When choosing melba toast for a large household, don’t rely on the words ‘less sugar’ alone. Compare sugars, fibre and salt per 100 g, and check the allergen information for the specific variety. Choose a pack size that matches how quickly your household will get through it. ‘Wholemeal’ or ‘plain’ alone doesn’t tell you whether the nutritional values and ingredients suit everyone who’ll be eating it.
Who are these choices relevant to?
Families who want to check sugar claims
If you’re looking to cut down on sugars, you can check the claim on the front of the pack against the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘no added sugars’ doesn’t mean a product contains no sugars.
Households that eat melba toast regularly
If melba toast is often on the menu, fibre and salt are useful points of comparison alongside sugars. The figures published by Jumbo for wholemeal melba toast show why it’s worth looking at each value separately.
Households with several people to feed and a need to plan supplies
When several people share a pack, it’s worth checking the ingredients and allergens for each variety. Choose the quantity based on how quickly you’ll use it and the storage instructions on the pack.
What should you look for in melba toast for a large household?
Start with the nutrition information per 100 g, then check the ingredients for everyone who’ll be eating it. Only then decide which pack size is practical. The Voedingscentrum sets a maximum of 5 g of sugars per 100 g for a ‘low-sugar’ claim on solid food.
| What to consider |
What to check when buying |
Who it matters to |
| Sugars |
Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g and read the ingredients list; don’t assume ‘less sugar’ means the same as ‘low sugar’. |
If you want to buy lower-sugar melba toast for the whole household, you’ll want to know what it actually contains. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Fibre and salt |
Compare both values per 100 g, even when the sugar figures are similar. |
If melba toast is often on the menu, you may want to consider fibre and salt as well as sugars. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Allergens |
Check the ingredients and the ‘may contain’ statement on the current pack for each variety. |
When several family members eat the same melba toast, it’s important to check first that the ingredients are suitable for them. This takes priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Packaging |
Check the pack size, best-before date and storage instructions once the pack has been opened. |
If you’re buying melba toast for the family cupboard, you’ll want to avoid having a large pack open for longer than is practical. This matters most to around 20% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming ‘less sugar’ means ‘low sugar’
A comparison with another product doesn’t tell you how much sugar the melba toast contains. For solid food, the Voedingscentrum sets the limit for ‘low sugar’ at 5 g of sugars per 100 g.
Check the exact claim and compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g.
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Looking only at sugars in wholemeal melba toast
Jumbo lists 3.2 g of sugars and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Volkoren Toast, but it also contains 1.9 g of salt. These figures help answer different questions when choosing.
Compare sugars, fibre and salt separately with other varieties you’re considering.
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Choosing a larger pack without planning how you’ll use it
A larger pack is only practical if your household will get through the melba toast in time and can store it as directed.
Check the current pack, best-before date and storage instructions before buying several packs.
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Assuming you know the allergens from ‘plain’ or ‘wholemeal’
According to Albert Heijn’s product information, one plain melba toast product contains wheat, barley and soya, and may contain sesame and milk. Another variety may have a different composition.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the pack for every variety.
Brands and retailers to consider
Van der Meulen
Jumbo lists plain, wholemeal and multigrain melba toast under this brand.
- For the wholemeal variety, Jumbo lists 3.2 g of sugars and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g.
- According to Jumbo, that same variety also contains 1.9 g of salt per 100 g. Check the allergens for your chosen variety too.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn provides product information for items including AH Melba Toast Naturel and AH BASIC Melba Toast.
- Product pages can help you compare ingredients and nutritional values across different varieties.
- Check the pack itself when you buy, especially if the ingredients or allergens are a deciding factor for someone in your family.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists several varieties of melba toast, including products from Van der Meulen.
- The nutritional values provided make it possible to compare products per 100 g.
- Check the pack you’ve chosen and the latest product information before selecting a variety for your household.
Bolletje
Bolletje lists rusks and crackers in its range. These are related alternatives, not interchangeable names for melba toast.
- Worth considering if you’d like to compare rusks or crackers as well as melba toast.
- Check sugars and other nutritional values on the label of the specific product, rather than relying on the brand name.
Choosing melba toast at Joybuy
This rice toast is an option to consider alongside melba toast. If you’re buying for several people, pay particular attention to the pack size and the latest ingredient information.
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Van der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g
This 65 g pack of rice toast may suit you if you’d rather start with a smaller quantity than buy a large family pack. Information about sesame and soya varies, so check the current packaging carefully before anyone with a relevant allergy eats it.
View at Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
When is melba toast described as ‘low sugar’?
For solid food, the Voedingscentrum sets a maximum of 5 g of sugars per 100 g for a ‘low-sugar’ claim. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g in the nutrition table; ‘less sugar’ is not the same claim.
Does ‘no added sugars’ mean melba toast contains no sugars?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, a product can still contain sugars even if none have been added. Check the ‘of which sugars’ figure if the total amount matters to your choice.
Why compare salt if I’m mainly watching sugars?
Because a low sugar figure tells you nothing about the amount of salt. Jumbo lists 3.2 g of sugars and 1.9 g of salt per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Volkoren Toast. Check both figures when comparing this variety with other melba toast.
Does all melba toast contain iodised baker’s salt?
You can’t tell from the product name. Check the ingredients for the specific melba toast or ask the manufacturer which salt was used; a general description of baker’s salt doesn’t tell you what’s in every pack.