Choose plain Melba toast when you want the toppings to take centre stage. Choose a wholemeal, spelt or multigrain variety when the flavour of the grains and the stated fibre content matter more, or organic sesame toast if you’re looking for a sesame accent. If any guests have allergies, always check the label on the pack you choose.
Mild, plain Melba toast works well on a platter with a variety of toppings. Albert Heijn describes its plain Melba toast as a base for toppings, while Van der Meulen describes its plain variety as mild in flavour.
If you want the toast itself to add flavour too, compare wholemeal, spelt and multigrain varieties by their ingredients and fibre per 100 g. Ingredients vary from product to product.
Check for a certification mark if organic sourcing matters to you. Also check the label for every guest with an allergy: the organic sesame toast listed by Jumbo contains sesame, wheat and soya, among other ingredients.
First decide whether the toppings or the toast itself should provide the main flavour. Then compare the packaging and ingredients of the varieties that fit the bill.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Especially useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral base | Check whether the toast is plain, and look at its shape and pack size. | If I’m serving a variety of toppings, I don’t want the toast to compete with their flavours. A neutral base is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Grains and fibre | Compare the types of grain, the stated proportion of wholegrain ingredients and the fibre per 100 g. | If I want the toast itself to have a distinctive grain flavour, I take the ingredients and fibre into account. Around 29% of consumers give this top priority. |
| Organic or sesame | Check the certification mark, ingredients and allergen information. | For my Easter platter, I’m looking for an organic variety or a sesame flavour, provided it suits my guests. This is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Pack size and availability | Compare the net weight and check whether you can buy the product from your chosen retailer. | With several guests, I want to be able to buy enough toast without relying on a hard-to-find variety. This practical consideration comes first for around 14% of consumers. |
The organic sesame toast listed by Jumbo contains sesame, wheat and soya. Toast made with a variety of grains may also contain ingredients that are relevant to guests with allergies.
Check the current ingredients and allergen information on each pack rather than relying on the product name or the front of the packaging.
Sesame, herbs or a grain mix give the toast itself a more pronounced flavour. This can make mild toppings less noticeable.
Choose a plain variety if you want the toppings to take centre stage, and add flavoured toast only if it complements your chosen toppings.
Albert Heijn lists two luxury toast varieties as discontinued, while Lidl says its Melba toast is only available in store.
Before planning your brunch, check where you can buy your chosen variety and have an alternative in mind.
The product name doesn’t tell you whether the toast is made with iodised salt.
Check the ingredients list on the pack you choose if the type of salt matters to you.
The range includes plain Melba toast and varieties with grains or sesame.
Under its own brand, Albert Heijn lists plain Melba toast as a base for toppings.
As well as plain toast, Jumbo lists tomato and basil Melba toast as an example of a seasoned flavour.
ALDI lists Sun Snacks Melba Toast Naturel in a 240 g pack.
Lidl lists 240 g Melba toast as an in-store product.
These Melba toasts are suited to an Easter brunch where you’re looking for a base for your toppings. Compare the pack sizes and, if you have allergies, check the current packaging.
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This round Melba toast can make a handy base for a variety of toppings at your Easter brunch.
Check how many pieces of toast you’ll need for your guests. If you have allergies, check the current pack: the product information lists wheat and barley, and possible traces of sesame, soya and mustard.
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This Melba toast is an option for a brunch with a variety of toppings, if a lightly nutty flavour works with them.
Check how many pieces of toast you’ll need for your guests. The online ingredients list includes wheat, barley and soya, while a separate allergen statement contradicts this. So check the current pack before serving this toast to guests with allergies.
Choose a product only after checking the current ingredients and allergen information. According to Jumbo, Van der Meulen’s organic sesame toast contains sesame, wheat and soya. Don’t rely on the organic or premium label to decide whether it’s suitable.
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and add the toppings shortly before serving. Albert Heijn recommends storing its plain Melba toast in a sealed tin after opening.
No. Organic describes the production method and doesn’t make a statement about those other properties. According to Jumbo, Van der Meulen’s organic sesame toast contains 2,1 g of salt per 100 g, as well as sesame, wheat and soya.
No. The name doesn’t tell you what type of salt was used in the product. Check the ingredients list on the pack you choose if this matters to your purchase.
