Who is this choice relevant to?

Budget-conscious shoppers comparing sugars

You’re looking for Melba toast with clearly stated sugars per 100 g and want to avoid mixing up pack sizes when comparing varieties.

Shoppers keeping an eye on fibre

You use toast as a base for toppings and want to compare plain and wholemeal varieties, without assuming that wholemeal also means less sugar.

Shoppers checking claims and allergens

You want to know what ‘less sugar’ means on a particular product and check the allergen information for the variety you buy.

What should you look for when choosing?

If you’re looking for Melba toast within your budget and want to keep an eye on sugars, the sugar information, pack size and other product details can each be a useful starting point.

What to consider What to check Who it’s for
Sugars and claims Compare ‘of which sugars’ per 100 g across similar types of toast. Assess a ‘less sugar’ claim separately from a statement about added sugars. I want to identify a lower sugar value without mistaking ‘0 g added sugars’ for a comparative claim. For around 42% of consumers, this check would be the top priority.
Pack size Check the weight of each pack and compare the same type of toast; the plain packs reviewed from Albert Heijn and Van der Meulen contain 240 g and 120 g respectively. When weighing up different packs within my budget, I don’t want to treat a small pack as equivalent to one twice its size. Pack size would come first for around 33% of consumers.
Fibre, salt and allergens Check fibre and salt per 100 g, and read the allergen information on the packaging of the variety you’ve chosen. Fibre or salt may matter for the toast I eat with toppings, and I need to identify any allergens before choosing a variety. Around 25% of consumers would consider this first.

Common mistakes

  • Mistaking a low sugar value for a ‘less sugar’ claim

    Albert Heijn lists both 0 g of added sugars and 3.2 g of total sugars per 100 g for AH Melba toast plain. These two statements do not prove that the product carries a comparative ‘less sugar’ claim.

    Compare total sugars per 100 g. If the claim itself is what matters, check the current product to see which claim is used and what it is being compared with.

  • Comparing different pack sizes as though they contain the same amount

    The plain packs reviewed from Albert Heijn and Van der Meulen contain 240 g and 120 g respectively. A comparison per pack therefore doesn’t compare the same amount of toast.

    Check the pack weight and compare products of the same type of toast.

  • Looking only at sugars

    According to Jumbo, the Van der Meulen plain and wholemeal varieties reviewed both list 3.2 g of sugars per 100 g. Their fibre and salt values differ, and the wholemeal variety lists sesame and rye, among other ingredients.

    As well as sugars, check the fibre, salt, ingredients and allergens for the variety you’re considering.

Brands and own-label options to consider

Albert Heijn

AH Melba toast plain is a plain variety sold in a 240 g pack.

  • Albert Heijn lists 3.2 g of sugars, 3.9 g of fibre and 1.93 g of salt per 100 g.
  • The statement of 0 g of added sugars per 100 g does not, by itself, support a ‘less sugar’ claim. The product information lists wheat, soya and barley.

Van der Meulen

The Melba Toast Naturel and Melba Volkoren Toast varieties reviewed offer a choice between plain and wholemeal.

  • According to Jumbo, both varieties list 3.2 g of sugars per 100 g; the wholemeal variety lists 9.7 g of fibre per 100 g, compared with 3.9 g for the plain variety.
  • Jumbo lists 1.9 g of salt per 100 g for the wholemeal variety, compared with 1.3 g for the plain variety. The wholemeal variety lists sesame, rye and soya, among other ingredients.

Jumbo

Jumbo has also published product information for a tomato and basil Melba Toast variety.

  • The product information lists 1.9 g of sugar per 100 g for this flavoured variety.
  • Jumbo says this variety is no longer part of its online range. The stated sugar value is not proof of a ‘less sugar’ claim.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is 0 g of added sugars the same as ‘less sugar’?

No. Albert Heijn lists both 0 g of added sugars and 3.2 g of total sugars per 100 g for AH Melba toast plain. To assess a ‘less sugar’ claim, check the claim on the specific product and the basis for comparison separately.

How do I compare the nutritional values of two types of Melba toast?

Compare the nutritional values per 100 g, even if the packs or stated serving sizes differ. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends using this basis to compare labels; as well as sugars, look at the values that matter to your choice, such as fibre and salt.

Does all Melba toast contain iodine from baker’s salt?

You can’t assume this is true of all Melba toast. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the conditions under which iodine compounds may be present in bakery products; this doesn’t tell you which salt has been used in an individual toast product. If in doubt, check the packaging or ask the manufacturer.

Do plain and wholemeal Melba toast contain the same allergens?

Not necessarily. According to Jumbo’s product information, the Van der Meulen varieties reviewed have different ingredients and allergens: the wholemeal variety lists rye and sesame, among other ingredients. So check the information on the packaging of the variety you actually choose.

How should I store an opened pack of Melba toast?

Follow the storage instructions on the packaging. For AH Melba toast plain, Albert Heijn recommends storing the product in a sealed tin after opening.