For Flag Day, choose rusks labelled as wholegrain, then compare the fibre per 100 g and per rusk, as well as the salt and allergen information. A larger, darker or seed-rich variety may work well with generous toppings. If you’re after a simpler base, start with a standard wholegrain rusk, but check its label too.
If you want to replace standard rusks with a wholegrain variety, it helps to compare the fibre per 100 g and per rusk. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than products made with refined flour.
Are you serving rusks with Dutch new-season herring, a fish-free alternative or vegetable toppings? The size, crispness and flavour of the rusk can all influence which topping you choose.
If eggs, gluten-containing cereals, oats, sesame or salt are a consideration for you or your guests, compare the current packaging of the varieties you’re considering. The ingredients differ between the wholegrain rusks mentioned here.
Start by deciding what matters most for your Flag Day table: fibre content, ingredients, toppings or practical planning. Then compare the packaging of the varieties that suit your needs.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain and fibre | Check the product description and ingredients; compare the fibre per 100 g and per rusk if the weight of each one differs. | If I’m replacing standard rusks with wholegrain ones, I want to know how much fibre I’ll get in my usual portion. Wholegrain and fibre are top priorities for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients, allergens and salt | Read the allergen information and ingredients list; compare the salt per 100 g, especially if you’re serving salty toppings. | When I’m hosting guests who need to consider ingredients or salt, I don’t want to rely on a rusk’s name or colour. Around 27% of consumers prioritise checking this information on the label. |
| Rusks to suit your toppings | Consider the size and texture, and decide whether you want to serve a standard or seed-rich rusk with your chosen toppings. | For generous party toppings, I look for a size that’s easy to top, while with more delicate toppings I also consider the flavour of the rusk. This combination is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Pack size and availability | Compare the number of rusks and check in good time whether your chosen variety is available where you shop. | If I’m setting the table for several guests, I want to make sure I have enough suitable rusks. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this kind of practical planning. |
The fibre per 100 g varies between varieties. The weight of each rusk also affects how much fibre it provides: Jumbo lists 11 g per 100 g and 1.3 g per rusk for Bolletje Volkoren, compared with 10 g per 100 g and 1.6 g per larger rusk for Bolletje Vezelrijk Donker Volkoren.
Check both figures on the packaging before choosing a size to suit your toppings.
A seeded variety may contain ingredients such as sesame, oats and eggs. This matters if you or a guest needs to avoid them.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety you’re buying.
The rusk itself also contains salt. Jumbo lists 0.47 g of salt per 100 g for Bolletje Volkoren and 0.52 g per 100 g for Bolletje Vezelrijk Donker Volkoren; PLUS lists 0.72 g per 100 g for its standard wholegrain rusk.
Compare the salt content of the rusk if you’re planning to serve it with salty toppings.
During pregnancy, how the herring is prepared is a separate consideration. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating raw maatjesharing or Dutch new-season herring during pregnancy.
Bear your guests in mind when choosing toppings, and offer an alternative without raw herring if needed.
These brands and retailers offer a range of wholegrain rusks. Compare the specific variety, not just the brand name.
Bolletje offers a standard wholegrain rusk and a larger, darker wholegrain variety with different ingredients.
AH Beschuit Volkoren is a supermarket own-brand option for comparing standard wholegrain rusks with other varieties.
Jumbo offers its own wholegrain rusk alongside the Bolletje varieties mentioned here.
PLUS offers a standard wholegrain rusk and a variety with seeds and kernels.
Goud Gebakken is an ALDI wholegrain rusk variety.
Lidl lists a wholegrain rusk in a 140 g pack.
These two Bolletje varieties let you choose between a standard wholegrain rusk and a larger, darker wholegrain rusk for toppings on Flag Day. Pay particular attention to the values per rusk and the ingredients on the pack you choose.
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A standard wholegrain variety to serve as a base for your Flag Day toppings.
Jumbo lists 11 g of fibre and 0.47 g of salt per 100 g for this Bolletje variety. The ingredients include wheat and eggs; also check the current information about possible traces of sesame.
If you’re comparing different rusk sizes, check the fibre per rusk on the packaging.
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A larger, darker wholegrain variety to consider if you’re planning generous toppings.
Jumbo lists 10 g of fibre and 0.52 g of salt per 100 g for Bolletje Vezelrijk Donker Volkoren. This variety contains ingredients including oats and sesame; check the full allergen information on the packaging.
When comparing rusks individually, check their weight and the nutritional information per rusk.
No. Compare the fibre per 100 g and per rusk too, as rusks can vary in weight. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than products made with refined flour.
If you or a guest needs to avoid an ingredient, read the current allergen information on the specific pack. The varieties mentioned here differ in ingredients including eggs, sesame and gluten-containing cereals.
You can’t tell from the word ‘wholegrain’: according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodised salt, or ask the manufacturer.
The raw herring is the consideration here, not whether you choose a standard or dark wholegrain rusk. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against eating raw maatjesharing and Dutch new-season herring during pregnancy; choose a topping without raw herring for anyone who is pregnant.
Keep the rusks dry and in a sealed container, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For the varieties described, Bolletje recommends a cool, dry place; PLUS advises protecting its rusks from moisture and heat.
