Who might be interested in these products?

If you’re making soft topped bites

Thin slices of sourdough rye bread are a good choice for a drinks table where soft bread will be the base for your toppings. Albert Heijn lists a dark, pre-sliced Hollandia variety.

If you want something crunchy to take with you

Rye crispbread has a different texture from soft rye bread. Wasa and Leksands sourdough varieties are worth considering if you want crackers to serve or take with you.

If you check ingredients carefully

With rye products, it’s worth checking for gluten-containing cereals, other allergens, salt and whether baker’s salt is listed. Check the label on the pack you buy.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to serve soft bread, dense Schwarzbrot or crunchy crispbread. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information of products that suit the way you plan to serve them.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Serving style and texture Check whether it’s soft, sliced rye bread, dense Schwarzbrot or crunchy crispbread. For topped bites, I want to know whether I’ll be serving soft slices or a crunchy base. This is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers.
Wholegrain rye and fibre Read the ingredients and compare fibre per 100 g; also check which other grains are used. If I’m choosing mainly based on the grains, I want to compare the wholegrain rye content and fibre. This is the first consideration for around 42% of consumers.
Allergens, salt and baker’s salt Check the allergen statement, salt per 100 g, and whether baker’s salt or iodised salt is listed. When ingredients are the deciding factor for me, I want to know what’s in the bread before serving it. Around 25% of consumers prioritise checking the label.

Common mistakes

  • Thinking sourdough means one particular type of bread

    Soft rye bread, dense Schwarzbrot and crispbread can all contain sourdough, but they differ in texture and how they’re served.

    First choose the base that suits your toppings, then compare the ingredients and nutritional information.

  • Assuming sourdough rye is gluten-free

    The products discussed here contain rye; some varieties also list wheat or barley on the label.

    If you need a gluten-free option, look for an explicit gluten-free label and check the latest allergen information. Don’t rely on the word sourdough.

  • Expecting every rye bread to contain baker’s salt

    The term sourdough doesn’t tell you which salt has been used. Under the Dutch Commodities Act Decree, baker’s salt is iodised table salt used in bread and other baked goods.

    Look for baker’s salt or iodised salt on the label. If you’re unsure, ask the baker or producer which ingredients have been used.

  • Assuming the same range will be available around King’s Day

    A product listing at a shop doesn’t mean that the same variety will be available at every branch when you’re getting ready to serve drinks and snacks.

    Check your shop’s range shortly before you buy, and read the packaging of the variety you choose.

Brands to consider

Hollandia

Albert Heijn lists Hollandia Dark Sourdough Rye Bread as soft, pre-sliced rye bread for topping.

  • According to the product information, this variety contains 100% wholegrain rye and sourdough.
  • The listed ingredients include rye and barley; check the allergen information on the packaging.

Wasa

The Wasa variety discussed here is sourdough rye crispbread: a crunchy base rather than soft rye bread.

  • Jumbo and PLUS list Wasa Sourdough Rye as containing 100% wholegrain rye and 19 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • The ingredient information also lists yeast and barley ingredients; check the allergen statement on the pack.

Leksands

Leksands Sourdough Crispbread is another crunchy rye option for toppings or a snack.

  • PLUS lists 85% wholegrain rye flour and 3.8% rye sourdough in the ingredients.
  • The ingredients list also includes wheat, so this isn’t a gluten-free option.

Brood van Soma

PLUS lists Brood van Soma Schwarzbrot as a dense rye bread made with sourdough.

  • Baker’s salt is listed in the ingredients for this variety, so you can check its use on the label.
  • As well as sourdough, the ingredients list includes baker’s yeast, wheat gluten and preservatives.

Joybuy products for crunchy rye

If you’re looking for a crunchy base for toppings this King’s Day, the sourdough rye crispbread below is worth a look. For soft, sliced bites, choose a different type of product.

Wasa sourdough rye crispbread, 235 g pack

Wasa Sourdough Rye Crispbread 235 g

A crunchy base for drinks-table toppings, rather than the soft slices you get with sliced rye bread.

235 g pack. Before buying, check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the latest label.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is sourdough rye bread gluten-free?

No, the term sourdough doesn’t mean rye bread is gluten-free. The varieties discussed here contain rye, and some also list wheat or barley. If you need a gluten-free option, check for an explicit gluten-free label and the allergen information for the specific product.

Does ‘made with sourdough’ mean it contains no yeast?

No, sourdough doesn’t rule out yeast or other ingredients. The dark Hollandia variety discussed here doesn’t list yeast, while the ingredient information for Wasa crispbread lists yeast and that for Brood van Soma Schwarzbrot lists baker’s yeast. Check the ingredients list for the variety you choose.

How can I tell whether rye bread contains iodised baker’s salt?

Look for baker’s salt or iodised salt in the ingredients list. The Dutch Commodities Act Decree defines baker’s salt as iodised table salt used in bread and other baked goods. Don’t assume it’s been used just because the product is called rye bread or sourdough.

When is the next King’s Day?

According to the Dutch government, King’s Day falls on Tuesday 27 April in 2027. When planning your snacks, check the range at the shop where you intend to shop shortly before the day.