Putting together an Easter platter with lots of toppings
If you want to serve small portions alongside a variety of toppings, look at plain toast and how it’s packaged. Albert Heijn lists its plain Melba toast as twelve packs of six pieces.
Which toast is right for you?
Comparing fibre content
If fibre is important to your choice, compare the nutritional information per 100 g. For wholemeal melba toast, check the ingredients too: the Van der Meulen variety sold by Albert Heijn contains sesame, soya and cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients.
Looking for gluten-free toast
Ordinary wheat melba toast is not a substitute for a product explicitly labelled gluten-free. Van der Meulen Rice Toast, as described by Jumbo, is a rice toast labelled gluten-free. Check the latest allergen and may-contain information before buying it too.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the needs of everyone who’ll be eating, such as allergens. Then compare the number of pieces, ingredients and nutritional information. Don’t assume that ‘medium sliced’ refers to a particular shape or thickness.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Serving and toppings | Check the shape, number of pieces and whether the toast comes in individual packs. | For a platter with different toppings, I want to be able to serve small portions. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this convenience. |
| Allergens and gluten-free options | Read the latest label, including may-contain information and any gluten-free claim. | If someone at the table needs to eat gluten-free or avoid an allergen, that determines which toast I can buy. For around 31% of consumers, this is the first requirement. |
| Fibre and ingredients | Compare fibre per 100 g and read the ingredients list at the same time. | When choosing between plain and wholemeal, I want to know how their ingredients differ. Fibre and ingredients come first for around 23% of consumers. |
| Salt | Compare salt per 100 g and take the portion size and toppings into account. | With savoury toppings, I want to be able to factor in the salt from both. Around 15% of consumers give salt the highest priority. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming all toast is gluten-free
Ordinary melba toast may contain wheat and other cereals containing gluten. Rice toast labelled gluten-free also has its own allergen and may-contain information.
Check the latest label and keep gluten-free toast separate from ordinary toast when serving to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
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Choosing wholemeal without comparing the details
The Van der Meulen wholemeal Melba toast sold by Albert Heijn lists 9,7 g of fibre and 1,9 g of salt per 100 g. It also contains sesame, soya and cereals containing gluten, among other ingredients.
Compare fibre alongside salt and allergens to make sure the toast you choose suits the people you’re serving.
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Expecting every toast to contain iodised salt
You can’t tell from the product name ‘toast’ which type of salt has been used in a particular product.
Check the ingredients list if the presence of iodine-containing baker’s salt is important to your choice.
Brands compared
Albert Heijn
The range includes both plain melba toast and an organic variety with sesame seeds.
- AH plain Melba toast is sold as a multipack containing twelve packs of six pieces.
- The sesame variety has different ingredients, so don’t treat it as the same toast in different packaging.
Van der Meulen
With this brand, you can compare options including wholemeal melba toast and rice toast labelled gluten-free.
- Albert Heijn lists 9,7 g of fibre per 100 g for the wholemeal melba toast.
- Jumbo describes Rice Toast as a separate rice product; check the latest may-contain information for this product too.
Jumbo
Jumbo offers various types of toast, including crispy toast, alongside other products for a sharing platter.
- You can compare product types before choosing a size.
- Compare the ingredients and allergens for each individual product, rather than relying on the category alone.
Jos Poell
The Stokbrood Toast described by Jumbo is a different type of toast from melba toast.
- The product information lists sunflower oil as an ingredient.
- Jumbo lists 7,9 g of fat and 1,9 g of salt per 100 g for this Stokbrood Toast. Compare those figures with the toast you’d otherwise choose.
Toast products on Joybuy
This selection includes three types of melba toast for toppings and one type of rice toast. When choosing toast for your Easter platter, compare the pack contents and always check the latest label if you have dietary requirements.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round 100 g
Round melba toast to compare if you’re looking for pieces to serve with a variety of toppings.
100 g pack. Check the number of pieces and the latest allergen information if these are important for your Easter platter.
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Crispy Melba Toast 240 g
Melba toast to consider if you’re buying for a larger platter of toppings.
240 g pack. Check how many pieces it contains and read the latest label carefully if you have allergies.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast 100 g
A type of melba toast for anyone looking for a base for toppings.
100 g pack. Check the number of pieces and the label; this wheat melba toast is not a gluten-free option.
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Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural 65 g
Rice toast to assess separately if you’re looking for an option labelled gluten-free; it isn’t an identical substitute for melba toast.
65 g pack. Check the gluten-free claim and the allergen and may-contain information on the latest packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Which toast should I choose if gluten-free is essential?
Choose a product explicitly labelled gluten-free and check the latest label. Ordinary wheat melba toast is not an equivalent alternative. Even with rice toast labelled gluten-free, check the separate allergen and may-contain information.
How can I keep toast crisp until Easter brunch?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack and add toppings just before serving if crispness matters. For the melba toast described, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a sealed tin after opening.