Households keeping an eye on fibre
If you’re looking for wholemeal rusks for Sunday breakfast, compare the nutritional information per 100 g, then check the weight of one rusk. This also lets you compare packs containing different sizes.
Who should pay attention to the differences?
Families who like generous toppings
The size of the rusk can make a difference if you’re topping it with jam, cheese or egg. Larger versions with seeds vary in serving size and ingredients from standard wholemeal rusks.
Shoppers checking allergens
If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information for the version you’ve chosen. The wholemeal rusks reviewed contain cereals with gluten, among other ingredients; some versions also contain egg or sesame.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want a standard rusk or a larger size for generous toppings. Then compare the nutritional information on the same basis and read the ingredients for the version you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Check that the product is labelled as wholemeal rusks and compare fibre per 100 g. | If fibre is my main priority, I want a clear wholemeal label and comparable nutritional values. Around 50% of shoppers put this need first. |
| Size and toppings | Check the number of rusks, the weight of each one, and whether they contain seeds. | For a Sunday breakfast with generous toppings, I want to know how large each rusk is. For around 30% of shoppers, size is the most important factor. |
| Ingredients and salt | Read the current allergen information; compare salt per 100 g if it matters to your choice. | If I need to check the ingredients, the label determines which version I can choose. For around 20% of shoppers, ingredients, allergens or salt are the deciding factors. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming a dark colour or multiple seeds means a product is wholemeal
The colour and added seeds don’t tell you which flour has been used. The Voedingscentrum explains that the term ‘wholemeal’ relates to the composition of the flour used.
Look for the product description ‘wholemeal rusks’, then compare the ingredients and fibre per 100 g.
-
Comparing fibre per rusk without checking its weight
A larger rusk and a standard rusk don’t weigh the same per serving. That means the value per rusk alone isn’t enough to compare the composition of both versions.
Use the values per 100 g to compare products. Then check the weight per rusk to see how much you’ll be serving.
-
Assuming all wholemeal rusks contain the same allergens
Ingredients vary between versions. The products reviewed contain cereals with gluten, and some versions also contain egg or sesame.
Check the current allergen information on the pack before buying, even if you’ve bought the product before.
-
Taking it for granted that rusks contain iodine
The Voedingscentrum says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The word ‘salt’ on its own doesn’t tell you whether iodised baker’s salt has been used in a rusk.
Check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer if iodine is important to your choice.
Brands compared
Bolletje
Bolletje offers standard wholemeal rusks and a larger farmhouse version with oats and seeds.
- Albert Heijn lists 11 g of fibre per 100 g for Bolletje Wholemeal Rusks.
- The farmhouse version has different ingredients from the standard rusks; check the allergens on each pack.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes standard wholemeal rusks and an organic multi-seed version.
- Albert Heijn lists 9 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Wholemeal Rusks and 11 g per 100 g for the organic multi-seed version.
- The organic multi-seed version also contains 13 g of fat and 0.73 g of salt per 100 g, as well as egg and sesame.
Jumbo
Jumbo provides nutritional information for a standard wholemeal rusk.
- For this version, Jumbo lists 7.7 g of fibre and 0.53 g of salt per 100 g.
- Check the current range and the packaging before relying on a specific version.
Lidl
Lidl lists a 140 g pack of wholemeal rusks as a store product.
- The product listing confirms the category and pack size.
- For a comparison of fibre, salt and allergens, check the nutritional information on the pack.
ALDI / Goud Gebakken
ALDI lists Goud Gebakken Wholemeal Rusks in a pack of 13.
- The product listing shows how many rusks are in each pack.
- Check the pack for ingredients, allergens and nutritional values before comparing it with other versions.
PLUS
PLUS offers standard wholemeal rusks and a larger version with seeds.
- PLUS lists 7.7 g of fibre per 100 g for the standard version and 10.6 g per 100 g for the version with seeds.
- The version with seeds contains 0.80 g of salt per 100 g, as well as egg and sesame; compare the ingredients for each version.
Wholemeal rusks on Joybuy
These two Bolletje versions are options if you’d like to serve wholemeal rusks for Sunday breakfast. Compare the number of rusks and check the pack for the nutritional values and allergens that matter to you.
Image unavailable
Bolletje Dark Whole Wheat rusks – 10 pieces
Wholemeal rusks for breakfast toppings, in a pack of 10.
If you have allergies, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack. Compare salt using the nutritional values per 100 g on the label.
Image unavailable
Bolletje Wholegrain rusks – 13 pieces
Wholemeal rusks for breakfast toppings, in a pack of 13.
To compare fibre and salt, check the values per 100 g on the pack. Also check the current allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell wholemeal rusks apart from dark and multigrain versions?
Check the product description and ingredients list rather than relying on the colour or seeds on the pack. The Voedingscentrum explains that the term ‘wholemeal’ is linked to the use of wholemeal flour.
Are wholemeal rusks gluten-free?
Don’t assume that wholemeal rusks are gluten-free: the versions reviewed from brands including Albert Heijn, Bolletje, Jumbo and PLUS list wheat or other cereals containing gluten. Always check the current allergen information on the pack of the version you’re buying.
Do Dutch wholemeal rusks always contain iodine?
No. The label ‘wholemeal rusks’ doesn’t guarantee that iodised baker’s salt has been used. The Voedingscentrum says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt; check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer if this matters to your choice.
How can I keep an opened pack of rusks crisp?
Store opened rusks in a sealed, dry place. Albert Heijn recommends keeping them in a closed tin, while PLUS advises protecting them from moisture and heat. Also follow the storage instructions on your pack.