Who is this choice relevant to?

Buyers planning a toppings buffet

Looking for toast that guests can top or dip. Jumbo describes Van der Meulen Melba Meergranen Toast as suitable for toppings and dips; Albert Heijn presents its plain Melba toast as a base for toppings.

Organisers of a sweet coffee break

Looking for a treat that can be served without toppings. Bolletje makes chocolate-coated spiced biscuits, but these are a different product category from toast.

Caterers serving products unpackaged

Must be able to give guests information about any allergens present. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this information requirement also applies to unpackaged products served by caterers.

What should you consider when choosing?

First decide whether your buffet needs a toast base for toppings, a separate sweet treat or both. Then compare the exact products by allergens, packaging and how they will be served.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most relevant to?
Product purpose Check whether you are choosing toast for toppings or a separate chocolate treat; a chocolate-coated spiced biscuit is not toast. I want guests to choose their own toppings without missing out on a sweet coffee break. For around 31% of consumers, the distinction between these product roles comes first.
Allergen information Check the current ingredients, allergens and warnings about possible traces for each exact product. If serving it unpackaged, make this information accessible to guests. If I put products out on the buffet without their packaging, I want to be able to answer guests’ questions about allergens. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers.
Buffet arrangements Compare the number of packs and portions. Follow the storage advice for your chosen toast and open packs in stages. I want to serve toast at different times without opening every pack at once. Portions and presentation come first for around 25% of consumers.
Quantity needed Match pack sizes and portions to the number of guests, the other treats and your serving plan. I want to buy enough toast without overlooking the other items on the buffet. Around 19% of consumers prioritise the quantity needed.

Pitfalls when ordering and serving

  • Treating a chocolate snack as toast for toppings

    Bolletje’s chocolate-coated spiced biscuits are intended as a treat in their own right. They do not serve as a toast base for guests to add toppings to.

    Before ordering, decide whether you want to serve a toast base, a sweet treat or both.

  • Keeping allergen information only on the outer packaging

    When catering products are served unpackaged, guests must be able to get information about any allergens present. If the packaging is thrown away, this information may no longer be available to serving staff.

    Keep the current information for each product and make sure guests can ask for it or read it at the buffet, as required by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority for unpackaged products.

  • Confusing pack weight with serving portions

    Toast packs vary in weight and how they are divided into portions. The weight alone does not tell you how many packs you will want to open at different serving times.

    Compare the pack sizes with your buffet plan and work out the quantity based on the number of guests and the rest of the food on offer.

  • Opening all the toast well before serving

    If you want your toast to stay crisp, it is important to follow the storage advice and think about when to open it.

    Keep spare packs sealed, open them in stages and follow the instructions on the packaging for your chosen product.

Brands worth considering

Van der Meulen

For a buffet with Melba toast that guests can top or dip. Jumbo lists plain and multigrain options under this brand, among others.

  • Ingredients, allergens and storage advice can be checked for the specific multigrain product.
  • Check the allergens on the exact pack you order; the features of the multigrain version do not automatically apply to other varieties.

Albert Heijn

A supermarket own-brand option for Melba toast that can be used as a base for toppings.

  • AH Melba toast naturel 240 g is sold as 12 packs of 6 pieces of toast, making it possible to open packs as needed for each serving.
  • The product information lists cereals containing gluten and soya. The ‘lactose-free’ label does not make this variety suitable for every guest with an allergy.

Jumbo

A supermarket own brand with different types of toast and mini crackers, for comparing size and product purpose.

  • The range includes Jumbo Knapperige Toast and Jumbo Mini Crackers, among other products.
  • Check the ingredients, allergens and portion sizes for the exact product before choosing it for your buffet.

Bolletje

A good option for a separate chocolate-coated snack moment, but not as a toast base.

  • Bolletje Gemengde Chocolade Kruidnoten are a seasonal product coated in chocolate.
  • These are spiced biscuits, not toast. The product information lists wheat, soya and milk among the allergens.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a chocolate-coated treat the same as toast for toppings?

No. Melba toast can be used as a base for toppings, whereas Bolletje’s chocolate-coated spiced biscuits are a separate snack. Choose both types of product if you need your buffet to serve both purposes.

What allergen information is needed when serving toast and snacks unpackaged?

Guests must be able to get information about any allergens present. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, this also applies to unpackaged products served by caterers. So use the current information for each exact toast or snack variety when setting up the buffet.

How should I store Melba toast until it is served?

Follow the storage advice on the packaging you choose and open packs in stages. For Van der Meulen Melba Meergranen Toast, Jumbo recommends storing it in a cool, dry place; Albert Heijn advises keeping AH Melba toast naturel in a sealed container after opening.

Does a caterer need to follow a HACCP plan?

If a business prepares, processes or sells food, it must follow a HACCP food safety plan or an applicable hygiene code, according to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. Make sure your procedures are suited to your catering activities, including when serving toppings.

Does all toast in the Netherlands contain iodine because of baker’s salt?

You cannot assume this is the case for every type of toast. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says iodine compounds may be present in bread and other bakery products when baker’s salt has been added. Check the specification for the exact toast if its ingredients are relevant to your guests.