Who is this comparison useful for?

Online shoppers comparing sugars

You want to compare the total sugars per 100 g in different types of toast and, where listed, check the added sugars too.

Shoppers keeping an eye on fibre

You’re considering wholemeal toast for its fibre, without assuming that a wholemeal option will also contain less sugar.

Shoppers considering salt or allergens

As well as comparing sugars, you want to check the salt content or read the ingredients and allergen information before eating a toast product.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start by comparing similar types of toast per 100 g, as the Voedingscentrum advises when reading food labels. Then let your next most important consideration guide your choice.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Total and added sugars Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g. Check added sugars separately if they’re listed. When I order toast online, I want to compare total sugars without different serving sizes skewing the results. For an estimated 50% of consumers, comparing sugars comes first.
Fibre and wholemeal Check the product name and compare both fibre and sugars per 100 g; don’t rely on the packaging alone. I want to choose wholemeal toast for its fibre, even if the sugar content isn’t lower. For around 30% of consumers, fibre is the deciding factor.
Salt and allergens Compare salt per 100 g and read the ingredients and allergen information; check the packaging again when your order arrives. If I have an allergy, I want to know which ingredients the toast contains. If salt is a concern, I want to be able to compare the levels. For around 20% of consumers, one of these checks comes first.

Common mistakes

  • Reading ‘no added sugars’ as ‘no sugars’

    Albert Heijn lists 0 g of added sugars for AH Melba toast naturel, but also 3.2 g of total sugars per 100 g.

    Use ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g to compare products, and check the added sugars information separately.

  • Assuming wholemeal toast contains less sugar

    According to Jumbo, Van der Meulen Melba Toast Naturel and Melba Volkoren Toast both contain 3.2 g of sugars per 100 g, although their fibre levels differ.

    If you choose wholemeal, check the fibre, sugars and salt content of the specific product separately.

  • Overlooking the salt content

    Jumbo lists 1.3 g of salt per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Toast Naturel and 1.9 g for the wholemeal version, despite their identical sugar content.

    Compare salt per 100 g if it matters to your choice; if you’re eating it, remember to consider the topping too.

  • Relying on the online product page alone

    Albert Heijn says that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change. This is particularly important if you need to avoid an ingredient.

    Read the information before ordering, then check the label on the product you receive before eating it.

Brands and product ranges compared

Van der Meulen / Melba

Jumbo lists nutritional values for natural and wholemeal versions of Van der Meulen Melba toast.

  • Both versions list 3.2 g of sugars per 100 g. The wholemeal version lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g, compared with 3.9 g for the natural version.
  • The wholemeal version also lists more salt: 1.9 g per 100 g compared with 1.3 g for the natural version. These values apply to the products named.

Albert Heijn

AH Melba toast naturel is an own-label product for which Albert Heijn lists nutritional information online.

  • The product information lists 3.2 g of total sugars per 100 g, and separately states 0 g of added sugars.
  • Albert Heijn also lists 1.93 g of salt per 100 g and warns that product information can change. Check the label when your order arrives.

Bolletje

Bolletje originele beschuit is a different type of product from Melba toast, so it isn’t a direct comparison.

  • If you’re also considering rusks, you can compare their nutritional information separately.
  • Joybuy’s product information for Bolletje originele beschuit lists 10 g of sugars per 100 g. Don’t use this value as a characteristic of Bolletje toast.

Melba toast at Joybuy

This Melba toast is one option to assess when ordering online, based on its sugar content and the other information on the label. Compare the nutritional values per 100 g with those of the specific toast product you would otherwise choose.

Crispy Melba Toast, 240 g pack

Crispy Melba Toast 240 g

A Melba toast to compare with other toast per 100 g. If you have allergies, check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before eating it: the available product information is contradictory.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare the sugar content of toast online?

Compare the ‘of which sugars’ value for similar types of toast per 100 g, rather than just the value per serving. The Voedingscentrum recommends this basis for comparison because serving sizes can vary between manufacturers. Check information about added sugars separately.

Does wholemeal Melba toast contain less sugar than the natural version?

Not in the two Van der Meulen versions listed by Jumbo: both contain 3.2 g of sugars per 100 g. The wholemeal version does list 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g, compared with 3.9 g for the natural version.

Why should I check the salt content of toast too?

Toast with the same sugar content can have different salt levels. Jumbo lists 1.3 g of salt per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Toast Naturel and 1.9 g for the wholemeal version. Compare these values if salt matters to your choice.

How do I check allergens in toast ordered online?

Read the ingredients and allergen information before ordering, then check the packaging again before eating it. Product information can change, so if the online information is contradictory, don’t assume the product is allergen-free.