For a table with a range of Asian-inspired toppings, a larger pack of plain Melba toast is a sensible choice if you want the toppings to take centre stage. As well as the weight, check how many pieces of toast are included and whether they’re individually wrapped. If you’re serving guests, check the allergens on the label of the variety you choose.
If you’re serving several dips and toppings, choosing a pack with a stated number of pieces makes it easier to plan. Albert Heijn lists its 240 g pack of plain AH Melba toast as containing twelve packets, each with six pieces of toast.
If you’re serving a range of flavours, consider a plain variety rather than toast with a strong seasoning mix. Check the ingredients list: ‘plain’ describes the flavour, not whether it will suit every topping.
If guests need to avoid certain ingredients, or you want to compare salt and fibre, check the details for the specific variety. The Melba toast products reviewed differ in their ingredients and nutritional information per 100 g.
First, decide how many pieces of toast you want to serve and whether you want a neutral base. Then compare the labels of the varieties that could work for your table.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Number of pieces | Compare the weight, number of pieces and individual packs. Albert Heijn lists its 240 g plain variety as containing twelve packets of six pieces. | If I’m filling several serving dishes for a group, I want to know how many pieces I can share out. For around 36% of consumers, this quantity matters most. |
| Neutral flavour | Check whether the ingredients list mentions herbs or other flavourings. Jumbo lists garlic and herbs, among other ingredients, in its tomato and basil toast. | If I’m serving a range of dips, I don’t want one herby flavour to dominate every combination. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a neutral base. |
| Allergens and salt | Check the allergen information for your chosen variety and compare the salt per 100 g. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that allergens must be clearly indicated in the ingredients list. | If guests can’t eat everything, I want to know which toast is suitable for them before serving. Around 21% of consumers prioritise checking the label. |
| Fibre and variety | Compare the fibre and ingredients per 100 g. Jumbo lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g for Van der Meulen Melba Wholemeal Toast, with sesame as an ingredient. | I’d rather consciously choose a wholemeal or sesame variety than focus only on a neutral flavour. For around 14% of consumers, this choice of variety is decisive. |
Two 240 g packs won’t necessarily tell you how many individual pieces of toast you can serve. Albert Heijn lists twelve packets of six for its plain variety; the product listings for ALDI and Lidl don’t state the number of pieces in their 240 g packs.
If you’re planning for a group, check the number of pieces on the pack. Also take into account the other food you’ll be serving.
A neutral flavour doesn’t tell you whether a product contains allergens. The plain varieties reviewed list ingredients including wheat, soya or barley.
Check the current ingredients list and any ‘may contain’ information for every variety you choose, especially if guests need to avoid certain ingredients.
The word ‘salt’ in an ingredients list doesn’t tell you whether iodised baker’s salt has been used. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt.
Check the current label if you want to know what type of salt has been used in this toast.
Jumbo lists its 200 g Crispy Melba Toast Plain Multipack as no longer available in its online range. This listing isn’t a reliable basis for planning your table around that pack.
Check current availability before including a specific pack in your plans.
These examples show the pack and product details you can compare; they aren’t a judgement on a brand’s entire range.
AH Melba toast plain is listed as a 240 g multipack containing twelve packets of six pieces of toast.
Jumbo lists plain, wholemeal and organic sesame varieties weighing between 100 and 120 g.
ALDI lists Sun Snacks Plain Melba Toast in a 240 g pack.
Lidl lists 240 g Melba toast as available in store only.
This pack’s size and neutral flavour make it a good fit for a table with a range of toppings. Check the current label for your guests and see how many pieces of toast the pack contains.
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Plain Melba toast for a table where a range of toppings take centre stage.
240 g pack. If you’re planning for a group, check the number of pieces on the pack, and read the current allergen information for this variety before serving.
It depends on the number of guests and what else you’re serving. Albert Heijn lists 72 pieces of toast in its 240 g multipack, divided into twelve packets. If you’re buying a different pack, check the number of pieces before deciding how much you need.
A plain variety is an obvious choice if you want the toppings and dips to take centre stage. If you’d prefer a seasoned base, check the ingredients: Jumbo lists garlic, herbs and paprika, among other ingredients, in its tomato and basil toast.
Yes, because ‘plain’ doesn’t mean allergen-free. The products reviewed list ingredients including cereals containing gluten and soya, so check the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ information on the current pack of the exact variety you’re serving.
No, you can’t tell that from the word ‘salt’ alone. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre says that bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt, so check the pack to see which type of salt is listed as an ingredient.
Follow the storage advice on the pack. For its plain Melba toast, Albert Heijn recommends storing it in a sealed tin after opening.
