Families who keep an eye on fibre
If you want to give your child wholemeal rusks after school, look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the packaging and compare the fibre content of different rusks per 100 g.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Parents packing a snack for school or an after-school club
For a snack to take to school or an after-school club, it’s important to check the latest allergen information for both the rusks and chocolate sprinkles, as well as the local rules about food.
Families who want to manage sweet toppings
If you use chocolate sprinkles as a topping, take into account the sugar content per 100 g, the amount you use and any other snacks eaten that day.
What should you look for when choosing?
Compare the rusks first, then check the chocolate sprinkles. If the snack is for school or an after-school club, check the labels on both products.
| What to look for | What to check when buying | Particularly relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Wholemeal and fibre | Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label and compare fibre on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | If I’m looking for a wholemeal base for an after-school snack, I want to know what the label says and how the fibre content compares. Around 36% of consumers are said to prioritise wholemeal products and fibre. |
| Allergens and school rules | Read the allergen information on both packs and check the rules at the school or after-school club. | If the snack is going to a group with allergy rules, I want to know whether both products are suitable before packing them. This is said to be the first consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Chocolate sprinkles and snack time | Compare the sugar content per 100 g of the chocolate sprinkles, and consider the amount you use and any other snacks eaten. | I want to use chocolate sprinkles for flavour, while still being able to decide how much to put on the rusk. The amount of sweet topping is said to be the main consideration for around 28% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming a dark colour means wholemeal
Colour or a mention of fibre is no substitute for the ‘wholemeal’ label. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that a product made with anything other than entirely wholemeal flour cannot be called ‘wholemeal’.
First, look for the word ‘wholemeal’ on the pack. Then compare the fibre content per 100 g if that matters to your choice.
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Checking only the rusks for allergens
Rusks and chocolate sprinkles have different ingredients and allergens. For example, Albert Heijn lists egg and cereals containing gluten for AH Wholemeal Rusks, and milk and soya for Venz Dark Chocolate Sprinkles.
Read the latest information on both packs. If the snack is for school or an after-school club, check the rules there too.
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Not taking the topping into account
The ‘wholemeal’ label describes the rusk, not the ingredients in the chocolate sprinkles. The amount of chocolate sprinkles you use also matters when assessing the snack.
Compare the topping’s nutritional information separately and decide how much to use.
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Assuming products are available both in-store and online
A product sold in-store is not necessarily available to order online. Lidl Netherlands lists its Wholemeal Rusks as available in-store only.
Check how your chosen product is available shortly before you buy.
Brands to compare
Albert Heijn
AH Wholemeal Rusks are one option to compare as a base for chocolate sprinkles.
- The product information lists allergens including egg, cereals containing gluten and wheat.
- Check the packaging when you buy: ingredients and allergen information may change.
Venz
Venz is worth considering when choosing chocolate sprinkles to put on rusks.
- Allergen information is available for Venz Dark Chocolate Sprinkles.
- Albert Heijn lists milk and soya for this variety; check the latest label if allergens are a concern.
De Ruijter
De Ruijter makes varieties of chocolate sprinkles whose suitability as a topping you can assess separately.
- Albert Heijn states that De Ruijter Specials Intens Puur contains at least 52% cocoa solids.
- The cocoa percentage alone doesn’t tell you how much chocolate sprinkles to use. Check the nutritional information and allergens on the pack too.
Jumbo
Jumbo Wholemeal Rusks are an own-brand option to consider alongside chocolate sprinkles.
- You can compare the rusks and chocolate sprinkles separately within the range.
- Check current availability and the packaging of the product you choose.
Lidl
Lidl Netherlands lists Wholemeal Rusks as an in-store product.
- The pack listed contains 140 g of rusks.
- Check the nutritional information on the packaging to compare fibre and allergens.
Aldi
Aldi lists Goud Gebakken wholemeal rusks as an option for your rusk base.
- Aldi Netherlands lists 13 rusks per pack.
- Check the packaging for the latest nutritional values and allergen information.
Wholemeal rusks on Joybuy
These rusks are options for the wholemeal base of an after-school snack. Choose your chocolate sprinkles separately, and check the packaging of both products before packing them together.
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Bolletje dark wholemeal rusks, 10 pieces
A rusk base if you’re looking for a wholemeal option for an after-school snack.
The product information lists cereals containing gluten, wheat, oats, barley and sesame. Check the latest label and any school or after-school club rules.
If you want to buy the complete combination, check whether chocolate sprinkles are included with the pack.
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Bolletje wholemeal rusks, 13 pieces
A wholemeal rusk base to pair with a topping of your choice.
The product information lists cereals containing gluten, wheat and egg; sesame may also be present. Check the latest label and any school or after-school club rules.
Compare fibre using the nutrition table on the packaging, and check whether chocolate sprinkles are included with this product.
Frequently asked questions
Are dark or high-fibre rusks automatically wholemeal?
No. Look for the ‘wholemeal’ label on the packaging; colour and a mention of fibre are no substitute. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre explains that a product made with anything other than entirely wholemeal flour cannot be called ‘wholemeal’.
Can you pack rusks with chocolate sprinkles for school or an after-school club without checking first?
Check both packs and the rules at the school or after-school club first. According to Albert Heijn, AH Wholemeal Rusks list egg and cereals containing gluten; Albert Heijn lists milk and soya for Venz Dark Chocolate Sprinkles.
Does choosing wholemeal rusks make chocolate sprinkles lower in sugar?
No. Choosing wholemeal rusks doesn’t change the ingredients in the chocolate sprinkles. Compare the sugar content in the topping’s nutritional information and consider how much you use.
Does every rusk contain iodine because it’s made with baker’s salt?
You can’t assume this is true of every rusk. If using iodised baker’s salt matters to your choice, check the ingredients on the packaging or ask the manufacturer.