Christmas market hosts serving generously topped bites
If you’re serving salad, a spread or another loose topping, toast with a raised rim can help keep the filling in place. Jumbo describes Haust Snack Cups Naturel Ovaal as having this raised rim.
Which toast shape is right for you?
Hosts offering sweet and savoury toppings
If you want to make a range of bites using the same type of toast, a plain version is worth considering. Jumbo describes JP by Jos Poell Toast Naturel as suitable for both sweet and savoury toppings.
Shoppers who check labels carefully
If you have allergen concerns or specific ingredient requirements, the packaging of the version you choose is what matters. Compare nutritional information on a like-for-like basis, such as per 100 g, and check for any warnings about possible cross-contamination.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide what toppings you want to serve at your Christmas market. Then choose a shape and check that the packaging and label suit your plans.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Generous toppings | Check the shape and, if you want a thick slice, look for its dimensions or thickness. A raised rim is not the same as toast that is demonstrably thick. | If I want to serve a filled snack, I don’t want loose toppings to slide straight off the toast. For around 36% of consumers, keeping generous toppings in place would be the main buying priority. |
| Portions and stock | Compare the pack weight and, if stated, the number and size of the pieces of toast. | If I have lots of bites to serve, I want to know how many usable pieces are in a pack. Having enough portions would be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Shape and flavour | Choose a shape to suit the topping: thin Melba toast for small, light bites, plain toast for sweet and savoury toppings, or cups for fillings. | If I’m offering a range of toppings, I want the shape and flavour of the toast to suit them. Around 21% of consumers would consider this their main selection criterion. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients list, allergen information and any may-contain warning on the current packaging; compare nutritional values per 100 g. | If I need to take allergens or ingredients into account, I want to check the exact version before serving it. For around 14% of consumers, checking the label would be the most important consideration. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming Melba toast is thickly sliced
According to Jumbo’s product description, Van der Meulen Melba Toast Naturel is made from thin slices. So, a crunchy piece of toast isn’t automatically a thick slice for generous toppings.
If you specifically want thickly sliced toast, check the thickness or dimensions of the version before buying for a larger group.
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Assuming a crispness claim applies to every topping
Haust’s product description says that its Snack Cups stay crisp for a long time after they have been filled. That claim alone doesn’t tell you how they’ll hold up with your topping or serving time.
Try the combination in advance with the topping you plan to serve, and leave the toast standing for the same length of time as it will at the Christmas market.
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Checking for allergens only after you’ve bought it
The toast versions described contain cereals with gluten; other declared allergens and possible traces vary by version. A similar product name is no substitute for checking the current label.
Before buying, read the ingredients list and any warning about possible cross-contamination on the exact pack you plan to use.
Brands to consider
Haust
Snack Cups Naturel Ovaal have a different shape from flat toast: their raised rim makes them worth considering for filled bites.
- Jumbo describes the cups as easy to fill. Their shape is particularly worth considering for salad or loose toppings.
- The version described contains wheat and may contain rye, egg, milk and sesame. Check the current packaging for the version you choose; the raised rim doesn’t confirm slice thickness or carrying capacity.
JP by Jos Poell
Toast Naturel is worth considering if you want to offer both sweet and savoury toppings.
- Jumbo describes the flavour of this version as subtle and mentions both types of topping.
- The version described contains wheat and may contain egg, milk and sesame. The flavour description doesn’t tell you whether it’s suitable for heavy or moist toppings.
Van der Meulen Melba
Melba Toast Naturel is a good fit if you want thin toast for small, light bites, but not if you specifically need demonstrably thick slices.
- According to Jumbo, the bread for this version is cut into thin slices, making its shape clear when you’re choosing.
- The version described contains wheat, barley and soya, and may contain sesame. Check the packaging if allergens are a factor in your choice.
Toast products on Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
How can I keep topped toast crisp at a Christmas market?
Add the topping as late as possible and try in advance how long your combination of toast and topping stays crisp enough for you. Haust describes its Snack Cups as staying crisp for a long time after filling, but that product claim doesn’t tell you how your bites will hold up in your serving conditions.
How do I compare toast when packs show different portion sizes?
Compare the nutritional information for similar types of toast per 100 g, as the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends when comparing labels. For your serving plans, also check the pack weight, the number of pieces if stated, and the shape of the toast.
What should I look for regarding gluten and other allergens?
Read the allergen information in the ingredients list and check the current packaging for any warnings about possible cross-contamination. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains which allergens must be declared on labels; the toast versions described here contain cereals with gluten, while other declared allergens vary by version.
Does toast in the Netherlands have to contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to Brood.net, the use of iodised baker’s salt is not a legal requirement in the Netherlands. If iodine is relevant to your choice, check the ingredients list on the specific pack of toast rather than assuming anything based on the product category.