Which toast is right for you?

Hosting guests with a variety of toppings

If you’re serving dips and toppings inspired by different cuisines, plain Melba toast lets the toppings shine. Jumbo describes the variety reviewed as suitable for toppings and dips.

Putting together a platter and looking for flavour in the toast

With simple toppings, toast flavoured with rosemary, olive oil, or tomato and herbs can bring some of the flavour itself. Consider how those flavours will work with the rest of your menu.

Comparing labels for your guests

If your guests need to avoid certain allergens, or you want to consider fibre, salt or iodine, compare the packaging information for the variety you choose. Melba toast and flavoured toast can differ in the grains used and the allergens they may contain.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, match the flavour of the toast to your toppings. Then compare the ingredients and nutritional information for the varieties that suit your menu.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters to
Neutral base Check whether the toast is plain and intended for toppings or dips. Ideally, add moist toppings just before serving. When serving a variety of strongly flavoured toppings, I want the toast to stay in the background. A neutral base is the top priority for around 42% of consumers.
Flavour in the toast Compare flavourings such as rosemary or tomato with the toppings you’re serving. If my toppings are simple, I’m happy for the toast itself to add flavour. Around 33% of consumers put the toast’s own flavour first.
Label and nutritional information Read the ingredients and allergen information; compare fibre and salt per 100 g. Check separately for any mention of baker’s salt. If allergens are a consideration or I want to compare nutritional values, I need to be able to check the packaging. Around 25% of consumers give this label information top priority.

Common mistakes when choosing toast

  • Assuming all toast tastes neutral

    Rosemary or tomato in the toast will change the flavour of the whole appetiser. That can work well with a simple topping, but less so if you want the herbs in a topping to stand out.

    For a table of very different flavours, choose a plain base and add a flavoured variety only if it complements a particular topping.

  • Relying on the product name alone when catering for allergies

    Different types of toast may contain different grains, soya or sesame. Warnings about possible traces can also vary from product to product.

    Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the exact variety you’re buying and serving.

  • Assuming ‘premium’ or ‘organic’ means it contains iodine

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The style or name of a toast product therefore doesn’t tell you whether iodised salt was used.

    If iodine content is relevant to your choice, check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer.

  • Confusing a product listing with in-store availability

    Lidl lists the Melba toast and party toast varieties reviewed as available in store only. An online listing doesn’t necessarily mean a variety is available at your local branch.

    Check current availability before planning your menu around one particular type of toast.

Brands to compare

Van der Meulen / Melba Toast

The Melba varieties described by Jumbo include plain, multigrain and organic sesame toast.

  • Plain Melba toast is described as a base for toppings and dips. According to Jumbo’s product information, the multigrain variety reviewed contains 45% wholemeal wheat flour and 7.5 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check allergens for each variety: the organic sesame toast contains sesame, soya and wheat, and may contain milk.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn’s luxury toast range includes party toast and toast crackers.

  • The AH Rosemary and Sea Salt Party Toast reviewed is flavoured with rosemary and sea salt, making it a good choice when you want the toast itself to add flavour.
  • This variety contains cereals containing gluten and soya, and may contain sesame. Check the current packaging.

Bolletje

Bolletje Ciabatta Crackers Tomato & Herbs are snack crackers flavoured with tomato and herbs, rather than plain Melba toast.

  • The tomato and herb flavour could work well with an appetiser where you’d like those flavours in the cracker too.
  • The product contains wheat; check the packaging for any other relevant allergens as well.

Jumbo

Jumbo lists both Van der Meulen Melba toast and its own-brand varieties.

  • The own-brand tomato and basil variety described shows how toast itself can add a savoury flavour.
  • Jumbo says this particular tomato and basil variety is no longer available in its online range. Check the current selection before settling on a variety for your menu.

Lidl

Lidl lists Melba toast and party toast, including plain and sesame varieties.

  • You can check in store which of the listed varieties best suits your toppings.
  • The products reviewed are listed as available in store only. Check the packaging there for ingredients and allergen information.

Toast on Joybuy

This Melba toast is a good choice if you’re looking for a neutral base for a variety of international toppings. Check the packaging against any ingredients and allergens relevant to your guests.

Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g pack

Delverde Classic Melba Toast 100 g

Consider this Melba toast as a base for a variety of toppings when you want their own flavours to shine.

100 g pack. If you have allergies, check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging; also look for any mention of baker’s salt.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is premium toast always suitable for guests with a gluten or soya allergy?

No. The plain Melba toast described by Jumbo contains wheat, barley and soya; the ingredients may differ in other varieties. Check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging of the product you’re serving.

Does Dutch toast always contain iodine from baker’s salt?

No, you can’t tell from the product category. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients information for the toast you’ve chosen or ask the manufacturer.

When should I add a moist topping to toast?

Ideally, add the topping just before serving so it doesn’t sit on the crisp base for too long. If you’re preparing appetisers in advance, keep the toast and topping separate until then.

What should I look for in toast labelled gluten-free?

Look for an explicit gluten-free statement on the packaging, and read the ingredients and other allergen information too. Don’t assume it’s suitable based on the product name or type of toast alone.