Who is this comparison for?

Buffet planner keeping an eye on sugars

You want to know how much total sugar the toast itself contains. So compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g, rather than treating a ‘no added sugars’ claim as a substitute for that figure.

Host catering for guests with dietary requirements

You’re looking for a separate option for guests who need to avoid gluten or certain allergens. The current ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ warnings will help you decide whether a product is suitable for them.

Planner of a generously topped buffet

You want to know whether the toast will work with the toppings you have planned. So, as well as comparing sugars, check salt and fibre, and think about when you’ll add the toppings.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with the nutrition information per 100 g, then check which toast suits your guests’ dietary requirements and the toppings you plan to serve.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters most to
Total sugars Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. Check separately for any added sugars. I want the toast itself to add little sugar, even if it’s served with a sweet topping; for around 42% of consumers, total sugar content comes first.
Gluten and allergens Check both the allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings on the current packaging. If a guest needs to avoid gluten or another allergen, I want to choose a suitable toast option first; for around 25% of consumers, suitability is the top priority.
Toppings and nutrition information Compare salt and fibre per 100 g, and think about when you’ll add the toppings. For generously topped toast, I want to know how well it stays crisp and how salt and fibre factor into my choice; for around 33% of consumers, it’s this combination that decides it.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘no added sugars’ means ‘sugar-free’

    Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars for AH Melba Toast Plain, but also 3.2 g of total sugars per 100 g. These are different figures.

    Use the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g to compare the total sugar content of toast.

  • Looking only at sugars

    Jumbo and Albert Heijn list between 1.5 and 1.93 g of salt per 100 g for the rice toast and melba toasts discussed here. Toppings can also contain salt.

    Compare the salt content of the toast as well as its sugar content, and factor in the toppings you plan to serve.

  • Offering wholemeal toast as the default for everyone

    Albert Heijn lists wheat, gluten, sesame and soya, among other ingredients, for Van der Meulen Melba Toast Wholemeal. A low sugar content doesn’t automatically make toast suitable for someone with an allergy.

    Check the current packaging, clearly label the buffet options and use separate serving utensils if cross-contact is a concern for a guest.

Brands to consider

Van der Meulen

The products discussed are rice toast and wholemeal melba toast, with different ingredients and nutritional values.

  • Jumbo lists 3.0 g of sugars and 1.5 g of salt per 100 g for Rice Toast Original, and describes the product as gluten-free.
  • According to Albert Heijn, Melba Toast Wholemeal contains 3.2 g of sugars and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g, as well as gluten, sesame and soya, among other ingredients.

Albert Heijn

AH Melba Toast Plain is a plain melba toast for anyone looking for a neutral base.

  • Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 3.2 g of total sugars per 100 g.
  • The same product information lists 1.93 g of salt per 100 g and allergens including gluten and soya.

Jumbo

Jumbo’s Knapperige Toast discussed here is a flavoured variety rather than a neutral toast base.

  • The black olive and sun-dried tomato variety offers a different flavour from plain toast.
  • Jumbo lists 7.1 g of sugars and 1.89 g of salt per 100 g for this toast. Check the nutritional information if lower sugars are your main priority.

Bolletje

Bolletje’s range includes rusks and crackers; these are different product categories from party toast.

  • Crackers can be another option if you’re considering different bases for toppings.
  • The words ‘Low carb’ on a Bolletje cracker don’t tell you the sugar content of toast. Compare the nutritional information for the specific product.

Toast at Joybuy

This rice toast is an option for a separate toast platter on the buffet. Check the current packaging if you’re choosing based on sugars, gluten or other allergens.

Van der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g

Van der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g

A rice toast option for the buffet. Check the current packaging for sugars and allergens before serving it to guests with dietary requirements.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean the product is low in total sugars?

No. Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars for AH Melba Toast Plain, but 3.2 g of total sugars per 100 g. To compare toast bases, look at the ‘of which sugars’ figure.

Can I automatically call toast with a lower sugar figure ‘reduced sugar’?

No. Comparing two sugar figures alone isn’t enough to substantiate that nutrition claim. According to the European Union, nutrition claims in commercial communications are covered by Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. Check the conditions for the specific claim before using it on a label or in advertising.

Is toast with less sugar automatically suitable for the whole buffet?

No. Jumbo and Albert Heijn also list salt and allergens for the rice toast and melba toasts discussed here, which may affect your choice. Also check the ingredients in the toppings and your guests’ dietary requirements.

How can I stop topped toast from going soft?

Add moist toppings shortly before serving and follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Jumbo describes Haust Krokant Toast as a product that stays crisp for longer under toppings; this is a product description, not a guarantee for every type of toast or topping.