Families who look for wholemeal options and fibre
If you’re taking crispbread as a dry base for your picnic and want to check whether it’s wholemeal, the fibre content is one point of comparison, but it isn’t the only one.
Who is this for?
Label readers with allergy or intolerance requirements
For these shoppers, the grains used, sesame and any warnings about possible traces are important. Check the information on the packaging of the variety you choose.
Picnickers bringing chilled toppings
If you’re pairing dry crispbread with toppings that are normally kept in the fridge, think about how you’ll keep them chilled on the way to the park and while you’re there.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start by checking whether it’s labelled wholemeal, then compare the nutritional information per 100 g. Next, consider which ingredients and how you’ll carry the crispbread and toppings suit your picnic.
| What to look for | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for a wholemeal label and compare fibre per 100 g. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a fibre claim alone does not mean a product is wholemeal. | If I’m bringing crispbread as a wholemeal base for my family, I want to be able to see how much fibre it contains. This would be the top buying priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Taking it along and choosing toppings | Pack the crispbread dry and separately from moist toppings. Use a cool bag for toppings that need to be kept chilled. | I want to be able to add toppings in the park without the crispbread getting damp on the way there or chilled food being left out of the fridge for too long. This would be the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and labelling | Check the current ingredients and allergen information, and compare salt per 100 g. If you have questions about iodine, check whether baker’s salt is listed. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients or keep an eye on salt, the label determines which variety I can choose. This would be the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘high in fibre’ means ‘wholemeal’
A fibre claim doesn’t tell you whether the grains used are wholemeal. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a product that isn’t made entirely from wholemeal flour cannot be called wholemeal.
Check the wholemeal label, then compare the fibre per 100 g.
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Treating chilled toppings like dry crispbread
Toppings may need to be stored differently from crispbread. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, food that is normally kept in the fridge should be thrown away if it has been left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Pack chilled toppings in a cool bag and keep the crispbread separate and dry.
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Reading only the front of the packaging
The wholemeal varieties reviewed differ in fibre, salt and the grains they contain. Some varieties also contain sesame.
Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the packaging you buy, and compare nutritional values on the same 100 g basis.
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Assuming salt means iodine
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So seeing the word ‘salt’ in the ingredients list doesn’t tell you whether baker’s salt was used in the crispbread.
If it matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for baker’s salt or iodine.
Brands worth comparing
Wasa
Wasa Wholemeal, as described by Albert Heijn, is one option if you’re looking for crispbread made with wholemeal rye.
- Albert Heijn lists wholemeal rye flour, yeast and salt for this variety, as well as 20 g of fibre per 100 g.
- This Wasa Wholemeal variety contains rye and gluten-containing cereals. The product information also mentions possible traces of other allergens and 1.2 g of salt per 100 g.
Bolletje
The Wholemeal high-fibre crispbread variety reviewed is worth considering if you’re looking for a combination of wholemeal grains and seeds.
- Bolletje states that it contains 100% wholemeal grains; Albert Heijn lists 14 g of fibre and 0.97 g of salt per 100 g for this variety.
- This variety contains wheat, rye, barley and sesame. Check the packaging if you need to avoid any of these ingredients.
Albert Heijn
AH Wholemeal Crispbread is a supermarket own-brand option to compare with other wholemeal products, using the packaging and nutritional information.
- Albert Heijn lists a 375 g pack, with 12 g of fibre and 0.7 g of salt per 100 g.
- The variety listed contains, among other ingredients, wheat, rye and sesame. Check the information on the physical packaging before buying.
Crispbread on Joybuy
These products include a rye variety and one made with a mix of grains to consider for your picnic. Always check the wholemeal labelling, nutritional information and allergens on the packaging of the specific product.
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Wasa Sourdough Rye Crackers, 235 g
A rye variety that’s easy to pack dry and top when you’re ready to eat.
Check the packaging for the wholemeal label, fibre and salt per 100 g, and allergen information.
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Bolletje Whole Grain Crispbread, 265 g
A wholemeal variety to consider if you’d like to compare crispbread made with a mix of grains as well as a rye option.
Check the ingredients and allergens on this pack, and compare its fibre and salt per 100 g with other varieties.
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Wasa Lightweight Crackers, 300 g
An option to consider if you want to pack your crispbread and picnic toppings separately.
Check the packaging to see whether this variety is labelled wholemeal, and read the fibre per 100 g before comparing it with other products on that basis.
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Wasa Rustic Crispbread, 215 g
A crispbread option for a picnic where you’ll add your toppings once you get to the park.
If you’re comparing this variety with other wholemeal products, check the packaging for the wholemeal label, allergens and fibre per 100 g.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if crispbread is wholemeal?
Look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the packaging and check the ingredients list. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, a product that isn’t made entirely from wholemeal flour cannot be called wholemeal. You can also compare fibre per 100 g when choosing.
Should the crispbread or the toppings go in the cool bag?
Keep dry crispbread separate and use a cool bag for toppings that are normally kept chilled. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises taking these foods out of the fridge shortly before you leave, and throwing them away if they’ve been left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Does salt on the label mean the crispbread contains iodine?
No. The word ‘salt’ alone doesn’t tell you whether baker’s salt has been used. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, so check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer about the variety you’re considering.