging. | For my Christmas breakfast, I want round, light rusks for sweet or savoury toppings. That familiar rusk shape comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the latest ingredients list and allergen information; check the type of salt used if that’s relevant to your choice. | When I’m buying for guests, I want to know what’s in the variety I’ve chosen before serving it. For around 25% of consumers, checking this is their top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Mistaking crispbread for rusks
A search result mentioning sourdough may show crispbread or crackers, even if you’re expecting round, light rusks.
Check the product name and category before buying, then choose a base that goes well with your toppings.
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Assuming sourdough means artisan rusks
The word sourdough alone doesn’t mean a product is rusks or that it’s sold as an artisan product.
Check the exact product type and the ingredients listed, rather than relying on the sourdough description alone.
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Assuming iodised baker’s salt is used
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell which salt has been used just from the words ‘rusks’ or ‘sourdough’.
Check the ingredients list, or ask the baker which salt they’ve used if you’re buying an unpackaged product.
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Assuming the allergens are the same across varieties
Bolletje lists egg in its Bakkers Beschuit Origineel, but the ingredients of one product don’t tell you what’s in another variety.
Read the label on the pack you’re actually buying for your guests.
Brands to consider
Wasa
A point of reference for sourdough rye crispbread, not traditional rusks. Wasa describes Sourdough Rye as thin and extra crunchy, made with sourdough and 100% rye flour.
- Sourdough Rye is clearly identified as a product, with sourdough and rye specified.
- If you’re looking for round, light rusks, this crispbread offers a different kind of base.
Leksands
Albert Heijn lists Leksands Zweeds Rogge Knäckebröd Punt zuurdesem as crispbread made with sourdough.
- The product name makes it easy to identify as rye crispbread with sourdough.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you buy.
Bolletje
A point of reference for classic rusks: Bolletje describes Bakkers Beschuit Origineel as crisp and light thanks to the addition of egg.
- A round rusk base for anyone looking for this type of product.
- According to Bolletje, Bakkers Beschuit Origineel contains egg; if you have allergies, always check the latest label.
Sourdough crispbread at Joybuy
This product is a good fit if you’re choosing sourdough rye crispbread as a base for Christmas breakfast or drinks. It isn’t a classic rusk.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye crackers, 235 g
For anyone looking to serve sourdough rye crispbread instead of light rusks. Wasa describes Sourdough Rye as thin and extra crunchy, made with sourdough and 100% rye flour.
Before serving, check the ingredients and allergens on the pack you’ve bought. Also check the type of salt used if that’s relevant to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough crispbread the same as rusks?
No. Wasa describes Sourdough Rye as crispbread, while Bolletje sells Bakkers Beschuit Origineel as rusks. Choose the product type you want to serve, rather than relying on the word sourdough alone.
Does every rusk or sourdough product contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume that. The Voedingscentrum says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, so check the label or ask which salt has been used if you’re buying an unpackaged product.
How can I check allergens when buying for guests?
Read the allergen information on the pack of the exact variety you’re serving. For example, Bolletje lists egg in Bakkers Beschuit Origineel, but you shouldn’t assume this applies to other products.