Lunch lovers comparing sugar levels
You want less sugar in your lunch, so you check total sugars per 100 g. If added sugars are listed separately, you take that information into account without confusing the two figures.
Who is this toast guide for?
Crispy toast fans who keep an eye on fibre
You’re looking for a crisp base for your toppings and want to compare the grain base and fibre content when sugar levels are similar. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, wholegrain products contain more fibre than white varieties.
Lunch lovers who prefer toast bread
You’re after toasted sandwich bread rather than small melba toasts, and want to compare protein as well as sugars. With this different type of product, pay attention to how much bread you actually eat.
What should you look for in toast for lunch?
First, compare the same type of toast per 100 g. Then consider which differences in fibre, salt and product type matter for your lunch.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Total and added sugars | Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g and check added sugars if they’re listed separately. | If I want less sugar with my lunch, I don’t want to rely solely on a claim on the front of the pack. For around 45% of consumers, comparing sugars comes first. |
| Fibre and wholegrain base | Check the ingredients and compare fibre and salt per 100 g. | If two melba toasts contain the same amount of sugars, I also want to know how much fibre they provide. For around 33% of consumers, fibre is then the top priority. |
| Product type and protein | Compare protein per 100 g and decide on your portion; check the allergens on the pack too. | For a topped lunch, I’d rather have toasted sandwich bread than small, crispy toasts. The right product type and protein are the top priorities for roughly 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes when choosing toast
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Relying on a sugar claim alone
A sugar claim doesn’t tell you how much fibre or salt the toast contains. Nor does it show you how the rest of your lunch is put together.
Compare similar products per 100 g and read the full nutrition table and ingredients list.
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Assuming no added sugar means lots of fibre
Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 3.9 g of fibre per 100 g for AH Melba toast naturel. The Van der Meulen Melba toast volkoren listed by Albert Heijn contains 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g; both products list 3.2 g of total sugars per 100 g.
If the sugar levels are similar, compare the fibre and grain base separately.
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Judging the toast without considering the whole lunch
The amount of toast and your toppings both contribute to the nutritional value of your lunch. Salt is worth checking too: Albert Heijn lists 1.93 g of salt per 100 g for AH Melba toast naturel and 1.9 g per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba toast volkoren.
Work out how much toast you eat and check the nutritional information for your chosen toppings.
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Treating melba toast and toast bread as the same portion
Small melba toasts and sandwich bread differ in shape and how they’re used. The products reviewed also contain different allergens or may contain traces of them.
Compare nutritional values on the same basis, and always check the current pack for allergens in your chosen variety.
Brands and product ranges to compare
Albert Heijn
AH Melba toast naturel is a crispy melba toast you can compare with other plain varieties.
- Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars and 3.2 g of total sugars per 100 g for this variety.
- The same product information lists 3.9 g of fibre and 1.93 g of salt per 100 g, and names wheat, barley and soya among its allergens.
Van der Meulen
Melba toast volkoren is worth considering if you also want to compare fibre in crispy toast.
- Albert Heijn lists 3.2 g of sugars and 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
- The product information also lists 1.9 g of salt per 100 g and ingredients or allergens including wheat, barley, rye, sesame and soya.
JP by Jos Poell
Krokant toast is a classic crispy variety for anyone who also wants to compare its ingredients with other types of toast.
- The variety listed by Albert Heijn contains 5.4 g of sugars and 2.9 g of fibre per 100 g.
- Sugar is listed among the ingredients. The product information names wheat and states that the product may also contain milk, egg and sesame.
Biaform Provital
Protein Toast Sandwich is toast bread for anyone who wants a toasted sandwich rather than small melba toasts.
- Albert Heijn lists 3.0 g of sugars, 21 g of protein and 4.0 g of fibre per 100 g for this variety.
- This is a different type of product from melba toast, so compare the portion too; Albert Heijn lists 1.1 g of salt per 100 g.
Joybuy products for choosing toast
Compare AH Melba toast naturel (3.2 g of sugars, 3.9 g of fibre and 1.93 g of salt per 100 g) with Van der Meulen Melba toast volkoren (3.2 g of sugars, 9.7 g of fibre and 1.9 g of salt per 100 g). For a bread-style option, Biaform Provital Protein Toast Sandwich contains 3.0 g of sugars, 21 g of protein, 4.0 g of fibre and 1.1 g of salt per 100 g. Check Joybuy listings and pack details for current availability and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions about toast and sugars
Does 0 g of added sugars mean toast contains no sugars?
No. Added sugars and total sugars are different values. Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars for AH Melba toast naturel, but 3.2 g of total sugars per 100 g. So check the ‘of which sugars’ line too.
When is it worth comparing wholegrain melba toast?
If two melba toasts have similar sugar levels and fibre matters to you, comparing their fibre content is a useful next step. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, Van der Meulen Melba toast volkoren and AH Melba toast naturel both contain 3.2 g of sugars per 100 g, while their fibre content is 9.7 g and 3.9 g per 100 g respectively.
Should I check the salt content of toast too?
Yes. If you’re comparing the nutritional value of your lunch, salt matters alongside sugars. Albert Heijn lists 1.93 g of salt per 100 g for AH Melba toast naturel and 1.9 g per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba toast volkoren. Check your portion size and chosen toppings too.