Staff handing out individual portions
If you want to hand out or store crispbread individually, look for clear confirmation that each piece is individually wrapped. Albert Heijn uses this description for Bolletje Knackebrod sesame.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Buyers who need to consider texture
Hard crispbread needs to be assessed individually for residents with chewing or swallowing difficulties. Thuisarts recommends adapted soft, mashed or liquid food for people with swallowing difficulties.
Buyers comparing labels
If you need to take allergens, fibre, salt or dietary requirements into account, you’ll need the latest ingredients list and nutritional information. Don’t assume the product contains iodised salt without checking the label.
What should you look for when choosing?
When choosing crispbread for a care setting for older people, first consider how the portions will be handed out. Then check whether the texture and label information are suitable for the people who will be eating it.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to most |
|---|---|---|
| Individual portions | Look for ‘individually wrapped’ or similar wording on the current packaging, and check the number of portions. | If I’m handing out crackers individually, I want the remaining portions to stay unopened. This is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Texture | Consider whether hard, dry crispbread is suitable; seek individual advice if swallowing difficulties are known or suspected. | If someone may have difficulty chewing or swallowing, I want to find out whether crispbread is suitable for them first. Around 29% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Nutritional information and allergens | Read the ingredients and allergen information; compare fibre and salt per 100 g and, where shown, per portion. | If I need to take dietary requirements into account, I want to check the label before handing anything out. This is the first priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Packaging and quantity | Compare the number of portions per pack and check the information about packaging materials. | When I’m buying a lot of portions, I want to weigh up how many individual wrappers that means. This matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming every cracker is individually wrapped
A selection containing several types of crispbread doesn’t tell you how the individual crackers are packaged.
Before handing out individual portions, check that the current packaging or product page explicitly says ‘individually wrapped’.
-
Confusing packaging with suitability for swallowing difficulties
A wrapper doesn’t change the hard texture of crispbread. Thuisarts recommends adapted soft, mashed or liquid food for people with swallowing difficulties.
If swallowing difficulties are known or suspected, seek individual advice before offering crispbread to that person.
-
Assuming crispbread always contains iodine
According to the Voedingscentrum, iodine may be found in iodised table salt and baker’s salt. That doesn’t mean every crispbread product contains one of these ingredients.
If the type of salt used matters, check the ingredients information for the product you’ve chosen.
-
Relying on a label you checked previously
Albert Heijn warns that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change.
Before giving the product to someone with an allergy or dietary requirement, read the current packaging.
Brands to consider
Bolletje
Worth considering if individual wrapping is essential: Albert Heijn describes Bolletje Knackebrod sesame as ‘individually wrapped’.
- The product description confirms that this sesame variety is individually wrapped.
- Check the current packaging separately for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information.
Wasa
Jumbo lists several Wasa crispbread varieties, including wholegrain and one described as gluten- and lactose-free.
- The different varieties give you a range of labels to compare for ingredients and nutritional information.
- Check whether the variety you choose is individually wrapped. According to Jumbo, Wasa Protein Wheat contains wheat and wheat gluten.
Leksands
Albert Heijn lists Leksands Knäcke original as a crispbread option.
- It’s a recognisable product name to look up when comparing labels.
- For this variety, check the portion packaging, ingredients and nutritional information yourself before choosing it for individual portions.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does individually wrapped crispbread automatically keep for longer?
No, the description ‘individually wrapped’ doesn’t in itself mean the product will keep for longer. Check the best-before date and storage advice on the packaging you’ve chosen.
Is crispbread suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties?
This needs to be assessed individually; individual wrapping doesn’t make the hard texture more suitable. Thuisarts recommends adapted soft, mashed or liquid food for people with swallowing difficulties. Discuss known or suspected swallowing difficulties with a healthcare professional involved in their care.
Does crispbread always contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume that every crispbread product is made with baker’s salt. The Voedingscentrum lists baker’s salt as a possible source of added iodine; check the current ingredients list to see which type of salt is listed for the product you’ve chosen.
Where can I compare fibre and other nutritional values?
Use the nutritional information on the current packaging and compare values per 100 g. Also check values per portion if they’re provided. Make sure the texture and ingredients are suitable for the person who will be eating it and meet any dietary requirements.