Anyone who fancies something crunchy later on
You’re looking for a small snack base you can eat as it is or add a topping to, without having to prepare a meal.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Anyone keeping an eye on salt
You want to compare the salt content of different toast products and take into account how much you eat.
Anyone checking ingredients and allergens
Before buying, you need to know whether a toast product contains ingredients such as wheat, barley or soya, or carries a warning about possible traces.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, choose a type of toast to suit your snack. Then compare the nutritional information and ingredients of the products you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Shape and convenience | Check whether it’s Melba toast, rice toast or another type, and whether it works with your topping. | If I want a little something to eat late at night, I’m looking for a crunchy base that needs very little preparation. Convenience comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Salt | Compare the salt per 100 g and, where listed, check the amount per portion too. | For a savoury snack, I want to know how much salt comes from both the toast and my chosen topping. Around 25% of consumers give salt top priority. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Read the current ingredients and allergen information, including warnings about possible traces. | If I need to avoid certain ingredients, I want to be able to check the packaging before buying. For around 25% of consumers, this is their main concern. |
| Fibre and type of grain | Check whether the product is labelled ‘wholegrain’ and compare the fibre per 100 g. | If fibre matters more to me than just a crunchy texture, I look beyond the name ‘plain toast’. This is the main consideration for around 17% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘plain’ means ‘low in salt’
Albert Heijn’s product information lists 0.01 g of salt per 100 g for Hollandia 100% Natural Toast and 1.93 g per 100 g for AH Melba Toast Naturel. So the flavour name alone doesn’t tell you enough to assess the salt content.
Compare the figures per 100 g and, if you’re having a savoury snack, remember to factor in the topping too.
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Assuming ‘medium sliced’ means a standard toast thickness
Dutch product descriptions use terms such as Melba toast and crunchy toast; ‘medium sliced’ doesn’t indicate a comparable size across these products.
Check the product type and description. If you’re looking for thin toast slices, check whether the product is specifically described as Melba toast.
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Assuming ‘plain’ means allergen-free
A short ingredients list doesn’t rule out allergens: for example, Albert Heijn lists wheat flour as an ingredient in Hollandia 100% Natural Toast. Other toast products may also contain barley or soya, or carry warnings about possible traces.
Check the current allergen information on the packaging when you buy, especially if you need to avoid an ingredient.
Brands to consider
Hollandia
The 100% Natural Toast reviewed is a plain toast with a short ingredients list.
- Albert Heijn lists wheat flour and water as ingredients, and 0.01 g of salt per 100 g.
- The product contains wheat; the name ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s wholegrain.
Van der Meulen
The Melba Toast Naturel reviewed is a thin, toasted snack that works well with a topping.
- Albert Heijn’s product description says the bread is cut into thin slices and then toasted.
- The label lists 1.3 g of salt per 100 g and the allergens wheat, barley and soya; also check the warning about possible traces of sesame.
Albert Heijn
AH Melba Toast Naturel comes in a multipack for several snack occasions.
- The product information lists 12 packs of 6 toast slices.
- The stated salt content is 1.93 g per 100 g. Check the current packaging for nutritional and allergen information.
JP by Jos Poell
The Toast Naturel reviewed is a plain toast that can be used as a base for a topping.
- Jumbo lists ingredients including wheat flour, sunflower oil and yeast.
- Jumbo lists 1.60 g of salt per 100 g and warns that the product may contain egg, milk and sesame.
Jumbo
The own-brand range includes crunchy plain toast and a flavour with green olive and basil.
- The different flavours offer a choice between a neutral base and a seasoned option.
- Check the ingredients and nutritional information on the label for the specific variety; a general category description isn’t enough.
Toast products on Joybuy
These products are Melba toast and rice toast for a crunchy late-night snack, with or without a topping. Compare the packaging and current nutritional information for each product separately; their names don’t confirm a standard ‘medium sliced’ thickness.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round, 100 g
Round Melba toast to consider for a small snack with a topping.
Check the label for salt per portion and allergen information if these are important to your choice.
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Crispy Melba Toast, 240 g
Melba toast for anyone looking for a crunchy snack or a base for a topping.
Check the current packaging for allergen information; it’s more important than a general product description.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g
Plain Melba toast to consider if you want a neutral base for a topping.
Read the current allergen information and compare the salt per 100 g with other toast products.
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Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural, 65 g
Rice toast to consider if you’re looking for a different type of crunchy snack.
Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens; don’t assume anything about its suitability for your diet from the word ‘rice’.
Frequently asked questions
Is ‘medium sliced’ a useful term for toast?
Not as a standard, comparable slice thickness for the toast products discussed here. Check the product type and description; for example, choose Melba toast specifically if you’re looking for thin toast slices.
Should I compare salt per 100 g or per toast slice?
Use the salt per 100 g to compare products, then consider the portion you plan to eat. The Voedingscentrum lists 0.11 g of salt for a 6 g wholegrain toast slice; don’t assume the same figure applies to another brand or size.
Does all toast contain iodine?
You can’t tell from the product name or the word ‘toast’. Ask the manufacturer for product-specific information if the iodine content is important to your choice.
How should I store opened Melba toast?
Follow the instructions on your product’s packaging. For AH Melba Toast Naturel, Albert Heijn says to store it in a sealed tin after opening; Van der Meulen Melba Toast Naturel should be stored in a cool, dry place.