For fans of soft rye bread
If you’d prefer soft, thin slices with your coffee rather than crackers, look for dark sourdough rye bread. Albert Heijn describes its Hollandia variety as made with wholegrain rye and having a soft texture.
Which type is right for you?
For fans of crunchy toppings
If you’re after a crunchy base for toppings, rye crispbread is a better fit for the occasion. The Wasa and Leksands varieties described are crispbreads made with wholegrain rye and sourdough, not soft rye bread.
For shoppers comparing labels
If ingredients, fibre, salt or allergens are important to your choice, compare the exact variety. The rye products described differ in their grain content and in whether yeast and iodised salt are listed.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want to serve soft slices or crispbread. Then use the label to compare the ingredients and storage advice.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Texture and occasion | Check whether the packaging describes soft rye bread in slices or crunchy crispbread. | If I want to serve soft slices with my coffee straight away, a cracker won’t meet my expectations; around 40% of shoppers prioritise that soft texture. |
| Wholegrain rye and fibre | Read the grain ingredients and compare fibre per 100 g and per serving; don’t judge by colour alone. | If you’re mainly looking for wholegrain rye and fibre, a dark crust or crumb isn’t enough to go on. This is the first consideration for around 20% of shoppers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information for your chosen variety, even if sourdough is mentioned on the front of the pack. | I want to know whether my choice contains yeast or other grains as well as sourdough; these ingredients are a priority for around 20% of shoppers. |
| Storage | Compare the storage advice, instructions for after opening and pack size with how you plan to use the product. | If I’m serving it with coffee on several occasions, I want to know how to store it once opened. Easy storage is the deciding factor for around 20% of shoppers. |
Common mistakes
-
Mistaking crispbread for soft rye bread
Both can contain rye and sourdough, but crispbread is crunchy and brittle. That matters if you’re expecting soft slices.
Check the product description and shape on the packaging before choosing a variety to serve with your coffee.
-
Assuming sourdough means there’s no yeast
The Wasa variety described by Jumbo contains yeast as well as rye sourdough. The Soma sourdough variety reviewed also lists yeast.
Read the full ingredients list if the presence of yeast or additives matters to you.
-
Automatically assuming dark bread is wholegrain
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread can also be made darker with toasted malt flour or caramelised sugar. Colour alone therefore doesn’t tell you how much wholegrain it contains.
Look for the wholegrain label and check which grains are listed in the ingredients.
-
Inferring iodine or allergens from the type of product
The Soma variety described lists iodised salt, while Hollandia lists sea salt. The grains used also vary by variety.
Always check the current ingredients and allergen information for the specific product.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn’s product information describes soft Hollandia sourdough rye bread and crunchy Wasa and Leksands rye crispbread.
- Useful for comparing the different product types before deciding what to serve with your coffee.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging; product information can change.
Jumbo
Jumbo describes both Wasa sourdough rye crispbread and Soma wholegrain sourdough rye bread.
- The product descriptions help you compare crispbread with packaged rye bread.
- The Soma variety described also contains wheat, so don’t assume it’s made from rye alone.
PLUS
PLUS describes Wasa Sourdough Rye Crispbread as a crunchy variety made with wholegrain rye.
- A useful option if you’re specifically looking for this Wasa crispbread.
- Crispbread doesn’t offer the soft slices you might expect from rye bread.
Dirk
Dirk lists Wasa Sourdough Rye Crispbread in a 235 g pack.
- The product name and pack size make it easier to identify the same variety.
- Check the packaging for full ingredients and nutritional information before making your choice.
Rye crispbread at Joybuy
This product is a good fit if you’re looking for a crunchy base made with rye sourdough to enjoy with your coffee. If you want soft slices, look for rye bread rather than this crispbread.
Image unavailable
Wasa sourdough rye crispbread, 235 g
A crunchy base for toppings with your coffee, not soft sliced rye bread.
The product information for this Wasa variety lists wholegrain rye and 19 g of fibre per 100 g. Yeast is also listed in the ingredients; check the current packaging if the ingredients, allergens or type of salt matter to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is sourdough rye bread always yeast-free?
No. The label for the Hollandia variety described says it’s made without yeast, while the ingredients information for Wasa sourdough rye crispbread also lists yeast. So check the variety you’re buying.
Is sourdough rye crispbread the same as soft rye bread?
No. Rye crispbread is crunchy and brittle, while soft rye bread is served in slices. Choose based on the texture you want with your coffee, not just because the product mentions rye and sourdough.
Can I assume rye bread contains iodised salt?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre discusses bread made with iodised baker’s salt as a source of iodine, but that doesn’t tell you which type of salt is used in a particular rye bread. The Soma variety described lists iodised salt, while Hollandia lists sea salt; check the current label.
How should I store sourdough rye products?
Follow the storage advice for the specific product. The information for Wasa crispbread says to store it in a cool, dry place; instructions for soft rye bread may differ once it’s opened. Check the advice before choosing a pack to enjoy with coffee on several occasions.