Hosts putting together a platter with plenty of toppings
You’re looking for a neutral base for topped Christmas market bites and want to choose between a larger pack and smaller serving sizes.
Who is this relevant to?
Hosts who pay attention to labels
When putting together a platter, you want to take fibre, salt and allergens into account, especially when you’re serving a mixed group of guests.
What should you look for when choosing?
Decide how many bites you want to make and how you plan to serve the toast. Then use the label to compare the nutritional information and allergens in suitable products.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Pack size | Check the net weight and work out how many packs you’ll need for the bites you plan to make. | When I’m preparing toast for several guests, I want to have enough without buying far more than I need. Around 36% of consumers prioritise quantity. |
| Serving size | Check whether the shape works with the topping or dip you want to serve. | For small topped bites, I look for a size that’s easy to serve. This is the deciding factor for around 29% of consumers. |
| Fibre and salt | Compare the fibre and salt per 100 g in the nutritional information, and check the ingredients too. | When choosing between plain and multigrain, I want to know how their nutritional values differ. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Allergens | Read the allergen information and any warnings about cross-contamination on the current packaging. | If any guests have a food allergy, I need to be able to check which toast is suitable for them before serving. Around 14% of consumers give this check top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Treating melba toast and mini crackers as the same thing
The shape and serving size can differ, so a mini cracker isn’t automatically a suitable base for the same topping.
First choose the shape you want to serve, then compare products within that category.
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Checking allergens only after serving
Different types of toast may contain different gluten-containing cereals, soya or sesame. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergen information for prepacked products should be shown on the label.
Read the current packaging before buying, and keep it to hand when serving bites to guests.
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Assuming every type of toast contains iodine
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use iodised baker’s salt. So don’t assume that all types of toast contain the same ingredients.
If iodised salt is relevant to your choice, check the ingredients of the product you’ve selected.
Relevant brands to consider
Sun Snacks
ALDI lists Sun Snacks Plain Melba Toast in a 240 g pack, an option worth considering when you’re buying for several guests.
- The listed pack contains 240 g of melba toast.
- Consider your toppings and the number of guests to decide whether this size is right for you.
Van der Meulen
Van der Meulen offers plain and multigrain melba toast for topped bites.
- According to Jumbo’s product information, the Multigrain variety contains 45% wholemeal wheat flour and 7.5 g of fibre per 100 g.
- The Multigrain variety lists wheat, oats, rye, sesame and soya among its ingredients. Check the packaging if allergens are relevant to your guests.
Jumbo
As well as melba toast, Jumbo lists its own mini crackers and crisp toast.
- You can compare different shapes for topped bites side by side.
- Mini crackers and melba toast are different types of product, so choose based on how you plan to use them.
Melba toast for topped bites at Joybuy
These two melba toast products are worth considering as a base for topped bites. Compare their pack sizes and shapes with the number of guests, and check the current packaging before serving.
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Crispy Melba Toast – 240 g
A pack of melba toast to consider when you’re making topped bites for several guests.
Pack size: 240 g. Check the allergen information on the current packaging before serving the toast to guests with allergies.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round – 100 g
The round shape is an option for small topped bites.
Pack size: 100 g. Decide whether this amount is right for the number of guests, and check the allergen information on the current packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to consider allergens when serving toast?
Yes, especially if you’re serving toast to guests with a food allergy. Van der Meulen’s plain and multigrain varieties list different allergens, so read the information on the current packaging of the exact product you’re buying.
Does multigrain melba toast always contain more fibre than plain?
You can’t assume that for every product. Van der Meulen Multigrain Toast, as listed by Jumbo, contains 7.5 g of fibre per 100 g, compared with 3.9 g per 100 g for the listed Plain variety. Compare the salt and allergens too when choosing between them.
Does toast always contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No, don’t assume that it does. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use iodised baker’s salt. Check the ingredients of your chosen toast if this matters for your purchase.
How can I keep melba toast crisp until the Christmas market?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal the pack well once opened. Jumbo says to store Crispy Melba Toast in a cool, dry place; check the storage instructions on other products.