Fans of bold toppings
If cheese, fish, charcuterie or a spread is taking centre stage, look for a type of toast that suits the topping without adding too much flavour of its own.
Who should consider each option?
Fans of flavour pairings
You want to taste sesame, tomato or herbs in the base as well. In that case, consider how those flavours will work with what you’re serving on top.
Label-conscious shoppers
Ingredients, allergens, fibre or salt matter to you. So compare the pack for the option you’ve chosen, including whether it mentions iodised baker’s salt.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether the topping or the toast should bring the flavour to the nibbles for your date-night dinner. Then consider which shape, ingredients and pack size best suit your plans.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Let the topping shine | Check whether the toast is plain and whether its shape suits the topping you have planned. | When I serve different toppings, I want to be able to distinguish their flavours. That’s why around 45% of consumers put the topping first when choosing toast. |
| Flavour in the base | Check which flavouring ingredients, such as sesame or herbs, are in the product you’ve chosen. | With a simple topping, I want the base itself to add flavour too. For around 33% of consumers, that extra flavour is the top priority. |
| Label and nutritional information | Read the allergen information and compare relevant values per 100 g. If necessary, check whether iodised baker’s salt is mentioned. | When ingredients or allergens determine my choice, I want to know exactly which option I’m serving. Checking the label is the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘organic’, ‘vegan’ or ‘wholemeal’ means ‘allergen-free’
These labels don’t mean that a type of toast is free from ingredients someone needs to avoid. For example, Albert Heijn lists sesame, wheat, barley and soya in its organic Melba toast with sesame.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the exact option you’re buying, even if another label on the front matches your preferences.
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Assuming the salt in toast is always iodised baker’s salt
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bakers aren’t required to use iodised baker’s salt. So you can’t tell which type of salt has been used just from the product category or the word ‘salt’ on the label.
If the use of iodised baker’s salt matters to your choice, check the pack or ask the manufacturer.
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Pairing strongly flavoured toast without considering the topping
Sesame toast and crackers with tomato and herbs add flavour of their own. This can distract from a topping whose flavour you want to bring out.
Choose a neutral base when the topping is the star; opt for a flavoured variety when you want it to be part of the pairing.
Brands and retailers to explore
Van der Meulen
Van der Meulen offers several varieties of Melba toast, giving you a choice of grain or flavour within this style of toast.
- Jumbo lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal Toast.
- Check the allergens for this wholemeal variety: wheat, barley, rye, sesame and soya are among those listed.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn offers several types of toast, including Melba toast, so you can compare shapes and flavours for drinks-party nibbles.
- Albert Heijn lists 7% sesame in its organic Melba toast with sesame seeds.
- This variety also lists wheat, barley and soya. An organic certification doesn’t replace an allergen check.
Sun Snacks / ALDI
ALDI lists Sun Snacks Plain Melba Toast in a 240 g pack, a size to consider if you’re making several different nibbles.
- The stated pack weight can help you work out how much you’ll need for your sharing board.
- Check the current packaging and in-store availability before planning to use this variety.
Lidl
Lidl lists 240 g Melba toast as an in-store product.
- The stated pack size is a useful starting point if you’re looking for toast for several nibbles.
- Check the label in store if ingredients, allergens or nutritional values will influence your choice.
Bolletje
Bolletje Ciabatta Crackers Tomato & Herbs are an option if you’re looking for something different from classic Melba toast.
- Bolletje lists tomato, extra virgin olive oil and herbs as ingredients that add flavour to the crackers.
- The manufacturer lists wheat and possible traces of other ingredients, including other cereals, eggs, milk, nuts and sesame. Check the label if any of these are relevant to you.
Toast options on Joybuy
These products include Melba toast for nibbles where you choose the toppings, as well as rice toast as an alternative. Compare the shape and pack weight, and always check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast 100 g
Melba toast to consider when you’re choosing your own toppings for the nibbles.
100 g pack. If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack, including the listing for wheat and barley.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round 100 g
The round shape is an option if you want to make individual nibbles with toppings.
Melba toast in a 100 g pack. If you have an allergy, check the ingredients and allergen information on the pack, including the listing for wheat and barley.
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Crispy Melba Toast 240 g
The 240 g pack could be a good fit if you’re planning several nibbles with different toppings.
The product information gives conflicting details about allergens. If you have an allergy or intolerance, don’t rely on an allergen listing until you’ve checked the current packaging.
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Van Der Meulen Rice Toast Natural 65 g
Rice toast to consider if you’re looking for an alternative to Melba toast as a base for your nibbles.
65 g pack. The product information about allergens is unclear. If you have an allergy or intolerance, check the current packaging before choosing this toast.
Frequently asked questions
Does toast or Melba toast always contain iodine?
No, don’t assume that it does. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says bakers aren’t required to use iodised baker’s salt. If its use matters to your choice, check the label or ask the manufacturer.
Does an organic certification tell you anything about iodised baker’s salt?
An organic certification doesn’t tell you whether iodised baker’s salt was used in the toast. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre notes that organic bread is often baked without it. For the toast you’re considering, check the packaging or ask the manufacturer.
Which allergens should I check in toast for a sharing board?
Check the allergen information on each individual pack. The varieties discussed here list allergens including wheat, barley, sesame and soya. Bolletje also lists possible traces of other ingredients for its Ciabatta Crackers Tomato & Herbs. Don’t assume a product is suitable based on its name alone.
How should I store opened Melba toast?
Follow the storage instructions on the pack for your chosen variety. For its organic Melba toast with sesame, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a sealed tin after opening, to limit its exposure to air.