Planning small party bites
You’re looking for thin, crispy toasts for small bites topped with fish, a spread or other toppings. Jumbo describes Van der Meulen’s multigrain melba toast as suitable for toppings or dipping.
Which type of toast is right for you?
Households looking for everyday bread too
You want slices for sandwiches or toasted sandwiches, and you know that sliced toast bread is different from small, crispy party toasts.
Checking labels for guests
You want to know which ingredients and allergens are in the exact toast variant before serving it. Remember to check the toppings you’re using too.
What should you look for?
First, decide whether you want small party toasts or sliced bread. Then check the packaging of your chosen variant for its size, intended use and ingredients.
Melba or party toast
Choose this if: you want to top small bites or serve toast with a dip.
Bear in mind: thin toasts aren’t a substitute for sliced bread for sandwiches or toasted sandwiches.
Sliced toast bread
Choose this if: you want to make sandwiches or toasted sandwiches as well as serving food at your Flag Day gathering.
Bear in mind: it’s a different shape from small party toasts, so check that the slices suit the way you plan to use them.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Shape for party toppings | Compare the shape and size of the toast with the bites you want to make. | If I’m serving small bites with fish or a spread, I want toasts that suit them. For around 50% of consumers, this party-friendly shape comes first. |
| Using it as bread | Check whether the product is sliced and whether the slices are suitable for sandwiches or toasted sandwiches. | I want to use the bread for sandwiches or toasted sandwiches after Flag Day too, not just for a party. Around 30% of consumers prioritise this use. |
| Ingredients and allergens | Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warnings on the exact product packaging. | If a guest has an allergy, I need to know what I’m serving. For around 20% of consumers, checking the label is the top priority. |
Common mistakes
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Confusing melba toast with sliced bread
According to Jumbo’s product description, Van der Meulen multigrain melba toast is wafer-thin and intended for toppings or dipping. It’s a different shape from sliced toast bread.
Before you buy, decide whether you want to make small topped bites or sandwiches and toasted sandwiches.
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Assuming a product name guarantees it’s allergen-free
According to Jumbo, Van der Meulen multigrain melba toast contains wheat, oats, rye, sesame and soya, among other ingredients. The Céréal variant, which Jumbo describes as gluten-free and lactose-free, also states that it may contain other allergens.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact packaging for every guest, even if the product name seems to match their dietary requirements.
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Assuming all toast contains iodised baker’s salt
According to brood.net, using iodised baker’s salt isn’t a legal requirement. So you can’t tell whether it’s present just from the type of product.
If iodine in the ingredients matters to you, check the label on the pack you choose.
Brands to consider
Van der Meulen
A range of melba toast for small topped bites or dips.
- Jumbo describes the multigrain variant as wafer-thin, light and crispy.
- According to Jumbo, that same variant contains oats, rye, sesame, soya and wheat. Check the exact packaging if you’re serving guests with allergies.
Céréal
Sliced toast bread for anyone looking for bread in slices.
- Jumbo describes the wholemeal variant reviewed as gluten-free and lactose-free sliced toast bread.
- According to the product information, this variant may contain egg, milk, mustard, sesame and soya.
Albert Heijn
The range distinguishes between melba toast and bread for toasted sandwiches.
- Albert Heijn offers, among other products, plain melba toast and an organic sesame variant.
- Check the current ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of each variant you choose.
JOS POELL
Baguette toast for anyone looking for a different shape from small melba toasts.
- ALDI lists JOS POELL baguette toast in a 100 g pack.
- Before choosing it for your toppings, check the packaging for the dimensions, ingredients and allergens.
Joybuy products to help you choose
These products illustrate two uses: melba toast for small topped bites, and toast products you could consider for sandwiches. For the latter, check the product shape if you’re specifically looking for bread in slices.
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Conimex Delverde Melba Toast Round 100 g
This round melba toast is an option if you want to serve small topped bites.
It isn’t bread in medium-sized slices. If you’re serving guests with allergies, check the packaging, particularly the information about wheat and barley.
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Crispy Melba Toast 240 g
Consider this melba toast if you want to top small bites or serve toast with a dip.
It isn’t sliced bread. The allergen information for this product is contradictory, so read the label on the exact pack before serving it to guests with allergies.
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Delverde Classic Melba Toast 100 g
This melba toast is a good fit for a table of small topped toasts, but not if you’re looking for bread in slices.
The allergen information for this product is contradictory. Check the ingredients and allergens on the exact packaging, especially if you’re buying for guests with allergies.
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Thinmax Hokkaido Toast Bread 85 g
Consider this toast bread if you want to make sandwiches as well as serve party bites.
Check that the pack contains slices of a size that suits your needs. If you’re serving guests with allergies, check the label too.
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Thinmax Golden Danish Toast 4 × 85 g
This toast product is worth considering if you’re looking for portions for sandwiches or toast.
The pack is labelled 4 × 85 g. If you need medium-sized slices, check the product’s shape and dimensions on the packaging, and read the label if you have allergies.
Frequently asked questions
Is melba toast the same as sliced toast bread?
No. Jumbo describes Van der Meulen multigrain melba toast as wafer-thin, crispy toast for toppings or dipping, while Céréal wholemeal toast bread is sold as sliced bread. Choose according to the bites or sandwiches you want to make.
Does ‘medium sliced’ mean the toast has a standard slice thickness?
Don’t assume a standard slice thickness from that description. Check the exact packaging to see whether it’s sliced bread, and look for any available information about the slices or portions.
What should I check when buying toast for guests with allergies?
Check the ingredients, highlighted allergens and any warnings on the current packaging of the exact variant. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority stresses the importance of clear allergen information on labels. Remember to check the toppings you’re serving too.
Does Dutch toast always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No, you can’t assume that for every type of toast. According to brood.net, using iodised baker’s salt isn’t a legal requirement. If this matters to you, check the ingredients list on the product you choose.
How should I store opened sliced toast bread?
Follow the storage advice on the packaging of the bread you choose. For Céréal sliced wholemeal toast bread, Jumbo advises keeping it chilled after opening and eating it within a few days or freezing it.