Putting together a sharing board
You’re looking for toast that goes with a range of toppings, and are considering flavour, size and pack format. Albert Heijn describes its plain Melba toast as a base for a variety of toppings.
Who should consider this choice?
Shoppers checking the ingredients
You want to know which grains, seeds and ingredients give the toast its distinctive flavour. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g too: varieties with similar names can differ in fibre and salt.
Checking labels for food allergies
If someone at the table has a food allergy, check the label on the exact pack, including the allergens and any ‘may contain’ warnings. Another variety from the same brand may contain different ingredients.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you want the toppings or the toast itself to provide most of the flavour. Then compare the packaging and labels of the varieties that fit the bill.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Toppings and flavour | Check whether the toast is plain, and whether the size and pack format suit what you want to serve. | If I’m serving savoury and sweet toppings on one board, I want a base that won’t overpower their flavours; around 40% of consumers prioritise this versatility. |
| Grains and fibre | Check which grains are listed in the ingredients and compare fibre per 100 g. | If you want to taste the grains in the toast itself, you may be happy with a less neutral base; around 30% of consumers prioritise this choice of grains. |
| Allergens and salt | Read the label on the exact pack, including any ‘may contain’ warnings and the salt content per 100 g. | If I need to account for an allergy or keep an eye on salt, I don’t want to rely on the product name; around 30% of consumers prioritise checking the label. |
Common mistakes when choosing
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Assuming a premium name means better nutritional value
The name doesn’t tell you how much fibre or salt the toast contains. Van der Meulen Luxe 7 Granen, as described by Albert Heijn, contains 6.7 g of fibre per 100 g; Luxe Volkoren & Spelt contains 9.4 g per 100 g.
If the choice of grains, fibre or salt matters to you, compare the ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g before you buy.
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Serving a different variety without checking the label
The toast varieties described include gluten-containing cereals, soya and sesame. A similar shape or pack doesn’t tell you which allergens are in the exact product.
If someone at the table has a food allergy, read the current label before buying and serving, including any ‘may contain’ warnings.
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Choosing one strong flavour to go with every topping
Sesame or herb-flavoured toast adds flavour of its own. It may not go as well with delicate toppings as a plain variety.
Choose plain toast as the base for a mixed board, and add a flavoured variety when you know which topping you want to pair it with.
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Assuming the online range will always be the same
Jumbo’s product page says its tomato and basil Melba toast is no longer available online; Lidl says its Melba toast is only available in store.
Check the range shortly before putting your sharing board together, and keep another type of toast in mind as a back-up.
Brands and supermarket own-label options to consider
Van der Meulen
For comparing different grain and flavour options within the Melba toast range.
- Albert Heijn lists the ingredients and nutritional information for Luxe Volkoren & Spelt and Luxe 7 Granen.
- Check availability for each variety; the page for Luxe 7 Granen said it had been discontinued.
Albert Heijn
Supermarket own-label options include plain Melba toast and organic sesame Melba toast.
- The plain variety is described as a 240 g pack divided into 12 small packs; the sesame variety offers a different flavour.
- Check the current ingredients and allergens on the packaging for both varieties.
Jumbo
A supermarket own-label option for comparing flavoured toast with plain Melba toast.
- The described tomato and basil variety shows how the toast itself can add flavour to a snack.
- Jumbo says this variety is no longer available online; check the current range.
SUN SNACKS
ALDI’s own-label Melba Toast Naturel, in a 240 g pack.
- A plain variety to consider if you want to pair toast with different toppings.
- Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information on the pack before comparing this variety with other toast.
Lidl
An in-store option for Melba toast if you want to check the packaging yourself.
- Lidl lists its Melba toast in a 240 g pack.
- Lidl says the product is only available in store; compare the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack.
Bolletje
An alternative if you’re looking for a seasoned cracker rather than classic Melba toast.
- Bolletje Ciabatta Crackers Tomaat & Kruiden come in packs of two.
- These are crackers, not Melba toast. Bolletje lists wheat and possible traces of sesame, nuts, milk and egg, among other things.
Toast for a sharing board on Joybuy
These Melba toast varieties are options for a sharing board with toppings. Compare the size and packaging; if you have allergies, always read the label on the pack you’re serving.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g
An option if you’re looking for neutral toast to serve with a range of toppings. The pack contains 100 g; check the current label if the ingredients, allergens or nutritional information will influence your choice.
Supervise young children when serving hard, crunchy toast.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round, 100 g
An option if you want to serve round toasts with savoury or sweet toppings. The pack contains 100 g; check the current label for ingredients and allergens, especially if anyone needs to avoid gluten.
Supervise young children when serving hard, crunchy toast.
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Crispy Melba Toast, 240 g
An option if you’re looking for a 240 g pack for your snack occasion. Don’t rely on the product name to judge the flavour or whether it’s suitable for someone with allergies.
The listed ingredients and allergen information contradict each other. So read the current pack label carefully before buying or serving this toast, especially if someone has a food allergy.
Frequently asked questions
Is multigrain or sesame toast automatically the right choice for a sharing board?
No. Choose according to the flavour you want to pair with your toppings, then compare the ingredients and nutritional information. Albert Heijn lists 6.7 g of fibre per 100 g for Van der Meulen Luxe 7 Granen and 9.4 g per 100 g for Luxe Volkoren & Spelt; these figures don’t tell you which toast will go best with your toppings.
Where should I check for allergens when serving toast?
If someone has a food allergy, read the label on the exact pack, including any ‘may contain’ warnings. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says allergens must be clearly listed on the labels of pre-packed foods; the toast varieties described include gluten-containing cereals, soya and sesame, among other ingredients.
Does all Melba toast contain iodine from iodised baker’s salt?
You can’t assume that all Melba toast does. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre describes iodised baker’s salt as a source of iodine in bread; check the ingredients on the packaging of a specific toast rather than assuming it contains iodine based on the product category.
How can I keep toast crunchy if the get-together goes on for longer?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging and reseal any opened toast. The Albert Heijn product pages described recommend storing it in a closed tin after opening; if you’re serving it more than once, don’t open more packs than you need at a time.
What if the flavoured toast I planned to buy isn’t available?
Check the range shortly before buying and choose an alternative that can serve the same purpose on your sharing board. Jumbo says its tomato and basil Melba toast is no longer available online; if you want the topping to provide the flavour, plain toast could be an alternative.