Host of a larger Easter brunch
You want to make lots of small bites with a neutral base. In that case, the pack size, the size of the toast and the space available for toppings all matter.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Shopper with an allergy or dietary requirement
You can’t tell whether a product is suitable from the brand name or type of toast alone. Check the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the current packaging.
Shopper who wants to use the product after Easter, too
You’re looking for something to serve at brunch and at everyday mealtimes. Consider whether you need small topped toast bites, crackers or bread, and compare the nutritional information per 100 g if necessary.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide how many bites you want to make and what toppings you’ll serve. Then choose a suitable shape and pack size. If you have an allergy or dietary requirement, always check the label.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Check the net weight and estimate how many bites you’ll get from the type you choose. | If you’re making toast bites for a large group, you won’t want to run out of bases halfway through. Around 33% of consumers put the quantity available first. |
| Shape and toppings | Check the size of the Melba toast, mini crackers or larger toast, and how much room there is for your toppings. | If you’re serving a platter of small topped bites, you’ll want the shape to suit the toppings. For around 25% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
| Allergens and dietary requirements | Read the ingredients, allergen information and warnings, and check the packaging for any dietary claim you need. | If you have an allergy or specific dietary requirement, you’ll need to know whether this particular product is suitable. Around 25% of consumers put this check first. |
| Use after brunch | Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and consider whether you’re looking for toast bites, crackers or bread. | If you want to use the pack for breakfast or lunch, too, consider how suitable the product is outside brunch. Around 17% of consumers give this their highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Treating Melba toast and crackers as the same thing
Melba toast, mini crackers and light crackers have different shapes and uses. So the same topping won’t necessarily work equally well on every product.
Decide whether you want to serve small topped bites or larger crackers, then compare the pack sizes.
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Relying on the product name when you have an allergy
Similar toast products may have different ingredients and warnings about possible traces. A familiar brand name doesn’t tell you whether a particular variant is suitable.
Check the allergen information and ingredients list on the current packaging every time you buy.
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Assuming a product contains iodine because it’s called ‘toast’
You can’t tell from the product category whether a particular toast or cracker contains baker’s salt.
If the presence of baker’s salt matters to your choice, check the ingredients of the product you’re considering.
Brands to consider
ALDI / Sun Snacks
Sun Snacks Melba toast is among the products available in ALDI’s shop range.
- The Melba Toast Naturel is listed in a 240 g pack.
- Check in store whether your preferred type of toast is available at your local branch.
Albert Heijn
The own-brand range includes plain Melba toast as a base for small topped bites.
- The listed pack contains 240 g of Melba toast.
- If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and warnings on the packaging.
Jumbo
The own-brand range includes mini crackers for small bites and light crackers for a different mealtime.
- The Mini Crackers Naturel are listed as 8 × 5 pieces, weighing 250 g in total.
- Light crackers are a different shape from small brunch toast bites.
Van der Meulen
The brand includes plain Melba toast for small topped bites.
- The Melba toast variant listed by Albert Heijn contains 120 g.
- Check the allergens for each variant; Melba toast and rice toast are different products.
JP by Jos Poell
Toast Naturel is a type of toast for small bites with sweet or savoury toppings.
- The pack listed by Jumbo contains 100 g.
- The product information lists wheat and possible traces of egg, milk and sesame; check the current label.
Bolletje
Bolletje offers rusks and crackers, which could provide a different base for brunch.
- Rusks or crackers may be a good fit if you don’t want to serve small Melba toast bites.
- Check the shape and use of a specific product before choosing it as a substitute for Melba toast.
Lidl
Lidl lists Melba toast and borreltoast as products available to buy in store.
- The listed Melba toast contains 240 g; the Borreltoast naturel contains 125 g.
- Check which variant is available at your local branch and whether its shape suits your toppings.
Toast and alternatives on Joybuy
This selection includes three types of Melba toast for small topped bites and one rice toast as a toast-style alternative. Choose based on shape and pack size; don’t assume all four have the same uses or allergen information.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast 100 g
A Melba toast base for small topped bites; the pack contains 100 g.
If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round 100 g
The round shape may suit individual topped brunch bites; the pack contains 100 g.
If you have an allergy, check the warnings on the current packaging, too.
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Crispy Melba Toast 240 g
Melba toast for small bites, in a 240 g pack.
If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before use; don’t rely on a general allergen claim in the product description.
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Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural 65 g
A rice toast as a toast-style alternative, in a 65 g pack. Consider whether the shape and quantity suit the bites you want to make.
Before choosing this product for someone with an allergy, check the current packaging for ingredients and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Is Melba toast the same as other types of toast or crackers?
No. Melba toast, mini crackers and light crackers differ in shape and use. For topped brunch bites, choose a size and surface that suit your toppings.
How should I store toast for an Easter brunch?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and keep the toast dry. Store perishable toppings separately in the fridge until you’re ready to make the bites.
Does Dutch toast always contain iodine from baker’s salt?
No, you can’t tell from the name ‘toast’. If the presence of baker’s salt matters to your choice, check the ingredients list for the specific product.
What should I check if I’m allergic to ingredients in toast?
Read the ingredients, allergen information and any warnings on the packaging you buy. Wheat and other ingredients vary from product to product, so don’t rely on the type of toast alone or on an earlier product listing.