The brunch stylist with plenty of toppings
Looking for a crisp, neutral base that works with both sweet and savoury toppings? The shape of the toast and the number of pieces in a pack are also worth considering when setting the table.
Who is this toast guide for?
The mindful grain chooser
Want to distinguish between plain, multigrain and wholegrain toast? Compare the wording on the pack with its nutritional information.
The last-minute host
Looking for toast or crackers that need little preparation? You’ll also want to check the flavour, ingredients and allergen information for your guests.
What should you look for when choosing toast?
First decide how the toast should complement your toppings. Then compare the grain variety and the information on the pack of the product you plan to serve.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Toppings and presentation | Compare the flavour, shape and quantity in each pack. Choose a neutral base if you want the toppings to take centre stage. | For a brunch with both sweet and savoury toppings, I want toast that works with both and looks good on the platter. Around 40% of consumers prioritise this combination of toppings and presentation. |
| Grain choice and labelling | Look for the wholegrain label if that grain choice matters to you. Compare the fibre per 100 g and, if needed, check whether baker’s salt is listed. | If I’m choosing a particular grain, I want to be able to check that choice on the label rather than judge by colour. For around 30% of consumers, the label and grain choice are key. |
| Flavour and convenience | Choose a flavoured variety to suit your toppings, and check the ingredients, allergens and salt content of the exact product. | For a sharing platter that needs little preparation, I’m looking for toast that works well with simple toppings too. Around 30% of consumers put flavour and convenience first. |
Common mistakes when choosing toast for a celebration
-
Assuming a celebratory look means better nutrition
Words such as luxury, organic and multigrain don’t tell you how much fibre or salt a toast contains. Multigrain doesn’t automatically mean wholegrain either.
Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and, if you want wholegrain, check that the pack actually says wholegrain.
-
Assuming all toast contains the same allergens
Ingredients and possible traces vary between varieties. This is especially important if you’re serving toast to guests with allergies.
Before serving, check the allergen information on the pack of every product you’ve bought, and set aside a suitable alternative.
-
Assuming the product category tells you whether it contains iodine
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. So you can’t tell from the word ‘toast’ whether baker’s salt has been used.
If this information matters to you, check the label or ask the manufacturer or baker.
Brands to compare
Van der Meulen / Melba
Worth considering if you want to compare different flavours and grain varieties of Melba toast.
- Jumbo lists, among other products, an organic sesame variety from Van der Meulen Melba.
- Check the shape, ingredients and allergens of your chosen variety individually; a product listed in a range isn’t necessarily available in every shop.
Albert Heijn
A supermarket own-brand option to consider if you’re looking for plain Melba toast as a base for toppings.
- The product information for AH Melba toast naturel includes ingredients, allergens and storage instructions.
- Albert Heijn warns that recipes and allergen information can change, so check the current pack.
Bolletje
Worth considering if you’re also thinking about crackers or crispbread for the table, as well as Melba toast.
- Bolletje lists ciabatta crackers and crispbread among its products.
- Crackers and crispbread aren’t automatically interchangeable with Melba toast; compare their shape and flavour with your toppings.
Delverde
Worth considering if you’re looking for classic Melba toast to serve with a variety of toppings.
- Joybuy lists Delverde Classic Melba Toast in a 100 g pack.
- Joybuy lists wheat and barley as gluten-containing ingredients for this variety; check the pack for full allergen information.
Melba toast on Joybuy for a variety of toppings
These Melba toasts are suited to a brunch or sharing platter with a variety of toppings. When choosing, check the shape, pack size and allergen information for each variety.
Image unavailable
Delverde Classic Melba Toast, 100 g
Plain Melba toast to pair with a variety of toppings.
Pack size: 100 g. Joybuy lists wheat and barley as gluten-containing ingredients; check the pack for other allergens.
Image unavailable
Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round, 100 g
Round Melba toast for a brunch or sharing platter with a variety of toppings.
Pack size: 100 g. Check the allergens on the pack before serving the toast to guests.
Image unavailable
Crispy Melba Toast, 240 g
Melba toast to serve with toppings.
Pack size: 240 g. The ingredients list includes wheat, barley and soya, but the allergen information says otherwise. Ask the manufacturer to clarify before serving this toast to guests with allergies.
Frequently asked questions
Is toast in the Netherlands always made with iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. If you want to know what was used for a specific toast, check the label or ask the baker or manufacturer.
Is multigrain toast the same as wholegrain toast?
No. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, a product can only be called wholegrain if all of its grain ingredients are wholegrain flour. So don’t choose based solely on a dark colour, seeds or the word ‘multigrain’.
Which allergens should I check in Melba toast?
Always check the pack of the exact variety, including any ‘may contain’ information. AH Melba toast naturel lists wheat, barley and soya, among other ingredients; information for another product or a changed recipe may differ.
How should I store opened Melba toast?
Store opened Melba toast according to the instructions on the pack. For AH Melba toast naturel, Albert Heijn recommends putting it in a sealed tin after opening, so you can keep the rest fresh until you’re ready to serve it again.