Who is a small pack useful for?

Small picnic groups looking to avoid leftovers

If you’re buying toast for a picnic or a small group, start by checking the net weight. The range shown by Jumbo includes packs of 90, 100 and 120 g.

Picnickers who want to take their toast along dry

If you want to serve the toast with toppings or dip, check the packaging and storage instructions. Jumbo advises that Van der Meulen melba toast should be stored in a cool, dry place. Bolletje says its Tomato & Herb Ciabatta Crackers come in packs of two. These crackers are a different product from melba toast.

Shoppers with questions about ingredients or allergens

Compare the labels on the exact varieties if ingredients, allergens or baker’s salt are important to your choice. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens must be clearly listed on the label of pre-packed foods.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, work out how much toast you think you’ll need for the picnic. Then consider which shape and ingredients will suit your toppings and preferences.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Quantity Compare the net weight: a 90, 100 or 120 g pack is not half a loaf. Think about whether you’re likely to use everything in the pack. With a small group, I want to take enough toast without having lots left over. A modest portion is the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Transport and storage Check that the packaging is intact and follow the storage instructions for the variety you’ve chosen. If I’m taking the toast to the park, I want to keep it dry and protected on the way. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Shape and flavour Decide whether you want rounds, toast cups or regular toast, and whether plain toast or a flavoured variety will go best with your toppings. With toppings or dip, I want a shape and flavour that work well with what I’m serving. This matters most to around 21% of consumers.
Label Read the ingredients and allergen information on the exact pack; check separately for baker’s salt if it’s relevant to you. If ingredients or allergens affect my choice, I don’t want to rely on the product name alone. The label is the main concern for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a small pack of toast is half a loaf

    Melba toast, regular toast and toast cups are different product types. A low net weight doesn’t mean the pack contains half a loaf.

    Check the product description and the shape shown on the packaging, as well as the net weight.

  • Assuming all toast contains baker’s salt

    According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread isn’t always made with baker’s salt. So don’t assume it’s included just because a product is bread or toast.

    If baker’s salt matters to your choice, read the ingredients list on the toast you’ve chosen.

  • Guessing allergens from the shape or brand

    Allergens can vary between varieties. Joybuy’s product information lists wheat and barley among the ingredients in some individual melba toast products, and possible traces of sesame, soya and mustard in another variety.

    Check the allergen information on the exact pack before eating, even if you’ve bought a product from the same brand before.

Brands to consider

Van der Meulen

Melba toast in a range of shapes and varieties, including 90 g rounds and 120 g plain melba toast in the range shown by Jumbo.

  • The small packs shown give you a choice of quantity and shape.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens for each variety; they don’t all have the same composition.

Albert Heijn

A supermarket own-brand option, with 120 g of AH Plain Melba Toast in the aperitif toast range shown.

  • The 120 g size is an option if you need more than a 90 g pack.
  • Albert Heijn notes that product information can change; check the pack for the latest ingredients and allergen information.

Jumbo

A supermarket own-brand option with 100 g of Crispy Toast, alongside other toast products in the range shown.

  • The 100 g pack offers a different small-portion option from the 90 or 120 g packs of melba toast shown.
  • Regular toast, mini crackers and melba toast are different product types; compare the exact products.

Sun Snacks (ALDI)

ALDI’s product information lists 100 g of Sun Snacks Plain Toast Cups.

  • At 100 g, this is a small pack of toast.
  • Toast cups aren’t the same as melba toast or half a loaf; check that the shape suits your toppings.

Lidl

Lidl’s product page shows a 240 g pack of melba toast.

  • A 240 g pack could work when you need toast for a larger group.
  • For one small picnic, this is more toast than the 90 to 120 g packs mentioned above; Lidl says this product is available in store only.

Bolletje

A cracker alternative if you want to take individual portions with you: Bolletje says its Tomato & Herb Ciabatta Crackers come in packs of two.

  • The two-cracker pack can be handy if you want to spread them over more than one occasion.
  • These are tomato and herb crackers, not plain melba toast; compare the flavour and ingredients before choosing them as an alternative.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I assume that toast contains baker’s salt?

No, don’t assume that. According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, bread isn’t always made with baker’s salt, so check the ingredients list on the toast you want to buy.

How can I check allergens in pre-packed toast?

Read the allergen information on the exact pack. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that the 14 specified allergens must be clearly listed on the label of pre-packed foods. Which ones are relevant varies by product.

How should I take melba toast to the park?

Follow the storage instructions on the pack you’ve chosen and keep the toast dry and protected while you’re travelling. Jumbo advises that Van der Meulen melba toast should be stored in a cool, dry place.