Budget-conscious buffet planner
Wants to stock up on enough plain toast for a range of toppings, so compares both the pack weight and the number of pieces.
Who should consider this choice?
Host of a small gathering
Wants to serve a variety of toast without opening more packs than necessary.
Buffet planner catering for allergies
Checks the ingredients and possible traces in advance, so guests can see which toast is suitable for them.
What should you look for?
First decide how much toast you want to serve. Then compare pack sizes and, if you’re catering for dietary requirements, check the label on the specific variety you’re buying.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity within budget | Compare the net weight of the same type of toast and work out how many packs you’ll need for the buffet. | If I’m serving plain toast to lots of guests, I want to be able to stock up on enough packs. This is the main consideration for around 46% of consumers. |
| Portions and leftovers | Check the weight and, where stated, the number of individual packs; Albert Heijn says its 240 g plain Melba toast contains twelve packs of six pieces. | For a small gathering, I don’t want to open more toast than we’ll eat. This is the main concern for around 36% of consumers. |
| Allergens | Check the ingredients and possible traces on the pack you buy, especially if any guests need to avoid wheat, barley, soya or sesame. | If a guest has an allergy, I need to know which toast they can eat before serving it. This matters most to around 18% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming the pack weight tells you how many pieces there are
The weight alone won’t tell you how many individual pieces you can put on the buffet table. Albert Heijn says its 240 g plain Melba toast contains twelve packs of six pieces; check the pack itself for other products.
Work out how many portions you want to prepare, then check the contents of the pack you’re buying.
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Confusing vegan or lactose-free with allergen-free
Albert Heijn labels its plain Melba toast as vegan and lactose-free, but it also contains wheat, barley and soya. Van der Meulen’s plain variety sold by Jumbo may also contain sesame.
Check the label on every pack you buy and, if necessary, provide a separate suitable product for guests with other dietary requirements.
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Assuming all toast contains baker’s salt
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell whether it’s present just from the type of product.
Read the ingredients on the pack or ask the manufacturer if the ingredients matter to your choice.
Brands and shops to consider
Albert Heijn
The supermarket’s own-brand range includes a 240 g pack of plain Melba toast that can be used as a base for toppings.
- Albert Heijn says this pack contains twelve packs of six pieces, and this particular variety is labelled vegan and lactose-free.
- The same variety contains wheat, barley and soya, and may also contain sesame; check the current label.
Van der Meulen
Jumbo lists this brand’s plain Melba Toast in a 120 g pack.
- The smaller pack may suit a small gathering or a buffet with several types of toast.
- Jumbo lists wheat, barley and soya for this variety; it may also contain sesame.
Sun Snacks
ALDI lists Sun Snacks plain Melba Toast in a 240 g pack.
- The pack weight is useful when planning how much toast you’ll need for a larger buffet.
- Check the ingredients and allergens on the pack before serving this variety to guests.
Lidl
Lidl lists 240 g melba toast as a supermarket product, without naming a product brand.
- The stated weight helps you plan how much you’ll need.
- Check the pack in store for the ingredients, allergens and quantity that matter for your buffet.
Melba toast for your buffet on Joybuy
These two packs of melba toast suit different quantities for your buffet table: 100 g if you want to serve a small amount or offer several varieties, and 240 g if you’d like to put out more toast. Choose the quantity to suit your guests and check the label if anyone has allergies.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round, 100 g
The 100 g pack may suit a small buffet or a serving board with several types of toast.
Check how many pieces are in the pack and read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before serving.
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Crispy melba toast, 240 g
At 240 g per pack, this is an option if you want to serve more melba toast with toppings.
Choose the number of packs to suit your guests. If anyone has allergies, check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack you’ve bought before serving the toast.
Frequently asked questions
Is a large pack always more convenient for a Boxing Day buffet?
No. A 240 g pack gives you more toast per pack than a 120 g one, but for a small gathering or a spread with several types of toast, a smaller pack may be a better fit. Decide how much you need first.
How should I store opened melba toast until the buffet?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve bought. For its plain Melba toast, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a sealed tin once opened; Jumbo says to store Van der Meulen plain Melba Toast in a cool, dry place.
Is melba toast automatically suitable for guests with allergies?
No. The plain varieties checked from Albert Heijn and Van der Meulen contain wheat, barley and soya, among other ingredients; the Van der Meulen variety may also contain sesame. If a guest has a relevant allergy, check the label of the product you’re actually serving.
Is baker’s salt compulsory in Dutch toast?
No, it isn’t a general requirement for every baker. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the ingredients list or ask the manufacturer if you want to know whether a particular type of toast contains baker’s salt.