Which option is right for you?

Budget-conscious party hosts

You want enough rusks for your guests and plan to use spreads or toppings to tailor the snacks to the occasion. In that case, the pack size and the number of packs you’ll need are important.

Those who prefer wholemeal

You’re specifically looking for wholemeal rusks, even though plain rusks are also suitable for toppings. Check the description on the pack you choose.

Those looking for a particular texture or seeds

The taste and texture of the rusk itself matter to you, too. Bolletje describes its Echte Beschuit as light and crisp, and also offers varieties with more seeds and dark wholemeal.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out how many rusks you want to serve. Then decide whether plain will do, or whether wholemeal, texture or seeds are your priorities.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Enough for your guests Check how many rusks are in each pack and work out how many packs you’ll need. If I’m making snacks for several people, I don’t want to run out of rusks halfway through. Having enough is the top priority for around 50% of consumers.
Wholemeal variety Check that the pack you choose says ‘wholemeal’ and look at the ingredients. I specifically want to serve wholemeal rusks on the night, even though plain is an option too. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers.
Texture or seeds Check which variety you’re choosing, and read the current label if you have dietary requirements. If the rusks themselves need to add to the flavour of the snacks, I’ll choose a particular texture or seeds. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Looking only at the pack’s size

    The weight in grams doesn’t tell you how many rusks you can serve to your guests.

    Check the number of rusks on the pack and work out how many packs you’ll need.

  • Assuming all rusks contain baker’s salt

    According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So the product category alone won’t tell you whether this ingredient is present.

    If iodine is a consideration for you, check the ingredients list on the pack you choose.

  • Choosing a special variety without considering how you’ll use it

    A variety with seeds or a more pronounced texture won’t necessarily work better with every topping or suit every guest.

    Choose a variety to match the snacks you want to make and your guests’ preferences.

  • Skipping the label because you trust the brand

    Bolletje states that its Echte Beschuit contains free-range eggs. Ingredients and allergy information can also change.

    If you have allergies or other dietary requirements, read the label on the pack you’ll actually be serving.

Brands and shops to consider

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn offers AH plain rusks and its own wholemeal variety.

  • A shop to consider if you’d like to compare plain and wholemeal rusks side by side.
  • Albert Heijn notes that ingredients, nutritional values and allergy information can change; check the current label.

Bolletje

Bolletje offers Echte Beschuit, Volkoren Beschuit and varieties with more seeds, among other products.

  • Bolletje describes its Echte Beschuit as light and crisp, and says it contains free-range eggs.
  • The varieties have different ingredients, so check the pack you choose for allergies and other dietary requirements.

Jumbo

Jumbo offers Bolletje Echte Beschuit and Bolletje Volkoren Beschuit.

  • The wholemeal variety shown is listed as a pack of 13.
  • Check the pack size and product information for the variety you choose before buying.

PLUS

PLUS offers Bolletje Echte, Volkoren, Vezelrijk Meerzaden and Vezelrijk Donker Volkoren.

  • The product pages distinguish between standard rusks, wholemeal rusks and varieties with different ingredients.
  • PLUS notes that product information may change, so check the current pack.

Lidl

Lidl offers a product page for wholemeal rusks.

  • A shop to consider if you prefer wholemeal.
  • Check the pack size and ingredients of the product you choose.

Plain rusks at Joybuy

This plain variety is an option if you’re looking for a simple base for toppings on St Nicholas’ Eve. Work out how many you need before deciding whether one pack will be enough.

g'woon Plain Rusks, 125 g pack

g'woon Plain Rusks 125 g

A plain variety to use as a base for spreads or toppings on St Nicholas’ Eve.

Pack weight: 125 g. Check the number of rusks, and read the label on the pack you choose if you have allergies or questions about baker’s salt.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do I make sure I have enough rusks for St Nicholas’ Eve?

Work out how many snacks you want to serve and check the number of rusks in each pack. The weight alone won’t tell you how many packs you’ll need for your guests.

Should I choose wholemeal rusks for St Nicholas’ Eve?

Choose wholemeal rusks if that’s the variety you specifically want to serve. Plain rusks can also work well for snacks where the toppings are the star of the show. Check that the pack you choose is labelled as wholemeal.

How can I keep opened rusks crisp until serving?

Seal the opened pack as tightly as possible, and add moist toppings just before serving. Follow the storage and use-by guidance on the pack.

Do all rusks contain baker’s salt with iodine?

Don’t assume they do. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. If this matters to you, check the ingredients list on the pack you choose.

What should I check if someone has an allergy?

Read the allergy and ingredients information on the exact pack you plan to serve. For example, Bolletje states that its Echte Beschuit contains free-range eggs. Don’t assume it has the same ingredients as another variety or an older pack.